Faith's Foundations
by: Walter Blackwood
What are the basic doctrines of the Christian faith and is a ‘doctrine’ anyway. A doctrine is a collection of teachings on a certain subject, and the basic doctrines of the Christian faith are the teachings of Jesus Christ recorded in the Bible.
These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews: Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. (Hebrews 6:1-3)
Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse: The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual maturity.
There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life. The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God. The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.
The first purpose of this series of articles is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation. The six foundational doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 will be discussed: Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this series is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity].
These doctrines are listed in the Bible in the book of Hebrews: Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. (Hebrews 6:1-3)
Two spiritual objectives are set forth in this verse: The first objective is that of building your spiritual life on the right foundation. This foundation is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The second objective is to go on to perfection. Perfection means spiritual maturity.
There are two reasons for failure to live a victorious Christian life. The first reason is that some who are trying to live like Christians have never been born again. They do not understand the basic doctrines of Jesus Christ. Because of this lack of understanding they have failed to make a proper response to God. The second reason for failure is not going on to spiritual maturity.
The first purpose of this series of articles is to present the basic doctrines of the Christian faith necessary for a proper spiritual foundation. The six foundational doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-3 will be discussed: Repentance from dead works, faith toward God, doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. After establishing this foundation, the second purpose of this series is to take you on to perfection [spiritual maturity].
Doctrine of Baptisms: Part II
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. (Acts 1:8)
Last week, we looked at the definition of the word "baptize" and studied three of the four baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. We learned about the baptism of suffering experienced by Jesus, the baptism of John the Baptist, and Christian baptism in water. This week concerns the fourth baptism which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is only an introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. For a detailed study of the Holy Spirit, I plan to offer a separate series detailing what Scripture tells us of the Holy Spirit.
PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His followers. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) The promise to which Jesus referred was the Holy Spirit. Jesus had spoken of this previously to His followers. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:16-18)
PURPOSES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit is given in the passage just quoted, “to comfort believers.” But the Bible gives many other purposes for the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit is to fill and baptize him, (Acts 2:4) Dwell in him, (I Corinthians 6:19) Unite him in one spirit with God and other believers, (I Corinthians 6:17) Pray for him, (Romans 8:26) Guide him, (John 16:13) Show the love of Christ to him and through him, (Romans 5:5) Conform him to the image of Christ, (II Corinthians 3:18), Reveal Biblical truth to him, (I Corinthians 2:10), Teach him, (John 14:26) Inspire him to true worship, (John 4:24) Strengthen him, (Ephesians 3:16) Quicken him, (Romans 8:11) Sanctify him, (II Thessalonians 2:13-14) Change him, (Titus 3:5) Convict him when he does wrong, (John 16:8-11) Give assurance of salvation, (Romans 8:16) Give him liberty, (Romans 8:2) Speak through him, (Mark 13:11) Demonstrate God's power, (I Corinthians 2:4) Give him power to witness, (Acts 1:8) and Inspire him to worship, (John 4:24)
THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers, but the main purpose and true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is to make the Christian a powerful witness for the Gospel. 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. (Acts 1:8) The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was present immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before the Day of Pentecost he had fearfully denied that he knew Jesus. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people. It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which was evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
There are seven passages in the New Testament where the word "baptize" is used in relation to the Holy Spirit. Four of these are the words of John the Baptist recorded in the Gospels: I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11) I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:8) John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16) I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' (John 1:33) Jesus also spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5) When Peter spoke of events which took place in the home of Cornelius, he quoted the words of Jesus. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' (Acts 11:16) Paul also used the word "baptize" in relation to the Holy Spirit. 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. (I Corinthians 12:13)
Use of the phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as when it is used to describe Christian baptism in water. In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit came down from Heaven on the disciples on the day of Pentecost and completely immersed [or baptized] them in the Holy Spirit. Peter said this experience was the fulfillment of God's promise: "In the last days...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." This promise was given in Joel 2:28.
THE PHYSICAL SIGN
The Holy Spirit is invisible to the natural eye. He was compared by Jesus to the wind; The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (John 3:8) and although the wind is invisible, the effects which it produces can be seen and heard. When the wind blows the dust rises from the ground, the trees all bend in one direction, leaves rustle, the waves of the sea roar, and clouds move across the sky. These are all physical signs of the wind. So it is with the Holy Spirit. Even though He is invisible, the effects which the Holy Spirit produces can be seen and heard. There are three places in the New Testament where we are told what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:2-4 is the record of what happened on the day of Pentecost: Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:2-4)
Acts 10:44-46 records what happened when Peter preached the Gospel to a man named Cornelius and his family: While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. (Acts 10:44-46)
Acts 19:6 describes what happened to the first group of converts at Ephesus: When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
As we compare these passages there is one physical sign which is common to all three. Those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit spoke with other tongues. Other supernatural signs of the Holy Spirit are mentioned, but none as having taken place on all of the occasions. On the day of Pentecost there was the sound of a rushing wind and visible tongues of fire were seen. These were not recorded on the other two occasions. At Ephesus the new converts prophesied. But this is not mentioned as having occurred on the day of Pentecost or in the house of Cornelius. The one outward sign which the apostles observed in the experience of Cornelius and his household was that they spoke with tongues. This physical sign was proof to the disciples that they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. From these Biblical records we conclude that the sign of speaking in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit confirms that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
THE TONGUES
The sign of "tongues" can be languages known to man. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” (Acts 2:7-8) Tongues can also be a language not known to man; this is called an unknown tongue. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. (I Corinthians 14:2)
The "other tongues" received through baptism in the Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers. I Corinthians chapter 14 identifies some of the purposes for the manifestation of tongues:
-Prayer to God: Verse 2
-Self-edification: Edification means to build or promote spiritual growth: Verse 4
-When interpreted they edify the church: Verse 12
-Intercession: Verse 14 (See also Romans 8:26-27)
-Sign to unbelievers: Verse 22
-Fulfillment of prophecy: Verse 21 (See also Isaiah 28:11-12)
-Praise: Verse 15,17
OBJECTIONS
Some people object to the sign of speaking in tongues. One of the most common objections is that every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is converted and does not need any further experience to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But consider the examples of people in the New Testament who were true believers. The apostles had repented of their sins and believed Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed personally and accepted as true the facts of His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus told His followers, I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5) The promised experience of being baptized in the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
Although the apostles were already genuine believers it was not until the day of Pentecost that they were filled with [baptized in] the Holy Spirit. The people of Samaria had heard the Gospel preached. They had believed and been baptized. But they had not received the Holy Spirit. 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. (Acts 8:14-17)
The people of Samaria received salvation through the ministry of Philip. They received the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a separate experience from receiving salvation. In Acts 19:1-6 Paul describes how he went to Ephesus and met people described as "disciples.” The first question Paul asked was, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" If people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost when they received salvation it would be foolish of Paul to ask this question. The fact that he asked it makes it clear people become believers in Christ without receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Even if a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time he is converted, it is a separate experience from salvation. The ministry of the Holy Spirit has been operative throughout eternity. The Old Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit coming on Israel's spiritual leaders. The Holy Spirit is also operative in the life of a sinner to bring him to Christ. But this is different than being filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus made that clear when He said: The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)
The Holy Spirit was with the disciples at that time, but not yet in them. They were filled [baptized] with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is WITH the sinner to draw him to Jesus Christ. But this is not the same as being IN the believer.
The Holy Spirit was with the spiritual leaders of Old Testament times. But He was not yet in them. This is the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the Holy Spirit. Another objection to tongues has come through misunderstanding of a question of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 12:30. He asks, "Do all speak with tongues?" The answer to his question is "No, all do not speak with tongues." But Paul is not speaking here of the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The discussion concerns gifts of the Holy Spirit which can be used by the believer in the church. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:27-28) Paul is speaking of gifts which may be used by members of the Church. One of these gifts of the Holy Spirit is "diversities of tongues.” It is an ability to give special messages to the Church in tongues under the power of the Holy Spirit. Although everyone experiences the sign of tongues when baptized in the Holy Spirit, not everyone receives the special gift of diversities of tongues.
Some believers do not seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are afraid they will receive an experience that is not of God. But the Bible says: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11) If a believer seeks God for a gift, just like a good earthly Father, God will not let him receive anything that will harm him.
Another objection to tongues is that it is an emotional experience. Many believers who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit emphasize their own emotional reactions to the experience. Man is an emotional creature. Conversion does not eliminate a man's emotions. He will still experience joy and sorrow.
Conversion frees man's emotions from the control of sin. It redirects these emotions to worship of God. The word "joy" in Scripture is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 13:52 we read that "the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." Some people react with great emotion to the joy which comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are naturally more emotional than others. They may shout, laugh, or experience other sensations in their physical bodies. But these emotional reactions are not the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The confirming sign is speaking in tongues.
It is not necessary to show great emotion such as laughing, shouting, dancing, etc., to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. How one reacts emotionally to the joy this experience brings is often related to his natural emotional nature. But we should not criticize those who have joyful emotional reactions to the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells of emotional reactions by those who had a powerful experience with God. People trembled, fell prostrate on the ground, shouted, rejoiced, and danced before God.
It is interesting to observe the emotional reaction of people to various athletic events. They will yell, laugh, jump up and down, and express much excitement over a sports game. How much more excited we should be over a gift like the Holy Spirit which accomplishes so many purposes in our lives, brings great joy, and equips us with power to reach the world with the Gospel. The Psalmist David agreed. He presents a picture of joyful, loud, emotional worship of God. Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. (Psalms 95:1-3) Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. (Psalms 150:3-6) You do not have to fear that the baptism in the Holy Spirit will cause you to do something improper or lose control of yourself. The Bible says: The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. (I Corinthians 14:32) This means that any gift God gives is subject to the wise control of the user. God does nothing improper. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. (I Corinthians 14:33)
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus left His followers with a responsibility to extend the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. The power of the Holy Spirit would help them fulfill this task. Part of this "power" of the Holy Spirit was special gifts which the Holy Spirit gives believers to equip them to minister effectively.
These spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Natural talents and abilities are given at the time of physical birth and/or developed by natural efforts during the course of a lifetime. They can be used to minister in the church, but are different than spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and each gift has a purpose. To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)
This passage reveals spiritual gifts are for:
-Perfecting of the saints.
-Promoting the work of the ministry.
-Edifying Christ and the church.
The end objectives of these gifts are that we will:
-Be united in the faith.
-Develop our knowledge of Christ.
-Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.
-Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.
-Mature spiritually in Christ.
Some churches claim that all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for modern believers. They teach that some of the powerful gifts like miracles and speaking in other tongues were only for the early Church. The answer to their objection is this: The Lord gave ministry gifts to accomplish certain purposes in the church. He will not withdraw any of these gifts without the purposes being accomplished. Are all our churches in unity? Do we have full knowledge of Christ? Are we all walking in perfection, stable, and mature? Have we stopped false doctrines from penetrating our churches? The answer to these questions is "no.” All the purposes of the ministry gifts have not been fulfilled. For this reason, all the gifts which God gave to accomplish these objectives are still operative today. The Bible also says that the "gifts and callings of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29). That means God will not change His mind and take back a gift or a calling He has given.
The Holy Spirit gives each believer at least one spiritual gift (I Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:7, I Corinthians 12:7). It is important for us to discover and use our spiritual gift in the church. The main passages explaining the spiritual gifts available to believers through the Holy Spirit are Romans 12:1-8, I Corinthians 12:1-31, Ephesians 4:1-16 and I Peter 4:7-11. I plan to write a separate series detailing what Scripture tells us of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It will be designed to help believers discover their spiritual gifts and develop the fruits of the Spirit in order to function effectively in the Body of Christ.
FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit develops in the life of the believer qualities which the Bible calls "spiritual fruit.” The fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the nature of the Holy Spirit being evident in the life of a believer. God desires that all the fruit be evident in the life of each Christian. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The development of these qualities is another important function of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The following are Biblical guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Repent and be baptized, this will put you in a position of spiritual receptivity. 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. (Acts 2:38)
Believe in your heart that receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit is for you. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. (Acts 2:39)
Desire the Holy Spirit in your life. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39)
The Holy Spirit has already been given. It was given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. Realize that because it is a gift, you can do nothing to earn it. 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. (Acts 2:38) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:2,5,14)
Begin to praise and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Never be afraid to speak the language of the Spirit as you are praising and worshiping God. As you praise Him audibly you will first experience stammering lips. Yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit and He will speak through you words foreign to your understanding. This is the sign of Holy Spirit baptism. Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people. (Isaiah 28:11) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
REQUEST THE PRAYERS OF OTHER BELIEVERS:
The Holy Spirit can be received through the laying on of hands (Acts 8, 9, 19) or without the laying on of hands (Acts 2, 4, 10). Study these chapters which show how Spirit-filled believers can help you experience baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Last week, we looked at the definition of the word "baptize" and studied three of the four baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. We learned about the baptism of suffering experienced by Jesus, the baptism of John the Baptist, and Christian baptism in water. This week concerns the fourth baptism which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is only an introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. For a detailed study of the Holy Spirit, I plan to offer a separate series detailing what Scripture tells us of the Holy Spirit.
PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His followers. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) The promise to which Jesus referred was the Holy Spirit. Jesus had spoken of this previously to His followers. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (John 14:16-18)
PURPOSES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit is given in the passage just quoted, “to comfort believers.” But the Bible gives many other purposes for the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit is to fill and baptize him, (Acts 2:4) Dwell in him, (I Corinthians 6:19) Unite him in one spirit with God and other believers, (I Corinthians 6:17) Pray for him, (Romans 8:26) Guide him, (John 16:13) Show the love of Christ to him and through him, (Romans 5:5) Conform him to the image of Christ, (II Corinthians 3:18), Reveal Biblical truth to him, (I Corinthians 2:10), Teach him, (John 14:26) Inspire him to true worship, (John 4:24) Strengthen him, (Ephesians 3:16) Quicken him, (Romans 8:11) Sanctify him, (II Thessalonians 2:13-14) Change him, (Titus 3:5) Convict him when he does wrong, (John 16:8-11) Give assurance of salvation, (Romans 8:16) Give him liberty, (Romans 8:2) Speak through him, (Mark 13:11) Demonstrate God's power, (I Corinthians 2:4) Give him power to witness, (Acts 1:8) and Inspire him to worship, (John 4:24)
THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers, but the main purpose and true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is to make the Christian a powerful witness for the Gospel. 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. (Acts 1:8) The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was present immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before the Day of Pentecost he had fearfully denied that he knew Jesus. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people. It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which was evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
There are seven passages in the New Testament where the word "baptize" is used in relation to the Holy Spirit. Four of these are the words of John the Baptist recorded in the Gospels: I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Matthew 3:11) I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:8) John answered them all, "I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Luke 3:16) I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' (John 1:33) Jesus also spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5) When Peter spoke of events which took place in the home of Cornelius, he quoted the words of Jesus. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' (Acts 11:16) Paul also used the word "baptize" in relation to the Holy Spirit. 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. (I Corinthians 12:13)
Use of the phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as when it is used to describe Christian baptism in water. In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit came down from Heaven on the disciples on the day of Pentecost and completely immersed [or baptized] them in the Holy Spirit. Peter said this experience was the fulfillment of God's promise: "In the last days...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." This promise was given in Joel 2:28.
THE PHYSICAL SIGN
The Holy Spirit is invisible to the natural eye. He was compared by Jesus to the wind; The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. (John 3:8) and although the wind is invisible, the effects which it produces can be seen and heard. When the wind blows the dust rises from the ground, the trees all bend in one direction, leaves rustle, the waves of the sea roar, and clouds move across the sky. These are all physical signs of the wind. So it is with the Holy Spirit. Even though He is invisible, the effects which the Holy Spirit produces can be seen and heard. There are three places in the New Testament where we are told what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:2-4 is the record of what happened on the day of Pentecost: Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:2-4)
Acts 10:44-46 records what happened when Peter preached the Gospel to a man named Cornelius and his family: While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. (Acts 10:44-46)
Acts 19:6 describes what happened to the first group of converts at Ephesus: When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
As we compare these passages there is one physical sign which is common to all three. Those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit spoke with other tongues. Other supernatural signs of the Holy Spirit are mentioned, but none as having taken place on all of the occasions. On the day of Pentecost there was the sound of a rushing wind and visible tongues of fire were seen. These were not recorded on the other two occasions. At Ephesus the new converts prophesied. But this is not mentioned as having occurred on the day of Pentecost or in the house of Cornelius. The one outward sign which the apostles observed in the experience of Cornelius and his household was that they spoke with tongues. This physical sign was proof to the disciples that they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit. From these Biblical records we conclude that the sign of speaking in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit confirms that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
THE TONGUES
The sign of "tongues" can be languages known to man. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?” (Acts 2:7-8) Tongues can also be a language not known to man; this is called an unknown tongue. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. (I Corinthians 14:2)
The "other tongues" received through baptism in the Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers. I Corinthians chapter 14 identifies some of the purposes for the manifestation of tongues:
-Prayer to God: Verse 2
-Self-edification: Edification means to build or promote spiritual growth: Verse 4
-When interpreted they edify the church: Verse 12
-Intercession: Verse 14 (See also Romans 8:26-27)
-Sign to unbelievers: Verse 22
-Fulfillment of prophecy: Verse 21 (See also Isaiah 28:11-12)
-Praise: Verse 15,17
OBJECTIONS
Some people object to the sign of speaking in tongues. One of the most common objections is that every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is converted and does not need any further experience to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But consider the examples of people in the New Testament who were true believers. The apostles had repented of their sins and believed Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed personally and accepted as true the facts of His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus told His followers, I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5) The promised experience of being baptized in the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
Although the apostles were already genuine believers it was not until the day of Pentecost that they were filled with [baptized in] the Holy Spirit. The people of Samaria had heard the Gospel preached. They had believed and been baptized. But they had not received the Holy Spirit. 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. (Acts 8:14-17)
The people of Samaria received salvation through the ministry of Philip. They received the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a separate experience from receiving salvation. In Acts 19:1-6 Paul describes how he went to Ephesus and met people described as "disciples.” The first question Paul asked was, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" If people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost when they received salvation it would be foolish of Paul to ask this question. The fact that he asked it makes it clear people become believers in Christ without receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Even if a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time he is converted, it is a separate experience from salvation. The ministry of the Holy Spirit has been operative throughout eternity. The Old Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit coming on Israel's spiritual leaders. The Holy Spirit is also operative in the life of a sinner to bring him to Christ. But this is different than being filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus made that clear when He said: The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:17)
The Holy Spirit was with the disciples at that time, but not yet in them. They were filled [baptized] with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is WITH the sinner to draw him to Jesus Christ. But this is not the same as being IN the believer.
The Holy Spirit was with the spiritual leaders of Old Testament times. But He was not yet in them. This is the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the Holy Spirit. Another objection to tongues has come through misunderstanding of a question of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 12:30. He asks, "Do all speak with tongues?" The answer to his question is "No, all do not speak with tongues." But Paul is not speaking here of the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The discussion concerns gifts of the Holy Spirit which can be used by the believer in the church. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:27-28) Paul is speaking of gifts which may be used by members of the Church. One of these gifts of the Holy Spirit is "diversities of tongues.” It is an ability to give special messages to the Church in tongues under the power of the Holy Spirit. Although everyone experiences the sign of tongues when baptized in the Holy Spirit, not everyone receives the special gift of diversities of tongues.
Some believers do not seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are afraid they will receive an experience that is not of God. But the Bible says: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11) If a believer seeks God for a gift, just like a good earthly Father, God will not let him receive anything that will harm him.
Another objection to tongues is that it is an emotional experience. Many believers who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit emphasize their own emotional reactions to the experience. Man is an emotional creature. Conversion does not eliminate a man's emotions. He will still experience joy and sorrow.
Conversion frees man's emotions from the control of sin. It redirects these emotions to worship of God. The word "joy" in Scripture is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 13:52 we read that "the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." Some people react with great emotion to the joy which comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are naturally more emotional than others. They may shout, laugh, or experience other sensations in their physical bodies. But these emotional reactions are not the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The confirming sign is speaking in tongues.
It is not necessary to show great emotion such as laughing, shouting, dancing, etc., to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. How one reacts emotionally to the joy this experience brings is often related to his natural emotional nature. But we should not criticize those who have joyful emotional reactions to the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells of emotional reactions by those who had a powerful experience with God. People trembled, fell prostrate on the ground, shouted, rejoiced, and danced before God.
It is interesting to observe the emotional reaction of people to various athletic events. They will yell, laugh, jump up and down, and express much excitement over a sports game. How much more excited we should be over a gift like the Holy Spirit which accomplishes so many purposes in our lives, brings great joy, and equips us with power to reach the world with the Gospel. The Psalmist David agreed. He presents a picture of joyful, loud, emotional worship of God. Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods. (Psalms 95:1-3) Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. (Psalms 150:3-6) You do not have to fear that the baptism in the Holy Spirit will cause you to do something improper or lose control of yourself. The Bible says: The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. (I Corinthians 14:32) This means that any gift God gives is subject to the wise control of the user. God does nothing improper. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. (I Corinthians 14:33)
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jesus left His followers with a responsibility to extend the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. The power of the Holy Spirit would help them fulfill this task. Part of this "power" of the Holy Spirit was special gifts which the Holy Spirit gives believers to equip them to minister effectively.
These spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Natural talents and abilities are given at the time of physical birth and/or developed by natural efforts during the course of a lifetime. They can be used to minister in the church, but are different than spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and each gift has a purpose. To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)
This passage reveals spiritual gifts are for:
-Perfecting of the saints.
-Promoting the work of the ministry.
-Edifying Christ and the church.
The end objectives of these gifts are that we will:
-Be united in the faith.
-Develop our knowledge of Christ.
-Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.
-Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.
-Mature spiritually in Christ.
Some churches claim that all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for modern believers. They teach that some of the powerful gifts like miracles and speaking in other tongues were only for the early Church. The answer to their objection is this: The Lord gave ministry gifts to accomplish certain purposes in the church. He will not withdraw any of these gifts without the purposes being accomplished. Are all our churches in unity? Do we have full knowledge of Christ? Are we all walking in perfection, stable, and mature? Have we stopped false doctrines from penetrating our churches? The answer to these questions is "no.” All the purposes of the ministry gifts have not been fulfilled. For this reason, all the gifts which God gave to accomplish these objectives are still operative today. The Bible also says that the "gifts and callings of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29). That means God will not change His mind and take back a gift or a calling He has given.
The Holy Spirit gives each believer at least one spiritual gift (I Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:7, I Corinthians 12:7). It is important for us to discover and use our spiritual gift in the church. The main passages explaining the spiritual gifts available to believers through the Holy Spirit are Romans 12:1-8, I Corinthians 12:1-31, Ephesians 4:1-16 and I Peter 4:7-11. I plan to write a separate series detailing what Scripture tells us of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It will be designed to help believers discover their spiritual gifts and develop the fruits of the Spirit in order to function effectively in the Body of Christ.
FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit develops in the life of the believer qualities which the Bible calls "spiritual fruit.” The fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the nature of the Holy Spirit being evident in the life of a believer. God desires that all the fruit be evident in the life of each Christian. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
The development of these qualities is another important function of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The following are Biblical guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Repent and be baptized, this will put you in a position of spiritual receptivity. 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. (Acts 2:38)
Believe in your heart that receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit is for you. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. (Acts 2:39)
Desire the Holy Spirit in your life. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:37-39)
The Holy Spirit has already been given. It was given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. Realize that because it is a gift, you can do nothing to earn it. 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. (Acts 2:38) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (Galatians 3:2,5,14)
Begin to praise and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Never be afraid to speak the language of the Spirit as you are praising and worshiping God. As you praise Him audibly you will first experience stammering lips. Yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit and He will speak through you words foreign to your understanding. This is the sign of Holy Spirit baptism. Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people. (Isaiah 28:11) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
REQUEST THE PRAYERS OF OTHER BELIEVERS:
The Holy Spirit can be received through the laying on of hands (Acts 8, 9, 19) or without the laying on of hands (Acts 2, 4, 10). Study these chapters which show how Spirit-filled believers can help you experience baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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