The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Outline on the Baptism of the Holy Ghost

(Mrs. E. W. Weller)

It is an initial work taking place at the salvation.

"All are baptized into one body," 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 3:20b, 21
Titus 3:5.

Romans 6:3-11 is the only definition of baptism of the Spirit given in Scripture.

In the one act of living faith in Christ, believers are:

1. Born of the Spirit (the initiation into eternal life), John 3:3- 8.
2. Receive the earnest of the Spirit (pledge of it culmination), Ephesians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 55.
3. Sealed with the Spirit (insurance of its continuance), Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30.
4. Indwelt by the Spirit (maintenance of eternal life in the soul), Romans 8:9.
5. Baptized into one body (a relational activity joining Christ and believers), 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Definition of Baptism

1. Baptized into His death. Romans 6:3 "I am crucified with Christ," Galatians 2:20.

2. Baptized into His burial. Romans 6:4, complete identification into His body.

3. Baptized into His resurrection. Romans 6:5, complete entering into His new body.

4. Baptized into His resurrected life. Romans 6:8 "live with Him," live in His body.

The experience of 1 Corinthians 12:13 implies a complete identification with the Savior.

Conclusion

Colossians 2:10, by Spirit baptism we are complete in the new resurrected body.

At Pentecost, was the day that the Holy Spirit came to abide, the disciples were filled, baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost was a definite historical event never to be repeated. It was the day of enthronement of the Spirit, when He assumed all His various offices.

We are baptized by the Spirit conversion. We need the anointing with power of Acts 1:8 for service and we need to be constantly filled with the Spirit.

Water Baptism

The Meaning of Baptism

Baptism does not regeneration or forgiveness of sins.

Baptism states the fact of an event that has already transpired beforehand.
Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward reality- a genuine conversion.

1. It means obedience to the command of Christ, Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Note that believing comes before baptism.
2. Means following Christ's example. 1 Peter 2:21 "...because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." See also John 13:15.
3. It means fulfilling all righteousness. Matthew 3:15 "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." If Jesus needed it, I certainly do, too.
4. It means separation by death from sin.
Colossians 3:3 "For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God." See also Galatian 6:14.
5. It means identification with Christ, Romans 6:4- 13.
a. Identification in His death. Romans 6:5 "...planted together in the likeness of His death."
b. Identification in His burial. Romans 6:4 "...buried with Him by baptism into death."
c. Identification in His resurrection. Romans 6:4 "...like as Christ we are raise up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
6. It means association with Christ's body. 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." One body, the church, visible and invisible.

Who may be Baptized?

1. Those who have heard the Gospel and believed it, Mark 16:16, quoted above.
2. Those whose eyes are opened. Acts 9:18 "And immediately there fell from eyes as it had been scales: and he receive sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."
3. Those who have repented. Acts 2:38 "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus." Repentance is twofold:
Turning from sin and turning to serve God.
4. Those who bring forth fruit worthy of repentance. Luke 3:8 and Matthew 3:8.
5. Those who have received the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have receive the Holy Ghost as well as we?"
6. Those who have been taught the Word of God. Matthew 28:19, 20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. "This would involve teaching the New Testament.
7. Those who have died, and who now live a new spiritual life in Christ. This is the basic teaching of Romans 6:1- 13, that every believer ought to understand well.

Conclusion

In Baptism I take a public stand with God and righteousness against the devil and sin.
Baptism is a challenge to the powers of darkness. I'm living for the Lord Jesus.
Baptism is an act of faith calling on the grace of God for strength to overcome.
Baptism is a command. It is not optional. It is for me to obey and submit.
If Jesus needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness, I surely need to be also.
Let us prayfully and perseveringly press on to baptism and the overcoming life.

Source: One hundred Bible Lessons
By: Alban Douglas