Filled with the Spirit – Part 1: Baptism in the Holy Spirit

November 3, 2020

Article by segullah

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(RuachHaKodesh, Session 15a)

This session of the Ruach HaKodesh series focuses on what it means to be filled with the Spirit. This episode, the first of a three-part discussion on this topic, explores the meaning of the phrase “baptism in the Holy Spirit.” For some segments of Christianity, much emphasis is placed on the necessity for believers to experience Holy Spirit baptism. What exactly does this mean in a Biblical context?

The phrase “baptism in the Holy Spirit” is found in the following passages of Scripture:

• Matthew 3:11
• Mark 1:8
• Luke 3:16
• John 1:33
• Acts 1:5
• Acts 11:16
• (See also 1Corinthians 12:13 and Titus 3:5)

There are several questions we should ponder as we examine these verses. Is Holy Spirit baptism the same as being filled with the Spirit? What does Holy Spirit baptism/filling look like? What is the evidence? How can we be baptized/filled with the Holy Spirit? Is this a one-time event, or can a believer experience this multiple times in her or his life?

In this episode, we will briefly look at some of the different ways that Christians have understood these passages throughout history. Our survey will compare the following perspectives on what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit:

1. The Roman Catholic view
2. The classical Protestant view (two variations)
3. Reformed Sealers
4. The Wesleyan view
5. The Keswick view
6. Classic Pentecostalism
7. The Charismatic view
8. The Neo-Charismatic (Third Wave) view

For an outline of all the sessions in this series, click on this link. To subscribe to this podcast, click here.

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