The term baptism simply means immersion. This immersion can be in
many things. For example, Matthew 3:11-12 here indicates three different
baptisms. In this passage, John the Baptist speaks of baptism with
water, the Holy Ghost, and fire. The baptism with water showed repentance,
the baptism with the Holy Ghost brings salvation (i.e., the wheat)
and the baptism with fire occurs when the damned (i.e., the chaff)
are sent to hell.
Some other important passages showing baptism in mediums other than
water are 1 Corinthians 12:13 and Galatians 3:27 which speak of “baptism
into Christ” and Acts 1:5 and Acts 11:16 which speak of “baptism
with the Holy Ghost.” These two phrases describe the same event—salvation,
and are thus interchangeable. John’s baptism was strictly preparatory
in nature. He convinced the people of their sin and need of a Savior
who could offer remission of sins. It is the baptism with the Holy
Ghost that brings remission of sins and regeneration.
B. Mark 16:16
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).
This verse offers two possible interpretations: one which accepts
the baptism spoken of as that of the Holy Ghost, and the other insisting
on water baptism. If the Holy Ghost baptism is accepted, then baptism
refers to the moment of salvation and it is self explanatory. A person
who does not believe cannot be saved. However, if you say: “but
it doesn’t specify which baptism”; the Bible is a wonderful
and powerful book, confounding those who take issue with it. Watch!
In the case of water baptism, it must be noted that this verse has
two distinctly different phrases. The first phrase makes a statement
and then the second phrase clarifies it. The first phrase talks of
believing and being baptized whereas the second, which gives the conditions
under which a person is not saved, clearly indicates that it is the
condition of unbelief upon which a person is damned. It does not say
that a person who is not water baptized is damned.
"Bridging
the world to God through the gospel of Jesus Christ"
Phone: 585.225.0715
