Baptism - Water Baptism vs. Spirit Baptism

Baptism is mentioned throughout the New Testament Scriptures.  Some mistakenly associate the word baptism with water each time they see it.  When baptism is mentioned in the Bible, it does not always refer to water baptism.  Let's define the term and then review some verses in order to understand the full meaning from a biblical perspective.

The word "baptism" in the Bible comes from the Greek word "baptisma" (noun form), which literally means immersion or submersion. The verb form of the word in the New Testament comes from the Greek word "baptizo" which has the same definition but also carries the meaning of "cleansing" and "to dip repeatedly." Although the term does not appear in the Old Testament, the idea and practice of immersion/cleansing is there. Jewish tradition puts great emphasis on "cleansing" before performing any ritual as it pertains with God. Ceremonial baths for cleansing have always been a part of Jewish culture as we find in the Old Testament (Leviticus 16:4, 23-24).  Therefore, baptism has significant relevance to both Jewish and Christian heritage. 

Now that we understand the definition, let's look at some New Testament Scripture using this term.  John the Baptist in the New Testament was known for water baptizing many folks (hence his name).

John the Baptist states, "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." - Matthew 3:11

This verse is using baptism in multiple ways. They are defined differently. Notice, John says he is baptizing with water "unto repentance." Now this ritual is water baptism.  John the Baptist was baptizing folks in preparation for the Messiah (Jesus Christ).  John was fully immersing these folks into water in order to demonstrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (John's assumption was these folks were trusting Christ as Savior and baptism was being administered in sequential fashion).  Water baptism should be full immersion because it is a picture and outward demonstration of the Gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ), as well as a believer's new life/walk in Christ.  Water baptism is identification with our Savior and should be performed by believers in Christ after salvation as an obedient act towards God (not to be saved, but because you are saved and you want to publicly demonstrate your new faith). 

Please note, in the verse above (Matt. 3:11), John states he is baptizing them unto repentance (a change of mind to believe on Christ as Savior). Now, the Apostle Paul in the book of Acts confirms this truth.  He also clarifies to folks who were baptized by John that the water baptism did not save them. The point of the ritual water baptism by John the Baptist was to point them towards Christ to be saved (but some that got baptized didn't realize that and were unsaved - notice, water baptism does not save - Only believing the Gospel / trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior saves an individual). 

Notice how Paul questions these folks, and explains the difference of salvation and water baptism:

"He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since (when) ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance (change your mind), 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. ." - Acts 19:2-5

So we see in the above passage that these folks were water baptized but not saved because they did not have the Holy Spirit. Every believer in Christ has the Holy Spirit permanently indwelt in them (see Rom. 8:9 & 1 Cor. 3:16).

Now lets look at the other type of baptism which is the Spirit Baptism.  This baptism occurs the moment a person accepts the Gospel (trusting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior).  This Spirit baptism has nothing to do with water, but it does have cleansing power in sanctifying a believer (making them pure and holy & washing them clean and spotless spiritually)

Now, in the first Scripture verse we looked at, John the Baptist said of Christ, "he (Christ) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." - Matthew 3:11

The baptism of the Holy Spirit (or Spirit baptism) which Christ performs on every believer (every saved individual) is the operation of the Holy Spirit which spiritually places the believer into the body of Christ.  We see this Spirit Baptism in the following verse:

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body (Christ), whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:13

Notice all believers are baptized into the body of Christ.  Verse 27 of the same chapter says, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (1 Cor. 12:27)

This Spirit baptism spiritually identifies all believers with their Savior Jesus Christ. Spiritually, this means for the believer that when Christ hung on the cross, we (believers) hung on the cross; when Christ was buried, we (believers) were buried; when Christ rose from the grave, we (believers) rose from the grave; when Christ ascended to Heaven, we (believers) ascended to Heaven.  Positionally, as believers in Christ we are completely identified with Christ, and this is how we can KNOW our salvation is eternally secure. (See Rom. 6:4, Eph. 2:6, Col. 2:12)

Lastly, you will notice the baptism of fire mentioned in Matthew 3:11.  This is not a baptism anyone wants.  This baptism is actually for unbelievers (those who are unsaved / have not accepted the Gospel of their salvation - they remain dead in their sins), and this will occur when unbelievers are ultimately cast into the eternal lake of fire (Hell). 

We can know this is the meaning of this "baptism with fire" because of the context looking at the verse following Matthew 3:11. Notice, "Whose fan is in his hand, and he (Christ) will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat (believers) into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff (unbelievers - chaff or tares always refers to unbelievers in Scripture) with unquenchable fire (Hell)." - Matthew 3:12

If you haven't placed your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, please do so now.  Accept the Gospel of your salvation by simply believing Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood and died for your sins (all your sins - past, present, and future).  He then rose victoriously from the grave and offers you eternal life, forgiveness of all you sins, and a home in Heaven when you simply trust in Him as your personal Savior.