The baptism of the Holy Spirit: myth, experience or biblical reality?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit: an experience that divides
Imagine a young Christian, passionate about his faith, assisting for the first time with a Pentecostal cult. Suddenly, he sees believers praying with fervor, some speaking an unknown language, others falling on his knees, eyes filled with tears. Intrigued, he asked an old one:
– What's going on here?
The man, with a benevolent smile, answers:
– It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, an experience that transforms!
But is that really what the Bible teaches? Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit an experience distinct from conversion, as the Pentecostals claim, or is it simply part of the path of any believer? Let's dive into the Scriptures to discover the truth.
1. Understand the baptism of the Holy Spirit
A concept, several interpretations
The Greek word βαπτίζω (baptizō), which means “immerse”, often appears in the New Testament, but not always with the same meaning. Three types of baptisms are generally distinguished:
- Water baptism : Practiced by Jean-Baptiste, a symbol of repentance (Marc 1: 4-11).
- Christian baptism : representing the union with Christ in his death and his resurrection (Romans 6: 3-4).
- The baptism of the Holy Spirit : mentioned in Acts 1: 5 as an immersion in the power of God.
Pentecostals insist that the latter is a distinct experience, marked by spiritual manifestations. But is this reading universal?
2. The Pentecostal point of view: a power experience
A second baptism after conversion?
According to the Pentecostals, the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not occur at the time of conversion, but later, as a secondary experience which equips the believer for the service. They rely on acts 8: 14-17 and acts 19: 1-6, where disciples receive the mind after having believed.
But another reading is possible. Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 12:13:
“We have all been baptized in a single spirit, to form a single body. »»
This passage seems to indicate that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a universal event for all believers as soon as they entered the faith.
The Book of Acts: a universal model?
Pentecostals see the stories of acts a norm for all Christians. In Acts 2, the spirit descends on the apostles during Pentecost, accompanied by speaking in languages (glossolia). The same scene is reproduced in Acts 10: 44-46 and Acts 19: 6.
But a crucial detail often escapes: in these texts, speaking it in tongues is a demonstration of the Holy Spirit, but never a condition to attest to spiritual baptism.
Continuous fullness
Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to “be filled with the mind” (πληροῦσθε). This exhortation emphasizes a constant research of the presence of God, rather than on a unique punctual event.
3. A balanced biblical reading
If the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a biblical reality, it is not always accompanied by spectacular demonstrations. God acts in various ways in the life of his children. Some experiment with a sudden outpouring of power, others gradually grow in an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Far from being a subject of division, this debate reminds us of an essential truth:
The important thing is not so much to debate the form of baptism of the Holy Spirit, but to aspire to live fully under its influence every day.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit: Myth or reality?
If the young Christian we were talking about at the beginning of this article should ask the same question today, what would we answer him?
Maybe this:
“Looks above all an authentic relationship with God. Do not focus on a particular experience, but lets the Spirit of God fill your life, guide you and equip you for his glory. »»
Because in the end, it is not so much the event of the baptism of the Holy Spirit which counts, but the transformation which it operates in us.
References
- Greek Bible of the New Testament : Nestle-Aland, 28th edition.
- Courtney, Howard P. and Courtney, Vanessa H. The baptism of the Holy Spirit. Missions Press, 2022.
- Prince, Derek. Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Derek Prince Minister, 2005.
