1 Corinthians 12:1-13
Thesis: The baptism of the Holy Spirit joins one to the Body of Christ.
The Confusion Concerning Holy Spirit Baptism
A. Some reasons for the Confusion
- Failure to distinguish among baptisms
a. Pharisees baptized (“washed”) cups and utensils, not for sanitary reasons, but for ceremonial reasons.
b. John’s baptism signified repentance and righteousness.
c. Baptism for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29) refers to those who by their baptism in water signified their joining the Christian church and taking the place of those who had died.
d. Christian baptism identifies one who follows Jesus.
e. James and John were baptized with Christ’s baptism, meaning they would suffer persecution as Christ suffered.
f. To be baptized in Moses (1 Corinthians 10:2) meant following his leadership out of Egypt.
g. Holy Spirit baptism joins one to the Body of Christ.
2. Failure to distinguish baptism from the gift of tongues
3. Failure to distinguish baptism from indwelling and filling of the Spirit
B. Results of the Confusion–baptism of the Spirit joins us to Christ, and this is the basis for a holy walk with the Lord.
The Characteristics of Holy Spirit Baptism
A. Limited to the Church Age, after Pentecost, Acts 1:5.
B. Universal among All Believers, v. 13 and Ephesians 4:5.
C. Occurs at Conversion
D. It happens whether we know it or know once we are saved.
E. Is the work of the Spirit, Acts 1:5.
The Consequences of Holy Spirit Baptism
A. Makes us members of the Body of Christ, v. 13.
B. Unites all believers in that One Body, Ephesians 4:5.
C. Brings about our union with Christ in His death to Sin, separates us from sin to Christ.
D. Does not guarantee a special endowment with power.