Some say the order of baptism of water and baptism of fire does not matter. When I read the scriptures I see a different story. In every case I know of I see that the baptism of fire comes after the baptism of water.

In most scriptures it is taught that the baptism of fire happens AFTER baptism of water using the words AFTER or THEN. After is very obvious what it means. So obvious that the first word I think to describe after is after. A more technically of describing it would be later in time than another event. In fact the 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary definitions say that. “Then” most of the definitions of “then”, using 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary again, are referring to something that happens later in time, in fact one definition uses the word after. Sometimes the scriptures say that FIRST baptism of water and THEN with fire.

I have seen some say that Helaman 5 teaches that baptism of fire can happen before baptism of water. Although I understand why they say that, I don’t agree with that. And I believe if one does a careful reading of Helaman 5 one would come to the same conclusion. I admit there are some tricky parts in Helaman 5. They key or knowledge that cleared everything up for me is the word DISSENTER that is used multiple times in the chapter. And it even states that all those who received the baptism of fire were dissenters. So what is a DISSENTER, someone who leaves a church, see 1828 Webster’s Dictionary. How does become a member of God’s church? By repentance and baptism, see Mosiah 26:22. With the knowledge of these two things one will understand that those who received the baptism of fire were previous baptized by water.

Helaman 5:27 And behold, when they had said these words, the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison did shake as if they were about to tumble to the earth; but behold, they did not fall. And behold, they that were in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who were DISSENTERS.

Helaman 5:35 Now there was one among them who was a Nephite by birth, who had once belonged to the church of God but had DISSENTED from them.

Helaman 5:41 And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.

Helaman 5:43 And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire.

Helaman 5:45 And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words.

1828 Webster’s Dictionary

DISSENTER, noun

1. One who dissents; one who differs in opinion, or one who declares his disagreement.

2. One who separates from the service and worship of any established church. The word is in England particularly applied to those who separate from, or who do not unite with, the church of England.

http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/dissenter

Mosiah 26:22 For behold, THIS IS MY CHURCH; WHOSOEVER IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE BAPTIZED UNTO REPENTANCE. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive.

2 Nephi 31:13 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, THEN shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, THEN cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

2 Nephi 31:17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and THEN cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

3 Nephi 12:1 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and AFTER THAT YE ARE BAPTIZED WITH WATER, BEHOLD, I WILL BAPTIZE YOU WITH FIRE AND WITH THE HOLY GHOST; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.

Mormon 7:10 And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are BAPTIZED, FIRST WITH WATER, THEN WITH FIRE and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen.