Bishop Ryrie says: "The distinction between various baptisms is a necessary part of basic Christian doctrine."

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John's Baptism Is Distinguished As Being Unto Repentance

(Matthew 3:6,11 ). Such that came to John for baptism were identifying with his message, confessing personal need, and were committing themselves to live by Old Testament standards of righteousness in eager preparation for the welcoming of the coming Messiah.

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Believers' Baptism In Water Is Distinguished As Identifying With Christ

(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38-41 ). The word used for believers' baptism is 'baptizo' meaning to overwhelm. It is from the word 'bapto'; to dip (Luke 16:24; Revelation 19:13; John 13:26 ). This baptism symbolises union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6 ).

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Baptism Into Christ And His Body Is Distinguished As A Spiritual Experience Of Regeneration

One born again (John 3:3,5 ). Such are baptised by the Spirit into Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13 ) and produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23 ). In Christ there is no racial or cultural distinction (Galatians 3:28 ). In the body of Christ each member had a function and is necessary to the profiting of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-21 ). Baptism into Christ is the one unifying baptism referred to in Ephesians (Ephesians 4:5 )

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The Baptism In The Holy Spirit Is Distinguished As Power For Service

John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11 ). The risen Lord confirmed this (Acts 1:5 ) and promised power would be received (Acts 1:8 ). Not only are we commissioned to be His witnesses we are given Holy Spirit 'dunamis' to effectively do so. At Pentecost Jesus first baptised men and women with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4 ). Peter proclaimed the promise of the Holy Spirit coming in power upon all believers.

Acts 2:39 "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." (KJV)

With some people the Holy Spirit comes in a baptism of power before water baptism (e.g. Acts 10:44- 48 ) and others after water baptism (e.g. Acts 2:38; 8:12-17; 19:1-7 ).

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The Baptism In Suffering Is Distinguished As Suffering With Christ For The Gospel

Jesus speaks of His rejection and crucifixion as a baptism of suffering (Luke 12:50; 24:26 ). The prophets spoke of His sufferings (Luke 24:26; Acts 3:18 ). The apostles rejoiced in being counted worthy to suffer (Acts 5:40-41 ).

Paul partook of this baptism of suffering:

	He was shown this at his call (Acts 9:16 ).
	The Holy Spirit faithfully warned him (Acts 20:23 ).
	He spoke of his experience (2 Corinthians 4:11 ).
	Testified that suffering could not separate them from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35-36 ).
	Gave a list of things he suffered and endured for the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28 ).

This baptism of suffering is experienced by those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12 ). Those who suffer greatly for Christ will receive greater joy and glory (Romans 8:17-18 ), and will reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12 ). It should not be thought of as strange or unusual for the Lord's people to suffer for Him and the gospel (1 Peter 4:12 ). Paul wrote to the Philippians , a church known for its joy and rejoicing

Philippians 1:29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; " (KJV)

In the trials and sufferings we may be granted, remember:

1 Corinthians 1:9 "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. " (KJV)

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Can you explain the meaning of the baptism of John (Matthew 3:6,11 )?

2. What does it mean to you to be identified with Christ in believers' baptism (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:28-41; Romans 6:3-5 )?
   • From the original word used for believers' baptism, would you expect a believer to be totally immersed?
   • Is an outward form of baptism meaningless unless it symbolises experience of actual new birth?

3. Who baptises believers into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13 )? Would you expect to see the fruit of the Spirit in the life of one who had been born again and baptised into the body of Christ (John 3:3,5; Galatians 3:28 )?

4. Is every believer promised a baptism of Holy Spirit power to witness (Acts 1:8; 2:39 )?

5. Can you explain what is meant by the baptism of suffering (Luke 12:50; 24:26; Acts 5:40- 41 )?
   • Was Paul taken by surprise by his baptism of suffering (Acts 9:16; 20:23 )?
   • Would you think it strange or unusual to suffer for Him and the gospel (1 Peter 4:12 )?