THE BAPTISM BY FIRE by A. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 27, 1900

THE BAPTISM BY FIRE.

By A. Smith

A. SMITH.

(Grandville, Mich.)

“He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Matt. 3 : 11. The baptism with fire is a complete immersion in that element. The term “fire” is here used both in a literal and in a symbolic sense. As a symbol, it is indicative of afflictions and trials, by which all God’s people are tested and purified.

God said of Jacob, who was a representative of all Israel, “I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.” Isa. 48 : 10. Of Jesus the Father testifies, “He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” Mal. 3 : 3. The heat of the furnace separates the dross from the pure metal until the silver reflects the image of the refiner.

At a certain brickyard I noticed the burning of the kiln. At first the wood was shoved only a little way into the arches, and it emitted a great deal of smoke; but as the heat became intense, the wood was shoved to the center of the arches, where it burned with a white, clear flame, and emitted no smoke.

When God’s people are placed in the furnace of affliction to try them, the smoke of complaints and murmurs often arises until the heart is melted by the intensity of the trial, and the smoke is all consumed. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4 : 12, 13.