FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS

by Venerable Dr. I. U. Ibeme
http://www.scribd.com/ifeogo ; http://priscaquila.6te.net
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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 1:13-
14; 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 1
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, Adoption, 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 4:12-
13;
 having died to sin, (Col. 3:3) believers still need to mortify sin or
make sin to die in us (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 replete-overflowing or manifest-maturation of
the Spirit’s ABOUNDING power (Act 4:31).
SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme 2
 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,
through 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 Christ’s 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, 17-
18, 33, 37-39; 11:15-17; 1Cor. 12:13; Eph 1:13-14; 1John 3:9.

In the OT without Christ, there was then the BESTOWAL OF (by

specifically PUTTING Hb=‫ נתן‬nâthan, Num 11:25-29) the Holy Spirit to
REST ON specific believers for the outward ANOINTING of only SOME
special Ministers (Priests, Judges-Kings, Prophets) for official BURDEN-
BEARING (Num 4:19; 11:17; Mal 1:1).
Thereafter the Holy Spirit FILLED/MOVED the OT believers (i.e. "came-
upon" from outside by rushing-on them) with divine power as God’s
ANOINTED SERVANTS of the OT.

But in the NT with Christ, there is now the BAPTISM WITH (by generally
POURING Hb=‫ ׁשפך‬shâphak Joel 2:28-29; Grk=ἐκχέω ekcheō Act 2:16-18)
the Holy Spirit to DWELL IN every believer (Ezek. 36:25-27; Jer. 31:31-
34; 1Cor 12:13) for the inward SEALING and ANOINTING (2Cor 1:21-
22; Eph 1:13; 4:31; 1John 2:20, 27) of ALL Believers (Christians or the
Church) for personal BIRTHRIGHT/NEW-BIRTH (Rom 8:9-11,14-17).
Thereafter the Holy Spirit FILLS/MOVES the NT believers (i.e. "come-
upon" from inside by springing-up within us John 4:14; 7:37-39) 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 God’s
ADOPTED SONS of the NT.

What shall we say then?

SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme 3

(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
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.
SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme 4
 (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.
 
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
SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme 5
 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)
9. Equal and same for all Believers 9. Different and variable in persons and
at all times (1Cor. 12:13) situations (Acts 4:8; 7:55)
10. INDWELLED by the Spirit 10. PROPELLED by the Spirit (2Pet.
(Rom. 8:9; 1Cor. 3:16; 1John 4:15) 1:21; Act 2:4)
11. Includes, Sealed and 11. Inspired, Moved and Controlled
Established (ABIDING) unto (ABOUNDING) to lead the New life
Eternal life (2Cor 1:21-22; Eph. (Gal. 5:22ff; 2Pet 1:8 & above)
1:13; 4:30)
12. Cleansing from sin and demons 12. Strengthening above/against sin
(Acts 15:8-9) 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.
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SPIRIT BAPTISM AND FULLNESS by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme 6