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QUESTION 9:
Do you believe in the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire?"

ANSWER:
I would rephrase that question. The "baptism OF the Holy Ghost," is unscriptural. He baptizes nobody. Christ is the Baptizer, and the Spirit is the Person whom we are baptized into. John baptized IN water. When John the Baptist spoke of the one (Jesus) who will come after him, he said, "he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Matthew 3:11. The word "with" is also translated "in." The "baptism of fire" is not the baptism in the Holy Ghost, as generally believed by Charismatic's. The latter was for the believers, and the fire was judgment on the unbelievers. To explain this, the "baptism of fire" is in view in Matthew 3: The Pharisees have come to John for baptism in water. He warns them to "flee from the wrath to come." Matthew 3:7. In Matthew 3:10, he speaks of judgment, "the axe is laid unto the root of the trees." The Pharisees were the trees. In Matthew 3:12, he speaks of "burning up the chaff, the Pharisees, with unquenchable fire." In between all of this is , Matthew 3:11, "the baptism of fire." It will take place later when He comes, "In flaming fire to taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thessalonians 1:8.

Dear Reader, will you be among them? Why not turn to Christ and be saved. Trust in Him. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen