Baptiam by 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. Mat 3:11.

John's baptism was unto repentance. Yet, John is careful to tell the multitudes that his baptism is but a sign, a mere shadow of the greater reality which the Messiah would bring. The superiority of Christ's Person and Work is emphasized by John's words: "He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear."

The baptism with the Holy Ghost is the special prerogative of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's the inward work of regeneration and sanctification in the soul. Those who are truly elect, called according to God's purpose, will experience this divine and singular baptism. It's not a form or ceremony, but a living, transforming work in the heart. It brings life where there was death, light where there was darkness, and creates in man a new nature, born to reflect the image of Christ.

But, the Lord Jesus does not only baptize with the Holy Ghost; He also baptizes with fire. This mention of fire rightly conjures images of tongues of fire, as was witnessed at Pentecost. Yet, this fire means something beyond the outwardly dazzling. Fire is symbolic of two things, and two things alone in scripture: purification and judgment. For the elect, this fire refines and purifies, working in the soul and upon the flesh, burning away the dross of sin and unrighteousness, making them fit for the Master's glory and use. As silver and gold are tried in the furnace, so the child of God is tried and tested, that he may come forth as gold.

However, there is another aspect to this fire that we must not overlook. For the reprobate, those who reject the Gospel and remain in their sins, this fire means judgment. The chaff, which is useless and worthless, will be consumed by the unquenchable fire of God's wrath. Fire, wherever we see it, should remind us of these two truths. None can stand before Him in their own righteousness; all must be clothed in the righteousness of Christ or face eternal condemnation.

The same Savior who offers the water of life, also warns of the fire of judgment. The same Lord who invites all to come unto Him and find rest, also declares that He will "throughly purge His floor." Let us, therefore, strive to be among the wheat, gathered into His garner, and not be found among the chaff, destined for unquenchable fire. The call is clear: Repent and believe the Gospel, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.