Baptism Of The Holy Spirit Analysis
Walter C. Kaiser Jr. does an excellent job providing a Reformed Perspective on Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Through his work I was able to see the connection between the Holy Spirit’s work in the Old Testament and the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment of Jesus’ followers. However, the main topic of discussion by Kaiser is whether there is one event of salvation—including the infilling of the Holy Spirit; or are there two different events—one for salvation and the other baptism of the Holy Spirit. In light of this, what I find most interesting is Kaiser’s discussion on a didactic approach to Scripture—meaning all of Scripture is to instruct us. The other option is portions of the bible, such as the book of Acts is simply an historical account rather than theological account. To my shock, Kaiser quotes on of my favorite theologians Gordon Fee who says, “What is merely narrated or described can never function in a normative way” (Brand 25). How dare you Fee! I believe that all of scripture, whether historical, narrative or instructive is to form our theology and understanding of God.
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Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts prescriptive? Meaning…is there always a second experience for someone who is baptized in the Holy Spirit apart from them receiving God’s gift of Salvation? Up to this point, I have believed that when we put our faith in Jesus, we get all of God—he holds nothing back. Yet the question becomes whether or not we tap into the Holy Spirit’s power. I liken it to a membership at the gym versus hiring a personal trainer at a gym. A personal trainer coaches you, trains you, helps (empowers) you achieve your goals (as a Christian the goal is to become more like Christ and advance his kingdom). So when you say “yes” to Jesus you get your membership and you are good for life—eternal life. Yet so many people never claim access to their personal trainer—the Holy
Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts prescriptive? Meaning…is there always a second experience for someone who is baptized in the Holy Spirit apart from them receiving God’s gift of Salvation? Up to this point, I have believed that when we put our faith in Jesus, we get all of God—he holds nothing back. Yet the question becomes whether or not we tap into the Holy Spirit’s power. I liken it to a membership at the gym versus hiring a personal trainer at a gym. A personal trainer coaches you, trains you, helps (empowers) you achieve your goals (as a Christian the goal is to become more like Christ and advance his kingdom). So when you say “yes” to Jesus you get your membership and you are good for life—eternal life. Yet so many people never claim access to their personal trainer—the Holy