MONDAY, DECEMBER 18
Acts 11:1-8
1 Corinthians 12:12-13

God’s Word is a
two-edged sword.

BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT (III)

The expression “Baptize with the Holy Ghost” is used on just three occasions in the Bible. (a) By John the Baptist in his prediction concerning Jesus: “…he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; Matt 3:11). (b) By our Lord on the day of His ascension: “…ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). (c) Peter describing his reaction to the conversion of Cornelius: “Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 11:16).

We must understand clearly how this promised “baptism with the Spirit” became a reality. It was secured and effected by Christ’s perfect atoning work at Calvary, and His exaltation after His ascension. Peter explained this in Acts 2:33. It of course referred to the Spirit’s downpouring at Pentecost.

Now the application: Who is to receive the “Baptism with the Spirit” promised by God the Father and on what grounds? Again we quote Peter’s words to the assembled multitude at Pentecost: “For the promise is unto you, and to your children... as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39). The promise is for all whom the Lord shall call to salvation, into union with the exalted Christ: these shall be “baptized with the Holy Ghost.” And what was required to receive the gift? “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). Every convert, every believer, is baptized with the Spirit at conversion, and not after. There is no second-stage experience, no interval of waiting, no second work of grace. In the case of Cornelius, the Gentiles received the gift even while Peter was still preaching. Jesus had baptized them with His Spirit. Therefore Peter proceeded to baptize them with water.

Conclusion: Baptism with the Spirit happens at conversion, not after.

THOUGHT: What makes the rite of water baptism effective?
PRAYER: I thank Thee, exalted Lord and Saviour, for Thy wondrous Gift.