ANSWER: First we need to consider in Ephesians 4:4-6 what the word “one” means! Clearly, in the account of Matthew’s gospel, we read of water baptism (Matthew 28:29); of Holy Spirit baptism (Matthew 3:11); and, in the same passage, the baptism of fire. It cannot be successfully denied that these are “three” different and distinct baptisms. Neither can it be successfully argued that the word “one” in Ephesians 4:4-6 means “three.” Whatever it means when it speaks of ‘one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, and one God,’ it must also mean when it speaks of one baptism! In other words, if this passage teaches that there is “one” Lord, then it must also teach that there is “one” baptism. If there is “one” there cannot be “three.” It is impossible! If the Holy Spirit wanted us to understand that there were “three” different baptisms at the time of this writing, He would have used the word “three,” not the word “one!”

The Holy Spirit had been promised (Acts 1:5) and His coming was fulfilled (satisfied) in Acts 2,10 & 11. Since the purposes for which the Holy Spirit came were totally satisfied, this baptism, and the need for it, no longer exists! The baptism of fire is not for today, because it is yet future! Matthew 3:12 clearly shows that this baptism has reference to the unquenchable fires of hell! There is, therefore, only “one” baptism today! It is the baptism of water, which “doth also now save us” (I Peter 3:21).