477 – The Baptism with the Holy Ghost

SEMESTER 5

477 – The Baptism with the Holy Ghost

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: BIBLE SURVEY V LESSON # 77
THE BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST

Read Mat. 3:7-12, Mk. 1:7-8, Lk. 3:16-17 and Acts 1:4-8.

INTRODUCTION:

Frequently the baptism of the Holy Ghost is represented as some vague, ecstatic experience of a Christian, which comes through diligent seeking for no certain purpose. Nothing is farther from the truth. This event was definitely prophesied for a particular purpose and thus must follow the definite prophetic pattern, and accommodate the proclaimed purpose.

I. NO ONE WAS OR IS BAPTIZED BY THE HOLY GHOST

1. The prophecy was that Jesus Christ would baptize with or in the Holy Ghost exactly as they were baptized with or in water. (Matt. 3:7, Mark 1:7, Luke 3:16, Acts 1:5)
2. No prophecy anywhere prophesies and no Scripture reveals baptism by the Holy Ghost.
3. The “by the Spirit baptism,” or “baptism of the Holy Ghost” theory is from a ridiculously wrong rendering of I Cor. 12:13.

i. The “by one Spirit” of I Cor. 12:13, simply means led by one Spirit to be baptized in water, confessing Christ and thus becoming part of this body; as Simeon was led in Luke 2:26 and 27.
ii. This interpretation of I Cor. 12:13 will correspond perfectly with every other Scripture. Every other interpretation demands dis­regard of other Scriptures

II. THIS BAPTISM WAS TO HAPPEN AT A CERTAIN TIME

1. The Lord said it would occur not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)

i. He did not say this baptism would begin to occur soon.
ii. He said it would occur not many days hence.
iii. Anyone baptized with the Holy Ghost in our day (2,000 years later) would violate this.

2. It did occur initially ten days later on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-13)
3. It was extended to the people of Samaria in Acts 8:14-17.
4. It was extended to proselytes at Cornelius’ house. (Acts 10:44-48)
5. It was extended to Gentiles in Acts 19:1-8, and never experienced or enjoined after that.
6. This was an interim event for a specific time, announcing an era exactly as was the appearance of the Shekinah glory. (Num. 40:34-35, II Chro. 5:13-14, II Chro. 7:1-3)

III. THIS EVENT WAS NOT BROUGHT ABOUT BY SEEKING

1. The apostles never prayed for “the baptism,” or instructed anyone else to do so.
2. To do so, comes not from accepting God’s power and presence, but from unbelief which constantly seek some visible proof.
3. Nowhere in the Bible is anyone taught to seek or pray for this baptism in the Holy Ghost.