Paul was very anxious that the Corinthian Christians should know exactly what the work of the Spirit of' God really is, both in the church and in the individual believer. He actually gave several chapters to this tremendous subject. Here in this passage Paul spoke about the body of Christ, the true Church. He mentions the fact that there are various gifts the Spirit of God gives believers. Best of all, he tells us how we enter the body of Christ. When we believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour, we are born again. Our sins are forgiven and we become children of God. The Spirit enters our bodies. Then he takes us and puts us into the body of Christ. This sovereign action of the Holy Spirit is described as baptism; That' means the Holy Spirit's work in us is so deep, so wonderful, that it would seem as if we were immersed into the body of Christ. So it is called the baptism of the Spirit (v.13). We are never told to ask for this baptism. Nor do we need to ask for it. The Holy Spirit does this on his own initiative. He does it for everyone who comes to Jesus Christ, by accepting him as Saviour. This is the one and only baptism of the Spirit. If you have accepted Christ as your Saviour, then you are part of the body of Christ. You have been put there forever for a life of service for Christ. Are you doing your part for Christ and his church? A PRAISE NOTE: 'I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God.' |
沒有留言:
張貼留言