Distinguishing Initiation From Empowerment

Along with a number of writers, it is easy to agree that baptism with the Holy Spirit (Spirit-Baptism) is an experience of entry into the body of Christ (1 Cor 12.13).

That's why, so it is said, that Spirit-Baptism is closely connected to water-baptism (e.g., Acts 2.38; 9.17-19) and with repentance and trust in Christ (Acts 19.4,5) which is based on a 'receiving of the Word' Acts 8.4 & 14,15) because each in its way is part of the same spiritual reality.

Reception of the Word about Christ moves one towards the initiating waters of baptism (Acts 8.35-38) and the filling of the Spirit seals that covenant with God (Eph 1.13).

The very fact that Jesus is heralded by John the Baptist (in all 4 gospels) as the one who baptises with the Holy Spirit is evidence that Spirit-Baptism is mightily important. John believed Spirit-Baptism defined Jesus' ministry as contrasted with his (Jn 1.26; 33). In John 7, Jesus cries out at the Feast of Tabernacles re the Spirit flowing out of the hearts of thirsty Jesus believers (v. 38-39). (But the account mentions that only after Jesus' glorification is the Spirit to be given in this sense.)

Nonetheless, although believing the Spirit Baptism is tied to initiation into the body of Christ, is not to say that it is identical with initiation. In this respect, the Pentecostals are correct. The cases in the Acts (particularly ch 8 and 19) distinguish between initiation and Spirit-Baptism although a distinction does not mean a separation (Acts 2:38).

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