Spirit Burns - Experiential Arguments, Part Two

In the last article, I presented the views of Non-Experientialist. Our second grouping deals with those who take Spirit baptism to be experiential. This view is primarily promoted by Charismatics, Pentecostals, and certain Holiness movements. Though each group has different views on what the experience of Spirit baptism entails, they all predominantly agree that Spirit baptism is normally a definite experience that is subsequent to salvation.

1.) Spirit Baptism Occurs after Salvation

Experientialist arguments that Spirit baptism occurs after salvation usually follow a unified line of reasoning. The first point is that Jesus’ disciples were born again before Pentecost.

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (Mat 8:26)

While the disciples are said to have little faith, they still had faith. Thus, experientialists argue that all the accounts of the coming of the Holy Spirit are not concerned with salvation (Williams, 205). Other such arguments are found in the conversions of the Samaritans and the disciples of John at Ephesus.

Second, even though they were already born again they are commanded to wait for Spirit baptism.

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Act 1:5)

In this verse, Jesus commands his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism with the Holy Spirit. Because Christ commanded the disciples to wait, experimentalist state that Christians should wait and ask Christ for this baptism for it will result in increased power for ministry.

Third, on the day of Pentecost, they subsequently received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (Act 2:1-5)

2.) The Experiential Definition of Spirit Baptism

Lastly, another key truth for some experientialists is that the baptism is in the Spirit.

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (Luk 3:16)

It is argued that just as John was the agent and water was the agency into which the person was baptized so Christ is the agent (or baptizer) and the Spirit is what the person is baptized into (Williams, 199). The effect of Spirit baptism is being enveloped in the reality of the Holy Spirit. Just as water baptism envelopes the individual in the baptismal waters.

Bibliography

Williams, J. Rodman. Renewal Theology. Vol. 2. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1990

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