Paul goes on to list multiple gifts, pointing out that some will receive some gifts, others other gifts. Paul emphasizes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” ( 1 Corinthians 12:4). 1 Corinthians 12 seems to address this idea. Evangelicals point to verses such as 1 Corinthians 12:13 as evidence that all believers experience this baptism.Įvangelicals also disagree with Pentecostals on the necessity of speaking in tongu es. Many Pentecostal denominations believe that the receiving of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is evidenced by speaking in tongues.Įvangelicals disagree with this Pentecostal take, especially as it insinuates that some Christians have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and some have not. Some believe that this second baptism is necessary for salvation, while some don’t. It is considered an event in which the Christian receives the Spirit’s power in a new way, enabling them to more readily partake in miracles and spiritual gifts. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is considered a separate experience from both conversion and water baptism. Pentecostals, however, tend to take a different approach. Once Jesus ascended to heaven, as He promised in Acts 1:5, He sent the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to guide the believers. However, man’s sinful state did not allow for continual indwelling. At times in the Old Testament, certain individuals were empowered by the Holy Spirit for short periods of time for specific acts. This baptism of the Holy Spirit was only possible because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, thus cleansing the believer of sin. This enables a person to experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as the Spirit chooses. When a person “asks Jesus into their heart,” to use a colloquialism, the Holy Spirit indwells that person. The prevailing Protestant belief is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at conversion. Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox believers have very similar views on most aspects of the Holy Spirit, with some variation of thought as relates to inter-trinitarian relations. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” What Do Different Denominations Believe About Holy Spirit Baptism? In Acts 2:38 Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. This immersion in the Holy Spirit, in fact, appears to occur at conversion.ġ John 4:15 reads, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God” (italics mine). Thus, it is to be assumed that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is something all Christians experience. This occurred after Jesus promised them, “John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” ( Acts 1:5).Ĭlearly, then, this baptism of the Holy Spirit was not the same as water baptism.ġ Corinthians 12:13 says, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” Interestingly, here Paul is speaking to “all,” that is, all the Christians, claiming they have all been baptized by the Holy Spirit. This baptism with fire literally came true at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples in Acts 2. The water also represents the washing away of sins. Partaking in this act shows that a person is partaking in Christ’s death and resurrection. When a person is immersed in water and then brought up again, it symbolizes that Christ died and was buried (the submersion) and then rose again (rising from the water). Instead, baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality. Paul didn’t make baptism a part of his salvation speeches, and he states in 1 Corinthians 1:17 that “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel,” showing that the gospel and baptism are separate. It can also point to, in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an “immersion” in the Spirit.īaptism isn’t required to be saved passages such as Acts 15 and Romans 4 make it clear that no external act is necessary for salvation. The Greek word for baptism- baptizo-means “to dip” or “to immerse.” This points to the traditional act of baptism, the immersion in water. What is the Biblical Meaning and Significance of the Word ‘Baptism?’ Most also are generally aware of the idea behind baptism of making a public declaration of dedication to Christ.īut what about the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is it the same as water baptism? Is it different.a second baptism? Let’s look for some answers to these and other questions regarding baptism of the Holy Spirit. Most Christians understand the concept of conversion, repenting of sin and pledging one’s life to Christ. One of the most commonly confusing topics for Christians is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
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