Baptism or Baptisms?
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV) emphasis mine
The Bible speaks of more than one baptism, yet in this passage it says one baptism.
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Hebrews 6:2 (KJV) emphasis mine
Is this a contradiction? No, there are no contradictions in the Word. Both Scriptures are true and do not contradict one another. Let me explain.
The one baptism in Ephesians 4:5 speaks of the baptism of being placed in Christ at salvation. Baptism refers to immersion, so when we are saved, we are immersed into Christ. It is a one-time event of being placed into Him. It is called one baptism because as Christians we are all baptized into to no one else but Jesus Christ.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)
At salvation, we’re all baptized into one body- the body of Christ because we are placed in Christ. This is not the same as water baptism. Water baptism does not save us. Water baptism is a symbolic act to show that we’ve died to the old man and have been raised to new life in Jesus Christ. First we get saved, then we get water baptized.
Hebrews 6:2 refers to the doctrine of baptisms (plural). So, once we’ve been saved and placed into Christ, or baptized into Him, there are other baptisms that we can experience. Here are the baptisms, other than salvation (the “one baptism”), that we can partake in.
Water baptism (Romans 6:4)
Baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). The evidence of this is the ability to speak in tongues.
Baptism of fire (Matthew 3:11). After you’ve been baptized in the Holy Spirit you can be baptized in fire, meaning the Holy Spirit brings a fire to you where you are consumed and “on fire” for God. You burn with a holy passion for Him.
From salvation (one baptism) to water baptism to baptism in the Holy Spirit to baptism of fire. These baptisms all happen after salvation. There is no specific order to them, other than they happen AFTER you are born-again and baptized into Christ. For example, some people are fire baptized when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit, while others are not.
Continue in the baptisms you receive in order to know God, walk with Him, and be used by Him. Water baptism is an act of obedience. The other baptisms are things we ask for and desire. Yield to God and let Him have His way, baptizing you into everything He has for you.
