The Doctrine of Baptisms, Chapter 6
CHAP. VI.
Of the Baptism of the Spirit.
HAving already spoken of the Baptism of Water, We now come to treat of the Baptism of the Spirit.
There is a threefold Baptism spoken of in the New Testament. viz.
The Baptism of
Water.
Suffering.
The Spirit.
Yet, to speak properly, there is but one Baptism, Eph. 4. 5. One Baptism, which is the Baptism of Water; the other two being Figurative and Metaphorical.
The Baptism of Suffering is spoken of by Christ Matthew 20. 22, 23. Are ye able to be Baptized with the Baptism that I am Baptized with? Ye shall be Baptized with the Baptism that I am Baptized with, So Mark 10. 38, 39. and Luke 12. 50, I have a Baptism to be Baptized with, and how am I streightned, till it be accomplished. Christ here speaks of his Death and Suffering. Herein also signifying, that his Disciples were to be partakers with him, of his Crosse, as well as of his Crown. I shall say no more of this Baptism, but only leave this Note, That every Suffering is not the Baptism of Suffering, but only great and deep Sufferings unto Blood and Death. Hence the Ancients call it, The Baptism of Bloud, in opposition to a lesser Degree or Measure of Suffering, being Dipped & Plung'd unto afflictions. So Wilsons Dictionary. And still, this carries the signification of the Word with it.
Some conceive, this phrase seems to be borrowed from such places in the Old Testament as these Psa. 42. 7. and 69. 1, 2. and 88. 7. Ezek. 26. 19.
The Baptism of the Spirit, is that Baptism which I am now to speak more largely of.
Concerning which, I shall do these three things;
First, Shew you, That it is a distinct and different Baptism, from the Baptism of Water; and herein shew what it is not.
Secondly, I shall more fully shew what this Baptism of the Spirit is.
Thirdly, Answer a Question or two, concerning the continuation of this Baptism; and so close all.
First, That it is a different, and distinct Baptism from the Baptism of Water.
For this, see Mat. 3. 11. I indeed Baptize you with Water, (saith John) but He (that is Jesus) that cometh after me, shall Baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. So also Mark 1. 8. Luke 3. 16. Joh. 1. 33. Acts 1. 5. and 11. 16. All these places do clearly distinguish this Baptism of the Spirit from the Baptism of Water. Though I confesse, 'tis generally made to note out, the sanctifying graces of the Spirit, as the inward thing signified, by the outward sign of Water; And therefore Expositors content themselves with opening of that Phrase, [with the Holy Spirit and with fire.] to set forth the operations of the Spirit, as compar'd to, or resembled by, fire, in respect of his purifying Nature, and the like.
But that this Phrase hath a further meaning in it, See Wilsons Dictionary. Also the learned Cameron, and Dr. Hammond on this place, Who both refer, and that rightly, this, Mat. 3. 11. for the further opening of it, unto Acts 2. 3, 4. There appear'd unto them Cloven Tongues, like as of [Fire,] and it sat upon each of them, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other Tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. So that this Baptism of Fire hath clearly reference unto, and was fulfill'd in this extraordinary appearance of the Spirit, like as of Fire. That this was the Baptism of the Spirit, promised, Matth. 3. and Luke 3. appears further by Acts 1. 4 5. The Apostles being assembled together, Christ commanded them that they should not depart from Hierusalem, but wait for the Promise of the Father which saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly Baptized with Water, but ye shall be Baptizd with the Holy Spirit, not many daies hence. Which was fulfilled Acts 2. See also Acts 11. 15, 16. As I (viz. Peter) began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (viz. in Acts 2. as is quoted in the Margin) Then remembred I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed Baptized with Water, but ye shall be Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
These places diligently compar'd together, evidently shew, that this Baptism of the Spirit, is a distinct Baptism from the Baptism of Water, and hath no reference at all to the inward sanctifying graces of the Spirit, but notes out the most extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit, that ever were given to the Sons of men: and therefore is call'd, the Baptism of the Spirit.
I wonder, that so plain a thing as this is, should be let slip, without taking notice of, by almost all Expositors in all Ages.
Thus we have done with the first Particular, That this Baptism is a distinct and different Baptism, from the Baptism of Water.
Secondly, Having shewn you what it is not, I shall now shew you what it is; Which I will do in this description.
The Baptism of the Spirit is such a powring forth of the Spirit, in the extraordinary Gifts of it, as to be fill'd with it; the manifestation whereof, was speaking with Tongues, and Prophesying.
Of this Description, in the several parts of it.
First, Its call'd, a powring forth of the Spirit. What the New Testament calls, The Baptism of the Spirit, (as borrowing its phrase from the Baptism of Water, Mat. 3. 11. still carrying the signification of the word with it) that the Old Testament calls, A powring forth of the Spirit, both Terms us'd, viz. Powring and Baptism, in opposition to a Sprinkling or dropping of the Spirit, in the ordinary measures thereof. So Joel 2. 28 29. And it shall come to passe, that I will [Powre] out my Spirit upon all flesh and in those daies will I [Powre] out my Spirit. And this very Text Peter quotes Acts 2. where the Baptism of the Spirit was first given out, verse 16, 17, 18. This is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel, It shall come to passe in the last daies saith God, I will [powre] out my Spirit. And I will [powre] out in those daies of my Spirit.
So Acts 10. 45. On the Gentiles also was [Powred] out the Gift of the Holy Spirit, speaking here of the Baptism of the Spirit.
Thus we have shewn you, that the Baptism of the Spirit, is expressed by the Powrings forth of the Spirit both in the Old and New Testament, as in many other places might be shown.
This powring out of the Spirit, was by Christ from his Father: therefore call'd his Baptism, and the Promise of the Father, Luke 24. 49. Behold, I send the Promise of my Father upon you. So also Acts 1. 4. 5. Wait for the Promise of the Father, which, saith he, (viz. Christ) you have heard of me, for John truly Baptiz'd with Water; But ye shall be Baptized with the Holy Spirit.
And Acts 2. 33. Having received of the Father the Promise of the Holy Spirit. So verse 39. The Promise viz. the great Promise of the Spirit. So Gal. 3. 14. The Promise of the Spirit, So called, because the Spirit is the great Promise of the Father in the Old Testament; and again promis'd by Christ from his Father in the New, which he [powred] out first at his Ascention.
Secondly, For the further manifesting what this Baptism of the Spirit is; I say, 'tis such a Powring forth of the Spirit, as that they that had it, are said to be [Fill'd] with it, Acts 2. 4. And they were all [Fill'd] with the Holy Spirit. So Acts 4. 31. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were Assembled, and they were all [Filled] with the Holy Spirit.
Thirdly, It is such a filling with the Spirit, the manifestation whereof, was alwaies by speaking with [Tongues] and Prophesying. So the first Baptism of the Spirit that ever was, is manifested Acts 2. 3, 4. And there appear'd unto them cloven [Tongues] like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them; And they were all fill'd with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other [Tongues] as the Spirit gave them utterance. And verse 6. Every man heard them speak in his own Language. And verse 8. How hear we every man in our own [Tongue,] wherein we were born? and verse 11. We do hear them speak in our own [Tongues]. Not that the Hearers heard that in diverse Languages, which they spake in one; for then the Miracle had been in the hearers, not in the speakers, whereas the Cloven tongues rested on the Apostles, not on the People, as Calvin, well observes.
That this Baptism was manifested by Tongues, see also Acts 10. 44▪ 45, 46. The Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the Word—On the Gentiles also was powred out the Gift of the Holy Spirit; For they heard them speak with [Tongues,] And Acts 19. 6. When Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spake with [Tongues] and Prophesied. So also Acts 11. 15. As I began to speak (saith Peter) the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning, (which was by speaking with Tongues Acts 2.) and verse 17. For as much then, as God gave them the like [Gift] as he did unto us. Which was the Gift of speaking with Tongues. So Acts 15. 8. Giving them the Holy Spirit [even as] he did unto us, viz. Acts 2.
Thus all along the History of the Acts, you see the Baptism of the Spirit was manifested by speaking with Tongues. So that all the extraordinary Gifts before, how great soever, was not properly the Baptism of the Spirit; For from the beginning of the world, there was no speaking with Tongues till Acts 2. That being the first time: and this I conceive to be the reason, why this extraordinary Gift, to speak with Tongues was then given forth; because the Apostles were from that time to go Preach to all Nations and Languages; And hence this Gift of Tongues was given to them to fit them for their work, Luke 24. 47. They were to Preach to all Nations; But they were first to tarry at Hierusalem, till they were indued with Power from on High. verse 49. Which Power was the Gift of speaking with Tongues, Acts 1. 4, 5. compar'd with Acts 2. beginning.
We must lay down this as an undoubted Maxime, that the first time that ever the Baptism of the Spirit was manifested, was Acts 2. immediatly after Christs Ascention and Glorification, at the right hand of his Father in Heaven. The Foundation of this Maxime is laid John 7. 39. The Holy Spirit was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet Glorified, viz, was not yet given in that extraordinary manner, as it was to be, Acts 2. upon his Glorification, and these were part of those Gifts at his Ascention, Eph. 4. 8. When he ascended up on high, and gave Gifts unto men, according as the Prophecy went before of Him, Psal. 68. 18. And therefore when he was ascended, he thus powred out the spirit, Acts 2. beginning. See also verse 32, 33. This Jesus hath God raised up whereof we are all Witnesses; Therefore being by (or at) the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father, the Promise of the Holy Spirit, He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear.
This is one of those extraordinary Gifts of the Spirit mentioned, 1 Cor, 12. 10. To another divers Kinds of Tongues.
To conclude this second Head, The Givings forth of the Spirit, as to the Baptism of it, is set forth by such Phrases, as is not applicable to any other Administration of the Spirit whatsoever, as He fell on them, Came on them, Acts 8. 16. and 10. 44. The Holy Spirit [fell] on them. So Acts 11. 15. The Holy Spirit [fell] on them. And 19. 6. The Holy Spirit [Came] on them, and they spake with Tongues and Prophesied.
Thirdly, For that great Question now amongst some in this Age. Whether this Baptism shall be given forth again?
Answ. First for that place, Joel 2. 28, 29. which some bring that it is yet to be fulfilled. I shall only say, The Apostle Peter Acts 2. 16, 17, 18. doth expresly quote it, as then fulfilled. This is that which was spoken by the Prophet Joel, And it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God), I will Powre out of my Spirit upon all flesh, viz. Men of all Nations, Gentiles and Jews, And your sons and your daughters shall Prophesy, that is, of both Sexes, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, that is, men of all Ages, young and old, and on my servants, and on my hand-maidens, I will powre out in those daies of my Spirit, and they shall Prophesy. That is, on all Conditions, Sons or Servants, bond or free. Yet that it was now but in Part fulfill'd, the two next verses seem to hint, viz. 19, 20. And I will shew wonders in Heaven above, &c. which words are also quoted out of Joel.
And that 'tis usual for Prophecies to have a double accomplishment, that is, to be fulfill'd at two several times, is clear, by comparing John 19. 37. with Revel. 1. 7.
There seems to be the same reason also, why it should be given forth again, as it was at the beginning, because of the Gospel, which is yet to be preach'd to all Nations, Tongues and Languages.
And possibly, As to the Gentiles at their first Conversion, Acts 10, 44. & 11. 15, 19. & 15. 7. 8. So some conceive, 'twill be powr'd out again, upon, or a little before the Calling and Conversion of the Jews.
I determine nothing, only these following Scriptures seem to hint such a thing. Isay 32. 15. & 44. 3. Ezekiel 39. 29. Zach. 12. 10. Joel 2. 28, 29. In all which places read the Context, and Consult them at your leisure.
However there is not the least shew in Scripture that this shall be again till towards the calling of the Jews, much lesse for the continuance of it in all ages, as there is for the Baptism of Water, and the Supper of the Lord, and other Ordinances.
And therefore that place Acts 2. 38., 39. where there is a Promise made of it, unto Repentance and Baptism in water, it must certainly be understood of, and limited to, the Primitive times, else what were this but to Question the truth of Repentance or the faithfulnesse of God, in performing promises, which God forbid? What were this but to open a wide door to question either the truth of the word of God, or the Truth of the work of Gods spirit in the hearts of men and women in all ages since the Apostles, and so to condemne the generation of the righteous?
And that this cannot be the meaning of these words of Peter, because then it will follow that all the believers in the Primitive times, were thus Baptized with the spirit.
The meaning then of Peter in this place must be this, by encouraging of them to Baptism of Water, he promiseth them the Baptism of the Spirit. That is, that in so doing, possibly they might receive these extraordinary gifts spoken of in the beginning of the Chapter, without which they could not have them.
And that these extraordinary gifts were intended by God, chiefly for the Primitive times, both for the preaching of the Gospell to all Nations, and for the confirmation of it, hath been cleared already. So Mark 16. 17. must be understood. These signes shall follow them that believe Viz. not to all that believe in all ages, nor to all believers in the first age. But to some few extraordinarily, to fit them for the Ministery of the word, else we might all question the truth of our faith. And among other signes in the Text, this is reckoned for one They shall speake with new Tongues, and vers. 20. These signes are expresly said to be given for the confirmation of the Gospel. They went forth and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signes following.
So Heb. 2. 3, 4. How shall we escape if we neglect so great Salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him, God also bearing witnesse, both which signes and wonders, and with diverse miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
FINIS.
The Contents of the Chapters contained in the former Discourse.
CHap. 1. That the Baptism of Water is an Ordinance of Jesus Christ still in force; And to continue to the end of the World. pag. 1.
Chap. 2. That the Manner of the performance of this Ordinance, is, by Dipping. pag. 9.
Chap. 3. That the Subjects of Baptism are Grown Persons fitly qualified, and not Infants. p 15.
Chap. 4. Containing the Arguments for Infants Baptism, with Answers to them. p. 20.
Chap. 5. Shewing the use of the Doctrine of Baptism. p. 33.
Chap. 6. Of the Baptism of the Spirit. p. 38.
End of the text · John Gosnold, The Doctrine of Baptisms (1657)