BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Baptism Of the Holy Spirit
A Blessing Received By the Servant Believer
By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
© God’s Breath Publications
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
“We must be very careful neither to blaspheme the Holy Spirit by attributing His work to the devil, nor to quench the Holy Spirit by resolving to contain Him within our own safe, traditional patterns. On the other hand, we should also not manifest a sinful discontent with His more normal and usual operations in us. Abnormal experiences are not necessary to Christian maturity….I beg you not to seek to stereotype everybody’s spiritual experience, or even to imagine that the Holy Spirit necessarily purposes to give to others what He has given to you. In a word, let your experience lead you to worship and praise; but let your exhortation to others be grounded not upon your experiences but upon Scripture. Whatever our spiritual condition may be. Let us constantly seek to be filled with the Spirit, to be led by the Spirit, to walk in the Spirit.”
John Stott
“If Christians spent more time in prayer asking to be filled with the Spirit rather than arguing over the baptism of the Spirit, God’s Church would be more unified and His Kingdom would have a more radical impact on the world. If we were as concerned about whether we were expressing the fruits of the Spirit as we were about whether we had specific gifts of the Spirit, the world would see Christ more clearly in our lives.”
Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
“The baptism of the Spirit is a metaphor that includes various dimensions of the Spirit’s blessing and cannot be reduced to simply one kind of experience. Its hallmarks are wholehearted trust in Christ alone, a burning love for God and neighbor, indefatigable power to witness to others and deep-seated conviction of sin. Its constituent elements are endowment with power, initiation into the community of faith, loving concern for our neighbor in need and repentance of sin. If any of these elements is lacking in our life and witness we need to pray for a new filling of the Spirit, for a new anointing that will enable us to fulfill our vocation and mission as heralds and ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Donald G. Bloesch
1 Corinthians 12:25 26
“There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
The Baptism of the Spirit
An Experience of All Who Receive Salvation
“The coming of Christ was the fulfilling of the Law, the coming of the Holy Ghost is the fulfilling of the Gospel.”
Tertullian
“Every Christian receives the gift of the Spirit at the time of conversion.”
R.A. Torrey
“The Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, and sanctified and preserved me in true faith.”
Luther’s Small Catechism
“Every Christian believer has an experience of the Holy Spirit from the very first moments of his Christian life.”
John Stott
The word “baptism” appears 120 times in the New Testament, and there are five different ways in which the word is used. The same Greek word “baptizo” is used of (1) water baptism, (2) baptism of the Holy Spirit, (3) sufferings, (4) figurative baptism and (5) fire (Matthew 3:11).
The baptism of the Spirit is the New Testament fulfillment of an Old Testament expectation. The term “baptism of the Spirit” is used only in the New Testament occurring seven times. While the Holy Spirit has always existed because He is God, His baptism of a person was made possible only after the ministry of Christ was completed. It is interesting that in the prophecy of John concerning the coming Messiah his words Abut He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, John 1:33) reveals that this baptism will not be a single event in history but a continuous practice with all Believers down through history once it begins. The Greek verb here is in the present participle that indicates timelessness. This timelessness is also demonstrated earlier in John 1:29 concerning the salvation that Jesus provides where the present participle is used as well. Thus Jesus’ ministry is continuous through history. He continues to save individuals as they seek Him as their Savior. He grants salvation to all who believe in Him and baptizes them with the Holy Spirit. Peter announced this twofold purpose on the Day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is called the gift of the Holy Spirit and is not a spiritual gift. The baptism is the gift of the Holy Spirit Himself.
“The word used for “gift” (singular) in reference to the Holy Spirit is always the Greek word for “free gift,” not the word for “grace gift” that is used in reference to spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit Himself is the ‘gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
David Hocking
Living the Christian life is living life in the Spirit. There is no possible way for you to live the life of a Christian without having His Spirit living within you. Many people attempt to live a religious life and give the appearance of being Christian, but without the Holy Spirit living within them it is simply religious ritual. This is just one of the reasons that God baptizes all believers with His Spirit when they accept Jesus as their Savior. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-8 tells us that in order to become a child of God we must be born again and this means receiving God’s Spirit at conversion. This baptism of the Spirit establishes us as a child of God and seals our adoption into the family of God.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit fulfills the promise God made to give us His Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is intimately involved in the process of salvation for each person. The baptism of the Holy Spirit results in the incorporation of each believer into the family of God.
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body
whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Galatians 4:6
“Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Romans 5:5
“God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Romans 8:14 16
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
1 Corinthians 6:19
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”
1 John 3:24
“Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them.
And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.”
Anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit cannot call themselves a Christian and does not belong to the family of God.
Romans 8:9
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Receiving the Holy Spirit thus seals our adoption as a child of God.
Ephesians 1:12 14
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession to the praise of his glory.”
Once we are baptized into God’s family the Holy Spirit begins His work, the process of sanctification (Romans 15:16). Sanctification is the transformation of our lives into a representation of Christ Himself. We are called to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1) and as we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18) we become sanctified for service to God in all we do.
The Holy Spirit is given to each believer upon conversion to reveal Christ to the believer and to form us into the image of Christ (Ephesians 1:17). He assists us in growing and maturing spiritually.
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
The power of the Holy Spirit indwelling in the believer restrains the evil desires of the flesh and encourages the fruits of the Spirit to manifest themselves (Galatians 5:22).
While the Holy Spirit lives within each believer, He not only ministers to each believer He also ministers to the church of Christ as a whole. He accomplishes this by distributing gifts and bringing unity to the Body of Christ (Philippians 2:1-2, 3:3). He uses believers to minister to each other, evangelize the lost, and reach out to those in need.
The final act of the Holy Spirit within our lives on earth will be to raise us from the dead according to the purposes and promises of God.
Romans 8:10 11
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”
The Process of Baptism
There are four parts to any baptism; the person who baptizes, the person who is baptized, the element with or in which the person is baptized and lastly the purpose for which the baptism takes place. In Christianity it is generally accepted that Jesus Christ is the person who baptizes (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33). The person accepting Christ as their Savior is the one being baptized. The element with or in which the child of God is baptized is the Holy Spirit Himself (1 Corinthians 12:13). The purpose for which the child of God is baptized in the Spirit is incorporation into the Body of Christ, the church (1 Corinthians 12:13).
This process of baptism is the “gift” of the Spirit, the specific blessing of the new covenant. This blessing is bestowed upon the believer when he or she accepts Christ as their Savior. It is a universal baptism because all who receive Christ as their Savior are baptized into the family of God.
The scriptures indicate that to be “in the Spirit,” “have the Spirit,” “live by the Spirit” and to be “led by the Spirit” are all experiences of any Christian believer (Romans 8:9, Galatians 5:25, Romans 8:14). The writers of the New Testament assume that it is understood that God has given them the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5, I Thessalonians 4:8, I John 3:24, 4:13).
The Question of a Second Baptism
Whenever one discusses the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the issue of a belief in a second baptism or second experience arises. Some Christians believe that while we receive the Holy Spirit when we are converted, there is a second experience that is termed a second baptism that can occur as well. They take certain passages of scripture to support this opinion. Other Christians believe that there is no second baptism, but that there can be an experience of a filling or special anointing of the Holy Spirit which can take place numerous times. Still other Christians believe it is possible to accept Christ as your Savior and receive the Holy Spirit at a later time in ones life although this is not as common a belief.
I will attempt to address this issue as best I can, attempting to present both sides of the issue. The evidence from scripture though seems to indicate that the apostles did not promote, encourage or teach that Christians should seek a second experience or baptism. John Stott explains this well when he states,
“They (the Apostles) urge upon us ethical conduct, often in considerable detail. They appeal to us to live out in the concrete realities of daily life what God has already done for us in Christ. They command us to grow in faith, love, knowledge and holiness. They warn us of judgment and challenge us with the expectation of the Lord’s return. They beg us not to grieve the Spirit, but rather to walk in the Spirit and to go on being filled with the Spirit…But never, not even once, do they exhort and instruct us to ‘be baptized with the Spirit’. There can be only one explanation of this, namely that they are writing to Christians, and Christians have already been baptized with the Holy Spirit…So what the New Testament authors constantly do is to remind us of our Christian privileges, in order to exhort us to lead a life that is worthy and appropriate. It is because of what we already are in Christ (God’s children) and because of what we shall be when He appears (like Him) that we are incited to be what we should be (pure as He is pure).”
John Stott
Those who do not believe in a second baptism experience feel that when we become a child of God we receive everything we need to live the Christian life. We need no second baptism; we only need to let the Spirit lead us as we allow ourselves to be filled with Him utterly and completely. 1 Corinthians 12:13 states, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” Greek scholars tend to follow the single baptism belief. They state that the Greek verb used in 1 Corinthians 12:13 is in the “aorist” tense which indicates an unrepeatable past experience. They believe that while the initial baptism with the Spirit is unrepeatable, the filling of the Spirit that follows can be experienced over and over. The command to be filled in Ephesians 5:18 is expressed in the present tense. In other words, we are commanded to be filled and to keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a second experience of faith subsequent to faith in Christ…Everyone who accepts Christ as Savior is immediately baptized with the Holy Spirit whether they recognize it or not.”
David Hocking
Several scriptures indicate that when we become a child of God we receive everything needed to live the Christian life. While we may grow in our spiritual maturity and in the knowledge of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we do not need to obtain a second baptism of the Spirit.
Colossians 2:9‑11
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.”
Ephesians 1:3‑4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
2 Peter 1:3‑4
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”
The scriptures that cause this potential division in belief among Christians are in chapters 2, 8 and 19 of the book of Acts. Let us examine briefly each of these instances of conversions recorded in the Acts and attempt to understand how both groups come up with their interpretations. As we consider these scriptures it would be wise to consider the following passage for it helps explain the historical records in Acts as to the events which take place with new believers and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The first verses of Acts 1 lay the foundation for what is to take place.
Acts 1:1-8
“1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Here in Acts 1:1-8 we see it summarized some of the events that took place before Jesus’ ascension. He gave instructions to the disciples, demonstrated that He was truly alive and taught about the Kingdom of God. He also instructed them to wait for the baptism of the Holy Spirit where they would be filled with the Spirit in power to be His witness in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. This statement has bearing on the scriptures that describe experiences of believers being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit could not come to followers of Christ until Jesus had ascended (John 16:7) and so Jesus is instructing the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit to come. It is interesting that Jesus references John the Baptist’s baptism with water in this Acts passage as He shares about the baptism of the Spirit that Jesus would initiate, which we will see is with “tongues of fire” as John the Baptist had predicted in Matthew 3:11.
The Day of Pentecost (Jerusalem/Judea)
Acts 2:1-4
“1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
In Acts chapter 1 we read of the gathering of possibly at least 120 Christians into an upper room of a home for a prayer meeting (120 was the number needed for a Jewish council, possibly to approve the addition of Matthias to replace Judas as a disciple). Here they come together to wait for the One who the Lord Jesus promised would come, to pray and to appoint a replacement for Judas among the Apostles. These are believers who have accepted Christ as their Savior but do not have the Holy Spirit living within them yet because Jesus had stated that the Spirit would not come until He had ascended (John 16:7). Acts 2 describes the promise of God fulfilled when the Holy Spirit is poured out upon them and they are filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit. Dramatic events take place for all the senses. A strong wind blows through the house, tongues of fire appear above their heads and as they begin to speak, their speech is that of various languages known at that time. It is a dramatic event that draws a large crowd. It is the beginning of a new age where believers are baptized with God’s Spirit and He takes up residence within them.
Some Christians believe that this supports a second baptism experience. These individuals, they say, were Christians already but had not received the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit comes, it is to these 120 a second experience, separate from their conversion experience, which takes place. Others state that the disciples, except for Thomas, had already received the Spirit as recorded in John 20:22 and that this was yet another special experience that all Christians may experience after conversion.
Other Christians look upon this event as the transition period from Old to New Testament activity of the Holy Spirit. Faithful men of God in the Old Testament were often filled with the Holy Spirit but they were never baptized with Him. It is believed that this is a special initiatory event where Old Testament believers who believed in Christ as Savior are brought into the New Testament age by being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Yes it is a second experience, but it is an event that is characteristic of the transition from Old to New Testament and not something that is to take place in the future for all Christians. Later in Acts 2 we are told of 3,000 people accepting Christ as their Savior due to a sermon delivered by Peter but we are given no description of a similar baptism experience. Peter offers them two gifts that they can obtain instantaneously when they accept Christ as their Savior. He states, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” We are told that 3,000 individuals make the step of faith and receive forgiveness of their sins as well as receive the Holy Spirit as promised by Peter.No speaking in tongues is reported being experienced by these new believers.
JOHN 20:22 – A DIFFICULT SCRIPTURE VERSE
John 20:21-22
“Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
John 20:22 is often brought up when discussing issues regarding the baptism of the Holy Spirit and “second baptism” experiences. It is a highly contested verse as to its exact meaning. Christians maintaining the single baptism belief interpret this verse several ways. Some feel that in John 20:22 we are given another example where the Spirit is bestowed upon individuals for a specific limited purpose based on calling and or the situation. Similar examples can be found in the Old Testament with Samson in Judges 13:25, Moses and the seventy elders in Numbers 11:17, Bezalell in Exodus 31:2-5, Joshua in Number 27:18 and David in Psalm 31:11 and in the New Testament with John the Baptist in Luke 1:15, Elizabeth in Luke 1:41, Zacharias in Luke 1:67 and Simeon in Luke 2:25. It is believed that the Spirit was given to the disciples to enable them to minister, share the gospel and preserve their faith until the Holy Spirit would come in all His glory to baptize the church at Pentecost. This is not a second Baptism but a form of filling of the Spirit until He is fully poured out upon the church at Pentecost. Still other Christians believing in a single baptism feel that the actions of Jesus in John 20:22 were symbolic of what was eventually to take place at Pentecost and that the disciples did not actually receive the Holy Spirit in this situation.
Christians believing in a second baptism experience maintain that this verse in John 20 verifies that Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to the disciples (except for Thomas who was not present) and that Pentecost was a second greater experience that all followers of Christ will have in their Christian lives. But this interpretation does not agree with John 16:7 where it says, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” In this verse Jesus is saying that the Holy Spirit cannot come to inhabit believers until He has ascended to the Father.
The Samaritan Believers (Samaria)
Acts 8:9-17
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Another portion of scripture that causes controversy between these two groups of Christians concerning the idea of a second baptism is found in Acts chapter 8. Philip the evangelist has preached the gospel in Samaria and many believers have accepted Christ as their Savior. When the apostles heard that individuals in Samaria had received the gospel they sent Peter and John. Peter and John arrived and laid hands on these believers in order that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
Those Christians believing in a second baptism experience cite this as proof that a second baptism can indeed take place based on a simple reading of this portion of scripture. These Christians believe that similar to this occurrence in Samaria, the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the laying on of hands by other Christians may take place today for Christians who have not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Those Christians who do not believe in a second baptism for Christians state that while this example in Samaria is an example of a second experience, it must be taken in context of the historical situation. Samaritans and Jews had been at odds with one another for centuries. They worshiped separately and were in no way unified in their practice of religion. There was an intense mutual disrespect between these two groups of individuals. It is believed that when the apostles heard of the conversion of the Samaritans there was concern that this age-old schism would continue on in the Christian faith. For this reason it is believed that Peter and John were sent to confirm and approve the baptism of the Holy Spirit upon these believers. It is also believed that while it is recorded as a secondary baptism experience from conversion, the historical situation warranted such a process and helped the transition of the gospel amongst these two different cultural groups of individuals (Jews and Samaritans).
The Ephesian Disciples (The Ends of the Earth)
Acts 19:1-7
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.”
In Acts 19 we have another situation that causes some disagreement over whether there is such an experience as a second baptism. The apostle Paul had just begun his third missionary journey and had arrived in Ephesus. Here he meets a dozen men that are described as disciples. There is question as to what might be implied by them being identified in scripture as “disciples.” When you read the account it is apparent that Paul questions them about their faith, probably because he wishes to know if they base their faith on Christ. We learn from Paul’s questions that they have received John’s baptism of repentance, but had heard nothing of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Paul witnesses to them; they receive the gospel, and are baptized. When Paul lays hands on them they receive the Holy Spirit, speak in tongues and prophesied.
Again, those believing in a second baptism interpret this portion of scripture as proof that these disciples of faith received a second baptism of the Spirit. It is assumed that these men were believers because they are referred to as “disciples” having been baptized by John the Baptist. When Paul lays hands on them here they receive the second baptism of the Spirit.
Those disputing the existence of a second baptism cite the evidence apparent in the scriptures. They emphasize the fact that there is no proof that these “disciples” were believers at all. They know of John the Baptist and his preaching of the one to come, Jesus. They have even experienced the baptism John offered, but this does not define them as Christian. It is believed by this interpretation that these were people who had knowledge of Jesus, but first believed when Paul witnessed to them at Ephesus. Upon receiving forgiveness of their sins and the baptism of the Holy Spirit their conversion was conceived with Paul as their witness.
We have learned that the “gift” or “baptism” of the Spirit is a universal blessing or experience of all Christians. We have learned as well that there is debate within Christianity today as to whether it is an initial blessing received at the moment of conversion or a subsequent blessing received at another time. Most conservative theologians would take issue with a “second” blessing but we must allow diversity within our understanding of scriptures when loving each other as God’s children. There are dedicated, Godly men adhering to each of these interpretations. These differing interpretations do not dramatically impact basic doctrines of the Christian faith such as the gospel message of salvation, the deity of Christ or the character of God. It is clear that once we get to heaven and know as we are known, all the questions and issues of debate we have had on earth will dissolve. My own belief is that today we are all baptized with the Holy Spirit at our conversion when we accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior and there is no second baptism experience we need to seek or desire, but we are to seek to be filled with the Spirit as it is a command that we are to do so.
Filled With The Fullness Of The Spirit
Ephesians 5:18
“Be filled with the Spirit.”
“Every step of progress in the Christian life is taken by a fresh and fuller appropriation of Christ by faith, a fuller baptism of the Holy Spirit.”
Charles Finney
“Conversion without empowering is not enough, it is sub-normal Christianity.”
Clark Pinnock
“The Spirit inspires the words of Scripture, and He also illumines the minds of the readers so that they may come to a saving knowledge of the Word of God…He also comes to console the people of God and to guide them into all truth. He teaches us to pray and bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God…The Spirit comes not only to convict of sin but also to purify and cleanse from all unrighteousness. He is not only the Revealer and Comforter but also the Sanctifier. His mission is not only to empower but also to make holy.”
Donald G. Bloesch
When we become Christians we receive the Holy Spirit as a gift from God. He resides within us and will never leave us. His purpose in our lives is to:
1. Teach us everything we need to know of the Spiritual life God calls us to as well as those things taught concerning the gospel in scripture. (John 14:26 27, 16:13, 1 John 2:27)
2. Guide and lead us in the path of Holiness God calls us to according to the scriptures. (Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18)
3. Tell us of things to come. (John 16:13)
4. Bring glory to God by communicating to us God’s glory. (John 16:14)
5. Speak to us of God that will give us the power to witness to others about God and his message of salvation. (John 15:26-27)
6. Convict the world of sin, righteousness and of the judgment to come. (John 16:8-11)
7. Give us the assurance of our salvation by bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:16)
8. Intercede for us as we fail in our human weakness to know how and what to pray for. (Romans 8:22-26)
Now we will examine the “fullness” or “filling” of the Spirit that God intends to be continuous, but which in reality seems to fluctuate as we live our lives as Christians. While we have God’s Spirit living within us, we are encouraged to seek to be filled with Him continuously (Ephesians 5:18)
“When we speak of the baptism of the Spirit we are referring to a once-for-all gift; when we speak of the fullness of the Spirit we are acknowledging that this gift needs to be continuously and increasingly appropriated…As an initiatory event the baptism is not repeatable and cannot be lost, but the filling can be repeated and in any case needs to be maintained. If it is not maintained, it is lost. If it is lost, it can be recovered.”
John Stott
This fullness or filling of the Holy Spirit can refer to three different circumstances.
1. It is evident in the life of a dedicated servant of Christ. (Acts 6:3, 11:24,13:52)
2. It is evident in the life of a Christian who is called to a specific ministry. (Luke 1:15-17.)
3. It is evident in the life of a Christian who is given a specific task. (Luke 1:41, 67)
It’s All Greek To Me
We are commanded “to be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The Greek verb used here is in the imperative mood. This means that we are commanded, “to be filled with the Spirit.” The Greek verb here is also in the plural form. This means all of us as Christians are commanded, “to be filled with the Spirit.” The Greek verb used here is also in the passive voice. This means that we are to yield to the Holy Spirit without reservation as the Holy Spirit fills us and uses us for God’s purposes. Finally the Greek verb is in the present tense. This use of the present tense with the imperative mood in Greek means that this is something we are commanded to do on a continual basis. Those verses that command us to be baptized with the Spirit use the Greek verb in the indicative, which implies that it is a once-for-all experience that takes place.
Evidence of being filled with the Spirit is not necessarily spiritual gifts being expressed but of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) being demonstrated in the life of a believer. The Corinthian believers are an example of Christians who had all the spiritual gifts but Paul had to chastise them for being immature and lacking the fruits of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) They had been baptized into the faith with the Spirit and possessed all the gifts of the Spirit, but they were not filled with the Spirit. A mature Christian is one who is filled with the Spirit, shows the fruit of the Spirit and as a by-product of their spiritual maturity exercise their gifts of the Spirit.
We can be filled with the Spirit if we come to Jesus and ask to be filled.
John 7:37-39 tells us in Jesus’ own words that those who believe in Him will have streams of living water flow from them. This portion of scripture explains this stream of living water as the Spirit Himself. When we seek to be filled with the Spirit, He will fill us and then flow out of us to others. When we are filled we will have the fruits of the Spirit evident in our lives. We may or may not have specific spiritual gifts manifested at times but the fruits of the Spirit cannot help but be observed if we are truly filled with the Spirit.
Another observation we can make from scripture comes from Ephesians 5:18-21. We have seen that the Greek verb here is in the imperative that means we are commanded to continually keep on being filled with the Spirit. What is also indicated in this passage is that when we are continually being filled several things will result, “speaking, singing, making melody, giving thanks and submitting to one another.”
Speaking to one another properly is when we encourage and build up each other in the faith. When we are filled with the Spirit we will seek to speak to others and encourage them in their walk as Christians.
Singing and making melody is reflected in our worship of our God and the joy that we have towards life. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we can’t help but seek to worship our Lord and Savior with those who are in the family of God.
Giving thanks is a by-product of allowing the Spirit to show us that all things work together for good that love the Lord. A thankful spirit is a result of seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Being thankful for the service and ministry of others is an evidence of the Spirit filling a person’s life.
Those who are filled with the Spirit are able to submit to others and to the numerous hard situations of life. It is not becoming a doormat for evil and injustice; it is being a witness of truth and demonstrating love for others through submission to God.
It is similar to how an airplane flies. The laws of aerodynamics overcome the laws of gravity to allow the plane to fly as long as there is power in the plane’s engines. But, if the power is cut, down to earth the plane falls. Our power comes from the Holy Spirit and the laws of grace overcome the laws of sin and death. But if we fail to rely on the Holy Spirit and break our fellowship with God we fall to earth again in sin.
Fruit of the Spirit
“The Holy Spirit, in His indwelling, His influence and fruits, is the sum of all grace, holiness, comfort and joy.”
Jonathan Edwards
“It is primarily the fruit of the Spirit which produces character, and character – not miracles – is the major issue in determining whether a man is a true or false prophet.”
Don Basham
Galatians 5:22 23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.”
“The Spirit gives different Christians different gifts,…but He works to produce the same fruit in all.”
John Stott
“It is not extraordinary gifts of the Spirit but the fruits of the spirit that constitute the evidence of whether our conversion is genuine.”
Donald G. Bloesch
It is interesting that Galatians lists for us the acts of the sinful nature before giving us the list of the fruits of the Spirit. It is evidently an effort to contrast the natural order of who we are in the flesh and the new creature we are in the Spirit. While by our sinful nature we produced bad fruits of the flesh, when we are filled with the Spirit we produce fruits of life and truth. Only through the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit can this Godly fruit come into being. We must also remember that these are the fruits “of the Spirit” and manifest themselves because we allow God to work within us through the action of the Holy Spirit. These fruits originate from the Holy Spirit as we allow ourselves to be filled with Him.
The fruit of the Spirit results from the experience of being filled with Him. We shall discuss these fruits in groups of three triads as John Stott presents in his book Baptism & Fullness.
Our Relationship with God: Love – Joy – Peace
God shows His love towards us by saving us from our sin and giving us His Spirit to live within us. This love of God in us flows from us towards other believers and those whom we witness and minister to. God is love (1 John 4:16) and this love lives within us in as the Holy Spirit.
God gives us joy. When we establish a relationship with Him, the void in our heart and soul is filled with the Holy Spirit. The joy that results from this intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father is almost indescribable. The presence of God’s Spirit within our lives gives us a joy unspeakable (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
God grants us peace. Living with the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and that the Holy Spirit resides within us gives us a peace that passes all understanding
(Philippians 4:7). No longer under condemnation and the law, we now know the peace of God which comes from living under His grace. The Holy Spirit testifies with our Spirit (Romans 8:16) that we are children of God and peace is the result.
Our Relationship With Others: Patience – Kindness – Goodness
Only by being filled with the Spirit and relying on God can we have the patience necessary to live with others, forgive their trespasses and forsake our own selfishness. Patience is a necessary ingredient of properly loving our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the lost. We clothe ourselves with patience (Colossians 3:12) when we allow ourselves to be filled with the Spirit.
Kindness is demonstrated when we allow the Holy Spirit to work through the spiritual gifts He gives us and the natural talents and skills that God has blessed us with. When we are filled with God’s Spirit we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29) which involves showing kindness towards all those around us.
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit God’s goodness transforms our heart, mind and soul. Goodness leads us down the path of kindness to the ultimate expression of the Holy Spirit, love (1 Peter 1:5-7).
Our Relationship With Ourselves: Faithfulness – Gentleness – Self-Control
The faithfulness spoken of here is not the faith we have in God, but the faith that people have in us when we show that we are trustworthy. Those who are filled with the Spirit of God are trustworthy servants. When we are filled with the Spirit we are faithful to the truth that God has placed in our hearts (3 John 1:3). This faithfulness is living with ourselves in the truth of who we are, new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we are gentle in our demeanor. When we are at peace with ourselves and know who we are in Christ the fruit of gentleness results. This gentleness of spirit then is expressed towards others (Ephesians 4:2).
One of the most beneficial aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit within the life of the believer is the capacity to have self-control. Being filled with the Spirit; is being controlled by the Spirit. This self-control is best accomplished when we have died to self and allowed the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us. Self-control leads us down the path of being able to show God’s love to others (2 Peter 1:5-7).
These fruits of the Spirit are very similar to the fruits that are grown in an orchard. They do not take form overnight.
“The Holy Spirit implants life in the soul instantaneously at the new birth, but He takes time, a long time, to produce a ripe Christian Character.”
John Stott
David Hocking presents an alternative view of the fruits of the Spirit in his book “He Will Be In You.” He suggests a different order and interpretation of the meaning of these three triads.
Circumstances That We Face: Joy – Peace – Faith
Joy as a fruit of the Spirit is rejoicing in all circumstances (Philippians 4:4) no matter what occurs. It is taking joy in the face that God is a good God and will work things out no matter how they appear. Peace is resting in the fact that God is in control and has plans that will not be frustrated even though we may tempt us to be frustrated. Faith involves trusting that God will work out anything that happens in our lives for good (Romans 8:28).
Our Attitudes Towards Others: Patience – Gentleness – Self-Control
Patience is being able to deal with people who irritate us without losing our temper. It is remaining faithful to a commitment to the love of God. Gentleness is being able to treat someone with differing beliefs or interests with respect and concern. Self-Control involves restricting your own freedoms so that others may not be offended or hurt.
Our Concern For Others And Our Behavior: Love – Kindness – Goodness
Love as a fruit of the Spirit loves in an “agape” manner, without expecting a return on our love. Kindness is performing acts of love that benefit others and build them up. Goodness is always responding to others with a loving attitude, even when they have done us harm (Romans 12:21).
Gifts of the Spirit
“I conclude that a little grace, a little love, a little of the true fear of God are better than all the gifts.”
John Bunyan
“All visions, revelations and impressions of heaven, however much the spiritual man may esteem them, are not equal in worth to the least act of humility.”
John of the Cross
“If we come to Jesus Christ by faith…we shall receive gifts of His Spirit so abundantly that we shall be able to communicate them to our neighbors.”
John Calvin
“The gifts of the spirit are a tool chest to be used, not gems to be displayed.”
Donald G. Bloesch
1 Timothy 4:13 14
“Do not neglect your gift,”
2 Timothy 1:5 6
“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,”
Once the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our lives when we are saved, He then proceeds to distribute to us specific spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11). These spiritual gifts can be used to build up, encourage and minister to other believers in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). The word “gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12:1 does not really appear in the original statement. Actually the word used can be translated “spirituals” or “spiritualities.” It is a neuter word in the Greek that refers to things that only the Spirit of God can make possible and refers to spiritual gifts that are spoken of in several scripture passages.
1 Corinthians 12:11
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.”
While there are only a dozen or so spiritual gifts mentioned that is not to say that there may not be others we are unaware of. It is also true that while some of us may have the same spiritual gift as another, we will express that gift differently based on our own unique personality and natural talents that God has given us.
Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit for the common good and the building up of all believers within the church body.
1 Corinthians 12:7
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
1 Peter 4:10
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
Ephesians 4:12
“To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
“The gifts have not been given for private benefit, but for the bearing together of the body of Christ.”
David Hocking
“The gifts of the Spirit are given to individual believers, but they are given for the healthy growth of the church.”
John Stott
Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 gives us a starting point in understanding the nature of spiritual gifts. He begins by describing the gifts with three words.
1. Charismata: “gifts of God’s grace” (Romans 12:6, Ephesians 4:7, 1 Peter 4:10)
2. Diakoniai: “forms of service” (1 Corinthians 12:5)
3. Energemata: “energies, activities or powers” (1 Corinthians 12:6)
Combining these words together, spiritual gifts can be understood to be specific abilities given by God’s grace and power individually and uniquely to each believer for a specific service to the Body of Christ. The diversity of the gifts is unified by the doctrine of the trinity. There are various gifts bestowed for various services with various works inspired by the same Spirit, Lord and God.
There are some numerous spiritual gifts mentioned in scripture but our God is extremely creative and it is very likely there are others He bestows we are unaware of.
On the next few pages are a listing of various gifts and the process by which ministries and their effects come about.
“In my estimation we may seek for manifestations of God so long as we do not place our security in these gifts. We may embark on a charismatic ministry so long as we do not try to subject God to a test and demand proofs of His reality. We should never seek gifts of the Spirit without at the same time praying that the fruits of the Spirit might be manifest in our lives. Gifts need to be exercised in order to continue. They may atrophy through disuse, and only a new movement of the Spirit will rekindle the fire that is now dormant…While people of faith should be encouraged to embark on charismatic ministries, we must never base our confidence and assurance on ecstatic experiences and gifts. The words of our Lord are very apropos: ‘Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.’”
Donald G. Bloesch
The Gift of Tongues
I can think of no other gift that has caused as much debate among Christians as the gift of tongues. For whatever reason there remains a disagreement over its purpose, practice and permanence. I have included several summary sheets of the basic views that Christians have on this spiritual gift. I believe the greatest effort should be made when speaking of the gift of tongues to be receptive to what scripture says and doesn’t say about this gift. The most important attitude should be one of respect and love for those who differ from the position we hold regarding this controversial gift. If the world is going to know us for our love for one another we must exercise care in the use of our words when speaking on this subject.
Below are several quotes concerning the gift of tongues and related interpretations of what might be termed the “sign” gifts. See if you can sense the tension as men of faith share their thoughts in this area.
“One of the greatest errors is a disposition to make special manifestations an evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost, giving to them the name of Pentecost, as though none had received the Spirit of Pentecost but those who had the power to speak in tongues; thus leading many sincere Christians to cast away their confidence, and plunging them into the perplexity and darkness of seeking after special manifestations other than God Himself.”
Michael Griffiths
“If it is a choice…between the uncouth life of the Pentecostals and the aesthetic death of the older churches, I for one choose uncouth life.”
John Mackay
“God is tempted in religion itself, when signs and wonders are demanded of Him, and are desired not for some wholesome purpose but only for experience of them.”
Augustine
“As a young Christian I liked these noisy, shouting, singing meetings. I couldn’t stand Bible teaching; it was too dry. Now singing and shouting bores me, and I want the Word.”
David J. Du Plessis
“Miraculous signs must never become an end in themselves and must never be regarded as evidences of godliness or authentic faith.”
Donald G. Bloesch
“Tongues can be regarded as a legitimate prayer gift.”
David du Plessis
The debate of tongues has probably been with us since the early church. Pentecost gave believers their first taste of the blessings of the Holy Spirit. God poured out His Spirit upon those present and the gift of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit and the fruits of the Spirit were released to those of mankind who accepted Christ as their Savior. Later in Samaria, Ephesus and in numerous other locations the Spirit was poured out as the gospel spread around the world. Various interpretations of these historical accounts developed as men attempted to understand this miraculous spiritual awakening and empowerment. We are given an extensive discussion on the gift of tongues and spiritual gifts in Corinthians as Paul addresses the immature believers in this congregation. The believers in Corinth were blessed with all of the spiritual gifts; but Paul criticized them for being children in the faith (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). He could not address them as mature believers but as mere infants. John McArthur commenting on the condition of the Christians in the Corinthian church calls them, “Worldly, divisive, opinionated, cliquish, carnal, fleshly, envious, strife-ridden, argumentative, puffed up, self-glorying, smug, immoral, compromising with sin, defrauding each other, fornicating, depriving in marriage, offending weaker Christians, lusting after evil, idolatrous, fellowshipping with demons, insubordinate, gluttonous, drunken, selfish towards the poor, desecrating the Lord’s table.”
The spiritual condition of the Corinthians and their dramatic expression of the gift of tongues present us with a dilemma. Their spiritual immaturity and behavior detracts from the validity of the gift of tongues but God’s word implies an importance to this controversial spiritual gift. We should not ignore an evaluation of it nor forbid it being done by those who are blessed by it.
1 Corinthians 14:39
“Do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
Dedicated theologians, committed pastors and faithful Christians have attempted to discern the truth about tongues from the letters written to the Corinthians by Paul and the accounts given in the Book of Acts. Difficulties arise for us when we attempt to examine passages that appear gray in meaning rather than black and white. Bible scholars, pastors and laymen and women have studied the original language and the historical situations using proper Bible hermeneutics and have come up with differing opinions concerning the gift of tongues.
Where does this leave us, lovers of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, seekers for truth, people who desire to experience all that God’s Spirit has to offer us? I believe that we must test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and as the Bereans examine the scriptures to see what is true (Acts 17:11). We must hear the differing viewpoints and pray for understanding as God speaks to us for His direction in our own life.
Once we are convinced and convicted about our belief concerning this gift, we must take care how we treat those with differing opinions. Our bond as brothers and sisters in the faith is not in a common interpretation of a gift of the Spirit but in the one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father we believe. God in His wisdom and love spoke through Paul in the letter written to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:2 6
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Quenching or Grieving the Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;”
Since I am attempting to cover the baptism of the Holy Spirit and related topics, I feel compelled to mention how we can quench the Spirit’s will and actions. The Spirit who lives within us as Christians cannot be driven out of our lives by our sinful actions but He can be quenched and His influence smothered by them. When we quench the Spirit we not only affect our relationship with God we hinder our spiritual growth and expression of our spiritual gifts.
“If I starve the fire of the Spirit within my life of the fuel of Godly obedience then it will diminish dreadfully. If I douse it with water as it were. Throwing on the water of an envious heart, or of a bitter spirit, or of a constant harping criticism. When by my disinterest or by my despondency, or by my laziness, or my immorality, or my rebellion, or my contentiousness, or my critical spirit, or my bitter heart, or whatever it might be that violates the wonderful plan and purpose of God as He has given it to us according to the scriptures. When these things I entertain within my life I dampen the fire of the Spirit of God within my life and the result is this, that the gracious manifestations of His presence are withdrawn in my life. The evidences of His presence in my life are withdrawn. I will be deprived of a sense of God’s love. I will be deprived of a joy of our salvation. I will lose a sense of assurance. I will lose a sense of peace. I will not enjoy the comforts of intimacy.”
Alistair Begg
We quench the Spirit when we rarely read God’s word, when we avoid prayer, when we fail to fellowship with other believers, when we seek sin in the darkness rather than walk in the light.
We quench the Spirit when we serve ourselves and fail to reach out in ministry to others.
“We do good works because we have been separated by God for a life of service.
If we cease to do good works we will be judged for having quenched and grieved the Spirit who lives within us and strives to perfect our union with Christ.”
Donald G. Bloesch
The more consistent we quench the Spirit, the more we travel down the road that belongs to the world, the flesh and the devil. This sinful choice smothers the holy flame of the Spirit burning in our lives.
“Shall we daily increase in the Holy Spirit more and more, until we come unto God’s everlasting kingdom?”
Book of Common Prayer
Summary
We have learned about the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the various ways that Christians interpret scripture concerning when it happens and what it entails. We have discussed the commandment from our Lord to be filled with the Spirit and how critical it is for living the Christian life. We have covered the various gifts of the Spirit, but more importantly the fruits of the Spirit that result from being filled with God’s Holy Spirit. We have discussed the importance of respecting various interpretations concerning the gifts that and God desires unity within His church which is established with loving others as He would. We have also been warned about quenching the Holy Spirit and what affects this can have on our Christian witness and relationship to our Savior.
I would hope that you will seek to respond to the Holy Spirit, seek to be filled so His fruits can manifest themselves and pursue exercising the spiritual gifts He has bestowed upon you so that you can bring glory to the mighty God we serve.
Philippians 2:1 4
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests,
but also to the interests of others.”
Ephesians 4:4 6
“There is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.”