Baptisms - Part II: Of Fire

The next type of baptism happens immediately after you have accepted Christ. It is the same full immersion, but not into water. It is a completion into Fire. However; It is also an ongoing thing, not a one time thing that happens and then is done.

"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:" (Luke 3:16)
The Greek could be translated "He will overwhelm you with the Holy Spirit, even Fire."
The translation in English could make one think that Holy Spirit and Fire are two different things, but by knowing other scriptures it is plain that the Holy Spirit is the Fire that John was talking about.

"I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?" (Luke 12:49)What is this fire?

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:3-4)
This tongues appeared as if they were made of fire. Why?

"Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:28-29)
"His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;" (Revelation 1:14)
"And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." (Revelation 4:5)

These seven lamps are the Seven Spirits of God.
"John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;" (Revelation 1:4)
The Seven Spirits of God, which comprise the completed Holy Spirit, are taught to us through Isaiah the prophet. We are shown how Jesus, the Branch had this completion.

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;" (Isaiah 11:1-2)

Spirit of the Lord (YHVH, which is Yahovah, Jehovah, God)
Spirit of Wisdom (In all things because it is the Lord's Wisdom and not our own.)
Spirit of Understanding (Discernment)
Spirit of Counsel (Advice)
Spirit of Might (Valor aka Courage, and the power and strength that comes with it.)
Spirit of Knowledge (Perception, Skill)
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord (Reverence of the Lord)

These are the seven Spirits contained in a completed Holy Spirit. They rested within Jesus and when we believe upon Jesus, these Seven Spirits of God are given to us as the Lord can use us. Read Chapter 12 of 1st Corinthians to understand more about these gifts.

I have shown you many scriptures above and how the fire of God is the Holy Spirit. If you go back to our main passage in Hebrews 6, remember I spoke about how the "perfection" of verse one is actually "completion". These seven Spirits contain that completion and as we progress through our Christian walk into new and awesome things, that completion becomes a reality.

So that Baptism of Fire is a baptism, an immersion of our spirit into the Holy Spirit. Our Father dwells inside. His Spirit comprised of those Seven, begins to dwell and set us on fire! "On Fire for God" is a common phrase and it is very accurate! Because; if we have accepted Christ and begin maturing within his love, that Fire comes down from God and devours us. It consumes us, overwhelms us and destroys the sin within. Fire is a refiner, and burns away the ways of the World. So seek the Lord God, trust in Him, live in His ways and you will be baptized by that fire of the Holy Spirit and come into complete relationship with Him. Amen!

That should cover Baptisms, any questions or comments are welcome. We have three more fundamental topics! God Bless!
In His Service,
Carl Towns

Next: Laying on of Hands

Basic Training