Bible Questions and Answers

There are just two baptisms with the Holy Spirit recorded in the New Testament.

The first is that of the 12 apostles at Pentecost.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

The second was that of Cornelius’ household at Caesarea

Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Holy Spirit baptism was not the norm.

It was a special case to show the Jews that the gentiles were to be received into the Church.

Normally, gifts of the Holy Spirit were given by the laying on of the apostles’ hands.

Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.

Those who received gifts of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the apostles’ hands were not able to give Holy Spirit gifts to others.

Philip, who had Holy Spirit gifts himself and had converted and baptised the Samaritans was unable to bestow Holy Spirit gifts on them.

It was necessary for Peter and John to travel from Jerusalem to do it.

This means that when the apostles died Holy Spirit gifts were no longer given.

This is borne out by the history of the Church, which fell into apostasy by the fourth century AD – becoming the State Church of the Roman Empire and adopting false doctrines. For example – the Trinity, immortal souls, heaven-going, hell as a place of eternal torment, Satan as a fallen angel, division of the Church into clergy and laity, ‘just’ wars, etc.

Speaking in tongues was the Holy Spirit gift of speaking in foreign languages which they had not learned. This allowed them to preach the gospel to different nationalities.

Acts 2:8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

The purpose of speaking in tongues was to preach the gospel.

Paul prohibited speaking in tongues in the Church unless what was said could be interpreted for the benefit of the congregation.

1 Corinthians 14:28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Those who believe the gospel and are baptised by immersion in water into Christ for the remission of past sins are not baptised with the Holy Spirit.

They do not receive Holy Spirit gifts today.

Holy Spirit gifts are not necessary for salvation.

Salvation is offered on the basis of belief and obedience to the gospel preached by Jesus Christ and his apostles.

All that we need to know for salvation is written in the Bible.

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

The gospel is complete, and the doctrines are complete.

No further revelation or supernatural powers are needed.

Those who claim Holy Spirit baptism and supernatural gifts today are deluding themselves and those who believe them.

To be born of the spirit means to change the way that we think naturally to the way that God thinks.

This is a process which requires diligent reading and application of the scriptures.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

May I suggest that you read:

The Holy Spirit: https://www.thisisyourbible.com/library/show/32

Tongues of Angels:  https://www.thisisyourbible.com/library/show/1039

I hope this helps

God bless,
Glenn