“The doctrine of baptisms†(Hebrews 6:1-2)

[John Zain]

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Please see Post #2
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[John Zain]

Hebrews 6:1-2
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ,
let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation
of repentance from dead works and
of faith toward God,
of the doctrine of baptisms (plural),
of laying on of hands,
of resurrection of the dead, and
of eternal judgment.

This kind of throws a monkey-wrench into the theory of only “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5).
There are several theories about what Paul was talking about, which can be researched.

The following is my doctrine of baptisms …

Baptism into the church (salvation) --- Baptizer: the Holy Spirit
This does not refer to a phony salvation, which has always been quite prevalent,
i.e. merely an intellectual belief, or conversion of one’s thinking.
But this refers to being “born again (from above)” with the Holy Spirit entering the person.
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (the church)
… and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)
The Holy Spirit takes up residence INSIDE the believer … John 14:16-23, Romans 8:11,
1 Corinthians 3:16, Galatians 4:6, 2 Timothy 1:14, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:12-16.
So, I classify this baptism as the one where the Holy Spirit comes “inside” people.

Baptism in water (a symbolic demonstration of faith) --- Baptizer: man
Full-immersion baptism in water is symbolic, being the outward expression of inward faith.
Any other type of water baptism is unscriptural and just dreamed up by man.
Paul said, “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17).
We are justified by God’s gift of grace through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Baptism with the Holy Spirit (an anointing power for ministry) --- Baptizer: Jesus Christ
John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit
(Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33).
This does not refer to salvation.
But this refers the Holy Spirit coming UPON the believer … Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-8,
Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8:14-19, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 11:15-17, Acts 19:5-6.
This baptism with the Holy Spirit comes after a person is born again (or at the same time).
So, I classify this baptism as the one where the Holy Spirit comes “upon” people.
Note:
Approx. 8 times in the OT, the Spirit came UPON God's prophets as an ANOINTING to prophecy, etc.
I believe only twice did a prophet say the Spirit came INSIDE of him.
Now I ask you, wasn't it a tad difficult for them to know if the Spirit was upon or inside them?
IMO, only if God told them, would they know for sure. In those 2 cases, the prophet was mistaken.
[Muslims would love this ... a prophet mistaken! They insist that all of God's prophets were sinless.]

Baptism with fire (extreme suffering for the gospel’s sake) --- Baptizer: Jesus Christ
John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the One who baptizes with fire
(Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16).
Jesus asked His 12 disciples if they were able to be martyrs after Him:
“Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with
the baptism that I am baptized with?” (Matthew 20:22-23).
Jesus told His 12 disciples that they would be martyrs after Him:
“You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with
the baptism that I am baptized with …” (Mark 10:38-39).

All of the baptisms are glorious blessings, even the baptism with fire:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake” (Matthew 5:10).