Read chapter 3. Notice there's three different baptisms in this one verse: one of water, one of the Holy Spirit, and one of fire. It's common thought today of thinking baptism means some kind of water ritual, but it's clear in this verse that water is only part of one of the three baptisms. The word baptism is a transliteration (not translated but made English sounding). The word means identification in becoming identified with something or someone.
- Water was a symbol of identification of repentance to Jews by John the Baptist for "He who is coming after me [John]." They would believe that He, being Jesus, is the Messiah no matter what happens.
- To be identified with the Holy Spirit would be receiving the power of the Holy Spirit in signs following (Mark 16).
- Identification with fire: if baptism is immersion (as some denominations say), why would God immerse us in fire? Fire in scripture often has to do with judgments- not punishment. I believe the baptism of fire is the identification we receive when we stand before Him on the judgment seat in the Kingdom- identifying by what He sets right.
How does this perhaps change your idea of baptism? Are you identified with Jesus Christ? Not by a water ritual but by believing that He is God and that He died for your sins?
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