The Three Baptisms

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)

Note that the word baptisms used here by the writer of Hebrews is plural. That is because Scripture teaches that there is more than one baptism. There are three baptisms every believer needs to understand. The first is water baptism. When you go down into the water, you are saying, "Jesus died, which was part of the plan." But when you come up out of that water, you are saying, “But He did not stay in that grave. He was raised from the dead. And when they raised Him, He raised me. I am part of that plan!”

God the Father created the plan of salvation. Jesus carried out the plan, and the Holy Ghost assists you in carrying it out through your life. Water baptism is an outward declaration of an inward reality. It is you publicly identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The second baptism is baptism into the Body of Christ. That baptism happens the moment you are born again. The Holy Spirit places you into the Body of Christ. You become part of the family of God.

The third is the baptism in the Holy Ghost. This is the empowerment God has given you to be a witness, pray in tongues, and operate in the gifts of the Spirit.

All three baptisms are important. Water baptism is your public confession. Baptism into the Body of Christ makes you part of the family. Baptism in the Holy Ghost empowers you for service. You need all three. Do not neglect any of them. Each plays a role in your growth as a believer.

Practical Application

If you haven't been baptized in water, make it a priority. If you've been avoiding in-person church, adjust your schedule to attend regularly. Remember, you were baptized into a body of believers. If you haven't been baptized in the Holy Ghost, ask God to fill you and give you the evidence of speaking in tongues. Do not settle for partial obedience.

Mark 16:16; Luke 3:16