Problem: “The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a definite, personal experience subsequent to salvation and confirmed to the believer with the evidence of speaking in a new language or tongue supernaturally as the Holy Spirit gives utterance.” [From a Charismatic tract written by Dr. Hobart Freeman and published by Faith Ministries & Publications.]
“The baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate, distinct experience subsequent to salvation, providing enduement of power for life and service, accompanied by speaking in tongues.” [From the doctrinal statement of the Rock Church (the name of certain charismatic churches in Connecticut and perhaps elsewhere).]
Solution: The Biblical Answer:
“For by one Spirit are [were–past tense] we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Spirit baptism is that supernatural work of God whereby the believer is immersed or placed into the body of Christ which is the Church. This baptism was predicted by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11 (Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16) and by the Lord Himself (Acts 1:5). It first took place on the Day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), the day the Church began (Acts 11:15-17). It takes place today whenever a person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is important to note that 1 Corinthians 12:13 is a fact to believe, not a command to obey. It is something that God has done, not something that the believer is to do. God never commands the believer to be baptized in the Spirit or to seek this baptism.
It is important to note that many fine believers of the past have confused the FILLING of the Spirit with the BAPTISM of the Spirit (R.A.Torrey is one example out of many).
