Baptism by fire

[ExiledSoul]

I had heard from a pastor's son that we will be sent a baptism by fire and I was thinking about it all day today. I found it's mentioned atleast twice in scripture


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:

Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:


Is this a literal baptism by fire or is there a deeping meaning to it? My ability to understand scripture is still bit weak. Was just wondering what the more experienced believers thought.

 

[tapero]

I've never experienced a baptism by fire since I've believed. Could the fire reference the hunger for God and His word. I experienced that right away. Here's one verse about fire..God's words being like fire.

Jeremiah 29:

"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Fire is also purifying:

So maybe upon our baptism of the Spirit (when we first believed) it is an analogy to the forgiveness of our sins, a purifying from sin, making us a new man in Christ. Just some thoughts. Take care, Tapero

 

[GeorgeE]

I had heard from a pastor's son that we will be sent a baptism by fire and I was thinking about it all day today. I found it's mentioned atleast twice in scripture


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:

Luke 3:16
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:


Is this a literal baptism by fire or is there a deeping meaning to it? My ability to understand scripture is still bit weak. Was just wondering what the more experienced believers thought.

When Jesus was Baptized in the River Jordon (water Baptism) he received a dove; very symbolic example of God’s Spirit. When the believers were in the upper room they received cloven tongues of fire. Jesus got a dove and we get fire.

The word fire comes from the Greek word “pur” which we get our English words pure, purify’ purge. You see Jesus is perfect; we are not. God’s fire will change us from carnal to spiritual if we allow it to burn.

Another interesting example in the OT when I believe it was Daniels friends were thrown in a fiery furnace; only their bondages were burnt. Fire was used in sacrifices, as well as was the light in the candlestick in the Holy Place; a fiery pillar led God’s chosen people though the wilderness. God is also known as a consuming fire. Do a search on fire; and if you ask God to Baptist you in fire; remmber you asked for it.