We must move beyond the basic message of Christ in order to fully express His Love to others. We are to grow from converts to disciples, from disciples to fully mature and perfected Sons and Daughters.
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 6:
1Now is the time for us to progress beyond the basic message of Christ and advance into perfection. The foundation has already been laid for us to build upon: turning away from our dead works to embrace faith in God,
2teaching about different baptisms, impartation by the laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3So with God’s enablement we will move on to deeper Truths.
Our dead works or “useless deeds” are the attempts of people to please God through religion, keeping religious laws and traditions, and serving others to gain influence with God. There was one “work” that brings life to all, that was the work of Christ on the cross. Without the revelation of unconditional Love, people will attempt to earn favor with Our Heavenly Father. Jesus first Loved us, not the other way around, so we don’t need to earn His Love: For GOD so Loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son.
The New Testament speaks of seven baptisms, including:
the baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11-12)
the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
the baptism of suffering (Jesus’ cross) (Mark 10:35–39)
the baptism into the cloud (Matthew 17:5) (1 Corinthians 10:1–3)
the baptism into Moses (1 Corinthians 10:1–3)
the baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4)
and water baptism. (Matthew 3:13–17)
Though many believe that water baptism and being baptized in The Holy Spirit are the two applicable baptisms for today, I know a certain man who has experienced some aspect of either the baptism of fire or the cloud. He is seeking further revelation of those. I would say that many mature saints will experience some aspects of multiple baptisms depending on their callings. We must not try to limit FATHER in our understanding.
Jesus spoke in Mark chapter 10 concerning not only His suffering but also that of the disciples:
35Jacob and John, sons of Zebedee, approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, will you do us a favor?”
36“What is it?” He asked.
37“We want to sit next to You when you come into Your glory,” they said, “one at Your right hand and the other at Your left.”
38Jesus replied, “You don’t have a clue what you’re asking for! Are you prepared to drink from the cup of suffering that I am about to drink? And are you able to endure the baptism into death that I am about to experience?”
39They replied, “Yes, we are able.”
Jesus said to them, “You will certainly drink from the cup of my sufferings and be immersed into My death,”
Let each of us mature unto the point of whatever baptisms are meant for us to experience. FATHER’S gift of grace will be upon us as we are immersed in the appropriate baptism.