John the Baptist's water baptism was for the forgiveness of sins. It was to prepare the way for Christ who declared that He would baptize with water and fire. The water is a representation of the Flood. The Flood was destructive. It removed all wickedness from the earth during the days of Noah. We are to have the Flood wash all our sin and wickedness into the watery grave and be resurrected with Christ. It is also to wash our consciences clean from the corruptive effects of sin.
Baptism with fire is supposed to follow. The Holy Spirit is fire. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelled each believer in the Upper Room by touching them with tongues of fire. If water baptism was an engagement ring, this is the wedding ceremony. This is also a foreshadowing of Christ's return, when he will judge the earth in fire. The Holy Spirit will be poured out and all will be consumed that is not by nature, fire. Believers have a nature of fire since the Holy Spirit is indwelling. Reunion with Christ after everyting else is burnt up will be the Consummation. And we will be united with Christ forever.
There are several baptisms, as suggested by the 6 elementary doctrines of Christ found in Hebrews 6. This is a dense subject.
Baptism with fire is supposed to follow. The Holy Spirit is fire. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit indwelled each believer in the Upper Room by touching them with tongues of fire. If water baptism was an engagement ring, this is the wedding ceremony. This is also a foreshadowing of Christ's return, when he will judge the earth in fire. The Holy Spirit will be poured out and all will be consumed that is not by nature, fire. Believers have a nature of fire since the Holy Spirit is indwelling. Reunion with Christ after everyting else is burnt up will be the Consummation. And we will be united with Christ forever.
There are several baptisms, as suggested by the 6 elementary doctrines of Christ found in Hebrews 6. This is a dense subject.
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