Baptism

In exploring the matters of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, baptism and filling—it is important to understand what the Holy Spirit does and what it means for believers. 

Of the three terms, “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is the most controversial.  For example, there are some brothers and sisters in Christ who hold the belief that after a person receives Jesus as their Savior and Leader, a second experience happens called the “Baptism with the Holy Spirit.”  Others suggest that this second experience is necessary before a believer can be fully used of God.  Still others are convinced that “baptism with the Holy Spirit” is connected to the believer being given a supernatural gift…speaking in tongues or performing miracles…and this is the sign confirming the Spirit’s presence.  If there is no outward demonstration, it is believed that the person has yet to receive the Holy Spirit.

In the days the New Testament was written, the word baptize carried the meaning of a sunken ship, or clothing completely dipped in a vat of dye of a different color.  For both the “baptized” ship and the clothing, there was permanent change of identity or status.  To be baptized by the Holy Spirit means a believer has a permanently changed identity or status—specifically—a member of God’s forever family.

In the early days of the church, the Apostle Peter preached a sermon, and many in the crowd were convicted that they needed Christ.  They asked Peter how they should respond…And Peter said to them, “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.  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:38 ESV emphasis added)

When a person comes to faith in Christ, he or she is immediately given two promised gifts: salvation and the Holy Spirit.  It is the universal spiritual reality for all believers: For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13 ESV)

         The most important understanding about the baptism of the Holy Spirit is this—the Holy Spirit baptizes all believers.  Without this baptism, a person isn’t a believer.

         How does the Holy Spirit confirm the believer’s true identity?

         More to come!