Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:1-2
In these verses, the writer of Hebrews tells believers to move on past the fundamental principles of repentance, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment. In the previous chapter, (Ch. 5) he exhorts them, telling them they should at that time already be teachers, but have need to be taught the basics all over again. So the doctrines or principles listed in Hebrews 6 are fundamental and even elementary and need to be established before going on to perfection (maturity).
It is vitally important that we also have these fundamental principles established so that we can go on to perfection. I want to look at one of them with you today.
The doctrine of baptisms: First let’s establish what ‘baptism’ means.
The word ‘baptism’ comes from the gk word baptismos, meaning to wash, to dip, to be fully immersed by someone into something; to dip and dye, there must be a baptizer, and there must be a medium into which a person is baptized. (Sparkling Gems, Rick Renner)
Next, we see that in this verse, the word ‘baptisms’ is plural. So there is more than one baptism. What are they? There are three:
1st baptism: This baptism is done by the Holy Spirit – the Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ and we become part of the body of Christ. This is done the moment we receive salvation, and does not involve our participation. This is the only baptism required to be saved.
The Apostle Paul refers to this essential baptism in Ephesians 4:4-5: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” This is the one baptism for salvation.
- For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13)
- For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:27-28)
2nd baptism- This baptism is performed by believers. A believer is baptized into water and is done after he accepts Jesus as his Lord and Savior. This is an outward declaration of his decision and symbolizes the internal spiritual reality of the ‘old nature’ being put to death and burying him through baptism.
Water baptism does not produce salvation whether it is an infant being baptized or an adult. This baptism is not necessary for Salvation; however, being baptized in water after being saved, is an act of obedience to the command by Jesus to be baptized and was demonstrated as a step of faith in the book of Acts. It is never too late to be water baptized.
- But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:12
- Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Acts 8:36-38
3rd baptism- Jesus baptizes you into the power of the Holy Spirit. This is what is commonly referred to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit and is a subsequent experience to salvation. This baptism is not essential for salvation, but enables a born-again believer to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts illustrates a pattern that the believers in the early church were baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit after receiving their salvation; and today, you will find a notable difference in the victory and enablement of a believer who has received this baptism in the Holy Spirit and a believer who has not. This baptism is scriptural, and is for every believer.
- For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:5
- And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4
There are 3 baptisms in scripture. The book of Acts illustrates this and makes a clear distinction of what they represent. The only baptism required for salvation is done by the Holy Spirit the minute you receive your salvation. You are baptized into Christ and become part of the body of Christ. Water baptism is not necessary for your salvation and does not produce salvation but according to the pattern of the early church, was an expected and desired act of obedience. And the third baptism is done by Jesus and He baptizes a believer into the power of the Holy Spirit. The believer receives the power of God to enable him to fulfill God’s purposes.
If you haven’t received each of these three baptisms, I encourage you to. There is nothing you can do in your own effort or any action on your part to accomplish the free gift of salvation, nor is it automatic. Just acknowledging Him, or going through a ceremonial observance and making the assumption that you are saved, is NOT going to save you. It must be accepted by faith. If you add anything to Jesus’ sacrifice, you void it. Therefore, if you’ve never made a conscious decision of making Jesus your Lord and Savior, you will not be saved. But when you do, the Holy Spirit baptizes you; you become born-again (spiritually reborn) and receive eternal life. Praise God! He does it all for you.
Once you have taken this step, it is important to acknowledge your faith openly through water baptism and then receive the subsequent baptism into the power of the Holy Spirit so that you can walk in the fullness of what God wants to do in you and through you. amen