E 1.5.12 : VARIOUS BAPTISMS IN THE BIBLE
Various Baptisms are mentioned in the Bible. At the mention of ‘Baptism’, most people assume that it should denote ‘Water Baptism’ only. Let us see what Paul has written in his Epistle to the Hebrews.
Therefore leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2
Here Paul refers to ‘Baptisms’ in plural. From the usage of this word by Paul, we understand that there are other baptisms. Therefore, when we come to understand the divine provisions of God through these various baptisms, then we are able to pass more into the Will of God step by step, as promised in the Scriptures.
Understanding the Biblical teachings on Baptisms Hebrews 6:1-2
We have listed the seven different baptisms mentioned in the Bible in the form of an ANALYTICAL TABLE below. Some of these baptisms were instituted by God during certain Biblical historical times, for specific divine purposes. Depending upon the commitment made by the believer in the Inner Man, the believer of today has to receive the baptisms instituted by God in the New Testament. Please also read the answer to Q-2 in E15k
If you want to understand the Biblical teachings on the different Baptisms, then you need to examine them, by comparing and contrasting them under the following bases :
1.The liquid being used or that was used for Baptism;
2.The giver of Baptism;
3.The type of candidate who takes / took Baptism;
4.The purpose of giving / taking Baptism; and
5.The Historical timing of the Baptism (the time it was instituted ).
Making a comparative study like this is a must to understand the different baptisms given in the Bible. One such comparative study has been given in the TABLE below.
| THE DIFFERENT BAPTISMS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE : AN ANALYTICAL TABLE | |||||||
| S # | NAME OF BAPTISM | Liquid for Baptism | Giver of Baptism | Candidate for Baptism | Purpose of Baptism | Timing of Baptism | Meaning of SALVATION |
| 1 | Baptized into Moses under the Sea and under the cloud – 1 Cor.10 :1,2 | Sea , Cloud (Holy Spirit) | God / The Holy Spirit | Israel | Deliverance from Bondage / slavery | Before Christ |
Washing of rebirth = Becoming Born – again = Getting saved = Accepting Christ as one’s personal Saviour and Lord = Regenerated / Renewed by the Word of God and through the Holy Spirit, by grace through faith ( Titus 3 : 5 ) |
| 2 | Baptism of Repentance by John the Baptist – Acts 19 : 3 , 4 | Water | John , the Baptist | Repenting Believer | For Repentance | Before Christ’s sacrificial Death / Resurrection | |
| 3 | Baptism by the Disciples of Jesus Christ – John 4 : 1 – 3 | Water | Disciples of Jesus | Repenting Believer (Assume) | For Repentance (Assume) | ||
| 4 | Baptism of suffering to Jesus – Mark 10 : 39 ; Luke 12 : 50 | Suffering | God , the Father | Jesus | Power & Authority to Redeem Mankind / As a sin offering | The Passion / The sufferings on the Cross | |
| 5 | Adult Christian Immersion Water Baptism – Matt 28 : 19 ; Col 2 : 12 ; Rom 6 : 3 , 4 | Water | Servant of God | One who has received / accepted Christ as his personal Saviour | Death to Old Life & Rise up to a New Life – as Christ died & rose up from the grave | After death / Resurrection / Ascension of Christ | |
| 6 | Holy Spirit Baptism – Acts 1 : 4 , 8 ; John 1 : 33; Eph 1: 13, 14 | Holy Spirit |
Christ from HEAVEN |
Power to Witness / As a guarantee of the inheritance | |||
| 7 | Baptized by One Spirit into One Body (Born Again) / Baptized into Christ – John 3: 5; 1 Cor 12 : 13 ; Titus 3 : 5 ; James 1 : 18 ; Gal 3 : 27; 1 Peter 1:23
Are you saved ? Have you received Jesus Christ as your Personal Saviour ? |
The Bible / The Word of God |
Holy Spirit from HEAVEN |
One who has received / accepted Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord; willing to be regenerated | Adoption into God’s family as God’s Child | ||
We counsel every believer to receive the following three important Baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. These 3 baptisms, that were taught by Jesus Christ are :
1. Christian Immersion Water Baptism for the Believer ( ADULT )
2. Holy Spirit Baptism ( In the Bible, Holy Spirit Baptism has been promised to every believer ). Do not confuse Holy Spirit Baptism with Gifts of the Spirit, Anointing of the Spirit, Fruit of the Spirit, Work of the Holy Spirit in Salvation, Deliverance and any such other works of the Holy Spirit, and shun Holy Spirit Baptism.
3. Becoming Born-again ( Being born of the Water and the Spirit, Washing of re-birth, Born of the Word, through Renewal by the Holy Spirit ) = Being baptized into one Body
(the Invisible Church of Saints / the Body of Christ). In layman’s language : It is as though we are dipped in the Word of God by the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and transform us.