What is Baptism by Fire?

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN JOHN'S BAPTISM AND CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

By Ezekiel Kimosop

What does it mean that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire?

This question partly informs the gist of this article.

I wish to refer the reader to my previous article touching on biblical qualifications for admission to the Lord's Table which appears in my teaching blog page.

I am not aware of any reference to Christian baptism by the Holy Spirit and by fire, other than in the context of Acts 2 and metaphorically in relation to the works of the cross.

My view is that John's words in Matthew 3:11 were symbolic of the efficacy of Jesus' works of the cross, including the coming of the Holy Spirit by means of tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4).

Some Bible scholars consider the fire mentioned by John as symbolic of the judgment in Revelation 20, but such a conclusion, in my view, appears to be largely inconsistent with the context of Matthew 3.

Others say that the fire symbolizes purification and purging of sin within the context of Levitical ritual cleansing. This is discernible from Isaiah 6:1-8 where one of the cherubim took a coal of 🔥 from the altar and cleansed the prophet's lips.

I consider the second interpretation as tenable and biblically centred, giving regard to the works of Calvary.

It is instructive that Jesus never baptized anyone, not even His own disciples (see John 4:2). This therefore implies that the statement by John was metaphorical.

Interestingly, Jesus symbolically identified his crucifixion and atoning death on the cross with baptism (cf. Matthew 20:22-23; Mark 10:38-39, NKJV).

My view is that water baptism by immersion is consistent with the biblical method since Jesus was baptized in the Jordan.

John's baptism was therefore not contemplated by Jesus in His command in Matthew 28:19-20 which is the foundation of the Christian rite that is open to every person that believes in Jesus.

Baptism symbolizes the inner transformation of the follower. Contrary to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, Christian baptism is not the means to salvation in itself.

The Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

My view is that John's baptism was a traditional Jewish ritual cleansing ceremony which, in John's own words, signified repentance and preparation for Christ's coming. It was meant to prepare the Jews to receive Jesus as their Messiah, Sadly they rejected.

When Jesus was baptized by John, Scripture aptly captures its purpose in Matthew 3:14. He went to the Jordan "to fulfill all righteousness."

Jesus was simply identifying with His Jewish people, leading them by example in obedience.

John understood the stature of Christ, as the coming Messiah. This was by divine revelation.

 Matthew 3:13-15 says:

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”

15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him."

Notice the words of John in Matthew 3:14! John was initially hesitant to baptize Jesus, knowing that Jesus was the perfect sinless man who never required to repent of any sin. He was the New Adam!

John dutifully humbled himself to the Jesus, his Messiah and Lord, whose coming reign he came to proclaim.



© Ezekiel Kimosop Teaching Series 2019 - www.ezekielkimosop.blogspot.com