Doctrine of Baptisms
The 3rd Principle of First Principles is the Doctrine of Baptisms. To understand this principle, it is essential to understand the meaning of the word baptism. Webster defines baptism as a ceremonial immersion in water or application of water. As in initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian Church.
Now, you may be all right with this definition. However, it is not the modern day definition that is important. What is important is the original meaning of the word, when it was used in the First Century. The first time baptism is used in the Bible is in Matthew 3:7.
7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Baptism comes from the Greek word baptisma {bap’-tis-mah}. Of its 22 times in the Bible, it is always translated baptism. It means immersion or submersion. So, a mere application of water or sprinkling is not a baptism.
That is why this subject is not to be a sprinkling into one’s life, a faithfully believer is to be immersed in these baptisms. If they are to become a fully mature disciple of Messiah.
Hebrews 6:2 states that there is a Doctrine of Baptism. That should lead one to believe that there is more than one type of baptism. The New Testament speaks of 7 separate and distinct types of Baptism. They are listed in the order that they will be presented. It is also the path to spiritual maturity.
First is in 1 Corinthians 10:1-2.
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
This is the Baptism Unto Moses, it brings us unto the Messiah.
Next in Mark 1:4.
4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
John’s baptism is the Baptism of Repentance.
Next in 1 Corinthians 12:13.
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
This is the Baptism Into the Body of Believers. One is baptized by the Spirit into the body at new birth.
The 4th baptism is in Acts 8:36.
36And 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?
This is New Testament Water Baptism. As a new believer, one is to be immersed in water right after they are born into the body.
Next in Matthew 3:11 are two separate and distinct baptisms.
11I 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 Spirit, and with fire:
Baptism of Fire purifies and cleanses one of their carnal nature. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is to be endued with power from on high.
Finally, the last baptism is in Luke 12:50.
50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
This is the Baptism of Suffering. This is the one that separates most believers.
There are 7 Baptisms. These all have relevance to our walk as a believer. One needs to identify with all of them if they are to enter into the totality of faith.
These Baptisms are the continuity of our walk. The totality of our faith. Each baptism has an increasing and purifying effect. Each baptism requires us to go forward in Messiah. We do not create them. We receive them based on the decisions we make in our lives. Only one is needed for salvation, baptism by the Spirit into the body. But why would one stop there, when God would want them to be complete in the Messiah. Abundant life in Him, only comes through traveling the path to total spiritual maturity through the baptisms.
Isn’t it interesting that there are 7 baptisms, Hebrews 4:4-5:
4For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
It speaks of the totality of rest in God. If you do not have total rest in this lifetime, take time to study these for yourself. The 7 Baptism are:
Baptism into the Body of Believers
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