Good morning. Last week’s sermon message at NLCC was part one of a two sermon set regarding the Holy Spirit. The realities of the Holy Spirit being with Christians, in Christians, and upon Christians is the focus of the messages.
One concept that has been troublesome for some Christians is that of being baptized with, by, or in the Holy Spirit. Part of the difficulty comes from the indistinct preposition in the Greek language. Greek vocabulary is typically far more defined and specific than other languages, especially English. But in the case of the preposition, that is not the case. We see this in 1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized in one Spirit so as to form one body… The Greek preposition ἐν translated here as in may also be translated with or by.
This slight distinction is enough for some to form significant doctrinal differences. That is, I believe, unfortunate. The intention of this verse, especially when read in context, seems to be quite clear and rather than describing Christian differences it is describing an aspect of Christian unity.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
The point being made in these verses is the universal nature of the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is not poured out upon some but upon all who are in Christ. Every Christian, no matter their gender, race, or ethnicity, is blessed by the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This is God’s promise (Acts 2:38).
The Christian in the New Testament is never told that we must be baptized in the Holy Spirit, we are told that we all have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. This is an important part of our identity and function within Christ Jesus.
This experience with the Holy Spirit unites us with Christ; it unites us with one another; it creates a living, spiritual bond that transcends all differences and distinctions. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit creates a living, functional, and powerful Christian community.
This experience is never spoken of as something that is sought after by some Christians, it is described as something shared by all Christians.
Be one in Christ, and one within the powerful blessing of His living presence, the Holy Spirit of God.
Vern