Spirit Baptism

The debate over "baptism with the Holy Spirit" continues to be a point of division between conservative Restorationists and Pentecostal or Charismatic groups. At the heart of this issue is the difference between biblical language and modern theological expression.

Scripture consistently uses the phrase "baptize with the Holy Spirit" (e.g., Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5), portraying Jesus as the one who baptizes believers using the Holy Spirit, just as John baptized with water. However, Pentecostal theology reframes the experience as "baptism of the Holy Spirit"–a phrase not found in the Bible–to describe a post-conversion experience marked by miraculous gifts, especially speaking in tongues.

Conservative teachers rightly point out that the Spirit baptism described in Acts occurs in historical, transitional moments (Acts 2, 10, 19) and is never presented as a repeated, normative experience for all believers. Yet despite the biblical and grammatical strength of this position, it often fails to persuade those in Pentecostal circles.

Why? Because the conservative argument is often underdeveloped in three key areas: hermeneutics, experience, and theology.

First, conservative arguments can appear flat when they treat Acts only as a history book rather than engaging its narrative flow. Pentecostals read Acts as an unfolding pattern for today, and unless conservatives clearly distinguish what is transitional from what is normative, their argument feels incomplete.

Second, many conservative responses dismiss spiritual experiences instead of interpreting them biblically. People who have experienced intense moments of worship, conviction, or personal transformation may genuinely sense the Spirit's presence. Simply telling them "that's not baptism with the Spirit" without offering a biblical framework for such experiences leaves a gap.

Third, the conservative theological focus on what the Spirit no longer does (i.e., miraculous gifts) can neglect teaching on what the Spirit does today. A positive, robust theology of the Spirit's ongoing role–sanctifying, empowering, bearing fruit–is essential.

The solution is not compromise, but clarity and charity. A stronger conservative response will affirm the authority of Scripture while graciously addressing the experiential and theological concerns of others. It must clarify that while Jesus did baptize with the Spirit during key redemptive moments in history, all Christians today receive the Spirit at conversion (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9), are called to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and are continually filled by Him (Ephesians 5:18).

By offering biblical precision without neglecting spiritual vitality, the conservative can bridge the divide–upholding the truth of God's Word while acknowledging the Spirit's living and active presence in the church today.