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Holy Spirit Baptism- For All? ( Matthew 3:11)

D A OLIVA / 2021-08-21

Introduction

 A. The subject "Holy Spirit Baptism" is one of the hotly contested topics from the First Century until the present.

  1. Many claim that the Holy Spirit Baptism is for all Christians and applicable to all generations till Christ returns to earth. Is this true?

  2.As this is a DEBATABLE subject among so called Christian groups (Catholics and Protestants alike), we should know the truth as Jesus said in John 8:32.

 B. The approach in this discussion will be as follows:

  1. Meaning of Holy Spirit Baptism and the effects on the recipients.

  2.The administrator; to whom promised.

  3. For what purpose and what is the time frame of the Holy Spirit Baptism?

Discussion

 A. Meaning of the Holy Spirit Baptism; the effects on the recipients

  1. Several definitions are given by so called Christian groups 

  2. Holy Spirit Baptism means " immersion through or into the Holy Spirit" the third person of the Godhead

  3. It is an" outpouring from God" as described in Joel 2:28-32 and was fulfilled in Acts 2:17-21 as stated by the Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost, circa 33 A.D.

 B. Who administered the Holy Spirit Baptism to the 12 apostles?

  1.Only Jesus Christ as stated by John, the Baptist in Matthew 3:11

  2. Nota Buena: There is no New Testament example " that one prayed for the Holy Spirit to come into him or her!"

  C. To whom promised?! Only to the 12 apostles and not to the 120 disciples mentioned in Acts 1:15

  1. Promised by Christ Himself to the 12 apostles on several occasions: Luke 24:33, 49; Acts 1:1-5; Acts 1:8

  2. Acts 1:26 " the lot fell on Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles."

  3. Acts 2:1 " they" referring to the 12 apostles.

  4. Acts 2:4 " all of them" (apostles) were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues..."

  5.Acts 2:14 " Peter stood up with the eleven" (not with the 120 disciples) 

  6. Acts 2:7 " are not these speaking Galileans?" (the 120 disciples were not Galileans)

D. Purposes of the Holy Spirit Baptism

  1. To guide them (the apostles and other NT writers) into all truth, John 16:13

  2. To confirm the truthfulness/ veracity of their messages, Hebrews 2:3-4 (modern term or practice is " documentation of their deeds and teachings") 

  3. 2 Peter 1:3 " His divine power has given us EVERYTHING that pertains to life and godliness..."

 E. Will the Holy Spirit Baptism continue until Christ returns?

  1. Many believe and teach this false doctrine but the answer is NO for the Holy Spirit Baptism's purpose was fulfilled during the New Testament Era among the apostles and other inspired writers, I Corinthians 13:8-10

  2.The word " perfect" in Greek (teleion) is in the neuter gender and not masculine as "some allege" and refer that to Christ and His coming

  3.The word perfect refers to " something" and " to the perfect law of liberty" in James 1:25

  4. Other verses referring to the perfect will of God are Romans 8:2 (law of the Spirit of life); Romans 12:2 " perfect will of God," Ephesians 4:11-14 and Colossians 1:25-26.

  5. Jude v.3 states " earnestly contend for the faith which was ONCE and FOR ALL delivered to the saints...."

F. What about present-day miracles? Do they not prove that there is still Holy Spirit Baptism?

  1. Some erroneously use Acts 2:38 " gift of the Holy Spirit" as equal to Holy Spirit Baptism

  2. But Christ Himself warned that there will be false Christs, prophets who will come in His name and will deceive many, Matthew 24:4, 10-11

  3. Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 " The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders...."

 4. Paul in Acts 20:28-30 predicted that " false teachers will come in among you...even from among your number and will distort the truth..."

 5. I Timothy 4:1-3 " The Spirit clearly states that in the latter times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and demonic teachings."

Conclusion

 A. Satan is cunning so we have to be always on the lookout

  1.Paul's statement in I Corinthians 11:3

  2. Peter's warning 1 Peter 5:8-9

  B. The best way to protect ourselves is to come to Christ if we are not yet with Him

   1.Believe Him, Confess Him as your Lord and Savior, Repent of Your Sins and Be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38

   2. Christ is inviting you now for today is the Day of Salvation, Matthew 11:28-30 and 2 Corinthians 6:2