What is the baptism of fire?

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What’s Your Question? for Nov. 5, 2008

John the Baptist told some Jewish listeners that Jesus would "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Mt. 3:11). These people knew what the prophets meant by the baptism of fire. Isaiah said, of those who transgressed against God, "their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched" (Is. 66:24). Jeremiah said hearts must be circumcised, "lest My fury come forth like fire" (Jer. 4:4). John the Baptist said "He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Mt. 3:12; Lk. 3:17). Some of John’s audience would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and some with fire. It is the chaff (the useless stalk or straw), not the kernel, that will receive the baptism of fire. Jesus will say to the goats, those in the left hand, "depart from Me…into the everlasting fire" (Mt. 25:41).