Spirit Burns - Gospel Utterances, Part Four

There are many questions that have to be answered to come to a complete and biblical view of Spirit baptism. This requires a very precise interpretation of the seven passages concerned with this doctrine. In this post, we will study the context of Spirit baptism in the Gospels.

In the Gospels, we find four texts that refer exclusively to Spirit baptism. All four are attributed to John the Baptist and his description of the character and work of Christ.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Mat 3:11)

I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (Mar 1:8)

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)

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (Joh 1:33)

In these passages, we find John the Baptist announcing the coming of the Messiah. He describes the Messiah as one who will baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

Many experientialists would interpret the “baptism with fire” as being fulfilled when the cloven tongues of fire appeared above each disciple’s head. In the Gospel texts though, the implication is one of judgment and not spiritual power.

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. (Luk 3:17)

Also, it is interesting to note that Luke does not include “baptism with fire” in Acts 1:4-5 though he did in his Gospel account. This further goes to show that this baptism had nothing to do with Pentecost. It seems biblically accurate then to attribute the baptism with fire as still waiting to be fulfilled at the Second Advent. Thus, there is no relationship between Spirit baptism and “fire” baptism.

We see that John contrasts “baptism with the Spirit” with his own baptism. This relationship is important in interpreting Spirit baptism. This comparison shows Spirit baptism’s agent and agency. Just as John was the agent and water was the agency into which he placed people so Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the agency.

While we find four passages that speak directly about Spirit baptism, the only content we draw is that Christ would baptize people in the Holy Ghost. The meaning and effects of Spirit baptism are not revealed.

«« Previous Post: Experiential Views - Next Post »»