What is the meaning and purpose of 6 Baptisms?

What is the meaning and purpose of 6 Baptisms?

It is baptism that puts us into Christ. In Galatians 3:27 we read: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." The preposition into indicates a change of relationship. In Romans 6:3 we can read the same thing, "Or do you not know, that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" We have Jesus in us and Christ in us when we ask them to come into us by faith and become born again and filled with the Spirit but we still need to be baptised into Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 says, "Blessed be the G-d and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ." This verse tells us that every spiritual blessing is located in Christ. Only those who are in Christ can enjoy these spiritual blessings.

Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." .

Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." .

2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." If one is in Christ, he has become a new creation.

Romans 6:3-4 says, "Or do you not know, that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death: that just as Christ Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." When is one raised to walk in newness of life? This scripture says that it is when we are raised out of the waters of baptism. At that point we begin our walk in newness of life.

In John 3:3 Jesus told Nicodemus, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of G-d." Then two verses later in John 3:5, Jesus tells how being born again takes place: "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of G-d."

2 Timothy 2:10, "Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." Here we see that salvation is located in Christ, and for one to be eligible for salvation, he must be in Christ.

In I John 5:11 we read, "And this is the testimony, that G-d has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son."

In Romans 6:3-14 we read: "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto G-d. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto G-d through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto G-d, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto G-d. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

The word "Christ" is a transliteration of the Greek word christos, meaning "the Anointed One". The word "messiah" is a transliteration of the Hebrew word mashiah. " I believe that Christ refers to the anointing or Holy Spirit.

Baptism is a symbolic act by which we share in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus died and was buried for the sake of our sins. The process of being submerged in the water represents the death and burial of our old life. But Jesus was also raised from the dead in order to give us eternal life. As we're raised out of the water, it represents our newfound life in Jesus. By being baptized we're essentially saying that we identify with what Jesus went through for us. Baptism is a way for us to practically put our faith into action and demonstrate to the world that we've died to our old selves and desires, and have received a new resurrection life in Christ. It keeps us accountable and mindful that the world is watching us and expects to see some sort of change in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we read: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."


There are many denominational teachings and many different interpretations regarding the subject of baptism. This has been one of the most controversial points of denominational doctrines that have divided the Body of Christ “...making void the word of G-d by your tradition, which you have handed down. You do many things like this." (Mark 7:13). To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." John 8:31-32 - to know exactly what He wants for you dear one read John 10:27.

The preferred method of water baptism is made very clear by the Greek word ‘baptizo’ which means to immerse, plunge, dip, or bury in water. The very Greek word itself defines water baptism as full water immersion and excludes it from simply meaning “sprinkling.” Moses' Baptism can be likened to the Israelites coming up out of the land of slavery, passing through the Red Sea and entering the Promised Land (1 Corinthians 10:2). Baptism can also be likened to Noah and the seven in the ark passing through the great flood.

In Matthew 3:13-17 we read: "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying , I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized , went up straightway out of the water: and, lo , the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of G-d descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying , This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased ."

In Matthew 28:19-20 we read: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo , I am with you alway , even unto the end of the world. Amen."

In Mark 16: 15-16 we read: "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Notice that He clearly did not say that he that is not baptized shall be damned.)

In John 3:1-5 we read: "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from G-d: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest , except G-d be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of G-d. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ? Jesus answered , Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of G-d."

In Acts 2:38-41 we read: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off , even as many as the Lord our G-d shall call . And with many other words did he testify and exhort , saying , Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized : and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

In Acts 8:26-40 we read: "And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying , Arise , and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went : and, behold , a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship , Was returning , and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near , and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said , Understandest thou what thou readest ? And he said , How can I , except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer , so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away : and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said , I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said , See , here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said , If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest . And he answered and said , I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of G-d. And he commanded the chariot to stand still : and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip , that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing . But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.."

In Acts 22:16 we read: "And now why tarriest thou ? arise , and be baptized , and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

In Romans 6:3-8 we read: "Know ye not , that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed , that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:."

In Galatians 3:26-27 we read: "For ye are all the children of G-d by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.".

In Ephesians 4:4-6 we read: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One G-d and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.."

In Colossians 2:12 we read: "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of G-d, who hath raised him from the dead."

In 1 Peter 3:21 we read: "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward G-d,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

History of the Jewish Mikveh -
The term mikveh in Hebrew literally means any gathering of waters, but is specifically used in Jewish law for the waters or bath for the ritual immersion. The building of the mikveh was so important in ancient times it was said to take precedence over the construction of a synagogue. Immersion was so important that it occurred before the high Priest conducted the service on the Day of Atonement, before the regular priests participated in the Temple service, before each person entered the Temple complex, before a scribe wrote the name of G-d, as well as several other occasions. The Mishnah attributes to Ezra a decree that each male should immerse himself before praying or studying. There were several Jewish groups that observed ritual immersion every day to assure readiness for the coming of the Messiah. The Church Fathers mentioned one of these groups called Hemerobaptists which means "daily bathers" in Greek. Among those used to regular immersion were the Essenes and others that the Talmud calls tovelei shaharit or "dawn bathers." On the third day of creation we see the source of the word mikveh for the first time in Genesis 1:10 when the Lord says, "...to the gathering (mikveh) of waters, He called seas." Because of this reference in Genesis the ocean is still considered a legitimate mikveh.

The Mikvaot Around The Temple -
The New Testament tells us that many of the early church's daily activities were centered around the Temple. Historically, we know that there were many ritual immersion baths (mikvaot) on the Temple Mount including one in the Chamber of Lepers situated in the northwest corner of the Court of Women (Mid. 2:5). Josephus tells us that even during the years of war (66-73 A.D.) the laws of ritual immersion were strictly adhered to (Jos. Wars, 4:205). The Temple itself contained immersion baths in various places for the priests to use, even in the vaults beneath the court (Commentary to Tam. 26b; Tam. 1:1). The High Priest had special immersion pools in the Temple, two of which are mentioned in the Mishnah. We are told one of these was in the Water Gate in the south of the court and another was on the roof of the Parva Chamber (Mid. 1:4; Mid. 5:3). There was an additional place for immersion on the Mount of Olives which was connected with the burning of the red heifer (Par. 3:7). A special ramp led to the mikveh on the Mount of Olives from the Temple Mount, which was built as an arched way over another arched way to avoid uncleanness from the graves in the valley below. Recent archaeological excavations have found 48 different mikvaot near the Monumental Staircase leading into the Temple Complex.

Three Basic Areas -
According to Jewish law there are three basic areas where immersion in the mikveh is required. 1. Immersion is required for both men and women when converting to Judaism. There were three prerequisites for a proselyte coming into Judaism: Circumcision, baptism, and sacrifice (Maimonides, Hilkh. Iss. Biah xiii. 5). 2. Immersion is required after a woman has her monthly period (Lev. 15:28). 3. Immersion is required for pots and eating utensils manufactured by a non-Jew (Encyclopedia of Jewish Religion p-263). Besides these, there are other times when it is customary to be immersed in the mikveh such as the occasion before Yom Kippur as a sign of purity and repentance and before the Sabbath in order to sensitize oneself to the holiness of the day.

The Six Descending Orders of Ritual Immersion -
There are six descending orders of ritual baths in the Mishnah (Oral Laws of how to accomplish the written Law) and the highest order is that of a spring or flowing river. We see Jesus understanding and fulfilling this order in Matthew 3:16 as He comes to be baptized in the Jordan River "fulfilling all righteousness." This highest order was called Living Water and illustrated the forgiving of sins, therefore, we hear Jesus using this term "Living Water" as being fulfilled by Himself (John 4:10-11).

The Water Restrictions -
There were also six basic restrictions on the water used in the mikveh including such rules as: (1) the mikveh can not contain other liquid besides water. (2) The water has to be either built into the ground or be an integral part of a building attached to the ground. (3) The mikveh can not be flowing except for a natural spring, river or ocean. (4) The water can not be manually drawn. (5) The water can not be channeled to the mikveh by anything unclean. (6) The mikveh must contain at least 40 sa'ah or approximately 200 gallons of water. The term sa'ah is an ancient Biblical measurement equivalent to approximately five gallons. All six requirements come from the original Hebrew words found in Leviticus 11:36. Rabbi Yitzchok ben Sheshes said the amount of 40 sa'ah was derived from the idea that the largest normal human body has a volume of 20 sa'ah, therefore the amount of water needed to "nullify" this body is double this amount or 40 sa'ah.

Why Be Immersed?
To the Jew, the mikveh is a process of spiritual purification and cleansing, especially in relation to the various types of Turmah or ritual defilement when the Temple was in use. Although G-d has not revealed all the meaning of the mikveh, it is obvious because of the amount of space given to it in Scripture, and the effort of Jesus to fulfill it, the command is of utmost importance. All commands of the Lord fall into three categories: 1. The moral or ethical laws that are necessary for man to live in harmony are known as Mishpatim and are literally translated judgments. 2. The rituals and festivals which reawaken us to important religious truths such as Sabbath, holidays, the Tefillin and the Mezuzah that remind us of G-d's presence are known as Edos and are literally translated witnesses. 3. The third group often has no explicit reason given for their existence except for Israel's identification as G-d's chosen people to the other nations (Deuteronomy 4:6). This group of laws are known as Chukim and are literally translated as decrees. Among the decrees of this group are the dietary laws as well as ritual immersion.

How Immersion Was Done -
Jewish baptism has never been taken lightly, immersion was to be performed in the presence of witnesses (Yebam. 47b). The person being baptized made special preparations by cutting his nails, undressed completely and made a fresh profession of his faith before the designated "fathers of the baptism" (Kethub. 11a; Erub 15a). This is possibly where churches, sometime later, got the term Godfathers. The individual stood straight up with the feet spread and the hands held out in front. The candidate would totally immerse themselves by squatting in the water with a witness or baptizer doing the officiating. Note the New Testament points out the fact that Jesus came up straightway out of the water (Matthew 3:16). The earliest drawing of Christian baptism was found on the wall of a Roman catacomb in the second century showing John standing on the bank of the Jordan helping Jesus back to shore after self immersion. Ancient sages teach that the word mikveh has the same letters as Ko(v)Meh, the Hebrew word for "rising" or "standing tall," therefore we see the idea of being baptized "straightway." Although it is the Jewish belief that repentance is necessary, purification from defilement is done primarily through water, while other effects of sins are covered by blood (Romans 4:7; note the "almost all things" in Hebrews 9:22). The concept of immersion in rabbinic literature is referred to as a new birth (Yeb. 22a; 48b; 97b; Mass. Ger. c.ii).

Note six other important aspects of ancient Jewish immersion:

1.Immersion was accompanied by exhortations and benedictions (Maimonides Hilkh. Milah iii.4; Hilkh. Iss, Biah Xiv .6). A convert would reaffirm his acceptance of the Torah by declaring, "I will do and I will hear" which was a phrase from the oath that was originally taken by the priests not to forsake the Torah (Deuteronomy 29:9- 14). This ritual demonstrates the willingness of the convert to forsake his Gentile background and assume his Jewish identity by taking on the status of one who keeps the commandments. According to a number of Jewish sages, mayim, which is the Hebrew word for water, shares the same root as the word "mah", meaning "what." This teaching points out that when a person immerses in water, he is nullifying the fleshly ego and is asking, "what am I?" in the same manner that Moses and Aaron did in Exodus 16:7 when they said to the Lord, "we are what?"

2. The Jewish baptism candidates were often immersed three times. The idea of total immersion comes from the Scripture in Leviticus 15:16 when it says, "he shall wash all his flesh in the water." One reason it was customary to immerse three times was because the word mikveh occurs three times in the Torah.

3. According to Jewish law the immersion had to have a required witness. Dr. William LaSor in the Biblical Archaeology Review says apparently the Biblical phrase "in the name of" was an indication of the required witness. In several New Testament references such as I Corinthians 1:13, 15; Matthew 21:25; Acts 1:22; and Acts 19:3 we see early baptism mentioned in conjunction with the name of individuals such as John and Paul. Further information on this can be found in Jewish literature concerning proselyte baptism where it indicates his baptism required attestation by witnesses in whose name he was immersed.

4. The immersion candidate was not touched by the baptizer in Jesus' day. Because Leviticus 15:16 says "He shall wash all his flesh in the water," Judaism stresses that the entire body must come in contact with the water of the mikveh. To insure the immersion was valid, no clothing or individuals could touch the candidate. Any such intervention that prevented the water from reaching a part of the body was known as Chatzitzah and rendered the immersion invalid. Although the mikveh was more spiritual than physical, often the bath had two sets of steps, one entering and another leaving so as not to defile what had been purified.

5. The baptismal water (Mikveh) in rabbinic literature was referred to as the womb of the world, and as a convert came out of the water it was considered a new birth separating him from the pagan world. As the convert came out of these waters his status was changed and he was referred to as "a little child just born" or "a child of one day" (Yeb. 22a; 48b; 97b). We see the New Testament using similar Jewish terms as "born anew," "new creation," and "born from above." According to Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum rabbinic literature uses the term "born again" to refer to at least six different occurrences. Note each of these life changing experiences: (a) When a Gentile converts to Judaism. (b) When an individual is crowned king. (c) At age 13 when a Jewish boy has his Bar Mitzvah and freely chooses to embrace G-d's covenant and be numbered with the believers. (d) When an individual gets married. (e) When an individual becomes a rabbi. (f) When an individual becomes the head of a rabbinical school.

6. Jewish law requires at least three witnesses made up of qualified leaders to be present for certain immersions (Yebam 47b). Ordinarily a member of the Sanhedrin performed the act of observing the proselytes immersion, but in case of necessity others could do it. Secret baptism, or where only the mother brought a child, was not acknowledged.

Repentance Without Baptism -
One of the most important teachings in Judaism is that of repentance. According to both Scripture and rabbinic literature, no matter how great the sin, if a person repents and forsakes the sin before G-d he can be forgiven. As we see in the case of John, Jesus, and all New Testament writers, repentance was always involved. The Jerusalem Talmud states, "nothing can stand before repentance" (Yebamos 47b). According to Dr. David Flusser, the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as the New Testament teach that water can purify the body only if the soul has first been purified through repentance and righteousness.

Water and Blood Both Illustrate G-d's Cleansing In Judaism -
Both water and blood are used constantly in the Torah and the New Testament as the two main agents to illustrate G-d's cleansing. The Jews believe that uncleanness is not physical, but rather a spiritual condition as related in Leviticus 11:44 where it states by wrong actions one can make the "soul unclean." Therefore, the purification through ritual immersion, as commanded in Scripture is basically involved with the soul, rather than the body. Note how both water and blood are cited in Scripture: (1) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12). (2) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). (3) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the Feast Offerings (Leviticus 23). (4) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the five Levitical Offerings (Leviticus 1-7). (5) Blood is used in cleansing in relation to the atonement for the soul (Leviticus 17:11-14). (1) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the separation and the ashes of the Red Heifer (Numbers 19). (2) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the consecration to priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:6). (3) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the cleansing of the leper (Leviticus 14:1-8). (4) Water is used in cleansing in relation to the different washings of the Law (Hebrews 9:10). (5) Water is used in relation to the remission of sins (Acts 2:38); Titus 3:5; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3; I Peter 3:20-21; Ephesians 5:26; John 19:34; I John 5:6; Hebrews 9:19- 23).

In the New Testament we see the same wording concerning baptism as it is referred to as "circumcision made without hands" (Colossians 2:11-12). Obviously immersion has its roots in the Jewish mikveh of Jesus' day, and it is of utmost importance for each of us to fulfill this righteous deed if possible. The thief on the cross was not baptized in water and (could not be so baptized) yet Jesus said to him in Luke 23:43 "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Upon his death the thief's spirit entered heaven, for he died holding unto the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Death bed conversions like this one, where circumstances do not permit it, allow the saved believer to be saved even though they have not experienced water baptism. But for most believers, the next step is water baptism.

There are at least Six Types of Baptism

1) Moses' Baptism
2) John's Baptism of repentance
3) Jesus' Baptism of Redemption
4) Baptism into the Holy Spirit
5) Baptism with fire
6) Baptism of Death as a Martyr

1) Moses' Batptism
In 1 Corinthians 10:1-33 we read: "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them G-d was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but G-d is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to G-d: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? (see my teaching on communion) All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of G-d. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of G-d: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

After Moses' Baptism we read in Acts 19:1-6 we see the next three Baptisms - "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism (2). Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (3). And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied (4)."

2) John's Baptism of Repentance
Shortly before Jesus Christ was revealed to the people as the awaited Messiah, John the Baptist was baptizing people with his baptism of repentance, telling them to believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus (Acts 19:4). Luke records it this way, " And he (John the Baptist), came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sin." (Luke: 3:3) Baptism of repentance takes place in the heart of a person, and it has to do with a positive change; from an ungodly life, to a life that is going to be lead by the righteousness of G-d. In the baptism of repentance, one is required to confess their sins and ask G-d to help them make a complete turn around. As Jesus was being baptized by John in water, G-d spoke from heaven saying He was well pleased with his beloved son Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17). This happened to fulfill the prophetic scriptures which said, " I will declare that thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." (Psalms 2:7, Isaiah 42:1). The Holy Spirit also descended down on the Lord in a bodily form of a dove after he was baptized in the water. (Matthew 3:16) Thereafter, as the Lord Jesus Christ began his active ministry on earth, He and his disciples traveled all over the area baptizing. John 3:22 "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea, and there he tarried with them while they baptized". However, during his ministry Jesus did no baptizing on his own. John 4:2 "Although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized." John’s baptism of repentance was done by immersion in water. It washed the sins of a person away - only after they had confessed them and repented of them.


3) Jesus' Baptism of Redemption
Jesus baptism of redemption is also done by water, but it has a different purpose. The purpose of the baptism of redemption is to bring a person into Jesus' death and resurrection. After you believe, you can then be baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus. But, you must first believe. In Romans 10: 9-13 we read: "That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that G-d raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation, for whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Having personally asked Jesus (Revelation 5:20) to come into their life - the believer has truly been "born again" and can be baptized. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into One body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13) "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5). After you believe and have asked Jesus into your heart - you have become born again and now you are ready for redemptive water baptism in Jesus' name.

Water baptism is biblically meant for all those who have repented and believed and have personally asked Jesus into their lives. Water baptism is genuinely for those who are already saved – having washed their sins by the precious blood of Jesus Christ . The believer after the initial cleansing of their sins by the blood of Jesus, then goes through water baptism following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. John the Baptist was baptizing using the medium of water. He baptized many people, as they turned away from evil, and turned to the living G-d. They came from Jerusalem, Judaea, and regions around Jordan and were baptized in the river Jordan confessing their sins. This type of baptism follows only after the sinful person asks for forgiveness and repents of their sins. Sincere repentance is the only qualification for this type of baptism. Water baptism is one of the ordinances that Jesus Christ left for those believing in him. Speaking to his disciples (and to believers today) he said, " Go ye therefore, and teach all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19). Water baptism is thus a sacred rite with a specific purpose for all the believers.

4) Baptism into the Holy Spirit
John baptized his disciples in water, and the Lord promises He will baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit. Water is just a symbol of cleansing. The Holy Spirit, on the other hand, is the actual means of cleansing and empowerment. Jesus said: "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed (enduo) with power (dunamis) from on high." (Luke 24:49) and "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water (hudati), but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit (en pneumati hagio).... But you will receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit comes on (epiechomai) you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:4, 5, 8; see 11:15-16)

"Clothe (KJV 'endue') with power." The verb is Greek enduo, "dress, clothe". This means to cover completely with. The word translated "power" is Greek dunamis, from which we get our word "dynamite." To cover with power.

"Come upon." The Greek verb is eperchomai, a compound word that means "come over or upon." Here it is used of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples.

"Pour out." The Spirit is "poured out" upon believers (Acts 2:17-18, 2:33, 10:45).Poured out from Heaven above and filling and saturating the believer below with the Holy Spirit.

The "baptism of the Holy Spirit" involves being covered with, immersed in, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very basis of our life in Christ and our connection to G-d. Jesus floods us with the Holy Spirit. How do we receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? The most important requirement is that you are born again, baptized into Jesus and then the next requirement is that you must personally ask Father for this Baptism. In Luke 11:13 we read: "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?" You have not because you ask not!

The foolish virgins are like many believers - they all bring their lamps along with them but, many do not bring enough oil (Holy Spirit) and their lamps are basically empty. They become drowsy while waiting on Jesus, and many fall asleep. Others have their lamps filled, and are excited in anticipation of Jesus returning in their midst. The lamps represent each person as they are also made of clay. The wick represents our lives and the oil is the Holy Spirit; We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and our lives thoroughly trimmed and immersed in Him. G-d is a consuming fire that will ignite the wicks. However, if the wicks are not properly trimmed and/or if there is not enough adequate oil in our little lamp, the wick will smolder and burn up and be destroyed when the Bridegroom comes. On the other hand, those who have properly trimmed their wicks and are filled with the Holy Spirit, will be inflamed by the Lord who is a Consuming Fire: They will enter the Bridal Chamber and their oil would never run out.


It is amazing that so many divided (denominational) believers have argued so vehemently against the necessity of this baptism of the Holy Spirit, when Paul used it as one of his main arguments to prove that we are all united in Christ! The Bible does not actually use the term "baptism of the Spirit" very often. John the Baptist predicted that Jesus would come and baptize with the Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). In Acts 1:5, Jesus recalled John's words, and told His followers that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from then. The spectacular events of the day of Pentecost ten days later were the obvious fulfillment of His words (see Acts 2). The only other mention in Acts 11:16 refers back to Pentecost, explaining that Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, experienced the same first Pentecost manifestations. The clearest explanation of the baptism appears in I Corinthians 12:13. Paul is dealing with a situation where the Corinthian church was splitting into factions or divisions. In response, Paul exclaims, "We're all one! Don't divide up into denominations!" And to prove his point, he explains, "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit" (I Corinthians 12:13). If you hear the Holy Spirit (Christ) you have no need for any man to teach you as we read in 1 John 2:26-29: "These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." That is why many denominational "leaders" do not want you to hear the truth directly from G-d's lips - you will leave your "man-teachers"!

John the Baptist prophesied that the one who will come after him – Jesus Christ, will baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire. The baptized believer receives the Holy Spirit who now lives in their hearts; guiding, teaching, and helping them. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers them on the road to spiritual purity, spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, and spiritual strength. Sinful men and women who have not repented of their sins can not receive the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was a privilege from G-d given to just a chosen few. These few were mainly the Kings who were anointed to rule over Israel, the true Prophets of the living G-d and the Levitical Priests. The Lord G-d also slightly extended this privilege of the Holy Spirit to a few other special people – for instance, the seventy elders who were to help Moses in leading the Israelites on their way towards Canaan (Exodus 11:16-26). A look at the scriptures also reveals a few other people receiving this special privilege of the Holy Spirit. A few of these examples include Mary who was espoused to Joseph (Luke 1:35), and Elizabeth and her unborn child John the Baptist (Luke 1:41). However, the Holy Spirit did not indwell in them constantly, but instead came upon them to give special divine directions and/or revelations for specific occasions. So, in the Old Testament days, the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out from heaven upon all those who believed in the living G-d. But we do find in many places in the Old Testament where prophets like Joel proclaimed: "And it will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind". (Joel. 2:28)

During his ministry, Jesus Christ taught that the Father would give to His believers, His gift – the comforter, the counselor, the spirit of truth – the Holy Spirit. The Lord also taught that unless He went back to the Father, the Gift of the Father will not be released. He had to go up to heaven so that the Holy Spirit would come down to the believers (John 16:7). In Acts 1:4-5, the Lord Jesus Christ commands his disciples not to preach the gospel - until they had received the gift of the Holy Spirit. A few days later during Pentecost, the first Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred upon the 120 disciples who had gathered together in one accord - obeying the Lord's command to await this special Baptism at Jerusalem (John 24:49, Acts 2:1-4). From that time up to this present time, the Holy Spirit's baptism is open to all born again believers who ask for it. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit is the filling of a believer's life with the Holy Spirit who is sent from G-d the Father. This baptism into the Holy Spirit is mandatory for any believer who desires a victorious spiritual life. Why is this? – Because G-d first calls the believer, then cleanses the believer, then moulds the believer into a new person, then fills the believer with the Holy Spirit. This in turn not only empowers the believer to lead a Godly life, but it also so enables the believer to witness Jesus Christ to the world.

It is G-d’s will for every believer to be baptized into the Holy Spirit. One evidence of the believer receiving the baptism into the Holy Spirit is they will speak in other tongues. There are five different accounts in the book of Acts of believers receiving the baptism into the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word….the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

In three of these five accounts the Scriptures say that they spoke in other tongues as soon as the Holy Spirit came upon them. . In Acts 9:17 when the Apostle Paul received the baptism of the Holy Spirit - it does not say in this verse that Paul spoke in tongues but in 1 Corinthians 14:18 the Apostle Paul says “I thank my G-d I speak with tongues more than you all;”

Two things happen when you are baptized into the Holy Spirit. First you receive power from on high (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8) . Jesus Christ did no miracles until the Holy Spirit came upon him in John’s baptism. Jesus told his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. After the Holy Spirit came upon them in Acts 2:1-4 they began their ministries. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to not only preach the gospel but to demonstrate the gospel with signs and wonders. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are activated (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) . G-d inspired dreams and visions become a part of the life of the believer (Acts 2:16-21) . The second thing that happens is G-d gives the believer a prayer language, who will speak in other tongues. The purpose of the prayer language is to allow the believer to pray the perfect will of G-d for their lives, as well as, for the lives of others (Romans 8:26-27) . This prayer language is a mystery to the believer but it is not a mystery to G-d (1 Corinthians 14:2) . The believer’s spirit is edified or built up when he prays in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20). As the believer allows the Holy Spirit to pray through him G-d’s perfect will is prayed and the believer is edified.

1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

We are limited in our own understanding but there are no limitations to G-d. We do not know what to pray, for we do not know the future or what is in men’s hearts, but G-d knows everything. With our prayer language we have no limitations in praying the perfect will of G-d for our lives and the lives of others. The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and can show you future events and warn you of things to come. With the baptism into the Holy Spirit the believer can do the works of Jesus and even greater works (John 14:12). The baptism into the Holy Spirit is for every believer - if they ask. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. .

The Holy spirit plays an extremely large role in the Church of Christ. A church without the Holy Spirit is like the world before creation – shapeless and empty and such a church would be no different from a social club – or a cemetery – many crosses but no life. As we read the Word of G-d we find that the Holy Spirit formed the church into a complete structure (Acts 2:1-4), that he makes the body of Christ to be a new living church of G-d and the individual believers to be living stones (2 Corinthians 3:6). He also brings direction, teaching and guidance to the church as well as spiritual gifts and grace to the believers ( 2 Corinthians 8:7). You have no need for any man to teach you dear one but the Holy Spirit will teach you all things! Right after Jesus received the Holy Spirit in Matthew 3:17 in Matthew 4:1 Jesus was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.......In Mark 1:12 it is written the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness.....which leads us to the Baptism with fire.

5) Baptism with fire
Baptism with fire immediately follows the infilling of the Holy Spirit. As soon as Jesus received the Holy Spirit He was immediately driven into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. Shortly after the infilling in Acts Chapter 2 began the persecution of the early church. In its first three centuries, the Christian church endured regular persecution at the hands of Jewish religious "leaders" and Roman authorities. The baptism of fire ushers the saints of G-d into tests, trials, temptations and other various forms of afflictions, to test their faith and to train them to totally depend upon G-d. Baptism by fire brings about grace for a positive change in the life of believers towards G-d and enhances spiritual maturity. This is a type of baptism that most people, even those who confess a great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, do not like passing through. It is also referred to as the baptism into His sufferings. The Apostle Paul tells us:"The sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18) "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:' (1 Peter 4:12)

Fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and the purifying judgment of G-d. Believers need to walk in the Spirit of G-d. The Holy Spirit will lead the saint in the ways of G-d. All ungodliness in the lives of the saints will have to be burned up by the fire of the Lord. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:13 "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work." In Luke 22:31-32 we read: "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Jesus did not stop Satan from testing either Himself, Peter or anyone - He only asked that our faith fail not!

As long as you are founded in the unshakeable belief that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose – you will always come out of the fire stronger and better. You will not fall apart or be destroyed! These hard times of fire baptism will also make the believer come out of the trials purified, just like gold is when it is passed through the hot furnace fire to be purified. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18) who were thrown bound into the firery furnace - we can dance in there in the fire with the Lord and we will come out of the fire loosed - without any burns or even the smell of smoke on us. These sufferings should not be seen as a punishment from G-d, rather they are meant to set us free and bring about a positive change towards G-d in our lives.

The Bible is full of men and women of G-d who went through this type of fire baptism – Job the man of G-d, the prophets of G-d in the old testament especially during the reign of King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel, David the King, Jesus Christ, Apostles Peter and Paul, and the persecutions of the saints of G-d in the early Church during the reign of a great many Roman kings. Jesus Christ talks frequently of this type of baptism upon all those believing in him. You must also keep in mind that our heavenly Father is faithful, because as we under go these sufferings he will not allow unto us such a strong suffering that we can not bear it. Instead he gives us the spiritual strength to endure what ever he allows to come into our lives so that we are victorious to the glory of His name. It is written, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, but G-d is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it," (1 Corinthians 10:13).

6) Baptism of Death as a Martyr
Besides the Old Testament baptism associated with Moses and the New testament baptisms associated with John, Jesus and the Holy Spirit there is a final fatal baptism, that is by martyrdom and blood, by which our Lord Jesus Himself was baptized. This final Baptism is the most glorious and greatest baptism but obviously it is also the most painful and terrible baptism of all! Do you remember when our Lord said that he had another baptism with which He had to be baptized? (Luke 12:50) Our Lord and Savior calls martyrdom a baptism, saying, ‘Can you drink the cup which I drink and be baptized with the baptism with which I am to be baptized (Mark 10! 38)?’ Paul also agrees and writes that the martyrs are being made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men (1 Cor. 4:9-14) Martyrdom is the final and most terrible baptism for a few of us, where there is the taking away of sins and a wonderful and marvelous cleansing of the soul, and just as those being baptized are washed and cleansed in water, so too those being martyred are washed and cleansed in their own blood".

There are more martyrs in Revelation - "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of G-d, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." (Revelation 6:9-11) And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the G-d of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them." (Revelation 11:3-7) "For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." (Revelation 19:2) "And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of G-d, who had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4)

This was the final Baptism of death that Jesus himself underwent before and during his painful crucifixion on the cross at Calvary. For Jesus said in Luke 12:50, "There is a terrible baptism ahead for me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished." Here the Lord is talking about His upcoming sufferings; sufferings that reached their peak when he was beaten, mocked, spat upon and then crucified unto His death, at Golgotha - thereby shedding His precious blood for the remission of all of our sins. When the mother of James and John approached Jesus with her request to have her sons sit on each side of Jesus when He came into His Kingdom, Jesus replies with a question: "You do not know what you ask. Are you [James and John] able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." (Matthew 20:22) Jesus continues in verse 23:"You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father." What happened to them? James the son of Zebedee was the first apostle martyred, early on by Herod (Acts 12:2). Though John was the longest-lived of the twelve, apparently living nearly 100 years, he certainly suffered greatly at the hands of his persecutors. Not only did he spend many years in exile on the Isle of Patmos, one tradition says he miraculously survived after being boiled in oil! Beyond all this pain and suffering John had to watch the true church disintegrate through apostasy, divisions and persecution. What this final baptism entails is suffering and martyrdom. When we ask and/or agree to receive of this final baptism and to drink of our Lord's cup, we are saying we are willing to suffer with Him and experience with Him whatever He ordains for us. We say that we are willing to walk down the same path He walked, with similar consequences. Are you really ready to do this? Are you really ready to partake of this last baptism and to drink from His cup to the very last drop dear one?

Shalom! Selah!