Historical Posts
Can People Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
Can people be baptized in the Holy Spirit?
This question has been asked with great frequency, since I first started answering questions on the radio, twenty years ago. It seems to be of keen interest to those who are not members of the church of Christ, as it relates directly to a popular denominational doctrine. There are a great many people in the modern religious world who believe that baptism in the Holy Spirit (either in addition to, or instead of baptism in water) is what saves a person from sin. Believers in this teaching may be seen regularly on television; waving their arms in the air and calling for the Holy Spirit to be “poured out” upon them. Sometimes, you may hear people talk about the “direct operation of the Holy Spirit,” which is thought by some to be a term, which describes what the Holy Spirit does, when a believer is immersed in Him. Is this teaching Biblical? What does the Bible say about the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation?
The Bible plainly teaches that Jesus promised baptism in the Holy Spirit to a specific group of individuals and, aside from one important exception, they were the only people ever to be baptized in such a way. Just before His ascension into Heaven, Jesus gathered together His apostles, and told them to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of certain promises, saying, “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5). A short time later, when the apostles were gathered together in a secluded place, the Lord’s promise was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-4). Some argue that there were more than just the twelve apostles present in the place where they received the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus had made, but a careful reading of Acts 1:26 reveals that only the twelve apostles were present. Others argue that John promised baptism in the Holy Spirit to all who heard him (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16), but this is not necessarily so. These verses reveal that John also promised a baptism in “fire” to those who heard him (indicating a great degree of suffering to be endured), yet not everyone who heard John received it. Clearly, he had in mind only those for whom it was intended. The same may be said about the promise of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The only reasonable objection to the idea that the apostles were the only people to whom baptism in the Holy Spirit was promised is to argue that, since the Holy Spirit “fell on[Cornelius and his household] as on [the apostles] in the beginning” (Acts 11:15), in Acts 10, it must follow that the same thing can happen to believers today. However, this objection is impossible to prove. First of all, because it must be admitted that the primary reason why the Holy Spirit “fell” upon Cornelius and his household was to show the members of the ancient church that Gentiles could be Chris-tians too (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). Secondly, because it must be admitted that there is no other account of anything like this happening to anyone else, in all of Scripture. Every indication is that this event was exceptional and atypical of what was happening to those who were being converted in the first century.
Every other verse in the New Testament plainly teaches that only baptism in water can remit the sins of mankind. Ephesians 4:5 indicates that that there is only one baptism, which the Lord recognizes. A host of passages in the New Testament affirm that this “one baptism” is baptism in water (John 3:23; Acts 8:36; 10:47). Passages like Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 describe baptism as “burial” in water. This is an obvious reference to immersion in water, and it shows how baptism mimics the burial of Christ, following His death on the cross. Peter preached that people are baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), and Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). In view of these truths, it is no small wonder that the apostle Peter would eventually write, “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21).
The role played by the Holy Spirit in the conversion of lost souls is understandable. Ephesians 6:17 says that the “sword of the Spirit” is “the word of God,” and Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is living and active in the conversion of lost souls, whenever the Word of God is used to persuade people to be saved. It is the medium used by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the accomplishment of any aspect of the will of God, including the conversion of lost souls, (1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 10:17). I would never presume to argue that that the Holy Spirit does not play a role in the conversion of lost souls, but I do take exception with the assertion that people must be baptized in the Holy Spirit to be saved.
Content by Russell Kline
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Who is The Holy Spirit?
What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit?
Who is The Holy Spirit? While no one has ever actually asked me a question which was worded in exactly that fashion, I have been asked about the essence of this question on more than one occasion. Also, it should be noted that, in undertaking a study of the Holy Spirit, it is absolutely essential that this question be asked and answered, in order to lay a proper foundation upon which full understanding of the subject may be built. In answering this question, it is not my intention to engage in idle speculation about the nature of the Holy Spirit, nor is it my intention to advance unsubstantiated theories about the Holy Spirit, but simply to document what the Bible says about the subject.
It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is a living being. While the Spirit of God is without gender, it can hardly be said that He is merely an “it,” with no personification (Romans 8:26-27). It is true that the Greek word which is translated “Spirit” in English versions of the New Testament literally means “a current of air, such as a breath, blast, breeze, etc.,” but this does not mean that the Holy Spirit is just a wil-o-wisp, with no sentient qualities. According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27), He has a will (Acts 16:7; 21:11-14), He has knowledge (1 Corinthians 2:1-13), He can speak (1 Timothy 4:1), He can teach (Nehemiah 9:20), He searches (1 Corinthians 2:10), He helps (Romans 8:26), He strives (Genesis 6:3), He loves (Romans 15:30), He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), He can lead, or forbid (Acts 16:6-7) and He can command, call, or send (Acts 13:2-4). It is difficult for the human mind to conceive of the “form of God,” because God is a spirit (John 4:24), and is not composed of flesh and bone (Luke 24:39). However, it should be noted that, while the Bible does not say exactly what the Holy Spirit looks like, there is plenty of reason to believe that His “form” is very much like that of the other members of the Godhead (Philippians 2:6).
It is important to understand that the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead. In the simplest of terms, “Godhead” is synonymous with “Godhood,” and may be described as the state, or office, or quality of being God. The most common Hebrew word for God is a plural term, and the second most common Hebrew word for God is considered to be the Jewish name for God (Psalms 83:18). Both of these terms appear in Deuteronomy 6:4, which reads, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:” This passage sets forth the idea that, although the Godhead is composed of three persons, there is only one God. As 1 John 5:7 affirms, “there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
The Holy Spirit is usually referred to as the “Third Person” of the Godhead. This does not mean that He is of lesser importance and power than the Father and the Son. According to Hebrews 9;14, the Holy Spirit is eternal, just like the Father and the Son. According to Micah 3:8, He is omnipotent, just like the Father and the Son. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10, He is omniscient, just like the Father and the Son. According to Psalm 139:7, He is omnipresent, just like the Father and the Son.
The role of the Holy Spirit within the context of the Godhead has been described as that of “organizer,” with the Father being the “planner,” and the Son being the “executor.” One of the best examples of this arrangement is seen in the creation of the universe, in which the Father commanded (Genesis 1:1), the Son created (John 1:3), and the Holy Spirit brooded (Genesis 1:2). In addition to this, the Holy Spirit is responsible for inspiring the writers of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:12-21), and for the miraculous conception of Jesus (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35), among other things.
The Bible reveals much about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit. While there are many misconceptions about who the Holy Spirit is, and what He does, the Word of God makes it possible for us to know the truth about the Spirit of God. In the final analysis, we must not trust the teaching of men on this issue, but rather we must place our truth in the Word of our Heavenly Father, which will not lead us astray.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what to pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” – Romans 8:26
Content by Russell Kline
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Do You have the Holy Spirit – audio
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There is a lot of uncertainty today about having the Holy Spirit. Some people claim they have it, yet others do not feel they do. How can you tell if you do or do not have the Holy Spirit?
Read Jude 1:17-21. Jude describes characteristics of those that do not have the Spirit, and then refers to his fellow Christians as those that have the Holy Spirit.
Those that do not have the Holy Spirit are “sensual (Jude 1:19),” or those that think of only earthly things. They often cause division because they seek their own well-being, and not of others or of Christ. Paul says they are ignorant (not learning Christ), having a blindness of heart (Ephesians 4:17-20).
Jude says faithful Christians have the Spirit (Jude 1:20-21). First, Christians receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9,11; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 John 4:13) through baptism. As they continue to grow in the faith, the Spirit helps them grow in the knowledge of God’s Word (see Colossians 2:6-7).
Why should one want to allow the Holy Spirit to dwell within? As Jude says, we must continue to pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20). Sometimes we know we need something, but do not know what. We may think we know what we need, but do not know how to ask. The Holy Spirit helps in this way by making “intercession for us with groaning that cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26).” If we have the Spirit, God will answer our unspoken prayers!
Content by Richard Dillon
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God, the Holy Spirit – The “Third Person” of the Godhead
God, the Holy Spirit – The “Third Person” of the Godhead
As the “third” member of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit is no less important, nor is He of lesser stature than the Father and the Son. Within the context of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit seems to play the role of Designer to the Father’s Architect and the Son’s Builder. In the creation, for example, the Holy Spirit was present, but His role is not as clearly defined as those of the Father and the Son (Genesis 1:2). As Job’s friend, Bildad, put it, “By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens” (Job 26:13). Perhaps the Father commanded the raw materials of the universe into existence, the Son built the universe out of those raw materials and the Holy Spirit arranged the universe into the forms that we know today.
Much is said about the Holy Spirit “dwelling” in the hearts of Christians, and much of what is said does not jibe with the Biblical model. It is certain that the Bible says that the Holy Spirit dwells in Christians (1 Corinthians 3:16), but did you know that the Bible also says that the Father and the Son do the same thing (1 John 4:12; John 6:56)? Did you know that the Bible also says that each member of the Godhead dwells in the other (John 14:10; Colossians 2:9), and we dwell in them (John 6:56)? I have never heard anyone try to argue that Christians literally and bodily dwell in the Lord, yet I am constantly hearing people make claims like that about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Christians. Did you know that the Bible says that the Word of God dwells in Christians (Colossians 3:16)? Of course, it does not do so literally, but in a figurative sense. The more of God’s Word that I know, the more of God’s Word dwells inside me (Psalm 119:11). I am persuaded that it works the same way with the indwelling of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The more of God’s Word that I know, the more of God dwells inside me.
Let us not suffer confusion to reign in our understanding of the Holy Spirit of God! The Word of God can tell us all that we need to know about Him, if we will just open our Bibles and our minds.
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” – 1 John 5:7
Content by Russell Kline
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God, the Holy Spirit – The Source of Inspiration
The Bible is not merely the product of ancient near eastern wisdom (2 Peter 1:20). The Scriptures came directly from the mind of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The wisdom of God was transmitted to Earth via the Holy Spirit, who inspired the men who wrote the Bible (2 Peter 1:21).
The Spirit of God did not dictate to the writers of the Bible, nor did He put suggestions into their heads and then remove His influence. The writers of the Bible wrote precisely what the Holy Spirit wanted them to write, and they did so in a style that was uniquely their own. Evidence of this concept is seen in First Corinthians 1:14-17, wherein Paul’s inability to remember who he baptized in Corinth is used to make the point that it does not matter who baptizes you, only that you are baptized. The Spirit could easily have supplied Paul with the names of every person he baptized while he was in the city of Corinth, but that would not have helped in making the salient point. The Holy Spirit wanted Paul to write about his inability to remember, so that the brethren in the church in Corinth would understand what He wanted them to understand.
The Word of God is also the instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to convert lost souls. “…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). It is through the Bible that the Spirit of God has His greatest impact upon the world. It is a precision instrument, which can prick the hearts of men and change their lives forever (Hebrews 4:12). Study your Bible and let the Holy Spirit change your life!
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” – 2 Peter 1:21
Content by Russell Kline
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God, the Holy Spirit – The Spirit of God
The Holy Spirit seems to be the only member of the Godhead that has no proper name. Unlike Jehovah and Jesus, the Holy Spirit is known by a more informal designation. But, just like the other two members of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit’s name is also a descriptive term. For the most part, He is called, the Holy Spirit, or the Spirit, or the Spirit of God, or some other variation of these terms (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 4:4,30). In the King James Version of the Bible, the word, Ghost is frequently substituted for Spirit. This is because of the close association between the two words, which was especially strong when the KJV was translated. We must not, however, make the mistake of thinking that the Holy Spirit behaves anything like a ghost, as people typically think of ghosts today.
The Greek and Hebrew words, which are translated “spirit,” in the Bible, literally mean, “a breath” or “a blast of air.” These words, however, must not be understood in a literal sense. In John 3, Jesus contrasted “the wind” and “the Spirit” (John 3:5-8). Some argue that the Holy Spirit is nothing more than a breath of air, and that the term does not refer to a person, but to the influence of God. We may know that this argument is false, because of the evidence provided by the Scriptures concerning the nature of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit has all the attributes of an individual person. He has a mind (Romans 8:27). He has a will (Acts 16:7; 21:11-14). He can speak (1 Timothy 4:1). He searches (1 Corinthians 2:10). He helps (Romans 8:26). He strives (Genesis 6:3). He loves (Romans 15:30). He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4). The Holy Spirit is not merely an extension of God, or a part of God’s character. He is God. He has divine authority and He acts in full cooperation with the Father and the Son.
The Holy Spirit is probably the most misunderstood of all the members of the Godhead. Most people have no trouble conceiving of the Biblical model for the Father and for the Son, but many in the religious world are unwilling to accept the Biblical description of the Holy Spirit. This is perplexing, since the Holy Spirit is responsible for inspiring the men who wrote the Bible (2 Peter 1:21). Nevertheless, misunderstandings abound, concerning the Holy Spirit. We owe it to Him to study our Bibles and sort through the confusion to attain understanding.
“…grieve not the holy Spirit of God…” – Ephesians 4:30
Content by Russell Kline
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Why We Need The Holy Spirit – John 07:37-39
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Text: John 7:37-39
Introduction
1. In this series we have briefly discussed why we need
a. God
b. The Bible
c. Jesus Christ
2. Let’s now turn our attention to why we need the Holy Spirit
a. The subject of much confusion and error
b. Prompting some Christians to avoid the subject altogether
3. Yet the Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in the life of the Christian, and error should not discourage us from seeking truth.
Body
I. BECAUSE OF THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. PROMISED BY JESUS
1. To all who believe in Him – John 7:37-39
2. A special dispensation of the Spirit unlike any before; different from:
a. The miraculous workings of the Spirit
b. The normal influences through the Word
3. Jesus promised the Spirit to all who believe
B. PROMISED BY PETER
1. To all who repent and are baptized – Acts 2:38-39
a. The “gift” could be that which the Spirit gives (e.g., salvation)
b. But I understand it to be the Spirit Himself
2. To those who obey God – Acts 5:32
3. Peter promised the Spirit to all who obey
C. PROMISED BY PAUL
1. To those who become children of God – Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:14-16
2. Indeed, one cannot be Christ’s unless they have the Spirit dwelling in them – Romans 8:9
3. Paul proclaimed that those who are in Christ have the Spirit in them
D. The promise of the Spirit described above mostly relates to His indwelling and the accompanying blessings (which we will summarize shortly).
II. BECAUSE OF THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. CONVICTING THE WORLD
1. Of sin, righteousness, and judgment – John 16:7-11
2. Done through the gospel of Christ
a. The instrument designed to produce faith – Romans 10:17
b. Which is God’s power to save – Romans 1:16-17
c. And determines who will be judged (condemned) – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
3. Through the Word, the Spirit convicts the world of sin
B. REGENERATING THE SINNER
1. Saving those who respond through the washing of regeneration – Titus 3:4-6
a. Being born again of water and the Spirit – John 3:5
b. In which one’s sins are washed away by the blood of Christ – Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:7
2. Causing them to be reborn, in conjunction with the Word – 1 Peter 1:22-23,25
3. When one obeys the Word, the Spirit regenerates the sinner
C. SANCTIFYING THE SAVED
1. A process that begins when washed and justified – 1 Corinthians 6:11
2. A process that continues with the aid of the Word
a. We are sanctified by God’s Word – John 17:17
b. Which is the sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:17
3. When one abides in the Word, the Spirit sanctifies the believer – Romans 15:16
D. The work of the Holy Spirit is necessary for both salvation and sanctification.
III. BECAUSE OF THE BLESSINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. THE INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT
1. Indwelling the Christian – Romans 8:9-11; cf. 1 Corinthians 6:19
2. Enabling us to put to death the deeds of the body – Romans 8:12-13
3. Strengthening us in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16,20; cf. Philippians 2:12-13
4. The Spirit is the Father’s instrument to empower the Christian
B. THE SEAL OF THE SPIRIT
1. A seal marking us as belonging to God – Ephesians 1:13
2. Looking forward to the day of our redemption – Ephesians 4:30
3. The Spirit is the Father’s identifier that we belong to Him
C. THE EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT
1. A guarantee or down payment of our inheritance – Ephesians 1:13-14
2. Given in our hearts as a guarantee of our redemption- 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5
3. The Spirit is the Father’s insurance that He will deliver as promised
D. THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
1. Developing graces of Christ-like conduct – Galatians 5:22-26
2. Engendering a deepening love for God as Father – Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15-16
3. Filling us with hope – Romans 15:13
4. The Spirit is the Father’s instrument to bless the Christian
E. THE INTERCESSION OF THE SPIRIT
1. Helping us in our weakness, even in our prayers – Romans 8:26
2. Making intercession for with groanings that cannot be uttered – Romans 8:26-27
3. The Spirit is the Father’s interpreter to hear the Christian
Conclusion
1. Why do we need the Holy Spirit? Simply because
a. He was promised to us!
b. He has much work to do in us!
c. He is the source of wonderful blessings for us!
2. We may not always understand how the Holy Spirit works
a. We must beware of false doctrines regarding Him
b. Studying the truth concerning the Spirit is the best antidote to error
3. But we must also beware of
a. Quenching the Spirit in our lives – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
b. Grieving the Holy Spirit of God – Ephesians 4:30
4. Receive the Spirit initially through obedience to the gospel
a. Which involves faith, repentance and baptism – Acts 2:38; 5:32; Ep1:13
b. Whereby we become children of God, and thereby receive the Spirit in our hearts – Galatians 4:6
5. Be filled with the blessings of the Spirit by…
a. Feeding on His Word (the things of the Spirit) – Romans 8:5-6; Ephesians 6:17
b. Praying for God to strengthen you by His Spirit in the inner man – Ephesians 3:16,20
c. Singing with melody in your hearts to the Lord – Ephesians 5:18-19
6. Do we truly appreciate the need for the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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