Salvation Series : Lesson 4

Baptism of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11 ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

In this study we will be looking at Baptism of the Holy Ghost. In our previous study we looked at spiritual circumcision. In the passage for spiritual circumcision we saw that it was connected with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. These are connected because both of them happen at the same time. They are both processes of salvation in the church age.

In Matthew 3:11-12 John the Baptist, who is the forerunner of Jesus Christ, is baptizing at the river Jordan. He mentions three baptisms in verse 11. We will list these below and give a definition of each one.

1)  Water Baptism – John was baptizing in water to manifest Jesus Christ to Israel (John 1:31)

2)  Holy Ghost Baptism – John said the one who would come after him (Jesus Christ) would baptize with the Holy Ghost.

3)  Fire – John said the one who would come after him would also baptize with fire. This is not the same as Holy Ghost Baptism because in verse 12 we see that is called unquenchable fire. This is talking about hell.

With these definitions it is plain to see that these Baptisms are not the same as one another. Water Baptism does save you and the Holy Ghost Baptism is not the baptism of fire.

The first time we see anyone being baptized by the Holy Ghost is in Acts 2:1-8. This is the day of Pentecost. Jesus had told the Eleven at his departure that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost shortly after his departure (Acts 1:4-5). In Acts 10:44-48 Gentiles receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and note that they get the Holy Ghost before they are baptized in water, showing once again that water baptism does not save you.

What is Baptism of the Holy Ghost?

It is the spiritual process whereby we are baptized into the Body of Jesus Christ the moment we are saved (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). This is why we are said to be “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3 ; 2:6) even though we are still on earth. Right now we are seated with him in heaven because we are spiritually in his body. I cannot fully explain this but that is why it is called a mystery in Ephesians 5:32. As being members of his body we are also espoused to him as a chaste virgin (2 Corinthians 11:1) and we will be the bride of Jesus Christ in the future (Revelation 19:7-10).

The question becomes if Baptism of the Holy Ghost is what saves us and water baptism does not, then what is water baptism about. It is a figure of what has happened to us spiritually. When we are saved we are said to be baptized into his death and resurrected to walk in the newness of life (Romans 6:24). So that is why when we baptize someone we immerse them under the water, this show death. Then they are brought froth out of the water which shows being spiritually resurrected to walk in the new life. This is why it is called a figure in 1 Peter 3:21.

Salvation Series : Lesson 4 (Handout)

Baptism of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:11 ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

1)  What are the 3 Baptisms listed in Matthew 3:11?

            a.

            b.

            c.

2)  Are any of these the same Baptism?

3)  Where is the first time we see the Baptism of the Holy Ghost?

4)  Where do we see the Baptism of the Holy Ghost come upon the Gentiles?

5)  What is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost?

6)  What is water Baptism?