SPECIAL TOPIC: BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT

The first time this phrase is mentioned is in
connection to the minnistry of John the Baptist (cf. Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke
3:16; John 1:33). It is linked with “fire.” Jesus’ baptizes with the
Holy Spirit and fire, which denotes a cleansing process, as well as an
empowering process.

The Messiah will inaugurate the new age of the Spirit
(cf. Joel 2:28-32). His baptism will be
with (or “in” or “by”) the Spirit (i.e., Pentecost, cf. Acts
1:5; 2:1-4). There has been much discussion among
denominations as to what event in the Christian experience this refers. Some
take it to refer to an empowering experience after salvation, a kind of second
blessing. Personally I think it refers to becoming a Christian (cf. 1 Cor.
12:13; this is theologically parallel to “born of the Spirit” in John 3:5-6). I do not deny later
and repeatable fillings and equippings (cf. Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; Eph. 5:18), but I believe there is only
one initial spiritual baptism into Christ in which believers identify with
Jesus’ death and resurrection (cf. Rom. 6:3-4; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12). This
initiating work of the Spirit is delineated in John 16:8-11. In my understanding
the works of the Holy Spirit are:

1. convicting of sin

2. revealing the truth about Christ

3. leading to acceptance of the gospel

4. baptizing into Christ

5. convicting the believer of continuing sin

6. forming Christlikeness in the believer

It seems to me that the phrase is used of two things.

1. the beginning of the Spirit-empowered church (Acts
1:5)

2. the initial slavation of believers, who are
empowered for ministry (1 Cor. 12:13)