1. Definition.
A. The baptism of fire is defined as the judgment of the Tribulation unbelievers at the Second Advent.
They are removed from the earth and placed in hell fire for 1000 years until the great white throne judgment.
B. Both Jews and Gentiles who are Tribulation unbelievers are involved in this Second Advent judgment.
C. This judgment results in the Millennium beginning with believers only. Mt 3:11-12; Lk 3:16.
2. The baptism of fire is just one of nine different baptisms in the Bible.
(See the Doctrine of Baptisms)
3 The time of the baptism of fire is at the Second Advent. 2 Thes 1:7-9; Mt 3:11-12.
4 The announcement of the baptism of fire was given to John the Baptist. Mt 3:11-12; Lk 3:16-17.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit and the baptism of fire demonstrate the power of Jesus Christ.
In the days of Noah, all unbelievers were removed from the earth by water; at the Second Advent unbelievers will be associated with fire.
5 The analogy to the baptism of fire is found in Mt 24:36-41.
The one left in the field is the believer; the one taken is the unbeliever.
The Second Advent is compared to the days of Noah when people had no time for doctrine because they were too distracted by the pleasures of normal living.
6 Parables of the Baptism of Fire.
A. The wheat and the tares. Mt 13:24-30, 36-40.
B. The good and bad fish. Mt 13:47-50.
C. The ten virgins. Mt 25:1-13.
D. The sheep and the goats. Mt 25:31-46.
E. The talent test. Mt 25:14-30.
The one talent man represents the unbeliever.
7. The Jewish Baptism of Fire. Ezek 20:34-38; Isa 1:25-27.
All Jewish unbelievers of the Tribulation go into fire. Mal 3:1-6, 4:1-2.
Christ judges them in the desert.
8. The Gentile Baptism of Fire. Mt 25:31-46.
9. The baptism of fire is used to motivate and evangelize Jews of the Church Age. Heb 12:27-29.
The punishment area for the baptism of fire is Torments (hell) where all unbelievers await the great white throne judgment.
10 The baptism of fire vindicates the character of Jesus Christ. Rev 19:11.
11. The baptism of fire is necessary for the beginning of a new civilization in the millennium.
In each civilization man has a different life span.
Each civilization has its own climate and its own variation in species.
All civilizations begin with believers only.
A civilization is the divine protection of the human race during the angelic conflict.
There are four civilizations throughout human history: antediluvian, postdiluvian, millennial and eternal. (see Doctrine of Civilizatons)
12. Applications of this doctrine.
A. The application to the Jews in the Church Age from Heb 12:27-29: you cannot handle life if you are easily shaken.
B. It is important to believe in Christ during crisis opportunities.
C. The integrity of our Lord is vindicated by the baptism of fire.
D. The baptism of fire is necessary to start a new civilization.
