Baptism is the washing of that which stains. We know that God once cleansed all the earth of its filthiness and sin by causing the waters to rise and flood the whole earth. This was a judgment by God upon all flesh on the earth, which was judged sinful. This was the first baptism of the earth recorded for us in Scripture. There is a second baptism of the earth that was prophesied where the earth would undergo a final cleansing of all evil in what is known as the baptism by fire. We are also promised to undergo a baptism by fire, that which comes by way of God's Holy Spirit. John the Baptist, when questioning the Pharisees and Saducees saying, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Said to all who were gathered at the river's bank; Matthew 3:10-11 "And even now the axe is laid at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you in 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 in the Holy Spirit and in fire."

As baptism relates to the Christian faith, the first baptism we undergo as believers is a water baptism. The writer in Hebrews reminds us of this new and better way and cites water baptism as a cleansing of our flesh. Hebrews 10:19-23 "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised."

Water cleansing was a ritual part of Jewish law commanding that all things impure or defiled would have to be cleansed of that which defiled it. For example, even mattresses stained by a woman's menstrual cycle or a person who died there upon was required to be washed in various cleansing pools common throughout Judea. Anyone who so much as touched an unclean thing or person or committed an unclean act was required to be ceremoniously cleansed before entering the temple for the purposes of worship. Priests were under the most rigid of rules and had to take ritual baths all the time. But baptism was a new form of cleansing and it had replaced the older, more familiar form of ritual cleansing. Peter indicates this in the following passage and correlates it to the death of Christ. 1 Peter 3:18-22 "Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ; who is one the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."

As I had just mentioned, just before Jesus came on the scene, John the Baptist was preaching repentance in the wilderness and exhorting to Jews to be baptized and cleansed of their sins for entry into the Kingdom and to avoid any of God's promised wrath. The act of water baptism is largely symbolic in nature and generally performed before witnesses as an official act of turning away from the life of sin and committing oneself to a God given life of purpose and righteousness. Its fundamental purpose was to cleanse and purify the believer's heart and mind from all rebellion and it serves as an outward expression of submitting oneself to God's will. The practice of ritual washing and various animal sacrifices was no longer sufficient then to cleanse the Jews who largely remained a rebellious house. Modern day baptisms have evolved from this point in history into a Christian religious ritual, which at best serves as an elementary form of cleansing for believer's seeking redemption. Today, baptisms are generally performed under the precept or acceptance of belonging to one denominational faith or another and often times associated with membership into a particular Church. By large contrast, John the Baptist outwardly proclaimed the judgements of God against His people for their lack of obedience and extreme idolatry and adultery. When the Pharisees and Sadducees came out to see what John was doing on the banks of the river Jordan, he said to them, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"

So, it is clear that repentance followed by baptism was an act of faith for those who believed themselves to be unclean and unworthy beneficiaries of God's richest blessings. As we are all aware, Jesus was symbolically baptized by John in the River just before He journeyed off to the dessert on a 40 day fast seeking God's will all the while being vulnerable to all of Satan's temptations. Only the most humble of heart sought out baptism because the fear of God was re-ignited in their hearts and they believed that if they did not do this, they would perish in their sin. So then, the first baptism is done by an act of man's will choosing to be redeemed from all his transgression and sin-nature and serves as a symbolic gesture towards God saying, "Forgive me Lord for I have sinned against thee and desire to be redeemed from my sinful nature." This act literally restores conviction upon a believer's heart and allows for humility to enter making one a "God fearing" believer. This is an act of submission and surrender unto God and nothing less than this is indicated in scripture. He, who has an ear, let him understand.

The second baptism by fire was also demonstrated to us symbolically as Jesus endured much suffering and torment on our behalf showing us that we would all undergo a fiery cleansing by sharing in like-suffering and undergo much persecution because of our faith in Him. This example is not evident in mainstream Christianity today because it relates to being obedient to Christ, even unto death. Evangelical Christianity, which is largely influenced by Calvinism, does not teach the necessity for obedience to its adherents in order to be saved (redeemed). In many churches today, the second baptism is often referred to as the baptism of the Spirit. Though I agree that the second baptism is by the Spirit, I do not agree with the methods man continues to employ in order to achieve this "higher level of anointing." There is no method nor is there any agency that assures us of the second baptism but there is an assurance given to us who believe, that faithfulness and responsiveness to God's Word and trusting in Jesus' example as the Son of God will allow the Holy Spirit to make it's abode with us. That is more simply defined as faith or trust in God. Throughout the New Testament, we are promised fiery trials and persecutions and much suffering. This is the baptism all must undergo while any remain a believer, as each must be tested for endurance thereby becoming refined and purified as molten metal is purified in the hot furnace. All the sons of God are promised to be purified by fire. For Jesus promised us in the following passages.

Matthew 8:11-12 "And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven: but the sons of the kingdom shall be cast forth into the outer darkness: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth."

Luke 12:49-53 "I came to cast fire upon the earth; and what do I desire, if it is already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Think ye that I am come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. They shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law."

John 6:53-58 Jesus therefore said unto them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves. He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eats my flesh and drinks my blood abideth in me and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he that eats me, he also shall live because of me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven: not as the fathers ate, and died; he that eats this bread shall live forever."

1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy."

2 Timothy 3:12 " Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Therefore, Baptism by water is only the beginning of developing closer relationship to God because man must first choose to follow. Water baptism convinces the mind and conscience that redemption is offered and made possible but the second baptism is the furnace through which all must walk if they ever expect to see the Father and inherit His eternal promises. Knowing this, Jesus questioned His disciples asking in Mark 10:38-39 "But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink the cup that I drink or to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We are able. And Jesus said unto them, "The cup that I drink ye shall drink; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." While the mind and conscience may be convinced of salvation through the first baptism, the second baptism tests the will and heart of the repentant subject and in the process he/she is made strong through recognizing his/her weaknesses making each humble towards God.

Those who follow this path quickly find themselves out in the cold away from their once familiar fellowships where believers never got off the bottled milk. Salvation then takes on a whole new meaning where one understands he/she has duty and responsibility towards God. Hebrews 5:13-14 "For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for full-grown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil." Now following this pattern will bring you to a place where you are truly among the redeemed and are walking and talking in all like manner and respect to the pattern that Jesus established for us. You have become a new creature indeed! Please consider this all very carefully and remember to count the cost because the cost is your life. As a redeemed person, your life no longer belongs to you but now you belong to Christ for He has paid a greater price for you than anyone ever could. Now, you belong to Him. I tell you truly brethren, this is the fuller meaning and proper context of baptism. You must be willing to accept Christ's death and then go one step further; die with Him on the cross.

If your earlier baptisms did not produce this understanding for you then you must ask yourself, are you ready for such a large, life-long commitment? My friend, forever is a long, long time. Are you ready to be made a spectacle and be rejected by your friends and family members who have not made this kind of serious commitment? Those closest to you will understand you the least and you will be hated on account of His Name. Are you ready for that?

Are you aware that at the heart of this issue is the Great Commission that we have all been given? That is what our duty and responsibility is after Baptism. That is what we opted into when we died to ourselves.
The Great Commission in Matthew Chapter 28: 6-20 (Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23; Acts 1:6-8).

Matthew 28:16-20 "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Romans 6:4-5 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:"
Galatians 3:27-29 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

People forget to put on Christ when they get baptized. That is where the rubber hits the road and that is what I have been exhorting so passionately for so long with so many people calling themselves Christian.
Believers, who become baptized, become a new sac for new wine to be poured into which is the WORD of God. I can promise you, if you study it and walk it as it is spelled out, you will experience the promised fire.

Baptism is not mentioned in the Old Testament because symbolically it represents the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we get baptized we identify with Jesus Christ publicly and tell the world that we are going to walk the walk from that day forward because we have died to ourselves. A person should fully comprehend what it means to be baptized. In other words be old enough to know what they are opting for and truly mean it when they do it.

The following article was submitted to us and is a published page from the pages of our Cephas Library.

What is baptism and why is it important?
Baptism comes from the Greek word "baptizo" which means to make fully wet or immerse.

It comes from the root word "bapto" which means to cover wholly, to dip, to stain (as with dye) or to wash.
KJV AMG Study Bible explains the verse Acts 2:38: The main verb in this verse is metanoesate (3340), meaning "repent." This refers to that initial repentance of a sinner unto salvation. The verb translated "be baptized" is in the indirect passive imperative of baptizo (907) which means that it does not have the same force as the direct command of "repent." The preposition "for" in the phrase "for the remission of sins" in Greek is eis (1519), "unto." Literally, it means "for the purpose of identifying you with the remission of sins." This same preposition is used in themselves with the work and ministry of Moses. Repentance is something that concerns an individual and God, while baptism is intended to be a testimony to other people. That is why baptistheto, "to be baptized," is in the passive voice indicating that one does not baptize himself, but he is baptized by another usually in the presence of others.

1) Baptism is a new birth.

Have you ever heard that we must be born again?

John 3: 3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

We have all experienced the physical birth. But now we must be born again of water and Spirit.

2) Baptism puts you inside Christ.

Romans 6: 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ... Galatians 3: 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ...

KJV AMG Bible note: "in Romans 6:3, the word pabtizo (907), means "to be identified with."

3) Baptism buries you with Christ so that you can share in his
death and resurrection.

Romans 6: 3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

Colossian 2: 12-12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

4) Baptism saves us...

1 Peter 3: 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

After Jesus died and rose after three days reappeared "..unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

KJV AMG "baptistheis (907), translated "is baptized," is an aorist participle but in the passive voice. This form refers to an act of outward obedience, in this case baptism... Baptism is a distinct act of obedience apart from salvation. If baptism were necessary for salvation, Ephesians 2:8 and many other verses should have been translated "ye are saved through faith and baptism."

5) Baptism washes away your sins... Acts 22: 16 Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins. and Acts 2: 38 ...be baptized for the remission of sins.

How Urgent is Baptism?

The book of Acts is the book of conversions. There we find examples of people being converted to Christ. The following people responded to the Gospel by being baptized.

Example #1 The Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized immediately upon hearing the gospel, Acts 8: 26-39 ...they came to a certain water: and the Eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest... and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch; and he baptized him.

Example #2 The Jailer and his whole family were baptized the same hour that they heard the gospel. Acts 16: 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Example #4 Saul was blinded for three days, but as soon as his eyesight was restored, he got baptized immediately. Acts 9: 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Example #5 Cornelius received the Holy Spirit FIRST, but he still got baptized immediately! Acts 10: 47-48 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

Never once did Peter or any apostle tell anyone at any time to say a sinner's prayer. Never once did they tell anyone to invite Jesus into their heart.

What did Peter say? Acts 2:38 and Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Peter's answer is the gospel of your salvation! ... The gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit... Ephesians 1:13. It was the first gospel message after the death and resurrection of Jesus. On the day of Pentecost as recorded in the book of Acts, Christ's church was established. Those who were baptized were added to the church and they received the Holy Spirit.

You may be asking yourself, "Why should I care what Peter said?"

The answer is in Matthew 16:18-19. Jesus said...

"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven..."

There you have it! Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom to Peter. He gave the keys to one person, not anyone else: not the pope, not Billy Graham, not your preacher, and not you. Jesus gave them to Peter and that is why I listened to Peter's gospel of salvation.

Peter holds the keys! Peter said it, so it is bound on earth and in heaven. If you want to be sealed by the Holy Spirit, then you should listen to his answer and then be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.

Key #1... Believe

Key #2... Repent

Key #3... Be baptized for forgiveness

Key # 4... You will receive the Holy Spirit!

I added in here:

How do you receive the Holy Spirit? By listening to HIS WORD and accepting what Jesus said. The WORD going into good ground will bring forth fruit in time. (I remember how impatient I was and didn't think it would ever happen but it did in God's timing)

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (That is the Bible KJV He is talking about).

John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.

John 17:17-26 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."

"Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

The contributor continued:

The answer for every believer was always the same: "And I said What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22: 16.

I added:

Again, remembering what John the Baptist spoke about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

Matthew 3:11 "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."
This is what I have been addressing. We are indeed baptized with fire, which has the effect of being exposed to fiery indignation from the world and especially Lucifer who begins to make our lives miserable. And it is about enduring to the end and whether we are going to turn on God like Lucifer did.

Living with the Holy Spirit (THE WORD) allowing Him to search our hearts day by day to see if we are truly committed to God is testing us. It requires dying to our own desires and allowing God to use our bodies for his purposes. Rita and I agree that we are hosts. We host the Holy Spirit in us and He does the work if we allow Him that freedom. That is what begets the trouble from society. So many people don't want to be reminded that they have to submit as well if they wish to go to heaven. God cannot look upon our sin.

Jesus calls his flock the little flock and states, not many there will be that find the path that one needs to walk. What you will experience is in line with the Bible. The fact that many of you are alarmed at what you are seeing in Christendom (mainstream) that it does not line up with the Bible is an excellent sign that you are likely already on the path Jesus talked about. Discernment is divine and further indication that you hear the Shepherd's voice.

Speaking of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said: Mark 10:38-40 But Jesus said unto them, "Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, "Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared."

Acts 19:4-6 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance (water Baptism), saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (Apparently they received the gifts of the Spirit when Paul laid hands on them.)

So, if you've been perplexed by the absence of relevant gifts and miracles inside your local congregations and church assemblies, if you've wondered why there seems to be such a large contrast between mainstream Christianity and the biblical examples afforded us in scripture, it is likely because of the absence of true commitment to Christ Jesus and the pattern of life He established for us. Many churches, in fact most of them, practice forms of baptism but so few of the gathered members are instructed fully what the real meaning behind baptism is. So often, when one changes from one local church denomination to another and their former baptism is regarded as irrelevant and not accepted, they are asked or encouraged to be baptized in their newer chosen denomination. What a crock and misuse of biblical teaching!

If you're like me and received an infant baptism and you were never really taught or instructed as to the implications and merits of genuine baptism, then you are a likely candidate for choosing to be baptized in water (full immersion) and make a public proclamation before witnesses (brothers and sisters of the same faith) who can help to hold you accountable for your decision. I would strongly recommend that you step up to the plate and do so if you have not already made this kind of commitment. If your 'yes' truly means yes then I can promise your life will change and you will find purpose. As for the baptism by fire, I make no promises because that is strictly between you and GOD. I would surly embrace you and accept you as a brother or sister and enjoy your participation in the fields of harvest as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling together.

Have you been Baptized?

With all sincerity and love for the truth and our scattered brethren abroad,
With all God fearing sincerity and love for my brethren,

Nicholas A. Stivers, humbled man, scribe and messenger.

Author; Apostasy Revealed published 2003 by Mountainview Publishing ISBN: 1-928602-92-4
http://nicholasscrolls.cephasministry.com
http://abide-in-truth-events.cephasministry.com/
http://cephasministry.com