Diving Into Baptism: Introduction Part 1

What comes to mind when you hear the word baptism? The first thought most people have is water. However, the Bible speaks of other baptisms--in fact, there are seven specifically mentioned.

Many people never give this much thought. There was a time when I didn't. However, over the years, God has opened my eyes to these treasures of truth. Since then, I continue to study them. I am of the opinion that each of these baptisms play a significant role in increasing our understanding of God's plan for humanity and they serve as explanations for the whys are wherefores of life. For this reason, I am sharing what I have gleaned thus far in hopes that it will clarify some of the misnomers on baptism.

The Seven Baptisms of the Bible:

1. The Baptism of Israel.

2. The Baptism of John (Water for the Jew).

3. The Baptism by water (For the Gentile).

4. The Baptism Into Jesus Christ.

5. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

6. The Baptism of Suffering.

7. The Baptism of Fire.

It is important to note that the word baptism means, "to be completely submerged in". In this respect, you can baptize just about anything in just about anything.

The Old Testament is full of examples of articles being "baptized". There were strict ceremonial cleansing laws; not only for themselves, but also for their clothing and cooking utensils. The Jews were very aware of the importance of preparation by cleansing. This becomes important when we get to the baptism of John, or what I like to call the baptism of the Jews. This helps me to keep things straight as I study the difference between the baptism of the Jew and the baptism of the Gentile.

As we study, we will see that there are times when baptism is literal and when it is metaphorical or "spiritual", or both--meaning, the literal act of baptism has a spiritual application.

Baptism is also a well-known concept outside of the Christian world; Egyptians, potters, fabricators and the like use this term. I say this to remind us that there is more to baptism than we tend to think.

I have three goals that I pray will be reached by the end of this series:

1. We will see that biblical baptism will always represent the truth as it relates to salvation, which is that we become a child of God by surrendering our will to his and placing ourselves completely in Christ, thus being born-again.

2. That we will slow down and read the Bible as if reading for the first time (or maybe start reading), so that we will not miss out on the little phrases, realizing that each story has a purpose.

3. That the body of Christ will not put so much emphasis on water baptism and apply the lessons found in all of the other baptisms to our lives so that we will be able to "give an answer for the hope that lies within" and encourage others in the faith.

I hope you will join me on this journey through baptism. I ask for forgiveness up front, as I know I will fall short in explaining all that this perspective has to offer. I will post each study in the order listed above. I look forward to your participation--as the word of God says, "Iron sharpens Iron".

Soon to follow, The Baptism of Israel: What can we learn - Part 2 of 8.
I'm praying for you, please pray for me.


© Teresa Ortiz

Is God Your First Choice or Last Resort?

Hebrews 4: 15 -16 "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need"

Has it been one of those days? You know the kind, when everything that could possibly go wrong has? For me it was the washer and dryer going out the night before my daughter and I were off to California to visit friends and family.

It was also the week before Christmas and I needed to make sure everything was in order before I left my husband to man the house with our son. It is times like these that make me say "Calgon, take me away!"


However, as calm as Calgon might make me on the outside, It will do nothing to calm the inside. After running around frantically trying to ring out the clothes in the washer, trying to pack and wondering how in the world I was going to pay for a new washer and dryer after spending money on airline tickets and Christmas gifts and …. It hits me:

"Maybe I should pray about this." What a novel idea! I can hear Him now, "Teresa, my child. I have a solution if you would just take a minute to chat with Me".

After taking a minute to breathe and remember that "I" don't have it all figured out, I began to pray. I relaxed. I breathed, I even whined a little (well okay, a lot). I simply said, what should I do?

The next morning I went to work - The Lord impressed upon me to go "check out" some washers and dyers on my lunch break. I did. When I arrived back at work, I was surprised to find an envelope on my desk.

It was a Christmas bonus! I went back to the store and purchased the washer and dryer. It was delivered and installed just in time for my daughter and I to leave for the airport.

By the way, did I mention my daughter had a basketball game that night as well?

Take time to seek the Lord BEFORE that "day" comes.

Father, forgive me for not going to you first. Change my heart and draw me closer to You so that You are my first choice for comfort instead of the last resort. Thank you for your patience with me. Make me more like you today. Organize my time and give me discernment to recognize Your voice. In Jesus name, Amen


(C) Teresa Ortiz