Subject: Is baptism a work? |
Bible Note: Greetings Charis! Please don't answer this post tonight! Get some sleep first! :-) The command to baptize in Jesus name was given prior to pentecost. We may never know for sure what the status of these individuals was, but I am impressed by the fact they only knew John's baptism. Therefore, I don't believe they were Christians. However, regardless, we do have the case of the believers in Acts 10, who received the Holy Spirit immediately upon believing. Further, we have the Scriptures I quoted earlier which all refer to receiving the Spirit after believing. So, personally, I think there is more than adequate support that Christians receive the Holy Spirit immediately after believing. However, I did notice that you used the term 'baptism' of the Holy Spirit. Are you referring to the 'second work' of baptism? If you are, that might explain our difference in view. I am not speaking of a seond work, but the intial work of the Holy Spirit of baptizing us into Christ, sealing us, and indwelling us. I am open to the possiblity of a second work, but these works all occur upon belief. Have a good rest my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |