There are a number of errors associated with the baptism with the Holy
Spirit. The prime error is associating the baptism with the Holy Spirit with
conversion. This undermines the seeking of God’s promise of power (Luke 24:49;
Acts 1:4-5). And if we set aside the baptism with the Holy Spirit thinking it
is merely something every Christian receives at conversion, the result is
Christians seeking to serve the Lord ignorantly in their own strength. The
consequence of such teaching is too often pigs heads impaled on poles in the
name of the Lord.
The disciples in Acts were born again (John 20:22) and told to tarry
until they received the empowering baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5,
8). They needed to be empowered by the Spirit before they launched out to fulfill the Great Commission. The
baptism with the Holy Spirit is a subsequent work of the Spirit received by
faith (Acts 15:8-9). It is for us today (Acts 2:39).
There are other errors associated with the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Some mistakenly think that everyone baptized with the Holy Spirit will speak in
tongues. Speaking in tongues is a viable spiritual gift, but not everyone speaks
in tongues. At Pentecost those baptized with the Holy Spirit did speak in
tongues, but there were other gifts operant there as well. Peter demonstrated
the spiritual gifts of evangelism, prophecy, and teaching to name a few. These
are frequently glanced over while tongues are overemphasized.
In Acts 8 when believers are baptized with the Holy Spirit there is no
mention of their speaking in tongues. The apostle Paul specifically states not
everyone speaks in tongues (1 Cor. 12:30). Thinking that speaking in tongues is
the sole evidence of the baptism with the Holy Spirit leads to confusion about
this gifting. The true evidence of being baptized with the Spirit is
empowerment for service. That service is rooted in and motivated by the love of
the Spirit (Rom. 5:5; 2 Cor. 5:14).
Another error is confusing our calling with our spiritual gifting. The
Holy Spirit empowers and gifts according
to His calling on a person. Calling involves the “ministries . . .
diversities of activities” (1 Cor. 12:5-6). Calling involves the particular
circumstances we are sovereignly placed in by the Lord. Calling is where the Spirit determines you are to
serve. Gifting is the enablement
through which the Spirit empowers you to serve. God’s calling is connected with
His gifting. If He calls us to be an evangelist, He will give us the spiritual
gift of evangelist. If He calls us to be a pastor-teacher, He will give us the
spiritual gift of pastor-teacher. If He calls us to be a doctor, He will give
spiritual gifts vital to making us a Christlike doctor. But the Spirit calls us
and places us where He wants, not where we want. Wherever we are, we are on a
mission for the Lord.
Disappointment is another error and is based on thinking
that everyone baptized with the Holy Spirit will be an evangelist. Evangelism
is one of a number of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10). We need to serve where the
Spirit puts us and with the enabling spiritual gifts He gives. We are all
called to share the gospel. Some will be called as evangelists. Others may be
gifted with wisdom, knowledge, helps, mercy, and other spiritual gifts to do
this. There are some who are particularly gifted by the Spirit in leading
others to Christ. Every spiritual gift is aimed at building up the body of
Christ. The Spirit determines how we are to be plugged in and used.
Presumption is another error. It is often rooted
in pride. It can be the product of frustration. It is most commonly seen in the
thought that preaching or teaching is the only manifestation or gift associated
with the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit determines the calling and
gifting of a person (1 Cor. 12:11). We can desire the greater gifts, but it is
the Holy Spirit who sovereignly decides our calling and gifting (1 Cor. 12:11,
31). Full surrender of motives is essential. There is nothing worse or more
discrediting to the Lord and the church than a person presumptuously “called.”
It only leads to problems.
The story is told of a farmer who was planting in his fields. He was a
new Christian and was hoping to be led out of what he viewed as the drudgery of
his work. As he plowed one particularly hot and humid day he paused and looked
up. In the sky he saw clouds form the letters “PC.” He thought to himself, PC, God is calling be to Preach Christ!
Thank God I can leave this wretched business of farming.
This farmer turned preacher proceeded to lead a most frustrating and
fruitless ministry. He slogged on through divisions and continual difficulties in
ministry. Nothing seemed to go his way. He was beset with frustrations and
little joy in his task. His family eventually forsook him as did his flock.
Finally, he came to the end of the road and passed away.
Lastly, there is the error of indifference. There are those who assume that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is only for those in “ministry.” R.A. Torrey explains, “a mother with a large family of children [thinks] . . . that the baptism with the Holy Spirit simply imparts power to preach, it is a matter of no personal concern to them. But when we come to see the truth that while the baptism with the Spirit imparts power, the way in which that power will be manifested depends upon the work to which God has called us and no efficient work can be done without it. Then the mother will see that she equally with the preacher needs this baptism – needs it for that most important and hallowed of all work, to bring up her children ‘in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’”[1] We all need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
It is better to “tarry” or wait for the baptism with the Holy Spirit
before we try to serve in our own anemic strength. In our own strength we will
misrepresent God as weak and failing. While we wait, “The world is no loser.
When the power came [on the apostles and disciples] they . . . accomplished more in one day than they would
have accomplished in years if they had gone on in presumptuous disobedience to
Christ’s charge. We also, after we have received the baptism with the Holy
Spirit, will accomplish more in one day than we ever would in years without His
power.” [2] Tarry
in your Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
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