What is the doctrine of “baptisms” referred to in Hebrews 6:2?
Let’s review Hebrews 6:1-2:
Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
(Heb. 6:1-2 NKJ)
It’s important to notice that the word “baptisms” is plural. Most Christians combine all the New Testament baptisms together, but the Bible teaches that there is more than one baptism mentioned in the New Testament.
The New Testament discusses three different types of baptisms. It is important for the Christian to understand and differentiate between them. Let’s look at three Scriptures which mention the three different baptisms.
First, “For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:5 NKJ).
Second, “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13 NKJ).
Third, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41 NKJ).
We must understand the difference in our baptism with the Holy Spirit (speaking with other tongues), our baptism into one body, or into Christ, (Gal. 3:27-28) by the Holy Spirit, and our baptism into water.
When we are born again, the Holy Spirit immediately baptizes us into Christ. We become one with Him (Rom. 6:1-6). After we are born again, we are commanded to be baptized into water. This baptism is symbolic of what happened when we accepted Jesus as our Savior.
Finally, we should allow ourselves to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, which is evidenced by speaking in other tongues.
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally on WFMJ, the NBC affiliate, reaching thousands weekly.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.