The Doctrine of Baptisms

The Many Baptisms and the One Baptism

Prepared by Pastor H.L. Champion
( Keep returning to this presentation in its unfolding development )

Entry # 1
Baptism is not an Aquatic Term! This Bible word is not restricted to H₂O. It is a simple thing to discover with just the slightest bit of Bible Study. While there are numerous uses of the concept of "Immersion" with Water Baptism. There are other ways to be Immersed. The greek word "baptizo" is a postitional term meaning surrounded, submerged, dipped, or inundated.

John the Baptist, was a "Water Baptizer", but he was no saviour! John is the one that holds the initial key to understand the other Baptisms mentioned in The Doctrine of Baptisms (Heb. 6:2). In fact he teaches three different baptisms. How can this be? Simple. First, get ready to divorce yourself from the myopic definition of baptism being only 'immersion in water'. It definitely is one use of the word. Certainly it is used repeatedly! John says, "I indeed baptize you with water, but . . ." There is the conjunction of difference the word, "but". Get ready for different baptisms. . .

Entry # 2
John the Baptist Taught Three Baptisms. The topic I am using for this series of artlces comes from Hebrews 6:2: "Of the Doctrine of Baptisms. . ." In this verse the word Baptisms in the Greek is  "baptismos" . It is plural. It certainly gives Paul's understanding that there are more than one type of Baptism which is in line with John the Baptist. He taught in Matthew 3:11: I 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: . . . Here is the synopsis of his preaching;

• 1 - John baptizes with Water - This Water Baptism reflects Repentance to God not Faith in Christ.
• 2 - Jesus baptizes with The Holy Ghost - This experience is tied to Faith and Salvation into His Kingdowm; 
• 3 - Jesus baptizes with Fire - This experience is for those who will be Immersed into the Lake of Fire.

 This is so simple! Jesus does not baptize anyone with Water. When He had the chance to do so, He didn't. John 4:1,2  When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,).  

• 4 - The Disciples baptize with Water with Jesus present, before the Cross. Water Baptism is not done by Jesus.

He was right there when new believers were Water Baptized. His disciples baptized them. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost. He just got through teaching Nicodemus about the New Birth in John 3. In this whole chapter no reference is made to Water Baptism. Only those who have preconceived notions about Water Baptism being the only Baptism in the Bible try to insert Water Baptism as The New Birth or as a companion to it. The New Birth is a Spirtual Birth, The Baptism of the Holy Spirit. That is what Jesus does; He Baptizes anyone who believes in him into the Holy Ghost. Holy Spirit Baptism and Water Baptism are totally separate. They are not synonymous. They do not happen simultaneously.

Jesus taught in Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." That is the order; Spirit Baptism then Water Baptism. Jesus saves the Sinner, then the disciples immerse the Christian.

I have introduced the first Two Baptisms to discussed further. The next issue will be on the Baptism of Fire. This will be number 3 Baptism.