What Does it Mean to be Baptized in the Spirit?
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In Christianity, there are two primary camps about the work of the Holy Spirit. One group, continuationists, believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as displayed in the first-century church (especially in the Book of Acts), are still alive and continue today. Another group, cessationists, believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased with the first-century church. I will tell you which camp I fall into at the end of this article, but see if you can figure it out before you get to the end.
While both camps believe in being baptized in the Spirit, what it means to be baptized in the Spirit is distinctly different. Sadly, I must add, like many other things, this has become a division point in the church. I am not overly concerned with what camp you belong to. We can still be united in Christ, even if we have two different understandings of what it means to be baptized in the Spirit. Let’s dig into this topic and see what this means.
Where Does the Term Baptized in the Spirit Come From?
When John the Baptist performed his ministry, he mentioned being baptized in the Spirit.
“The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” (Luke 3:15-16)
John identifies the idea of being baptized in the Spirit but does not define it. However, he clearly tells us who will be baptized in the Spirit, and that person is Jesus.
When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended on him and was with him throughout his earthly ministry. This was a model for us, and as Jesus led his disciples, he promised to send the Holy Spirit.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and 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.” (John 14:16-17)
How the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus for ministry is key to understanding what this baptism in the Spirit means for us today.
What Does it Mean to be Baptized in the Spirit?
I believe the best definition of being baptized in the Spirit comes from Acts 1.
“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)
Jesus spoke these words right before he ascended into heaven, which helps us define the reason for this baptism. To be baptized in the Spirit is a supernatural empowerment from the Holy Spirit that helps you be a more effective witness for Jesus. The primary reason Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit is to help us live out this Christian life. Jesus knew that without the help of the Holy Spirit, we would never become the people he wanted us to be. So he sent the Holy Spirit to fill us and ultimately live through us so that we would reflect Christ.
When Is a Person Baptized in the Spirit?
Remember those two camps I mentioned earlier? This is where those different perspectives come into play. I could probably argue that both camps would agree with my definition of being baptized in the Spirit. However, the timing of when that baptism happens is a different discussion. Let’s consider this from both points of view.
The cessationist view
Those who fall into this camp believe the baptism of the Spirit happens the moment a person is converted to salvation. This is an act concurrent with salvation. One scripture they will often reference is Ephesians 1:13.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”
In this verse, Paul clearly states that you receive the Holy Spirit when you believe. I believe this is true without any question.
The continuationist view
Many in this camp (unfortunately not all) would agree that you receive the Holy Spirit when you believe in salvation. However, this position holds that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate act that happens after salvation. Some even call it a second act of grace. (By the way, I believe this is true as well).
This belief is based on the fact that in Acts 2, 10, and 19, the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with believers. While I encourage you to read those chapters, here is the synopsis of Paul’s engagement with 12 men in Ephesus.
“Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” (Acts 19:4-7)
While these events happened close together, they were separate events, which is why some hold to the idea the baptism of the Spirit in this manner happens after salvation. It is a deeper empowering by the Holy Spirit, but remember, it is primarily so you can be a better witness.
One Common Misinterpretation of Being Baptized in the Spirit
Some tie being baptized in the Spirit to speaking in tongues. For these folks, if you don’t speak in tongues, you have not been baptized in the Spirit (I don’t believe that to be true). While I understand where this belief comes from, the problem is emphasizing the wrong thing. The purpose of being baptized in the Spirit is not so you can speak in tongues. If you read Act 8, some people received baptism in the Spirit, and there is no mention that they spoke in tongues. When Jesus spoke of the work of the Holy Spirit in your life, speaking in tongues was not the primary emphasis. Remember, before he left, he said you will receive the power to be a more effective witness for him. While I believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit represents a deeper work of the Holy Spirit in your life, that work is to make you more like Christ, not just to speak in tongues.
Final Thought: My Personal Experience with Being Baptized in the Spirit
I don’t know if you have figured it out yet, but I fall in the continuationist camp (I hope you still like me). Partly because I believe it for its consistency with what the Bible teaches. The other reason is it fits my experience. I got saved when I was six years old. I got baptized in the Spirit when I was around 16 years old. These were two very distinct moments that happened in my life. I still vividly remember the night I got saved and all the events that happened on the night I was baptized in the Holy Spirit. These moments were pivotal in my walk with the Lord, so I can’t forget them.
Lastly, if you fall into the cessationist camp, that is fine with me. While this can be a source of division for some, it is not for me. We are still brothers and sisters in Christ, and I can love you and have fellowship with you in the same way. Regardless of your position, we are still connected in Christ because what unites us is our faith in Christ for salvation, not whether we agree on what it means to be baptized in the Spirit.
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