SPECIAL TOPIC: BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT
The first time this phrase is mentioned is in connection to the minnistry of John the Baptist (cf. Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). It is linked with "fire." Jesus' baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, which denotes a cleansing process, as well as an empowering process.
The Messiah will inaugurate the new age of the Spirit (i.e., "Pour out My Spirit on all mankind," cf. Joel 2:28-32). His baptism will be with (or "in" or "by") the Spirit (i.e., Pentecost, cf. Acts 1:5; 2:1-4). There has been much discussion among denominations as to what event in the Christian experience this refers. Some take it to refer to an empowering experience after salvation, a kind of second blessing. Personally I think it refers to becoming a Christian (i.e., "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body," cf. 1 Cor. 12:13; this is theologically parallel to "born of the Spirit" in John 3:5-6). I do not deny later and repeatable fillings and equippings (cf. Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; Eph. 5:18), but I believe there is only one initial spiritual baptism into Christ in which believers identify with Jesus' death and resurrection (cf. Rom. 6:3-4; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12). This initiating work of the Spirit is delineated in John 16:8-11. In my understanding the works of the Holy Spirit are:
It seems to me that the phrase is used of two things.
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