They both use two illustrations to show what is meant by “in fire.”  One of the illustrations immediately precedes and the other immediately follows the expression “in the Holy Spirit and in fire,” seemingly for the specific purpose of guarding against a failure to understand the expression “in fire.”  The illustration that precedes in both instances is:  “Therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.”  The illustration that follows in each instance is:  “He will burn up the chaff in unquenchable fire.”  With these forcible illustrations to guard the passage, can any one fail to understand what is meant by the baptism in fire?  The reader will also observe that neither Mark nor John refers to the baptism in fire, and neither uses any illustration to explain it, because no illustration is necessary.  Where the baptism of fire is used there was always something destroyed by fire.  This interpretation harmonizes with the universal use of the word “fire” in the New Testament. (1) In not a single instance is it used to denote a spiritual blessing conferred upon the good. (2) In not a single instance does it refer to the work of the Holy Spirit in purifying sinners.  It is connected with judgments, punishments, fiery indignation, devouring adversaries, consuming, and even with hell itself; but in no case does it refer to the power of God in the scheme of redemption to convert and save men.

Neither does the baptism of the Holy Spirit refer to cleansing men from sin and saving them. It was not given for that purpose.  This is a foolish dream born out of the castaway doctrine of the total depravity of man and his total disability to hear, believe and obey the truth.  Those who claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit to-day claim that it is the regenerating, converting, purifying power of God. But the Bible does not so teach.  In every instance in which the word “purify” is found in the New Testament it is an act of personal volition—­something a man must do for himself. John 11:55:  “Now the passover of the Jews was at hand:  and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover, to purify themselves.”

Acts 21:24:  “These take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads; and all shall know that there is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law.”

Acts 21:26:  “Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.”

Jas. 4:8:  “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.”

1 Pet. 1:22:  “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently.”