There is much interest and discussion on the subject of the baptism of (or “in”) the Holy Spirit. I suppose that is so because it is a
fascinating subject with fascinating ramifications for Christians. My concern is that it has become something that divides the Body of
Christ. That should not be. Whether you believe in the doctrine or not, it must not be allowed to separate you from other children of
God who believe differently than you. In either case, they are your brothers and sisters and love must prevail. (Romans 14)
Now let’s discuss the subject of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. There are several schools of thought on this doctrine and each has
merit. Various Scripture passages seem to support any one of these. Here are the primary viewpoints on the subject:
1) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience after the new birth,
2) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience that happens at the time
of the new birth or immediately thereafter,
3) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is one and the same as the new birth.
I personally am not so much interested in any of these views as much as I am in insuring that every born again believer enjoys the
benefits of this wonderful spiritual experience. The power of the Spirit enables us to pray according to the perfect will of God (Romans
8:26-27) and praying in the Spirit strengthens us (Jude 20), and by asking for an interpretation of our spiritual prayers we can know
the mysteries of God. (I Corinthians 14) The use of tongues is also very advantageous in our worship of God, just as we are told in I
Corinthians 14:15.
For sure, this spiritual baptism is a covenantal experience. In other words, it is reserved only for those who are in covenant with God.
Therefore, it is not available to anyone who has not first accepted the free gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ and been
born again. (John 3:3 and Romans 10:8-10) Our new life in Christ Jesus happened because of the Spirit of God that gave us that life
– He is the Life-giver. He came to live in us the instant we received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The questions that arise about this
spiritual baptism are: “When does it happen?” and “Does a person necessarily speak in tongues when it does happen?”
Actually it is difficult to answer the “When?” That is because the various instances in the Book of Acts when we see it happen are
each different. Those gathered in the upper room (Acts 2:1-4) were all believers yet this wonderful spiritual experience had not yet
happened to them. In one instance it seemed to happen even before salvation or at least simultaneously as the Gentiles in the home
of Cornelius accepted the message of Jesus. (Acts 10:44-46) When we look at what happened in Ephesus (Acts 8:14-17) we might
draw a different conclusion since the Word says these folks had already been saved but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. The
passage in Acts 19:1-6 seems to support the notion that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a post-salvation experience. So, what is my
conclusion from all of this? I don’t really know when it happens, just like you don’t really know when it happens. But it happens.
The other question often asked deserves some time in this discussion as well. I have heard some folks declare that if the baptism in
the Holy Spirit truly happens speaking in tongues is always the outward evidence. That may be true, but it is difficult for me to defend
that position from Scripture. Perhaps the baptism in the Holy Spirit happens the instant of the new birth or thereafter, but if the person
comes from a theological background that opposes speaking in tongues, it is unlikely he will release the flow for tongues to come
forth. In other words, a doctrinal belief hinders the outward expression. That does not mean it did not happen, it simply means he will
not release his spiritual language. Does his reluctance in this case disqualify him somehow from the baptism in the Holy Spirit? I think
not. In time and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit he will probably experience the power of speaking in tongues and rejoice over
what God has done in him.
Christians sometimes wonder how water baptism fits in with this discussion of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I think it is interesting that
the apostle Paul, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, wrote these words in Ephesians 4:5, “There is one Lord, one faith, one
baptism.” If what he says is true (and I think it is!) there is only one baptism, but which one is it? Is it the Spirit baptism or water
baptism? The answer to this question is “Yes!” Water baptism is merely a symbol for what has taken place in the spiritual realm; it is
also an ordinance of the Church by which someone publicly professes his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We might say that
it is his official entry into the Church. It symbolizes his death to sin (his being placed under water), his burial (the water is a type of the
grave), and his resurrection into new life. (coming up out of the water) In contrast to this concept of a symbol, the baptism in the Holy
Spirit is not a symbol but rather a genuine experience. Actually the correct term for us to consider at this point is baptized into Christ
Jesus.(Romans 6:1-6) This term helps us to understand the other terms in that it describes the instant of the new birth as well as our
immersion into Jesus Christ, of which water baptism symbolizes.
It is important that every born again Christian be baptized in water. Jesus instructed it and we should obey Him. He was baptized in
water and it is good for us to follow His example. It is also good that each Christian release the power of the Holy Spirit that is within
him; and that he enjoys the rich blessings that come from this wonderful, spiritual phenomenon.
Be blessed in your fellowship with God through His Holy Spirit!
ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM
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