Saturday, May 19, 2018
Baptism of fire?
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
John the Baptiser made a declaration, a prophecy if you will, about what Jesus would do. John had earlier declared Jesus to be the “Lamb of God,” establishing that He was the ultimate sacrifice. Now he introduces this idea of a Baptism that was different from the one that he, John, was performing.
In common usage today, the term “baptism of fire” often refers to a novice or new recruit experiencing extremely tough conditions on their first outing. For example, if there is heavy fighting on the first day that a new recruit is on the battlefield, or if the rookie on a sports team has to face very tough opposition in his first game at the new level, or if a new employee has to handle a pretty tough case on their first day on the job.
None of these references the remarks made by John even though some believe that the phrase is rooted in John’s remarks. In the original discourse between John the Baptist and those to whom he spoke concerning the baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire, there were a set of specific circumstances to be examined because they recur today.
In Matthew 3:5.6 we see John performing the ritual that gave the suffix, the Baptist, to his name. “Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.”
All of these baptisms were taking place without interruption until the crowd changed. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Matthew 3:7. John’s manner and discourse got combative on the site of the Pharisees and Sadducees in the line.
As we know, the Pharisees were very strict and legalistic with respect to the law of Moses and the unwritten tradition of the Elders. These conducted their activities in the Synagogues at the time. The Sadducees, on the other hand, were more political, differed theologically, and doubted the possibility of resurrections, and certainly challenged the existence of angels and spirits. They controlled the Temple and were from a distinct priestly caste.
John challenged them both that repentance was more than the outward submission to the baptism, rather it must be evidenced by a transformed life. No doubt, this caused arguments between them and John and certainly eventually, among themselves.
Today we still have these arguments. When John said that Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire, some assume that he is making reference to one baptism and others think two. Pentecostals are satisfied that it is one baptism and that it was demonstrated on the day of Pentecost when “suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.” Acts 2:2.3.
Many non-Pentecostals are of the view that the fire reference in John’s declaration must be separated from the Holy Spirit reference. The whole context of John’s discourse with the Pharisees and Sadducees was that they would come under judgement. “And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees.” Matthew 3:10 and “His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:12.
But there are other arguments too. Many argue about if there is a second experience for the Christian. Some call it the second work of grace. Again, Pentecostals, for the most part, look for it while others are sceptical about it. Some call it genuine and some think it fake.
The clear record through the Acts is that there was an experience of a Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the tradition of Pentecost, but without attending tongues of fire. There are two passages that we should examine to see this, Acts 10:44-48 here we see the Holy Spirit come upon the Gentiles and this before their water baptism! Acts 19:1-6 is even more interesting, a second baptism in water and then baptism with the Holy Spirit.
All of these arguments could serve to make the matter one that we want to leave alone rather than embrace it. But don’t let that happen.
In one of his appearances before His ascension, Jesus promised the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. ““And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”” Acts 1:4-5.
Then, moments before His ascension Jesus tells the disciples to wait in Jerusalem together for the Holy Spirit to come upon them and that they shall receive power and be witnesses. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
Tomorrow is Pentecost on the traditional Christian calendar.
Think on these things:
- Have you had an experience with the Holy Spirit?
- Do you believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit after you are saved or baptised in water?
- Does your church teach and expect members to experience the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Prayer focus:
Let us pray today that we would have a fresh experience with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
In His Grace
Pastor Alex