1. A Change of Address

John Owen is said to have expressed the opinion that the sin of Old Testament times was a failure to acknowledge God, the sin of the New Testament era was an unwillingness to recognize the Lordship of Christ, and the obvious sin of his times was man's lack of appreciation of the ministry of the Holy Spirit relative to personal experience. As it was then, so it is now! Times haven't really changed! He, the Holy Spirit, is still the neglected member of the Trinity.

In an attempt to make amends, I want to share with you some relevant insights from the Word of God. That's always the best place to start! It is most instructive to read of Him no fewer than four times described as, "the seven Spirits of God" (Revelation 1:4). What does this suggest? It certainly does not mean there are seven Holy Spirits active in God's dealings with His children. That's out of the question altogether! There is only one but His operations are construed as being sevenfold. This heptagonal manifestation is seen best in the seven terms employed in the Scriptures to set forth His mission in relation to the people of God. We shall look at each of these in succeeding chapters. By the way, the "seven" would indicate the perfection of His work and would imply the plenitude of His power.

The first is spelled out clearly in I Corinthians 12:13 and speaks of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This is what Paul says: "For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks. slave or free and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." This aspect signifies:

IMMERSION
There are seven main passages in the Word which speak of this wonderful truth. Four are found in the Gospels, two in the Acts of the Apostles, and, one I quoted above) in the Epistles. Each of the Gospel writers distinctly show the words were uttered by John the Baptist, and are used to underline the contrast between what John is doing and what Jesus will do (Matthew 3:11: Mark 1:8: Luke 3:16: John 1:33) However, in Acts 1:5, the reverse is the case when Jesus categorically affirms: 'For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit" These all view the issue prophetically. It was something not yet experienced or even bestowed. It was. from their vantage point, a happening that lay ahead. The emphasis is an the words. "He Will ..." and. that is future in its outlook.

The single reference in the Epistles represents the doctrinal viewpoint. The tense of the verb is of paramount importance to us in our search for the underlying meaning of what Paul is stating. Let's be clear, he does not say, 'we shall be' or, 'we may be', or, 'we ought to be'. Rather. he says, "we were," and, since this is in the aorist tense it suggests an accomplished fact. As far as this passage is concerned, the Baptism in the Spirit, is, connected not with our state as Christians, but with our standing This is the occasion and means of our incorporation into the mystical Body of Christ. So. Paul conclusively sees this as a finished work. Because it is a completed task it is a once-far-all occurrence!

Most references point forward, one points backward. But, to what? There must be a focal point where they merge together. That's why we turn to the Book of Acts (ch 2:1-4) where we view this great event from a historical perspective. When Jesus used the words, "in a few days" He was indicating explicitly the Day of Pentecost. Logically speaking, it can't be anything else! On that memorable morn the long-promised Holy Spirit was given and the Church of Christ was brought into being. It was the birthday of the Church. The Body of Christ was formed on that day almost two millennia ago. It was the dawning of a new era, ie. the age of the Spirit. This is truly a miracle and, in many senses, it is still a mystery to the finite mind. This was the hour when the whole mystical Church was immersed into one body in a never to be repeated experience. You and I enter into the rich blessing and realisation of that ancient inauguration when we are saved by God's amazing grace. For us, it is a change of address!

IDENTIFICATION
At the precise moment of our salvation, we become identified with the Body of Christ. the Church universal. How? By being immersed into the Body!

This is, take note, not the luxury of an elite few. Rather, none are excluded and no exceptions are made. It is the common lot of God's children. Hence, Paul's wisdom in stressing the word, "all".

It would also suggest our unity in Christ. We are "all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). We share a common salvation (cf. Jude 3) and rejoice that we are made to "participate in the divine nature" 2 Peter 1:41. Background or nationality do not alter the fact that we are members of one Body. Yes, irrespective of colour, class or creed, the ground was level at the foot of the cross, and, in Him there is no difference made.

Our union with Christ is also envisaged. We are like branches in the vine (let. John 15), like living stones in the building (cf. Ephesians 2). And, furthermore, we are joined to Christ, the living Head. That means we share in everything the Father has given to Him. What a privileged position is our's of being "heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:17). We are, to borrow a favourite phrase of the apostle Paul. said to be "in Christ".

INTEGRATION
Since there is one Body we have fellowship with each other. The Body, as you would imagine, is comprised of individual members none of whom can be done without. All are needed to enable the Body to function normally. It is God who places us in the Body and it is the Holy Spirit who gives us different gifts to exercise. That, whether we like it or not, is His sole prerogative and is not dependent on self-centred man with his insatiable desire to walk centre-stage. When these are operating in a manner pleasing to Him then the Body is achieving His eternal purpose far it. Not everyone has the same gift and no-one has a monopoly on all the gifts. We are where He wants us to be and we have what He desires to impart to us (1Corinthians 12 and 14). We all have a vital part to play in glorifying His Name and advancing His cause on planet earth Where love is the supreme factor then a spirit of competition or divisiveness will be set to the side (cf 1 Corinthians 13). Actually. it will be a case of each for the other and together for God!

This will be manifest in our attitude to each other. We ought to be a caring community sharing and showing concern for our brothers and sisters in the family. A mutual interest in the other person's welfare is what Paul has in view in I Corinthians 12:26, "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured. every part rejoices with it." In the light of Paul's argument we probably need to make an urgent reappraisal of our inter-personal relationships within the context of the Body of Christ. That's what the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is all about - our being placed into the Body of Christ. What a tremendous privilege! But, oh, what a weighty responsibility is placed upon our shoulders!

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