Bible Questions Answered:
“I want to know what it is to be baptized in fire.”
Nathan/ Henderson Nevada U.S.A.
Bible Answer:
Bible Text:
Matthew 3:11 KJV (John the Baptist, speaking of Christ.)
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:
Did John speak with inspiration? Yes.
Luke 1:15 KJV (Angel Gabriel.)
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
What was the fire that John referred to?
It was the fiery baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4 KJV
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (languages), as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Exodus 19:16-18 KJV (The appearance of the Lord at Sinai.)
16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.
17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.
18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
God's presence is an awesome presence.
Matthew 17:1-8 KJV
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with Him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.
Acts 2:2,3 KJV
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Before Calvary, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ had the Spirit of God...and how do we know this?
I Corinthians 12:3 KJV (Apostle Paul)
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
Before Calvary:
Mark 8:29 KJV
And He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto Him, Thou art the Christ.
John 11:27 KJV (Martha)
She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Christ before His disciples.
John 20:22 KJV
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
What then, was Acts 2:1-4?
It was what Jesus said it would be, and “enduement with power from on high", from the Holy Spirit, to equip those who would go forth confessing their faith.
Luke 24:49 KJV
And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued* with power* from on high.
Endued-Greek-Enduo (En-doo-o): To invest with clothing (literal or figurative) array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
Power-Greek-Dunamis (Doo-nam-is): Miraculous power: ability, abundance, meaning, might (ily,-y,- deed), worker of miracles, power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
And the Apostle Paul listed these works in first Corinthians chapter twelve.
Tongues of fire may or may not be seen today, but surely miraculous works of faith are seen by those who fearlessly proclaim the gospel of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
Is this promise of power for God's people, for today? Let's ask Peter.
Acts 2:39 KJV
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.
