THE FINAL BAPTISM

The word baptism means primarily ‘to be immersed into.’ I believe this is the meaning of water baptism and Spirit baptism. It is to be completely engulfed, immersed and covered by an agent. The baptism of fire mentioned in Matthew 3:11 could also be in this category by assuming that ‘the fire’ is the working agent of the Spirit to sanctify and cleanse our soul, mind and conscience after we have become a believer in Jesus. Like Paul, an apostle, wrote: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Jesus mentioned a Final Baptism. Many scholars think that fire baptism is to be martyred or killed for the sake of the Kingdom. I think this is what Jesus was speaking of in Luke 12: “I have come to bring fire on the earth—and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is finished!” (12:49-50) To me this is being immersed into his death.  

All three baptisms are forms, or symbols, of death into new life. Immersion in water is a participation in the death, burial and resurrection: “Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4) Immersion in Spirit: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:13) And, “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5) And Spirit and fire: “Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability” (Acts 2:4).
“So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Jesus