The Two Baptisms

The two baptisms Michael Thomas A Scriptural Exploration

Tonight, we address a subject that has stirred much debate within the Christian body—the topic of baptism. This teaching stems from my experience growing up in a ministry deeply rooted in the Word of God, namely the Bible Talk School of Faith, later known as Bible Teachers International. Our ministry is distinct in that it focuses on the bible itself; we emphasize Scripture over tradition, culture, or denominational influence. Baptism, like speaking in tongues, often divides believers and has led to the formation of many denominations. Such divisions arise not from God’s intention but from human misunderstanding and pride. The Word of God is meant to unify, not to separate. When Scripture is rightly divided and the Holy Spirit guides interpretation, unity in the body of Christ is achievable despite differences in understanding.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

This verse has sparked considerable theological debate. Key questions arise: What does it mean to baptize “in the name of” the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Where does Scripture explicitly define these names? In the New Testament, we see the Holy Spirit referred to by title—Comforter, Spirit of Truth—but never a specific personal name as with the Father or the Son. These nuances have contributed to varying doctrines about baptism’s form and efficacy.

BAPTISM

Mark 1:4–8

4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.

8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. John baptized in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. People from Judea and Jerusalem came, confessing sins and being baptized by him in the Jordan River. John proclaimed that while he baptized with water, the one succeeding him— Jesus—would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

This passage introduces the concept of two baptisms: the baptism of repentance by water and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many assume that water baptism alone brings salvation, but the Scriptures suggest otherwise. For example, those baptized by John were not yet saved in the fullest sense—they awaited the Spirit’s baptism that Jesus would bring.

JOHN THE BAPTIST

Water baptism is a public act of repentance. It symbolizes death to sin, burial of the old self, and resurrection into new life, paralleling Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. This earthly representation helps believers grasp the spiritual transformation they commit to. It reflects a vow to turn away from sin and embrace God’s will fully.

However, water baptism itself does not remit sin, as Hebrews 9:22 makes clear: “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission.” True cleansing and forgiveness come through the blood of Christ, who died as the ultimate sacrifice. Thus, the baptism of repentance prepares the way, but it must be undergirded by faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and the subsequent baptism with the Holy Spirit.

PURPOSE & SYMBOLISM

John’s role was prophetic and preparatory. Scripture identifies him as God’s messenger, sent to make straight the way for Jesus. His baptism was not an end in itself but a witness to the coming salvation through Christ. Even though John baptized many, he was aware that a greater baptism would come with the Holy Spirit—an inward transformation and sealing by God.

Mark 1:9-11

9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Immediately after the baptism, heaven opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice declared, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” This divine confirmation affirmed both Jesus’ ministry and John’s prophetic work. This event reveals that God does not work behind the scenes silently. When one truly follows His will, God confirms and validates their obedience and calling.

THE FORERUNNER

Paul reminds us that Christ is not divided, even though misunderstanding about baptism has caused division.

1 Corinthians 1:13–17

13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

He points out that baptism is not the core of every person's ministry. Paul’s mission was preaching the gospel, not baptizing. God assigns different roles within the body of Christ, each vital and to be respected. Some are called to baptize; others, to preach or teach. The unity of the church depends on embracing these varied functions without judgment or division.

THE APOSTLE PAUL

He points out that baptism is not the core of every person's ministry. Paul’s mission was preaching the gospel, not baptizing. God assigns different roles within the body of Christ, each vital and to be respected.

Some are called to baptize; others, to preach or teach. The unity of the church depends on embracing these varied functions without judgment or division.

07THE APOSTLE PAUL

Acts 1:1-5

1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT

Acts 1:4-5 recounts Jesus’ command for the apostles to wait for the promised baptism of the Holy Spirit, distinct from John’s water baptism, but intimately connected to the unfolding plan of salvation.

John the Baptist’s role could never be removed from the story of Jesus, nor vice versa. Both baptisms are necessary in understanding Christian initiation: one a water baptism showing repentance, the other a Spirit baptism signaling new life empowered by God.

THE BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT CONCLUSION

This exploration is but an introduction to the profound doctrine of baptism. As we continue to study God’s Word, seeking fellowship—not division.