Spirit Baptism and Scripture
A Sermon on John 1:26-33
Originally preached April 11, 1965
Scripture
26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where …
Sermon Description
What is so important about the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Why does it matter for Christians whether it is a one-time event or not? In this sermon on John 1:16–33 titled “Spirit Baptism and Scripture,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones examines the difficult issue of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He says that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not experienced by all believers, and ought to be distinguished from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Examples of what it means to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit can be seen in the apostles after Pentecost –– they went from being frightened to bold ambassadors for the gospel of Jesus Christ. While not all Christians receive this baptism, all who believe in the gospel are saved and can know the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Believing the gospel is of most importance. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says that one can live and die without ever receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and enter the kingdom of God. Yet if one does not believe in the gospel, they will not be saved.
Sermon Breakdown
- The sermon examines the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that it is distinct from and subsequent to regeneration.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones begins by examining Luke 11:13 and argues that the "asking" referred to implies importunity and earnest seeking, not a casual request. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that God does not always grant requests immediately, for various reasons.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones then examines Acts 2:38-39, arguing that the promise of the Spirit is conditional, not automatic. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the verse does not teach all Christians receive the baptism of the Spirit automatically.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones then examines 1 Corinthians 12:13, arguing that it refers to regeneration, not the baptism of the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues the verse refers to the Spirit placing all believers into the body of Christ, not empowering them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues the baptism of the Spirit is done by Jesus, not the Spirit.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that the purpose of the baptism of the Spirit is to empower believers to be witnesses, not simply to regenerate them. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues 1 Corinthians 12:13 is referring to the common experience of regeneration that all Christians share, not a special endowment of power.
- Dr. Lloyd-Jones concludes by asking if listeners know Christ's love, power and the meaning of His death. Dr. Lloyd-Jones implies these come through the baptism of the Spirit.
The Book of John
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.