What is the baptism of love?

Answer

The concept of the “baptism of love” is frequently discussed in Charismatic circles and is advocated by the Bethel Church of Redding, California. The core idea behind the teaching of the “baptism of love” is that believers should actively pursue a profound experience of closeness with God that goes beyond mere knowledge of Him. In addition to the traditional baptisms with water and the Holy Spirit, believers are encouraged to also seek a baptism in love.

While the Bible extensively addresses the topic of love, the specific term “baptism of love” is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures. Proponents of this teaching assert that the “baptism of love” represents a transformative encounter where God’s love envelops a believer, infusing them with supernatural love and a deep desire to abide in the presence of Jesus. This encounter is believed to bring about physical healing and other miraculous manifestations. Subsequently, individuals who have experienced this “baptism of love” are expected to radiate love towards all those they encounter.

One writer vividly recounts her personal encounter with the “baptism of love”: “One overwhelming wave after another of irresistible longing swept over me, compelling me to gaze into the countenance of my beloved Master. . . . I allowed my heart to overflow with profound yearning until I lay in eager yet peaceful anticipation, awaiting the familiar voice to beckon, ‘Come.’ . . . I have never been the same since, as my very essence was saturated with such an immense love for souls that I was unsure how to contain it” (Helm, Kathryn, The Lure of Divine Love, 1929, chapter XXVIII).

Some proponents of the “baptism of love” draw parallels from the Song of Solomon, portraying Jesus as a divine spouse with whom believers must open their hearts and encounter His love. This perspective aligns the “baptism of love” teaching with the imagery of a bridal relationship. Others connect the “baptism of love” with a prophesied end-times outpouring of God’s Spirit that will bring forth a season of miraculous manifestations akin to those witnessed in the early church.The “Baptism of Love” doctrine aligns with Latter Rain teaching.

If we can distinguish the term baptism of love from its Charismatic connotations, we can say that the concept of being “immersed in God’s love” could serve as a valid metaphor for living and walking in love (see Ephesians 5:2 and 2 John 1:6). Love is the greatest gift “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”, (1 Corinthians 13:13). Without it, we are nothing (verses 2-3).

Demonstrating love for one another is the indicator that we are Christ’s disciples “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”, (John 13:35). God, whose very essence is love “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”, (1 John 4:8), exhibited His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16;Romans 5:8).

The Bible mentions being baptized by the Spirit into the Body of Christ—an event that occurs at the moment of salvation “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.”, (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Bible also discusses believers being baptized in water as a symbol of their dedication to Christ and new life in Him “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”, (Acts 10:47). However, the Bible does not mention a distinct “baptism of love” whereA Christian reaches new levels of intimacy with Jesus and feels greater surges of power. God can do His transforming work with or without emotional experiences or exhilarating turning points.

Do we need God’s love? Absolutely. Paul prayed that the church would “know this love that surpasses knowledge” «and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. », (Ephesians 3:19). Do we experience God’s love in “waves” that wash over us or that stir our spirits in mystical ways? Not necessarily. God has told us that His love is a fruit of the Spirit, along with joy, peace, self-control, and the rest (Galatians 5:22-23). As we yield to the Spirit, we will be filled with His love, and then we go about the business of loving others.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to “feel” God’s love. But to seek a “baptism of love” goes beyond what the Bible teaches. The idea that we need another experience in order to obey God’s commands is wrong. We already have “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3;cf: 1 Corinthians 3:21-22).