Fellowship, Baptism And Fullness Of The Holy Spirit

FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Venerable Dr. I. U. Ibeme http://www.pdfcoke.com/ifeogo ; http://priscaquila.6te.net Click Here For PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre

The Church has always agreed that the believer at conversion is regenerated and indwelled by the Holy Spirit. However at various ages of the Church the further walk of the believer with the Holy Spirit has been understood in different terms and to varying extents by different groups of Christians. Some had thought the further work of the Holy Spirit should be called perfection, others say it should be sanctification, others Spirit baptism, others Spirit fullness, others still Spirit infilling or Spirit release. Some think it is only for moral purity, others say it is only for manifestation of power. While some think this further work of the Spirit is a continuous work of grace initiated at conversion, others insist it is a second work of grace distinct from conversion grace. Some of these views could be quite difficult to maintain if we are to follow the plain teachings of the Scriptures. Controversy hardly allows for proper study of the Truth. The Holy Spirit has come not only to BORN US ANEW FROM ABOVE (John 3:3-5) but also to ENDUE US WITH POWER FROM ABOVE (Luk 24:49). The COMING of the Holy Spirit for New Testament Spirit Baptism and Fullness of all believers:  was desired by Moses (Num 11:29),  was promised by God through the Prophets (Ezek 36:26; Joel 2:28-29; Mat 3:11),  was confirmed by Christ (John 3:3-5; Luk 24:49; Act 1:5),  was experienced by the Church on the Pentecost (Act 2:1-4), and  was expounded by the Apostles (Act 2:16-18; 1Cor 12:13; Eph 1:13-14). This coming of the Holy Spirit is the grace of INDWELLING divine PRESENCE (John 14:23-26) that brings us both divine PURITY of sonship (Rom 8:14-15) and divine POWER for witness (Act 1:8) so we could participate in the Divine Nature (2Pet 1:2-4) and possess the Divine Heritage (Rom 8:16-17; Eph 1:1314; 1Pet 1:2-6). Apart from the INITIAL WORK of our NEWBIRTH or ADOPTION or INDWELLING by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-5; Rom 8:9-11), the FURTHER WORK of the Holy Spirit or Spirit’s FULLNESS is to repeatedly and progressively FILL and ENDUE every believer with the grace of ENABLING POWER (Luk 24:49; Act 1:8; Eph 5:18) and ASSURANCE OF SONSHIP (Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:6), for bold witness and spiritual walk at any and all times (Rom 8:26-27; Act 11:24; Gal 5:22-25). From 1Cor 12:13 and Eph 1:13-14, it seems that the Apostolic Church understood our INCLUSION INTO CHRIST as Spirit Baptism and Spirit Sealing. SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme

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They also referred to the ENDUEMENT WITH POWER (Luk 24:49) first as fulfilment of the promised Spirit baptism/outpouring (Act 1:5; 2:17) but subsequently described as being full-of or being filled-with the Holy Spirit (Act 2:4; 4:8, 31; 6:3-5; 9:17; 11:24; 13:9, 52; Eph 3:19; 5:18). According to the Apostles, the Holy Spirit baptizes all believers INTO Christ’s Body irrespective of their spiritual gifts (1Cor 12:13). The Church today is not agreed on what the SPIRIT BAPTISM really is or exactly meant to do: whether Spirit Baptism into Christ’s Body is the initial NEWBIRTH or whether Spirit Baptism into Christ’s Body is the further ENDUEMENT. 1. SPIRIT BAPTISM AS NEWBIRTH: The INITIAL WORK of the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion or newbirth is to REGENERATE and INDWELL every believer and serve as the believer’s Seal of Guarantee (John 3:3-5; 1Cor 12:13; Eph 1:13-14; Tit 3:5). 2. SPIRIT BAPTISM AS ENDUEMENT: For some Churches today, Spirit Baptism is the FIRST TIME a believer is Spirit-filled with evidence of PHENOMENAL MANIFESTATIONS of the Spirit –  for classical Pentecostals, this manifestation must be strictly the gift of speaking in TONGUES (based on three instances in Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6),  whereas for others (Evangelicals and Charismatics), this manifestation could be TONGUES or ANY OTHER POWER EXPERIENCES and the enablement to witness (based on other instances in Acts 2:11; 4:8,31; 8:15-18; 19:6). It is better to study the Scriptures rather than study the views. Does our fellowship with the Holy Spirit have an INITIATION (Beginning) and a MATURATION (Completing). If so, to which does each of these belong: New birth, Regeneration, Perfection, Spirit Indwelling, Spirit Baptism, Spirit Sealing, and Spirit fullness/infilling/filling? The Scriptures teach that  having been saved believers are still being saved (2Cor. 1:10);  having been translated (Col. 1:13) believers still need to be transformed (Rom. 12:2);  having been born anew believers still need to be mature Eph 4:1213;  having died to sin (Col. 3:3) they still need to mortify sin or make sin in us to die (Col. 3:5). Note that the initiation experience is past, once, permanent and of same STATUS for all believers (1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 8:9; Eph 4:4-7; 1John 2:27a) but must lead to the maturation experience which is refreshingly continuous, progressive and of variable STATURE, depending on our walk with God (Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; Eph 4:11-16). Baptism means covenant-bond initiation into union with Christ by the Spirit’s ABIDING presence (1Cor 12:13). To Be Filled means to be replete to overflowing with the Spirit’s ABOUNDING power (Act 4:31). SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme

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In the Scriptures, Spirit Fullness is common to both the Old and New Covenants. O.T. SPECIAL BESTOWAL OF THE SPIRIT: Saints were convicted through the Word, committed to the Law Covenant, believed in God, but were NOT indwelled by the Holy Spirit, yet they were filled for Spiritual Gifts, though the Holy Spirit operated from outside their spirits) Exd. 28:3; 31:3; 35:31, 35; Deut. 34:9; Micah 3:8; Luke 1:15,41,67; 2:40; 4:1; 1Sam. 10:6,10; 19:23; 2Sam. 23:2; 2Chron. 15:1; Ezek. 11:5; Notice Num. 11:26-29; also Samson in Jdg. 14:6; and Saul in 1Sam 19:20-24. N.T. GENERAL BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT: Saints are convicted through the Word, commit to the Gospel Covenant, believe in Christ, and are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, so we are filled for Spiritual Gifts and Fruit, with the Holy Spirit operating from within our spirits) Acts 2:4; 4:8,31; 6:3,5,8; 7:55; 9:17; 10:44-46; 11:24; 13:9,52; 15:14; 2Cor. 7:4; Eph. 3:19; 5:18-20; Phil. 1:11; Col. 1:9. On the other hand, Spirit Baptism is a promise peculiar to the New Covenant alone. (BAPTISM IMPLIES SPIRIT’S PERMANENT INDWELLING AND GUARANTEE SEAL) Joel 2:28; Ezek. 36:25-27; Jer. 31:31-34; Matt. 3:11,12; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; John 14:16-18; Acts 1:4,5; 2:1-3, 1718, 33, 37-39; 11:15-17; 1Cor. 12:13; Eph 1:13-14; 1John 3:9. In the OT without Christ, there was BESTOWAL OF (by specifically PUTTING Hb=‫ נתן‬nâthan, Num 11:25-29) the Holy Spirit to REST ON specific believers for the ANOINTING of only some special ministers (Priests, Judges-Kings, Prophets) for BURDEN-BEARING (Num 4:19; 11:17; Mal 1:1) and thereafter FILLED/MOVED (i.e. "came-upon" by rushing-on) them with divine power as God’s anointed SERVANTS. But in the NT with Christ, there is now BAPTISM WITH (by generally POURING Hb=‫ שךפך‬shâphak Joel 2:28-29; Grk=ἐκχέω ekcheo Act 2:1618) the Holy Spirit to DWELL IN every believer (Ezek. 36:25-27; Jer. 31:31-34; 1Cor 12:13) for the SEALING and ANOINTING (2Cor 1:21-22; Eph 1:13; 4:31; 1John 2:20, 27) of all believers for BIRTHRIGHT/NEWBIRTH (Rom 8:9-11,14-17) and thereafter FILL/MOVE (i.e. "come-upon" by springing-up within John 4:14; 7:37-39) us with divine power/refreshing (Act 1:8; 3:20; 4:31; Rom 8:26) not only as God’s ANOINTED SERVANTS like in the OT but especially as ADOPTED SONS of the NT. What shall we say then? (1.) Holy Spirit Baptism (i.e. RESIDENT PRESENCE by His ABIDING Person for INCORPORATION into Christ) concerns the NEWBIRTH John 3:3, 5; Regenerational cleansing Tit 3:5; Separation 1Cor. 6:11; Indwelling Rom 8:9; Conversion Acts 2:38-39; Union with Christ 1Cor. 12:13; Adoption authority SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme

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John 1:12; Anointing within 1John 2:20, 27; and Sealing for guarantee Eph. 1:13. These are works of the Spirit peculiar to the New Covenant. (2.) Holy Spirit Fullness (i.e. REPLETE PRESIDENCY by His ABOUNDING Power for INVIGORATION) concerns the NEWLIFE Gal 2:20; Perfection Eph. 4:13; Sanctification 1Thes. 4:7, 8; Life-surge John 4:14; 7:38; Consecration Gal 5:24, 25; Communion with Christ Rom 8:16; Leading Rom. 8:14 and Manifestation of power (which applied in OT and NT) Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; (Note Jdg. 14:6: 1Sam. 19:20-24 where the Spirit came upon backsliders and yet His power was manifested). TO BE SURE, WHAT IS COMMONLY CALLED ‘Baptism Of The Spirit’ TODAY, WHEN BELIEVERS MANIFEST THE SPIRIT’S POWER, FITS BETTER WITH WHAT THE SCRIPTURES CALL ‘Fullness Of The Spirit’ BOTH IN OT AND NT. At Spirit baptism, Christ used the INDWELLING of the ABIDING PERSON of Holy Spirit to reborn/INCORPORATE us into His own Body (1Cor 12:13) and SEAL us for guaranteed redemption (Eph 1:13-14). In the subsequent fullness of the Spirit, He moves us by the surging OVERFLOW of the ABOUNDING POWER of Holy Spirit to INVIGORATE us to serve God and demonstrate our living union with Christ (1Thes 1:5). The seed (1John 2:20, 27) is planted at Spirit baptism, but the fruit (Eph 5:9; Col 1:10) is born through being filled with the Spirit. At Spirit Baptism the believer gets all of the Holy Spirit; but during the Spirit Fullness the Holy Spirit gets all of the believer. Spirit Baptism binds us to Christ; Spirit Fullness builds us up in Christ. Today when the Spirit comes/falls on us (i.e. grips us suddenly), we receive His Person for Baptism and/or His Power for Fullness. The Scriptures remind all true believers that they have been baptised/sealed/indwelled with the Spirit into Christ (Rom 8:9-11; 1Cor. 3:16; 12:13; Eph. 1:13). On the basis of this, believers are warned not to grieve the Spirit (Eph. 4:30) but are expected to be LED by the Spirit (Rom 8:14; Gal 5:16-18) and urged to BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (Eph. 5:18-20). So every believer must always be led and necessarily be filled. How could those indwelled by the PERSON of the Holy Spirit be continually filled with the POWER of the Holy Spirit? (1) By thirsting earnestly for the fire and fullness of the Holy Spirit, 1Cor 12:31. Eph 5:18; Php 3:10-14; 2Tim 1:6. (2) Through imbibing the Word of God, Acts 10:44-46; Col 3:16. (3) Through praying for one’s self, Acts 4:29-31; Luke 11:13. (4) Through being prayed for, Act 8:14-19; 19:6; Col. 1:9-12; Eph. 3:14-19; 1Tim 4:14. (5) By yielding to the move of the Holy Spirit within us, Acts 2:4; 4:8; Mark 13:11; 2Pet 1:21. SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme

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How does one know he/she is filled with the POWER of the Holy Spirit? (1) Manifestation of the Gifts, Acts 2:4; 7:55; 10:44-46; 13:9-11; 19:6; Col. 1:9. (2) Demonstration of the Fruit, Acts 13:52; Rom 15:13; Col. 1:10. (3) Experience of Power moving within us, Acts 4:31; 13:9; 16:18; Rom 8:13-16; Eph 3:16; Col. 1:11. (4) Conformity to the Word, 1John 2:27; 3:24; Eph 3:19. COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS In this tabular study, we shall compare and contrast the meaning and effect of Spirit Baptism versus Spirit Fullness. It is hoped that such comparison would widen our understanding and enable us take fuller advantage of the grace of God through the work of the Holy Spirit. What we sometimes call ‘HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM’ today is what the Scripture always calls ‘HOLY SPIRIT FULLNESS’. This should not be contentious because people inadvertently mix these up and use both interchangeably. But carefully following the Scripture, which used these phrases distinctly, unlocks greater mysteries and power. SPIRIT BAPTISM (1 Cor. 12:13) SPIRIT FULLNESS (Eph. 5:18) DRINKING-IN THE PERSON of SPRINGING-UP THE EVIDENCE of the Holy Spirit for the indwelling the presence of the Holy Spirit by of His presence, power and letting Him manifest and operate His Gift(s) by receiving Him into our power, Gift(s) and Fruit through our hearts at Newbirth. (John 4:14a; lives after Newbirth. (John 4:14b; 7:37, 39; 1Cor 12:3, 13) 7:38-39; 1Cor 12:4-7) 1. Become ONE WITH CHRIST 1. Become MORE LIKE CHRIST (Eph. (Rom 8:9) 3:16-19) 2. JOINED IN UNION with Christ 2. ENJOY COMMUNION in Christ (1Cor 6:17; Eph. 1:13-14) (Eph. 1:15-21) 3. Inclusion/Anointing INTO Christ 3. Invigoration/Operation IN Christ (Gal. 3:27; 1John 2:27) ABIDING (Phil. 1:9-11) ABOUNDING 4. Once for all at Conversion or 4. Repeated on and on after Newbirth (Act 2:3; Eph. 1:13; 4:5) conversion (Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; Acts 9:17-18; 13:9-11; 17:16-17; Eph 5:18) 5. Associated with Regeneration or 5. Associated with Sanctification or NEW BIRTH (John 3:3-6) NEW LIFE (Rom 8:12-14) 6. Receive/Commencement of 6. Release/Continuation of experience Relationship with God (Acts 2:2-3) of God’s Power (Acts 2:4) 7. Receive new spiritual STATUS as 7. Being Led to growing spiritual gift from God (Rom 8:15; Col. 1:13) STATURE by working/walking with God (Rom 8:14; Eph. 4:13) 8. Requires faith in Christ as 8. Requires submission to the Spirit as Saviour (Acts 2:38-39; Gal. 3:2) Guide and Helper (John 16:13; Rom. 8:26; 12:1) SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme

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9. Equal and same for all Believers at all times (1Cor. 12:13) 10. INDWELLED by the Spirit (Rom. 8:9; 1Cor. 3:16; 1John 4:15) 11. Includes, Sealed and Established (ABIDING) unto Eternal life (2Cor 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30) 12. Cleansing from sin and demons (Acts 15:8-9)

9. Different and variable in persons and situations (Acts 4:8; 7:55) 10. PROPELLED by the Spirit (2Pet. 1:21; Act 2:4) 11. Inspired, Moved and Controlled (ABOUNDING) to lead the New life (Gal. 5:22ff; 2Pet 1:8 & above) 12. Strengthening above/against sin and demons (Col. 1:9-14)

Always, BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT Afresh, More and More. (Eph 5:18) Last Updated March 11, 2017 By Venerable Dr I. U. Ibeme Copyright © PriscAquila Publishing, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Click Here For PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre

SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme

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