Question 159: What is baptism of fire?

Answer:

It has been variously interpreted to mean: (A) the baptism of Ruach HaKodesh, (B) the fires of purgatory and (C) the everlasting fires of hell. Modern theologians take the view that the baptism of fire and that of Ruach HaKodesh are the same and that it may be rendered "baptized with Ruach HaKodesh through the outward symbol of fire" or "as with the cloven tongues of fire," referring to the Shavuot baptism of the disciples.