Baptist and the Holy Spirit

Many people, even many Christian believe that the Baptist do not believe in the Holy Spirit or accept the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This believe is not true about the Baptist. Rather the Baptist hold a different view on the sign that shows a person has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this article we will be looking at the position of the Baptist on the Holy Spirit; how they accept and practice the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Position of the Baptist on the Holy Spirit

The Baptist believes in the existence of the Holy Spirit. They believe the coming of the Holy Spirit on the apostle on the day of Pentecost. Which enable the apostles to evangelize and bring more people to the Church. They believe in the prophecy of Prophet Joel that state: 'And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:' (Joel 2:28 KJV). The Baptist like many other Christians believe in this prophecy which came to pass in the book of Acts 2:17-18.

The main difference between the Baptist and some other Christians is the sign that shows that one has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. While some Christian denominations believe and hold that speaking of tongues is the main sign to prove that one has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Baptist does not hold that view. The Baptist believe that there are many other gifts and fruit that a person can receive when he or she receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Hence, tongues speaking can't be used as the only sign to prove the Baptism of the Holy Spirit on a person.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

There are many gifts that a person received when the Holy Spirit comes upon him or her. In the book of first Corinthians 12:1-11 the apostle Paul mentions different kinds of gifts one receives if touched by the Holy Spirit. These gifts include: message of wisdom, message of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, the gift to distinguish between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues. This message by the Apostle Paul supports the view of the Baptist. If there are many gifts then why will we make one gift to be the sign to show one has been touched by the Holy Spirit. The Baptist believes that the gift one will receive depends on the need and the purpose of one’s calling.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

In addition, to the above point, the Holy Spirit manifests herself in a person. This is seen by the fruit that the person will bear. This is usually referred to as the Fruit of the Spirit. These includes: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, and temperance. The Baptist holds the view that a person can't claim to have receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit if he or she does not bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Just as mango tree bears mango fruit, apple tree bears apple fruit so must a person baptized by the Holy Spirit bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The argument here is, even demons and workers of evil can speak in different languages, do miracles, prophesy and do other wonderful things. But they are not capable of loving. Jesus told us in Matthew 7:15-20 that, we can use their fruit to identify them (evil people). This is why the Baptist believes that, a person who claims to have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit should in addition to the gifts, must bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Other Bible Argument

The Holy Spirit has been in existence since the beginning of time. Meaning the Holy Spirit was not created by God on the day of Pentecost. From Genesis to Revelation there are many instances where the ministry of the Holy Spirit could be found. Instances such as the Spirit of God coming upon David, Saul, the prophet, in some instances the Holy Spirit cause them to praise the name of the LORD through dancing or through prophesy. This is to establish the fact that, the manifestation of the Holy Spirit has not been same throughout the Bible.

Furthermore, when the Holy Spirit came upon our Lord and savior Jesus, He did not speak in different language. Will this mean He did not receive the Holy Spirit? He did receive the Spirit of God. This manifestation of the Holy Spirit was a sign to John the Baptist and other believer from God to show us the one who will be baptizing us with the Holy Spirit and fire.

One common thing about the early Believers was love. They loved one another. This is why the apostle Paul wrote in the book of first Corinthians thirteen; without love all your gift is useless.

Name written in the book of Life

What shall it profit you if you speak with the voice of angels and the voice of thunder and you lose your soul. Or what shall it profit you if you cast all the demons in this universe out only to end up with them (demons) in the lake of fire. In Luke chapter 10:20 Jesus Christ told his disciples that they should rejoice not that demons submitted to them, but rather should rejoice because their names are written in the book of life. This is what the Baptist Church expects from her members. Use the gifts to do God’s work, but must also check your life constantly; guarding it with the laws of God. The problem with focusing too much attention on the gifts you have is; you may end up becoming proud; which may lead to your fall.

Message of Apostle Paul

The Baptist believes a person should focus more on making it to heaven rather than just showing off his or her gifts. In the book of 1 Corinthians 13 apostle Paul mention that if you speak even with the voice of angels and have no love you are just making noise. He concluded in that passage that we should desire the greatest gift which is the gift of love. All the other gifts will end one day but the gift that is eternal is the gift of love. So the Baptist looks more at the behavior of the person before they are allowed to minister in the house of God.

Summary

The Baptist does not condemn speaking of tongues or using the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. What they don’t accept is; using tongues speaking as the only sign to prove one has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. There are many gifts that a person can receive from the Holy Spirit. The greatest gift that we must all desire from the Holy Spirit is the gift of Love. God bless you SHALOM!