Baptisms

As part of the elementary principles of our faith, the book of Hebrews 6:1, 2, made mention of the doctrine of baptisms, suggesting that there is more than one baptism. A critical look at the scripture will reveal that the new covenant is characterised by this phenomenon, which unfortunately is overlooked by many a Christian. Even in the Old Testament, the children of Israel had to pass through a similitude of baptisms – the red sea and the cloud. In all cases it is associated with some salvation. We shall seek to understand the significance of this doctrine in this study.

Texts: 1 Cor 10: 1, 2; Acts 1:5; John 1:33; Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:1; Acts 4:31

1                    Comment on the concept of Baptisms in the New Testament
2                    Water baptism: immersion into water by God’s representatives into the Christ.
a.       How is it done? Acts 8:38, 39
b.      For whom? Matt 28:19
c.       What is the significance? 1Pet 3:21; Matt 3:15
d.      Give other spiritual basis for its practise –some kind of initiation
3                    Baptism in the Holy Spirit
a.       When was it promised? Acts 1:4
b.      Who qualifies for this?-those who are born again [Acts 2: 38] those who hunger for it [Matt 5:6] for the disciples [Acts 2:1], old time believers and to all the Lord shall call [Acts 2:39]
c.       How is it experienced?-Spontaneous [Acts 10: 44], Laying on of hands [Acts 8: 17; 19:1-6], during prayer [Acts 2:1], after water baptism [Acts 19:6]
d.      How does one know he/she has the baptism? –use scriptural examples- Acts 2:6; 8:17, 18; 10:46; 19:6; Mark 16:17
e.       What is the importance of this baptism? Acts 1:8, John 14: 16, 17; 16:13; 1Cor 12:1-11.
f.       What is the chance of receiving an evil spirit when seeking this baptism? Luke 11:9-13
4                    Baptism of fire: using the following verses, discuss baptism of fire.
a.       Matt 3:11; Luke 3:16
b.      Mark 9: 49
c.       Acts 2:3
d.      Luke 12:49
e.       Hebrews 12:29

This study is just an introduction on the subject of baptism and should stimulate further in-depth study like the early believers would. While some people can experience these types of baptism at one time, many of us receive in bits. May the Lord bless you.

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