Baptisms in the Bible
It is a common mistake to think that water baptism is superior today to other baptisms in the Bible. However, the Bible mentions many baptisms and our one baptism does not include water.
Below is a list of distinct baptisms in the Bible including the only one in operation today as taught by Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery. “… One Lord, one faith, one baptism, … “ – Eph 4:5 The one baptism in operation today is our baptism into Christ by the Spirit. This is the only baptism taught by our Apostle Paul. (1 Cor 12:13; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27; Col 2:12)
1. Noah’s type baptism - Peter mentions that eight people were saved by water (though those saved in the Ark did NOT get wet) in an ark as a type of a future baptism. (Gen 6:13; 1 Peter 3:20-21)
2. Baptism unto Moses - Paul presents Israel’s baptism unto Moses “in the cloud and in the sea”. (1 Cor 10:12; Exo 14:29) Again, Israel did not get wet in this baptism.
3. Israel’s ceremonial cleansings - These cleansing rituals were required under the Mosaic Law for the cleansing of the people. (Num 19:13; Lev 11:25; Exo 19:14; Exo 30:17-21; Heb 9:10)
4. Levitical priesthood baptisms- These washings were required in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses. (Exo 29:4; Lev 8:6; Num 8:7)
5. Traditional Jewish baptisms - These baptisms were not mandated under the Law but were part of Jewish tradition. (Mt 15:12; Mk 7:19; Lk 11:38)
6. John’s baptism - John came to Israel baptizing with water for the remission of sins so that they could enter the promised kingdom. (Mt 3:56; Mk 1:4; Lk 3:3; Jn 1:31; Lk 7:29; Acts 10:37)
7. Jesus’ baptism by John - Jesus, who knew no sin, was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus did not need this baptism for the remission of sins because He was sinless.(Mat 3:13-17; Mk 1:910)
8. Baptism with fire - Jesus would baptize the nation with fire as they went through the tribulation. This trial baptism would damn the unfaithful to hell. (Isa 4:4; Mal 3:23; Mt 3:11; Lk 3:16)
9. Jesus’ baptism unto death - Jesus’ second baptism which he accomplished at the cross where he was identified with the sins of Israel and the world. (Mt 20:22-23; Mk 10:38-39; Luke 12:50) NO WATER
10. Pentecostal water baptism - Peter’s presentation of water baptism for the remission of sins in the name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38; Mk 16:16; Mt 28:19; Acts 22:16; Eze 36:25)
11. Pentecostal Spirit baptism - This is the baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ from heaven poured out upon the believing remnant of Israel with signs and powers following. (Isa 44:3; Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16) NO WATER
12. Gentile baptism of Cornelius - Cornelius was baptized with the Holy Spirit as a sign to Peter. Peter subsequently baptizes Cornelius and the other Spirit filled Gentiles with water. (Acts 10:45-48)
13. Baptism for the dead This baptism is debated heavily and is most likely synonymous with one of the other baptisms. If this is true, “for the dead” would signify the circumstance under which those believers were baptized. (1 Cor 15:29)
14. Baptism into Christ - The only baptism taught by Paul which identifies the believer with Christ, his death, and resurrection. This baptism is performed by the Spirit and does not include water. (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5; Col 2:12; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:34) NO WATER