The necessity of baptism for salvation is clearly taught in the Scriptures. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Paul told the Romans that baptism gives “newness of life” and allows a person to be “freed from sin” (Rom. 6:4-7). Add to that, how Peter even said that “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). So, it is unmistakable just with these few verses how a person must be baptized to receive cleansing from sin (Acts 22:16). Yet, the early church was familiar with two baptisms—baptism of the Holy Spirit and water baptism. This has caused some to wonder is there only one baptism or are there two baptisms to be received?
Baptism of the Holy Spirit was a special immersion that only occurred three times. First, the twelve apostles received this baptism on the Day of Pentecost when the church began in AD 33 (Acts 2:1-4). Jesus had promised that they would receive this baptism and instructed them to wait for it In Jerusalem (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5). This baptism empowered them with miraculous abilities (including inspired preaching and the ability to pass miraculous abilities along) to allow the church to take root and spread. Second, the apostle Paul received this baptism possibly when he went to Arabia (Gal. 1:17). Even though this baptism it is not recorded, it is clear he received it because he had the same advantages and abilities as the other apostles (2 Cor. 11:5; Acts 19:6). Third, the household of Cornelius also received this baptism around AD 41 (Acts 10:44-48). Peter said it was a gift just like what they had received at the beginning of the church (Acts 11:15-17). However, the purpose was a bit different. Instead of empowering them to do the work of the Lord like the apostles, it simply showed the Jews that the Gentiles had a right to salvation just like they did (Acts 11:12; 15-18).
All of these individuals received two baptisms; but, there is only one today. Around AD 62-64 Paul said, “there is one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). He was not referring to Holy Spirit baptism, but water baptism. This is easily seen for two reasons: Holy Spirit baptism was promised and not commanded (Acts 1:4) and Jesus was the only one who could administer it (Mat. 3:11). Therefore, as Jesus commanded the apostles and us to go into all the world preaching and baptizing people for the remission of sins (Mat. 28:19; Acts 2:38), He was speaking of water baptism only. Holy Spirit baptism was never for salvation, but water baptism is. It is where a person makes the decision to “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27), to “wash away sins” (Acts 22:16), being “buried” with Christ to be made spiritually alive (Col. 2:12,13). No one was ever commanded to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and no one will ever be. No one was ever saved by being baptized with the Holy Spirit and none will ever be baptized in this way again. The Lord fulfilled His purpose with the final instance of this baptism in AD 41. Yet, the “one baptism” in water for salvation continues until the end of time (Mat. 28:20).
~Derrick Coble
Baptism of the Holy Spirit was a special immersion that only occurred three times. First, the twelve apostles received this baptism on the Day of Pentecost when the church began in AD 33 (Acts 2:1-4). Jesus had promised that they would receive this baptism and instructed them to wait for it In Jerusalem (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5). This baptism empowered them with miraculous abilities (including inspired preaching and the ability to pass miraculous abilities along) to allow the church to take root and spread. Second, the apostle Paul received this baptism possibly when he went to Arabia (Gal. 1:17). Even though this baptism it is not recorded, it is clear he received it because he had the same advantages and abilities as the other apostles (2 Cor. 11:5; Acts 19:6). Third, the household of Cornelius also received this baptism around AD 41 (Acts 10:44-48). Peter said it was a gift just like what they had received at the beginning of the church (Acts 11:15-17). However, the purpose was a bit different. Instead of empowering them to do the work of the Lord like the apostles, it simply showed the Jews that the Gentiles had a right to salvation just like they did (Acts 11:12; 15-18).
All of these individuals received two baptisms; but, there is only one today. Around AD 62-64 Paul said, “there is one baptism” (Eph. 4:5). He was not referring to Holy Spirit baptism, but water baptism. This is easily seen for two reasons: Holy Spirit baptism was promised and not commanded (Acts 1:4) and Jesus was the only one who could administer it (Mat. 3:11). Therefore, as Jesus commanded the apostles and us to go into all the world preaching and baptizing people for the remission of sins (Mat. 28:19; Acts 2:38), He was speaking of water baptism only. Holy Spirit baptism was never for salvation, but water baptism is. It is where a person makes the decision to “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27), to “wash away sins” (Acts 22:16), being “buried” with Christ to be made spiritually alive (Col. 2:12,13). No one was ever commanded to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and no one will ever be. No one was ever saved by being baptized with the Holy Spirit and none will ever be baptized in this way again. The Lord fulfilled His purpose with the final instance of this baptism in AD 41. Yet, the “one baptism” in water for salvation continues until the end of time (Mat. 28:20).
~Derrick Coble