Before jumping into the details concerning salvation, baptism, and the Holy Spirit I want to start by saying that I believe that God’s overall goal is for each one of us to have a vital relationship with Him. I don’t believe that there is a step-by-step process that everyone has to follow to a tee in order accomplish the goal. I surely don’t want to “put God in a box”, limiting the way in which He may choose to work. There are some fine details of God’s plan for man that I don’t understand, but I do believe that God does make clear in the Bible, the things that we do need to be in relationship with Him. God does not always explain why He calls us to specific actions, but He always blesses those that submit their will to His. In this paper I am presenting what I believe to be correct after much prayer and study of the Bible. I am however very open to receiving further input and constructive criticism from other believers. Indeed, some of the premises that I make in the paper may be flawed. At this time we may not be able know all of the answers to the questions that are raised in this paper (which I believe is why the Christian community has some variances among “non-essential” beliefs). In 1Co 13:9-10, Paul writes: “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect thing comes, then that which is in part will be caused to cease.”

2 HOW IS A PERSON SAVED?

It occurs to me that often times when the question of salvation comes up, many people either take the “least common denominator approach” whereby they take a standalone verse such as John 3:16 and conclude that if at some point in time a person believes in Jesus (regardless of anything else), then that person is eternally secure. This camp sometimes thinks anything other than belief is a work and therefore cannot be a part of salvation. On the other hand some take the “cover all your bases” approach whereby all known steps must be taken exactly as detailed in all instances of the Bible – only then is a person considered saved. This approach seems like it is works based. Then there are those who take the approach that faith in Jesus includes several actions and manifestations that are integral parts of that faith and come as a consequence of truly believing on Him. This is the approach that I take.

2.1 The Most Important Issue

I want to make it clear that I strongly believe the most important issue related to receiving salvation is the condition of the person’s heart. In the Bible, the term mind refers to what you think and the term heart refers to your attitude and what you care about. God is concerned much more about your heart than your mind. He is much more interested in your caring about the right things and having the right attitude than your having the right knowledge. Consider that the Bible only mentions the term mind 69 times while the term heart is mentioned 932 times! Also, when the two terms are mentioned together, heart always precedes mind (except for one case where the terms are used different contexts). I mention this to make sure that someone does not believe that he or she has to know everything about the Bible, have perfect faith without doubts, or get it all together before he or she can be saved. If his or her heart is right (he or she comes in to the Lord acknowledging his or her sin in humility with a desire to be transformed by the Living Savior), then everything else related to salvation is in the category of details. These details are very important since God’s blessings are attached to them, but first the heart must be right. If the heart is right, the details will be openly embraced. In this paper I endeavor to present the details.

Throughout the New Testament, being saved is associated with belief or faith in Jesus Christ. The book of James points out that true faith is different than a “said” faith (Jam 2:14). The New Testament characterizes a person of true faith by: 1) a person that repents of their past ways, confesses Jesus as savior and Lord, is baptized, grows spiritually (produces fruit), and performs works as a result of their faith. I want to make it clear that I am not saying that salvation is obtained through faith + repentance + confession + baptism + works + spiritual growth. Rather I am saying that true faith will have these components as a consequence or outgrowth of that faith.

The following is a list of some supporting verses (there are many more).

FAITH

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you are saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the

gift of God; not of works, that not anyone should boast;

BAPTISM

Mat 28:19 Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

REPENTANCE

Act 17:30 Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now strictly commands

all men everywhere to repent

CONFESSION

Rom 10:9-10 Because if you confess the Lord Jesus with your mouth, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth one confesses unto salvation.

WORKS

Jam 2:14-17 My brothers, what is the gain if anyone says he has faith, but he does not have works? Is the faith able to save him? But if a brother or a sister is naked and may be lacking in daily food, and any one of you say to them, Go in peace, be warmed and filled, but does not give them the things the body needs, what gain is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Mat 7:19 Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and is thrown into fire.

Mat 13:23 But that sown on the good ground is this: the one hearing the Word, and

understanding it, who indeed bears and yields fruit, one truly a hundredfold, and one

sixty, and one thirty.

3 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM?

What is baptism? Is it the first act of obedience? Is it a Christian ritual that a person participates in when they wish to enter the church? Let’s see what the Bible says...

3.1 Relevant Sections of Scripture

Ac 2:38-41 And Peter said to them, repent and be baptized, each of you on the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all those afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words he earnestly testified and exhorted, saying, be saved from this perverse generation. Then truly the ones gladly welcoming His Word were baptized. And about three thousand souls were added that day.

Note: This is an instance where baptism is coupled with belief and salvation.

1Pe 3:21 This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you - not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

Tit 3:5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ, our Savior;

Rom 6:4-5 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;

Ga 3:26-29 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ... If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.

Note: This is another instance where baptism is assumed for those who have faith.

Ac 16:30-33 and brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and his entire household.

3.1.1 Is Baptism a work?

Many people in the Christian community have a rigid systematic theology which follows specific logical progressions to come to their theological conclusions. And within this theology is the core New Testament principal that we are saved only by grace, through faith.

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you are saved, through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the

gift of God; not of works, that not anyone should boast;

I think every Christian can agree that it is entirely God’s grace that saves us through faith in Him. But in an effort to make sure that nobody can claim that their effort has any part of the salvation experience, the systematic theologians want a clear delineation between a work and faith. For them, anything that is outside of the thought process is deemed a work and cannot therefore be part of salvation. Here, they are following the logical progression:

a) A person is saved by grace, through faith (not by works).

b) Anything action that is outside of the thought process is considered a work.

c) Baptism is an action that is outside of the thought process and is therefore a work.

d) Therefore baptism cannot be part of the salvation experience.

Sounds logical, but there is one huge problem: it directly violates many verses of scripture (like the ones listed in the last subsection). Perhaps premise b) above is flawed.

So, is baptism a work? I think the answer to this important question is that it depends on the person’s heart that is being baptized. Surely there are many who cling to baptism as something that they did to earn salvation. This totally violates the teaching of Eph 2:8-9. On the other hand if someone is gladly baptized in a spirit of humility and gratitude (as they were in every instance mentioned in the New Testament), they are not doing it as a work to gain salvation, but as a willful submission as part of their faith proclamation.

The more important question is: Did God mean for baptism to be a work? I think not. If He did, then he would not have been so clear to include it in the scriptures as part of the salvation experience and at the same time say we are saved by grace through faith alone. Please consider the verses listed in the previous subsection and see if you can come to any other conclusion.

3.1.1.1 What About Confession?

Many who believe baptism to be a work or “the first act of obedience after salvation” would not think of omitting verbal confession as an integral part of salvation. But both confession and baptism are outside of the thought process. So why do they hold to confession as part of the salvation experience and consider baptism to be a work that is outside of the salvation experience? Just something to think about J

3.1.2 Conclusions concerning baptism in the New Testament

From the day of Pentecost, baptism is an integral part of coming to faith in Jesus Christ. It was commanded by Jesus himself. In the New Testament, after Pentecost, being baptized immediately followed a person belief. Baptism is so intertwined with belief in the New Testament it is as if the authors assume it a given that those who believe will be baptized. Acts 2:41 states: “the ones gladly welcoming his word were baptized”.

3.1.2.1 What About the Thief on the Cross?

The thief on the cross (and the woman caught in adultery) both received salvation from the Lord. Consider a couple of points: 1) these events took place before the resurrection (at a time when Christian baptism was not yet taking place) and 2) if these events occurred after the resurrection and they were able, their response to the Lord shows that these people would most certainly have welcomed the opportunity to be baptized.

There may be cases where it is physically impossible or the person is uninformed and I believe God will overlook these circumstances. However for the rest of us, baptism is “*the* answer of a good conscience toward God". I believe that real faith embraces it. In addition to being an outward expression of a true inward change (Rom 6:4-5), Acts 2:38-39 says it is also the time at which a person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins.

4 THE HOLY SPIRIT FORETOLD

4.1 Relevant Sections of Scripture

Joh 7:39 But He said this concerning the Spirit, whom the ones believing into Him were about to receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Joh 14:16 And I will petition the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may remain with you to the age, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it does not see Him nor know Him. But you know Him, for He abides with you and shall be in you.

Act 1:8 but you will receive power, the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you will be witnesses of Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

[Note that Mark 16:9-20 is not included here even though it is directly related. There are arguments for and against its authenticity. Since the authenticity of these verses is debatable, I have decided to not include them here.]

5 THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

5.1 Relevant Sections of Scripture

Joh 20:20-22 And saying this, He showed them His hands and side. Then seeing the Lord, the disciples rejoiced. Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And saying this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.

-- Commentary on John 20:20-22 --

Now, this was the first time that Jesus saw the disciples after he had risen from the dead. At this point, they were hiding for fear of the Jews. After Jesus came to them, he breathed on them and gave them the power to remit or hold a person’s sins. Then a little later (probably a few days) he told Peter to feed his sheep. So, they went from hiding to doing two things that they certainly were not able to do before receiving the Holy Spirit. Then at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in power and gave them outwardly miraculous gifts in a moment.

Act 2:2-4 And suddenly a sound came out of the heaven, as being borne along by a violent wind! And it filled all the house where they were sitting. And tongues as of fire appeared to them, being distributed, and it sat on each one of them. And they were all filled of the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave ability to them to speak.

6 MUST A PERSON HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE SAVED?

6.1 Relevant Sections of Scripture

Rom 8:9 But you are not in flesh, but in Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. But

of anyone has not the Spirit of Christ, this one is not His.

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, truly, truly, I say to you, if one is not generated out of water

and Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.

6.2 Conclusions

The previous two verses seem to indicate that a person *must* have the indwelling Holy Spirit to be considered saved.

7 IS TONGUES OR PROPHECY THE ONLY EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Background: Some “charismatic” churches believe that the only way to know that a person has the indwelling Holy Spirit is if that person has the gift of tongues or prophecy.

7.1 Relevant Sections of Scripture

1Co 12:29-30 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

Comment: Again this is a verse that shows that every believer doesn’t necessarily have the gift of tongues or prophecy.

1Co 12:4-13 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages. But the one and the same Spirit works all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires. For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.

In addition to these and other such verses, the Bible tells us of many instances when people are "filled" with the Holy Spirit and don't prophecy or speak in tongues at the time.

8 DO ALL BAPTIZED BELIEVERS HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?

8.1 Scripture References

The following is a list of verses that support the notion that a person receives the Holy Spirit whenever they are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Ac 2:38-39 And Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, each of you on the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all those afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Note that in Act 10:43 it says that “To this One all the Prophets witness, so that through His name everyone believing into Him will receive remission of sins.

Note about Act 2:38-39 and 10:43: In 2:38 remission of sins is related to repentance and baptism while in 10:43 it is related to believing. ” This is another example of how closely knit belief, repentance and baptism are. They all have different meanings, but are all assumed to be integral parts to the salvation experience (remission of sins to be specific).

1Co 12:13 For also we all were baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, even all were given to drink into one Spirit.

Eph 1:13-14 in whom also you, hearing the Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also believing you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is an earnest of our inheritance, to the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

8.2 ACTS 8:14-17 – A SEEMINGLY TOUGH SCRIPTURE

Act 8:14-17 And the apostles in Jerusalem hearing that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who going down prayed concerning them so that they may receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen on any one of them, but they were only being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

8.2.1 Some Interesting Points

First consider the phrase “for He had not yet fallen on any one of them, but they were only being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

From other verses, fallen refers to the Holy Spirit coming with power (with outward miraculous signs). It is probable that this differentiates the term receive the Holy Spirit in this verse from receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38-39.
The phrase: not yet infers that it was expected that the Holy Spirit would fall on them at some point in time later.
The phrase: “they were only being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” seems to indicate that that the Holy Spirit coming in power did not normally accompany water baptism in the name of Jesus.
If someone was to assume that the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38-39 is the same as the receiving of the Holy Spirit here, then Peter may not have meant that they would receive the Holy Spirit as soon as they were baptized, but rather at or some point after baptism. This view however is problematic – it seems to contradict Eph 1:13-14.
There is not an instance in scripture that the Holy Spirit comes in power upon someone that is being baptized in water (of course the Holy Spirit did descend on Jesus at his baptism). Jesus’ baptism however was to fulfill all righteousness under Law.
The Bible does not tell us that Peter, John, or Philip was surprised that the baptized believers did not receive the Holy Spirit in power. It only says that when they came down, they prayed for them that they might receive Him.

8.2.2 Commentary on Acts 8:14-17

It is not known if before the Apostles came down, whether or not they knew that the Holy Spirit had not fallen on the Samaritans. It may be inferred that they assumed that the Samaritans did not yet have the Holy Spirit fall on them because of the phrase “only being baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus”. It is known however that for some reason the Apostles held the power to transfer the outwardly miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit while Philip was not able to do so. This does not mean that the outwardly miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were only given at the hands of the Apostles as some say. There are verses in scripture in which the powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit are bestowed on believers under different circumstances than the laying on of the Apostle’s hands. In Acts 10:44 it happened when Peter was speaking to a crowd. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit also came most likely when the believer’s were in prayer and supplication. Considering all things, I believe that the Samaritans had the gift of the Holy Spirit that comes with baptism in the name of Jesus and that Peter and John laid hands on the Samaritans to transfer Holy Spirit “in power”.

9 WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

1Co 12:4-13 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit; and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages. But the one and the same Spirit works all of these, distributing to each one separately as He desires. For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.

Ga 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

Eph 5:9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God.

1Jo 2:5 But whoever keeps His Word, truly in this one the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.

1Jo 3:24 And the one keeping His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He gave to us.

1Jo 4:15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

1Jo 5:1 Everyone believing that Jesus is the Christ has been generated from God.

Joh 14:26 but the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and shall remind you of all things that I said to you

10 WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

I believe "the baptism of the Holy Spirit" is a term that is used when the Holy Spirit comes on someone in power. The term “baptism of the Holy Spirit” is a confusing one since the New Testament says that all baptized believers have the Holy Spirit (as detailed in section 8 ). I only use this terminology because it is the exact terminology that Peter used in Acts11:15-16. Hence I think that the “baptism of the Holy Spirit” is separate from water baptism in the name of Jesus, although water baptism is into the Holy Spirit for regeneration. Consider the following Bible story where the Holy Spirit was "poured" or "fell" on people - they still had to follow through with water baptism.

10.1The Story Of Cornelius

Act 10:44-47 As Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the Word. And the faithful of the circumcision were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the nations also. For they heard them speaking in languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, Can anyone forbid the water that these not be baptized, who the Holy Spirit received, even as we also?

Act 11:15-16 And in my beginning to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as also on us in the beginning. And I recalled the Word of the Lord, how He said, John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

10.1.1 Why did Cornelius and Friends receive the Holy Spirit without Water Baptism?

This was the first instance of the gospel being preached to Gentiles. I think it is significant that directly before this incidence Peter had a vision of previously forbidden food (animals) coming down from heaven. He was commanded to slay and eat them. The Lord told him to not to call something common or unclean that He has made clean. This was a sign that those who were previously not outwardly called to salvation (the Gentiles) would now be called clean (to partake of the gospel). By them receiving the Holy Spirit in such an outward manner, this was clear evidence to Peter that the Holy Spirit had received the Gentiles – they were now considered clean. This is also what I would consider an instance where you cannot “put God in a box” and say that water baptism has to happen for a person to receive the Holy Spirit.

10.1.2 Why did Cornelius and Friends have to be baptized in Water after the Holy Spirit Fell on them?

It is interesting to note that even though the Holy Spirit had “received” these believers, that they still had to be baptized in water. Baptism is a ceremony in which there is an outward depiction of the old person and their sin dying and being buried, followed by the new cleansed person being raised from the dead to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4-5). I believe that it is an outward expression that serves as a specific point in time that a person makes a decision to publicly repent, confess, and believe on Jesus Christ as savior and Lord. As 1Pe 3:21 says, it is the answer of a good conscience towards God. It seems to serve as a “right of passage”.

10.2 Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit For Today?

This is an “in-house” debate within Christian circles. The Christians that don’t believe that the outwardly expressive gifts such as tongues and prophecy are for today often quote 1Co13:8-9, saying that “the perfect thing” refers to the New Testament Canon. Lets look at the scripture in context.

1Co 13:8-13 Love never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be caused to cease; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be caused to cease. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect thing comes, then that which is in part will be caused to cease. When I was an infant, I spoke as an infant, I thought as an infant, I reasoned as an infant. But when I became a man, I caused to cease the things of the infant. For now we see through a mirror in dimness, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will fully know even as I also was fully known. And now faith, hope, and love, these three things remain; but the greatest of these is love.

It seems to me that the context demands that the “perfect thing” refers to the coming of Christ. Only then will we grow into full maturity and fully know even as we have always been fully known.

10.2.1 Why the Controversy?

I suspect that there are three main reasons for the controversy:

Outwardly expressive gifts do not seem to occur commonly among Christians today – even among devout believers.
There is much abuse of this practice whereby people do things such as: working themselves up into a frenzy, fake a spiritual tongue, or try to “teach” others the gift of tongues.
If some have the gift and some don’t, then there is often a “haves” and “haves not” mentality that is created (even though 1Cor 12 explicitly directs to not have that type of mindset).