8. Baptism in and filling with the Holy Spirit

Question 1

Baptism in and Filling with the Holy Spirit

Answer 1

Should we seek a “baptism in the Holy Spirit” after conversion? What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Question 2

Baptism in and Filling with the Holy Spirit: Main Headings

Answer 2

I. The Traditional Pentecostal Understanding
II. 7 passages that speak about being “baptized in the Holy Spirit.”
III. How we should understand the references to baptism in the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:5 and 11:6
IV. What is “being filled with the Spirit” and why is this preferred?

Question 3

I. The Traditional Pentecostal Understanding

Answer 3

1. Jesus’ disciples were born-again believers before Pentecost (John 20:22)
2. Jesus commanded his disciples to remain in Jerusalem to receive new empowering (Acts 1:4-8)
3. On Pentecost the disciples were baptized in (or with) the Spirit subsequent to conversion and began to speak in tongues. (Acts 2:4)
4. Christians today should ask Jesus for a “baptism in the Holy Spirit,” and generally expect this baptism to be accompanied by speaking in tongues.

Question 4

II. 7 passages that speak about being “baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

Answer 4

1. In the first four verses, John the Baptist is speaking of Jesus and predicting that he will baptize people in the Holy Spirit. (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33)
2. The next two passages refer directly to Pentecost. (Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16)
3. The only remaining reference in the NT is in the Pauline epistles. (1 Cor. 12:13)
4. For Paul baptism in the Holy Spirit occurred at conversion.

Question 5

III. How we should understand the references to baptism in the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:5 and 11:6

Answer 5

i. the Day of Pentecost happened at a unique point in history,
ii. the event is not a pattern for us to imitate.

Question 6

IV. What is “being filled with the Spirit” and why is this preferred?

Answer 6

1. “the filling of the Spirit” seems to be the best term to use to describe genuine “second experiences” (Eph. 5:18; Acts 4:8, 31)
2. There are many degrees of empowering, fellowship with God, and personal Christian maturity.
3. Harm comes to the Church from teaching two-class Christianity.