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The phrase baptism by fire or baptism of fire is a Christian theological concept originating from the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11.[1]
It also has related meanings in military history and popular culture.
The term baptism with fire originated from the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11 (and the parallel passage in Luke 3:16).[1]:
Matthew 3:11 "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" King James Version 1611
Many Christian writers, such as John Kitto, have noted that this could be taken as a hendiadys, the Spirit as fire, or as pointing out two distinct baptisms - one by the Spirit, one by fire. If two baptisms, then various meanings have been suggested for the second baptism, by fire - to purify each single individual who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to be the temple of the Holy Spirit, to cast out demons and to destroy the stronghold of the flesh by the Fire of God.[2]
Of this expression, J. H. Thayer commented: "to overwhelm with fire (those who do not repent), i.e., to subject them to the terrible penalties of hell".[3] W. E. Vine noted regarding the "fire" of this passage: "of the fire of Divine judgment upon the rejectors of Christ, Matt. 3:11 (where a distinction is to be made between the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the fire of Divine retribution)".[4] Arndt and Gingrich speak of the "fire of divine Judgment Mt. 3:11; Lk. 3:16".[5]
However, as J. W. McGarvey observed, the phrase "baptize you ... in the fire" also refers to the day of Pentecost, because there was a "baptism of fire" which appears as the tongue of fire on that day. Parted "tongues," which were mere "like as of fire ... sat upon" each of the apostles. Those brothers were "overwhelmed with the fire of The Holy Spirit" on that occasion.[6] Similarly, Matthew Henry comments that as "fire make[s] all it seizes like itself... so does the Spirit make the soul holy like itself."[7]
The concept of baptism by 'fire and the Holy Spirit' lies behind the Consolamentum rite of the Cathars or Albigenses.
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Main article: Entire sanctification |
In Methodism (inclusive of the holiness movement), baptism by fire is synonymous with the second work of grace: entire sanctification, which is also known as Baptism with the Holy Spirit.[1]
Jabulani Sibanda, a theologian in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, says with regard to entire sanctification:[1]
This experience is important because it is the second work of grace. It leads to purity of heart, and it is the baptism by fire (Matthew 3:11) in which impurities are dealt with. This experience symbolizes the death to self as Paul said that he is crucified with Christ, “…I do not live but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). It is the singleness of the eye. “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness” (Matthew 6:22–23 KJV). Singleness of the eye is the opposite of what James addresses as double mindedness. He calls people to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts. The person focuses on God alone; he or she is no longer unstable. It is also an experience of devotedness and separateness to God. This is an experience of one giving oneself totally to God.[1]
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Main article: Baptism with the Holy Spirit § Classical Pentecostalism |
In Pentecostalism, baptism by fire is synonymous with Spirit baptism, which is accompanied by glossolalia (speaking in tongues).[8]
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the term relates to confirmation and the phrase "baptism of fire" or "baptism by fire" appears several times in Latter-day Saint canonized scripture, including: Doctrine and Covenants 20:41; Doctrine and Covenants 33:11; Doctrine and Covenants 39:6; and 2 Nephi 31:13–17.
The relation between the confirmation of the Holy Ghost and the baptism of fire is explained by David A. Bednar, a church apostle: "the Holy Ghost is a sanctifier who cleanses and burns dross and evil out of human souls as though by fire".[9]
In the military usage, a baptism by fire refers to a soldier's first time in battle.[10] Writers such as John Deedy have stated that the term in a military sense entered the English language in 1822 as a translation of the French phrase baptême du feu.[11] From military usage, the term has extended into many other areas in relation to an initiation into a new role.[12] The "Baptism By Fire: CIA Analysis of the Korean War" compilation features 1,300 documents spanning 1947 to 1954, offering insights on the Korean Peninsula. Released on the war's 60th anniversary, it constitutes the largest set of CIA records on the topic, coinciding with the "New Documents and New Histories: Twenty-First Century Perspectives on the Korean War" conference jointly organized by the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and the CIA in Independence, Missouri."[13]
The phrase 'baptism of fire' has also entered into popular culture. An example is Brothers in Arms (song) by the Dire Straits, which covers the British involvement in the Falklands war:
Through these fields of destructions
baptisms of fire
I've witnessed your suffering
as the battle raged higher.
