"THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS"

• Introduction
  1. Ephesians 4:4-6
     We are assured that there is but one baptism, that is one baptism which is currently effective, just one available to us for salvation.
  2. Hebrews 6:1-3
     Yet, among "the elementary principles of Christ" is "the doctrine of baptisms."
  3. What are the baptisms of the Bible?

1. Baptism of Moses
   1. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2
      There were people who were baptized of Moses in the sea.
   2. Exodus 14:13-31
      This took place when Moses led Israel from Egypt, across a sea, in which the waters were on either side of them and a cloud covered them, such that they were surrounded by, and in a sense, baptized in the sea.
2. Baptism of suffering
   1. Luke 12:50
      This baptism was a source of stress for the Lord.
   2. Mark 10:37-40
      He also referred to it as a cup that He would drink.
   3. Matthew 26:39, 42
      Jesus would prefer to have avoided drinking it, but He knew this cup was necessary.
   4. John 18:3-11
      Christ recognized His inevitable suffering as that cup which the Father had given Him.
   5. This is called a baptism in the sense that its subject would be completely overwhelmed, covered up, and submerged in suffering, humiliation, and ultimately death.
3. Baptism of John
   1. Matthew 3:13-15
      Submitting to this baptism was necessary for the fulfillment of all righteousness.
   2. Luke 7:29-30
      To refuse this baptism was to reject the very will of God.
   3. Mark 1:8
      Nevertheless, as this baptism was taught, it anticipated something better.
   4. Luke 1:13-17
      All the work of John was designed to lead people to the Christ.
   5. Acts 18:24-26; 19:1-5
      Those who still taught the baptism of John, and had not submitted to baptism into Christ, required correction, further instruction, and another baptism.
4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
   1. Mark 1:7-8
      John said that Jesus would be the one to perform this baptism.
   2. Acts 1:1-8
      It was promised to no one but the apostles.
      1. John 14:26; 16:13
         Its purpose was to guide them into all truth.
      2. Acts 2:1-4
         The promise of this baptism was fulfilled at Pentecost.
   3. Acts 10:44-47; 11:15-18
      The first Gentile converts received this baptism, too. Its purpose was to prove that salvation had come to the Gentiles. Still, water baptism was required of these.
   4. This baptism had very distinct purposes the only two occasions that we know it was performed, neither of which are now fitting for us.
5. Baptism of fire
   1. Luke 3:16-17
      The baptism of fire is described as an event in which Christ will separate the wheat from the chaff and burn the latter in unquenchable fire.
   2. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
      This fiery baptism involves wailing and the gnashing of teeth and will occur at the end of the age.
      1. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
      2. Revelation 20:10-15
   3. Since this baptism is scheduled for the end of the age, it is not the one baptism now valid.
6. Baptism in Christ
   1. Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:3-4
      There is also a baptism which puts one into Christ and into His death.
   2. Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:21
      This baptism brings about salvation.
   3. Acts 2:38; 22:16
      This baptism removes sin.
   4. Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Corinthians 12:13
      This baptism provides access into Christ's body, His church.
   5. This must be the one baptism that matters!