Sermon Audio Archive

What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

FROM: 7/28/02 Radio Program

Question:

When the Bible talks about the baptism of fire, what is it talking about?

Answer:

We first read about the baptism of fire in John's preaching. In Matthew 3:7-12, we read, "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

In Matthew 3:7-12 we read about this "fire" (v. 10, 12), and in both cases, John stated this as a warning. Sometimes, people wish to discuss "Holy Spirit baptism" and the "baptism of fire" as if they were one and the same thing. Some say they are separate baptisms, but in either case, it is said that such is necessary in order to be saved. Some have even prayed for the Lord to "baptize" them "with fire." Yet, such is not what John was teaching. In context, we see that the "fire" John spoke of was reserved for the tree that would not bear good fruit and for the "chaff" (v. 10, 12)! Just because the "Holy Spirit" and the "fire" are stated together (v. 11) doesn't necessarily mean that they will occur at the same time!

In fact, this "fire" stands for punishment. Not only did John say so, but Paul said: "to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (II Thess. 1:7-8). Jesus Himself said, "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Rev. 21:8). Here, we see the idea of one being overwhelmed in his punishment as he endures "everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25:41).

Therefore, the "baptism of fire" is yet to come, and it will come on the day of judgment when those who did not know God, nor obey His gospel will be cast from Him into everlasting punishment. I don't want to be in the number, do you? With all my heart I want to avoid this baptism! The way one does this is by submitting to the baptism that is now in force (Eph. 4:5), baptism in the element of water "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38, 8:35-39, 22:16; I Pet. 3:21)!

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