How many baptisms are there ? Just water ?
Was the man on the cross baptised ?
People blown up in wars baptised ?
What truly is baptism just water ?
Sorry for the delay in coming back to this discussion, but the mundane matters of life intervened.
I don’t claim to speak for God, but I’ll try to answer your questions as best I can.
“How many baptisms are there ? Just water ?”
There are many types of baptism mentioned in the Bible, for example, baptism by water, baptism by the Holy Spirit, baptism by fire, and the unique baptism that Jesus underwent when he died and was resurrected. But I think we both know the verse that refers to there being “one baptism”. So it seems to me, that of all the baptisms there must be one that is of primary importance, and universal to those in the Kingdom of God. I believe that baptism by water is the baptism referred to there, as the outward sign that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, our names written in the Book of Life. I don’t believe our salvation is dependent on this act, however I do believe it is commanded as an act of obedience and an essential part of our santification.
“Was the man on the cross baptised ?”
I would say probably not. He might have been baptized by John the Baptist, but this would not have been equivalent to the baptism that was practiced by the apostles, since Paul rebaptizes some men who had received a baptism from John the Baptist in Acts 19. I think the important point to remember about the thief though, is that this incident took place before the commission was given to the apostles to preach the gospel and baptize (indeed it even occurred before the death and resurrection of Christ iniated the New Covenant). Until that command was given, we didn’t see anyone baptizing except John the Baptist, which I’ve already said I believe was an altogether different baptism.
“People blown up in wars baptised ?”
Well, I’m sure some who die in wars are baptized and others are not. I guess that you mean to ask, if someone is saved just before being killed on the battlefield, and they have no opportunity to be baptized, are they still saved? In answer to that question I would say yes, since salvation is by faith. I don’t think that excuses the rest of us, who do have the opportunity to obey the command, to refrain from doing so.
“What truly is baptism just water ?”
Baptism is of course a symbol of something more than just being dunked in water. It is a sign, that we are sealed and separated, a Holy Priesthood washed clean by the blood of the lamb. I believe the Bible demonstrates that the act is important, and it should be performed in the proper way, as an act of obedience to Christ’s command.