Aug 1993 - Editorial

One of the major articles this month focuses on miraculous gifts. It is taught amongst some "charismatics" that baptism in the Holy Spirit is to be sought subsequent to the new birth, and that Spirit baptism will usually be accompanied by an experience of speaking in tongues. On this view the ability to speak in tongues is a token that baptism in the Spirit has taken place. A leading charismatic has said: Neither application of exegesis nor logic to the written Word can infuse our conclusions with the self-validation of personal experience.

There is always the possibility that believers may be tempted to place more emphasis upon experience than upon doctrines based on the exposition of Scripture. It may be helpful to consider briefly what one New Testament passage has to say about baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is relevant, because in chapters 12 to 14 he deals with baptism in the Spirit, membership of the Body of Christ and the distribution of spiritual gifts to the members of the Body. It is clear from Ephesians 4:7-16 that the distribution of the gifts is by the ascended Christ.

The population of Corinth was cosmopolitan and this was reflected in the composition of the Church of God. Whatever the age, social class or ethnic origin of the disciples, Paul says: In one Spirit were we all b~~ptized into one Body... and were all made to drink of one Spirit (12:13).

Paul stated explicitly that all who believed the gospel were baptized in the Holy Spirit, thereby becoming members of the Church which is Christ's Body. John the Baptist's statement: "I baptize you ~ but He that cometh after me shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit", makes it clear that the Lord Jesus Christ is the

baptizer ~at. 3:11 RYM). David Hyland

unknown | Aug 1993
Editorial