Receiving the Holy Spirit

by Letters Editor · November 28, 2017

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:16

John Driver, Daveyton – I applaud those who realise the importance and necessity of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Allow me to comment on John Lee’s letter in respect to Baptism of the Spirit (October 11).

The expression per se occurs only seven times in the New Testament. Six are quotations of John the Baptist’s words, “I baptise you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”, a promise fulfilled at Pentecost.

1 Cor 12:13 emphasises that all of us have been baptised by one Spirit and have been given the one Spirit to drink.

The Alpha Course

During an Alpha Course, candidates ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit.(See Lk 11:9-13.)

Prior to receiving the Holy Spirit, people confess anything that would inhibit the Spirit’s indwelling, they renew their baptism vows, and commit themselves to Christ.

They are invited to request any special gifts, such as healing, speaking in tongues, and so on.

Many candidates collapse as the Spirit fills them, they feel the warmth of the Spirit, and are rendered motionless, for a few minutes. Their first words are thanks to the Creator. The Holy Spirit will influence them from that moment on.

I have personally experienced this and have also attended a Life in the Spirit seminar, where much the same happens.