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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is Baptism in the Holy Spirit | Matt 3:11 | Carey516 | 196305 | ||
What is Baptism in the Holy Spirit | ||||||
2 | What is Baptism in the Holy Spirit | Matt 3:11 | Makarios | 196306 | ||
Greetings Carey516, Before Christ began His incarnate ministry, John the Baptist proclaimed, "As for me, I baptize you in water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not even fit to remove His sandals; He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11, KJV). Then, Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5). His promise was fulfilled just a few days later at Pentecost. While the actual terminology, "baptism of the Holy Spirit," does not occur in the Acts 2 account of Pentecost, later revelation asserts that it happened then. When Cornelius later received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Peter identified it with the apostles' experience earlier at Pentecost (Acts 10:44; 11:15-17). The baptism of the Holy Spirit functions to create a unity among Christians. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free, and were all made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:13). While God gave several special gifts to members of the early church, each gift or talent was a part of Christ's overall work in His church (1 Cor. 12:5-11). Each member is made to function in harmony with the others through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual baptism is the work of Christ in the life of a Christian at the time he or she accepts Christ as Savior and Lord (Acts 10:44-48). Herein lies the major difference between the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the "filling with the Holy Spirit." In the Bible, the baptism of the Spirit only happened once in any believer's life. But believers evidently could be filled with the Spirit several times, each time receiving special power for a particular task (Acts 2:4; 4:8,31,33; 6:5,10; 9:17-20; 13:9). Nowhere in the New Testament does God promise any special feeling or sensory experience in connection with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. How does one know, therefore, that he or she has received this baptism? The Christian accepts the baptism of the Holy Spirit the same way he accepts his salvation- by faith. The Christian takes God at His word, trusting God to do what He promises. However, the unity that comes as a result of the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not ensure that there will not be any disorderly conduct or doctrinal heresy among Christians. 1 Corinthians, which speaks of this baptism, was written to correct error and to discipline an errant member of the church in that city (5:1-13). Also please see 2 Thessalonians 3:6. The baptism of the Spirit, therefore, cannot be justification for the ecumenical spirit that attempts conglomeration of all shades of belief and unbelief. The unity prompted by this baptism causes true Christians to appreciate and care for one another (1 Cor. 12:20-26). In many practical ways, it enables obedient Christians to "preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God's prime method of fulfilling the Psalmist's ideal: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psalm 133:1). Blessings to you, Makarios |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Matt 3:11 | Author | ||
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ALICE | ||
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Leftwich | ||
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joetatep | ||
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Dalcent | ||
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lionheart | ||
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regguh | ||
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jason32 | ||
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rs8795 | ||
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Carey516 | ||
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Makarios | ||
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Val | ||
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servant4 |