From Matthew 3:11-12 / 3 Baptisms – As John comes on the scene, we find him quite conscious of what is going on. In terms of understanding his own ministry, he says “Look, my ministry is simply to get you ready for the one to come. You need to cast off this trust in your heritage and personal righteousness as self-acknowledged sinners.” This is the baptism with water. Identifying as sinners in need of the saving work of Christ. And subsequent to Jesus’ coming, identifying with Jesus death and resurrection in baptism. But then, John speaks of Jesus’ ministry, and how He is the One who will send the Holy Spirit. How in the fullness of the New Covenant, He will use the enduement of the Spirit to baptize us into right relationship with the Father – identified as His children by faith. But then there is a 3rd baptism referred to – the baptism of fire. And this speaks of final judgment. Those who remain in their sins, refuse to come to Christ for His mercy and saving grace and reject Him as Lord, will be identified with His enemies. Even as the Spirit will gather Christ’s “crop” into the barn, and in that separation, the wicked like chaff will be burned with unquenchable fire. This demonstrates a principle we see throughout Scripture, that one and the same thing – like the sending of the Spirit – accomplishes 2 different things at the same time. Here, blessing the saints, and punishing the unbeliever. And so the Gospel goes out with urgency – for there is no reason for any to perish except one’s own refusal to believe and flee to Christ. That day of grace is still upon us. Fire has not yet gone out. The Spirit and the Bride – the Church – still say to all who will hear “COME! And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Come today.