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. 4:5). 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. 3:19). 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. 3:11) and “for ... remission of sins” (Mark 1:4; 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 7:29). 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.
This was not Christian baptism, as Acts 19:3-5 clearly shows. Those baptized by John’s baptism needed to be baptized unto the name of the Lord Jesus, for only by this could they be received onto the ground of association with a dead and risen Lord Jesus.
Christ Baptizing (by Proxy)
In 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 12:50: “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 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5, Acts 10:44-46, 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 10:47: “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 3:11 and 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 2:3. 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. 28:19). 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. 28:20 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. 12:3), 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 4:5, 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