Lesson 660

(Lesson 660)(06-08-13) The third and fourth appearances of the term "baptize" are found in Matthew 3:11-12 wherein John the Baptist says, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

It is very evident in this quote that there are at least three distinctly different mediums into which one can be baptized (immersed). The first reference is to water as the medium, John said, "I indeed baptize you with water". The second designates the Holy Ghost as the medium one can be baptized (immersed) with, "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." The third designates fire as the medium, John said, "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, AND with fire".

We have already established that the term "baptize" can imply the use of three different mediums into which a baptismal immersion can be accomplished (water, the Holy Ghost and fire) and, upon completion of this study, we will have established many more mediums into which a scriptural baptism (immersion) can occur.

To be "baptized" with the Holy Ghost is to be wrapped within it, or wholly absorbed by it, just as one is to be wholly submerged or immersed in water during a water baptism. To be baptized with fire, one must be completely engulfed within the flame.

Sadly, today, if one mentions baptism, it is almost always assumed that the reference it to water immersion. Nothing could be further from the truth as we established with this lesson and will further establish with the continuance this study.

John clearly establishes that water baptism he performs are far inferior to that baptism that is offered by Jesus.

NOTE: It is important to pay special attention to the fact that John said he baptized with water "unto (toward) repentence". This means that John performed these water immersion BEFORE the candidates had repented. After Jesus ascended to the Father, all water baptisms were performed AFTER repentance. This will be proven to be fact as we continue these lessons.~