Questions and Answers Concerning The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Probably one of the more controversial issues within Christendom in the past 100 years, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an event where a person experiences the infilling of the Holy Spirit of God (the third part of the Triune God). The primary characteristic that makes this experience controversial is the act of speaking in tongues.

If you have studied or read the book of Acts, the Gospels and or some of Paul’s epistles in the New Testament, then you have undoubtedly read about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues and how this was a common experience in the early church.

What distinguishes a Pentecostal or Charismatic church or movement from other movements in Christianity is the belief that the experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues is a central part of Christianity that is still present in the lives of Christians today.

There are two major arguments by non Pentecostal / Charismatic Christians concerning this topic in modern Christianity.

The first argument: based on two reasonings

Speaking in tongues is not for today because...

#1: To bridge the language barrier: That the act of speaking in tongues in early church times served to bridge the language barrier of the many different peoples and dialects and spread the gospel message among the nations and that because the language barriers have been conquered by more conventional means, that we no longer need to use or practice the act of speaking in tongues as those in the early church did.

The Answer: This is a practical explanation that makes the most sense when trying to reason away the act of speaking in tongues, however there is one major problem with this argument. It is complete supposition. There is absolutely no Scriptural support to validate this theory and the strong Pentecostal and Charismatic presence within Christianity today as well as Scripture speaks to the contrary.

#2 They did not have the New Testament Scripture:

This is based on the Scripture that states:

1 Corinthians 13:8-10 “Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”   

The reasoning to legitimize this theory is that supposedly the “perfect thing” referenced above is the canonized Bible, and thus tongues should have ceased after the Bible was canonized.

Answer: The error in this conclusion is quite obvious by the very next statement in Scripture, “…whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away…” Obviously knowledge has not vanished away. A practical reading of the chapter as well as the one before it will reveal that Paul was actually illustrating in chapter 13, quite poetically, the eternal quality of charity (love) and that “that which is perfect” is actually referring to something far more completing, probably the second coming of Jesus Christ or the new heaven and new earth mentioned in Revelation 21. 

The second argument:

Some groups teach that a person is not supposed to speak in tongues unless there is an interpreter: This a more complicated issue in that it is not as clearly obvious as the other arguments on what the correct standpoint is. It is much closer to the truth; however it is not a reasonable conclusion that is in harmony with Scripture.  This argument is based on the following Scripture.

1^st Corinthians 14:1-25

  1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

 13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified.

 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

 20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written:

   "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners   I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord.

 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

The primary theme in this passage of Scripture is what is also unfortunately many times overshadowed by doctrinal debate.

These are some key passages that illuminate the theme of this passage of Scripture.

1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts…

5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Clearly he wants everyone to speak in tongues, but not in a public manner of public address unless there is an interpretation and not in excess even in that.

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

I underlined the part in the Scripture that says “but in the church.” This passage again refers to speaking in tongues as in a public manner showing that speaking in tongues publicly (refering to addressing the congregation) does not build up those in the congregation unless there is an interpretation of the tongue.

20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 21 In the Law it is written:

   "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners   I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me,” says the Lord.

 22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers

He tells us here that we should think like adults and then gives us an example of how to do so, by taking an Old Testament Scripture and applying it in a practical and relevant way to the New Testament issue at hand. We should always approach situations being rooted and grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ and in love.

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

The underlined part of the verse above clearly shows that regardless of which side of the debate one might be on, speaking in tongues is acceptable without an interpreter as long as it remains distinguishably private (as in not addressing the congregation).

POINT OF INTEREST:  In a Pentecostal or Charismatic setting it is usually acceptable to pray in tongues as long as it is distinguishable as a personal prayer of expression and not a message in tongues. If you are in a Pentecostal or Charismatic service or meeting, it is quite natural for Christians to pray, praise and even sing in tongues.  We should always seek to first and foremost, discern the setting we are in and not abuse any freedom we feel we have in expression that we know would cause a stumbling block, be disorderly or out of place.

Most Pentecostals and Charismatic’s categorize speaking in tongues in two categories:

1.       Speaking in tongues:  that which is present when a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This form of speaking in tongues is considered a prayer language that compliments a person’s prayer life and enables a complete expression of one’s spirit to God.

2.       Messages in tongues: A gift of the Spirit separate from speaking in tongues spoken after having received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This form of speaking in tongues is meant for speaking publicly in addressing the congregation in a service and should always be interpreted.

This categorization helps in distinguishing the differences in the work of the Spirit and the different types of speaking in tongues.  

In the book of Acts, the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit was accompanied by a form of interpretation (everyone heard someone else speaking in their native language), but the proceeding infillings recorded do not mention any type of interpretation.

Some thoughts to consider:

Why wouldn't every Christian want the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues?

Since Jesus clearly commanded His disciples to go tarry in Jerusalem until they were endued with power (he did not make it optional) would this command not also apply to as as well?

Why wouldn't every Christian that knows about the gifts of the Spirit want the baptism of the Holy Spirit (that Jesus promised to give) and to speak in tongues?

Overcoming self-consciousness with God centeredness

This is one of those ideas that is easy to talk about in theory and recognize the need for, but is difficult for everyone at times. I know I have set through countless worship services, even at times shaking under the power of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room, yet I was unable to just simply put my thoughts and my attention on God due to being self conscious. 

I knew from experience that God would literally manifest Himself in the soul of the believer that opened up and allowed Him to. The anticipation of this intimacy with God was and still is at times, an indescribably powerful experience (which is to be expected).

If you have trouble with overcoming your environment or self consciousness, don’t let it discourage you. Practice stepping out of your comfort zones and nurture the hunger for the presence of God inside of you. Begin to praise Him out loud. When you feel the love for the Lord in your heart begin to rise up, vocalize it.  Tell him you love Him and tell yourself that you are not afraid to show your love for Him in your praise. Allow your mind to meditate on the wonder and beauty of God and all He has promised you. 

 

What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? (A deeper look)

What many Christians do not realize is that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not speaking in tongues, but that speaking in tongues is something that accompanies the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit gives the utterance.

The following Scripture gives insight to what the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is. This is John the Baptist speaking referring to Jesus Christ.


Matthew 3:11-12

11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

In the book of Acts Jesus told his followers to go and tarry in Jerusalem and that they would be endued with power from on high. Again, we must think in spiritual terms and not in physical terms. This power was not a physical power or power as we understand power in a natural sense, but a spiritual power.

We see a prime example of the infilling of spiritual power in the life of Peter at the day of Pentecost. When they came to get Jesus in the garden, Peter was willing to die fighting for Jesus. When he (Peter) said he would die for Him (Jesus). Jesus knew he was being sincere, but also knew that he was basing what he said on the natural and not the spiritual. When Jesus told him not to fight, it under minded what Peter had been basing his loyalty and his courage on. Peter was probably thinking that Jesus would eventually use his power to set up his kingdom in this world, but we get a better understanding of what Jesus was actually doing when he told Pilate “my kingdom is not of this world.”

Peter ended up denying Jesus just like Jesus had told him that he would. The once confident and courageous Peter was shown in reality to be a weak earthly vessel (as we all are in the natural). Then came the day of Pentecost when they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and Peter rose up among thousands boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ.

So then we can ascertain from this and others like Stephen and Paul that the power of the Holy Spirit does not make one physically strong or strong in any natural sense, but for the sake of the Gospel, gives spiritual power to overcome our natural fears and weaknesses even when facing worldly pressure, affliction, suffering, persecution, torture and even death.



   

The Importance of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

1.       The enabling  for the journey home

We as Christians belong to another kingdom…God’s kingdom. We are to be as strangers and pilgrims in this life. Again … Peter is a great example. He came to the end of himself naturally, and only afterwards, from the brokenness of his failure was he in a place where he was a ready, open vessel to receive God’s gift of power and His Spirit.

The importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and of fire is that we all need to come to the end of our selves and be broken before the Lord and filled with His power and His Spirit just as Peter was.

Once we are filled and as the world’s pressures come upon us and we face life’s battles, we need to continually bring ourselves before our Lord Jesus and ask Him to stir the fire He has placed inside us so that it will burn away the fear, complacency, conformity, compromise, and all the other thorns of worldly care that choke our lives and cause us to be unfruitful.

It is important for us to remember that we should not rely on our own ability, but seek the enduement, of power, filling and re-fillings that come from the Holy Spirit. We have to come to the end of ourselves and our own abilities first. It is then we are ready to receive the power that is promised us.

This is why when we go to church on Sunday we should never try and put a false representation of where we are in our life at that particular time. It is only by continually coming to the end of ourselves and laying our broken lives at the feet of Jesus that we are then in a position to be filled and refilled with the power of the Holy Spirit. 

2.       Enablement for service in God’s kingdom (The Great misconception)

The reason I call this the great misconception is because I believe there is a wide spread misunderstanding of what it means to be a laborer in the Harvest and the absolute sheer joy in fulfillment that comes from being a part of it.

When I first received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit around the age of 11 or 12, I experienced God for who He truly is for the first time. All of my misconceptions about God fell away and I finally not only saw Him for who He is, but experienced Him for who He is. To me God was no longer a judgmental God with a set of rules, but a loving Heavenly Father. It was not unpleasant, even in the slightest to live for Him and do His will because for the first time I experienced Him and from experiencing Him, I then understood the heart of His will. Once you experience this you cannot help, but to want to share it with anyone and everyone. You begin to see the lacking of the Spirit (realization of God's Love) in people's lives around you and you begin to expereince the joy of being supernaturally led to help bring them into the realization or greater realization of God's Love. The Holy Spirit really does the work, we just have the wonderful opportunity to be used by the the Lord in the work that He is doing.  





      3. Receive The Earnest of Our Inheritance

Imagine the young man that finds the most beautiful woman in the world … now imagine that that young man could reveal the love and attraction in his heart for that young woman and give her a small taste of the love He has planned for her once they are married. 

Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 1:3-14 (KJV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

We have the opportunity to receive now, the earnest of our inheritance that Jesus paid for on the cross. That earnest payment is the Holy Spirit of promise. We have the opportunity to get a taste of the bridegroom’s (Jesus’) love for His bride right now…the absolute pinnacle of Christian life.

Those who experience the full infilling presence of the Lord know that there is no greater experience to be found on this earth because you realize who God is. You realize that God indeed is pure love and that the depth and height of His love cannot be known. You realize it because you experience the earnest of it.

Imagine experiencing how God truly feels about you. Imagine experiencing a small portion of that love that Jesus (God) had and has that made Him willing to go to the cross and suffer as He did. 

God wants us to be fully set free from the untruths that the world has taught us to believe about God and about ourselves. When we experience and re-experience that earnest portion of how much God loves us, it overcomes our fears, our inhibitions, our weaknesses…it envelopes us, overcomes us and changes us.

The Fruit of the Spirit

“…the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

These are the natural results of experiencing what is described above. This does not mean that a person who is not Spirit filled will not have portions of some or even all of these characteristics. What it means is that intimacy with God and the infilling of the Holy Spirit produces this fruit in a persons life. These are the natural results of the infilling of the holy Spirit and (unlike the world’s version of this fruit) they come in fullness to overflowing with no strings attached.



 

The Importance of gathering together with other believers

In Matthew 18:20 Jesus says…  “20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

I can only conclude three viable explanations of why we would not be drawn to the gathering together of believers. 

1.       We are not truly in love with our Saviour Jesus.

If we are truly in love with Jesus then it would only make sense that we would want to be in His presence every time we have the opportunity. For example: A woman that is truly in love with a man naturally wants to be with him and spend time with him. How much more should the Christian whose bridegroom is Christ want to spend time in the presence of the one they love and feel their love.

2.           We are not truly gathered in His name:

People go to church for all different kinds of reasons. Some people go because it is expected of them, others go for social reasons and still others go because of religious ceremony. To gather in Jesus' name is not simply a gathering together with others and acknowledging and agreeing with who Jesus is, but rather it is embracing the heart of God. This is why Jesus said if you love me you will keep my commandments. If we are to truly abide in Him as He has commanded us to do then we must continually and faithfully align our hearts to our first love.

3.       We are simply unaware that we can have a real intimacy with God that is facilitated by the body of Christ:

It almost sounds like a fairy tale or the ultimate feel good Hollywood movie. That the God who made the heavens and the earth wants a personal relationship with each one of us. The truth is that man has been lied to from the very beginning. The dreams of beauty and everything being made right are not just dreams. They are visions of a world to come and there is a portion of that available here on earth for all those who seek it out. God wants to shed His love abroad in each heart and for it to overflow and transform us from the inside out. The truth is God is not far away from any of us. We need only reach out, leaving behind the confines of the prison of doubts f the world and step out and take God's hand. 

There are actually Spirit filled Christians who have lost that place of intimacy. Just like any other type of intimacy, if you go without it long enough you eventually begin to think it is impossible to return. Some even end up disbelieving the reality of the past expereince altogether.

As much as we want deeper intimacy with God, He wants intimacy with us far more.

...after all, He was willing to die for it.

How do I know if God will give me the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

Matthew 7:7-11

7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

If we seek Him, we will find Him.