THE MANY BAPTISMS OF THE BIBLE
Bro. Robert (R.L.) Barnes [1-19-2026]
Today, we’re going to be looking at the different “baptisms” found in Scripture. Within the King James Bible (God’s perfect, infallible & inerrant Word, in English), God speaks of art least 12 distinct “baptisms”; and only FIVE (5) of them have any connection to WATER. The other SEVEN (7) are either spiritual, or figurative.
Definition of “BAPTISM”/”BAPTIZE”. The word “BAPTIZE” has three meanings: 1) to dip, dunk, or wash; 2) pour; and, 3) become identified with.
- THE FIVE (5) “WATER” BAPTISMS
- 1) The Divers (various) Baptisms of Israel’s Religion of Judaism (Hebrews 6:2; 9:10 KJV). The word translated “WASHINGS”, in the Authorized King James Bible, is “BAPTISMS”. The Levitical ritual contained “divers”, or various kinds of “BAPTISMS”. The most common type was, most likely, the SPRINKLING of “the WATER OF PURIFICATION”, according to the RED HEIFER ordinance (Numbers 19 KJV). It’s important for people to understand that water baptism IS NOT a New Testament creation! Israel has practiced water baptism for some 1,500 years BEFORE New Testament times: seeing as water baptism (pouring/sprinkling) was the required process by which a Levite (descendants of Aaron) was sanctified & installed into their priestly office (Exodus 29:4 KJV).
•2) Traditional “Baptism”/”Washing” Ceremonies of the Jews (Mark 7:1-9 KJV): where the word “washings” is, again, rendered “baptisms”. These ceremonies Jesus denounced as making void the Word of God. The ceremonies of baptizing their hands, cups, pots, pans, couches, etc., had been ADDED TO JUDAISM – the ONLY perfect religion: given to Israel from God – by the rabbis, over time
•3) John’s Mass “Water” Baptism of Repentance (Matt. 3:1-17; Luke 3:1-3; John 1:19-31 KJV). This “water baptism” served these purpose, for Israel/the Jews, of: I) for the remission of sins; II) introduce Jesus to Israel as their Messiah (John 1:31).
•4) The “Water” Baptism of Christ (Matt. 3:13-15 KJV). This “water baptism” was performed to fulfill all righteousness. It was a very special “baptism”, because there was no reason, or need, for Jesus Christ to be “water baptized” for the remission of sins. No other human ever born could be “baptized” to fulfill all righteousness. No one ever could follow the Lord in this “baptism”.
•5) Pentecostal “Water Baptism”, In Jesus’ Name, For The Remission of Sins (Acts 2:36-38 KJV). This “water baptism” is a further advancement upon John’s baptism of Matthew 3; and, was commanded in Jesus’ commission to His Disciples in Mark 16:15-18 KJV, to be followed by miraculous signs, upon the receipt of the Holy Ghost.
•THE SEVEN (7) DRY “BAPTISMS”
•1) Nation of Israel’s “Baptism” Unto Moses (1 Cor. 10:1-4 KJV). This was a “dry” baptism; because the children of Israel hurriedly across the DRY sea bed – when God parted the Sea, to lead Israel away from Egyptian captivating – without getting their feet wet. But, the Egyptians were IMMERSED – drowned – but not “baptized” (Exodus 14:13-30 KJV).
•2) Christ’s “Baptism” In Death (Luke 12:50; Mark 10:38-39 KJV). This “dry baptism” occurred more than THREE (3) YEARS AFTER John had “baptized” Jesus with water, to introduce Him to Israel, as their Messiah [Matt. 3:13-15 KJV]. Also, see Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27; and Colossians 2:12 KJV to see the connection to believers, today, in this present dispensation of the Grace of God: rather than in “TIME PAST” (Judaism).
•3) Noah’s