Baptisms in Scripture

Narrator: Chris Genthree
 •  6 min. read  •  grade level: 11
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As we examine the Scriptures, we will find that baptism, in a general way, effects a change outwardly or externally as to a new place of privilege, with responsibility in the one who is baptized. The one baptized is connected with that unto which he is baptized, and the identification takes place by the baptism. There are a number of different baptisms in God’s Word, although there is only one Christian baptism (Eph. 4:55One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Ephesians 4:5)). Let us review these baptisms and consider the significance of each.
Baptism Unto Moses
“All were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1 Cor. 10:2). Regardless of age, sex or even whether they were truly Israelites, all those who left Egypt by the way of the Red Sea shared in all the privileges as baptized unto Moses. Nevertheless, many of them perished and never reached the goal (Canaan). It was a “mixed multitude,” for many were unbelievers (Heb. 3:1919So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:19)). Paul calls attention to them in order to show the Corinthians the foolishness of relying merely on ordinances. Being linked outwardly with a leader by an ordinance is not enough, and this serves as a solemn warning to all who are baptized unto Christ.
John’s Baptism
John’s baptism was “to repentance” (Matt. 3:1111I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11)) and “for  ...  remission of sins” (Mark 1:44John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:4); Luke 3:33And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; (Luke 3:3)). John’s baptism had solemn significance for the guilty Jews. John was the herald of the coming Messiah, and those who were stirred by his preaching came to him to be baptized. This justified God, since it acknowledged the sentence of God against Israel (Luke 7:2929And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. (Luke 7:29)). By being baptized, they owned their guilt and, by thus separating themselves from the unrepentant Jewish nation, prepared themselves for the coming One, their Messiah.
In submitting to John’s baptism, the Lord Jesus identified Himself with the repentant remnant that were baptized. John clearly recognized that the Lord Jesus needed neither repentance nor remission of sins, but grace brought our Lord Jesus to where sin had brought others, although sin never was in Him. Others were baptized while confessing their sins, but our Lord was baptized while He was praying.
Christ Baptizing (by Proxy)
In John 3:2222After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. (John 3:22) we read that our Lord baptized, although it was His disciples who actually did the baptizing. This baptism was unto Himself as connected with Jesus as the living Messiah on earth, and those so baptized would be known as His disciples. Again, this was not Christian baptism, which identifies the baptized one with His death.
Christ’s Baptism by Fire
Nothing can compare with the atoning sufferings of our Lord during the three hours of darkness, called “baptism” in Luke 12:5050But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (Luke 12:50): “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am I straitened until it be accomplished.”
Baptized With the Holy Spirit
The baptism with the Holy Spirit is referred to seven times in Scripture — Matthew 3:1111I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11), Mark 1:88I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (Mark 1:8), Luke 3:1616John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (Luke 3:16), John 1:3333And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (John 1:33), Acts 1:55For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5), Acts 10:44-4644While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (Acts 10:44‑46), Acts 11:1616Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 11:16) and 1 Corinthians 12:13. This incorporated believers into one body and occurred once for all on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem, with a second installment in chapter 10 when the Gentiles were incorporated into the body of Christ. This is distinct from Christian water baptism, as shown by Acts 10:4747Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (Acts 10:47): “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost?” Upon believing the gospel, individuals are sealed with the same Holy Spirit that those at Pentecost received and are thus joined to the body formed at Pentecost.
“Baptize  ...  With Fire”
This expression is found in Matthew 3:1111I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matthew 3:11) and Luke 3:1616John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (Luke 3:16), and it speaks of future judgment on the enemies of God, such as the Pharisees. Fire may be applied to the dealings of God in judgment and by Christ as the Lamb, carried out on His enemies. It is not connected with the “cloven tongues like as of fire” mentioned in Acts 2:33And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:3). This rather refers to the convicting action of God’s Word on the conscience, reminding them of God’s holiness, and bringing them to repentance.
Baptism of All Nations
The disciples were commanded to “teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 28:1919Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matthew 28:19)). An integral part of this commission is the promise of Christ to His eleven disciples, “Behold I am with you all the days, until the completion of the age” (Matt. 28:2020Teaching 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. (Matthew 28:20) JND). It refers to the time, yet future, during which the final result of opposing the truth has matured and judgment is carried out. During this period God will raise up teachers who will “turn many to righteousness” (Dan. 12:33And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)), and their message will be the gospel of the kingdom. The rightful King is coming, and those who preach this gospel will teach the principles of the kingdom and the character of those suitable to it. The sermon on the mount (Matt. 5-7) will have special application in that preaching.
This commission will have special application to the godly Jewish remnant after the rapture of the church takes place. There is, however, an application in connection with the kingdom of heaven in its present mystery form, a kingdom that is the sphere of discipleship now. Thus the formula for baptism today is the one given here, recognizing the knowledge of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Christian Baptism
In Ephesians 4:55One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Ephesians 4:5), we read of “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” These expressions refer to the circle of privilege where Christ is professedly owned as Lord, where the Christian faith is owned. This circle is entered by baptism, and it is important to see that those entering this sphere of Christian privilege are responsible to live in keeping with those privileges.
This circle of profession includes false as well as true believers, but all are held responsible for their conduct. “Let every one who names the name of the Lord withdraw from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19 JND). Baptism brings us into this sphere of both privilege and responsibility.
Baptism After the Church Age
Baptism will continue after Christians are called home at the coming of Christ, because others will be baptized then according to the commission of Matthew 28. Baptism is a kingdom ordinance, always connected to a sphere on earth. Thus discipling will continue, in view of the millennial kingdom.
A. C. Brown, adapted