I realized that the previous one is too complicated to understand. Even me myself have quite a hard time to read. Haha... Forgive me. And now, let me put them in simpler words :)
Now, there's this argument and belief - When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit is given to us and is in us already. But why does the Charismatics or the Pentecostals kept talking about being "filled with the Holy Spirit" or being "baptized in the Holy Spirit"?
In fact, in Ephesians 5:18, the bible declares, "Be filled with the Spirit".
From just those 5 words of that verse we can get a few notions. The verse did not start with "Please be filled..." or show any notions that there is any other alternative options or whatever. It is actually a command. So we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit.
"Be filled" which is in present tense when translated from the original Greek text shows that it happens even now. It does not happen only back in olden times.
Since the verse sentence starts with "be filled", with the verb "be" is in the passive voice, it is clear that being filled with the Spirit is not something the Christian achieves through his own efforts, but is something that is done for him and to which he submits. This means that the experience of being filled is not created by humans, but is done by the Holy Spirit, by God who comes and fill us, and we commune with Him. Look at Acts when the Holy Spirit comes. It is actually the same.
The Pentecostal or Charismatic sees the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit as an experience subsequent (separated, comes in a different time) to Christian conversion (meaning accepting Jesus into our lives): one that comes about through a process of yielding (submit, give in) the complete person into the guidance and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
We agree that the Holy Spirit is in and working in every believer and in the varied ministries of the church. Still every believer must answer the question of Acts 19:2, "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?"
That is a question the apostles in Acts asks believers of different places when they went and visit them. The believers already accepted and believed in Jesus and they are still asked this question, "Have you received the Holy Spirit?" In the same way, we need to be asked today, "Have we received the Holy Spirit?"
Two things we need to understand and clarify here:
1) Saying "baptism in the Holy Spirit" and "filled with the Holy Spirit" doesn't mean that people who are not filled are not saved and it doesn't mean that people who are not filled are less spiritual than those who are. The baptism in or with the Holy Spirit (John1:33; Acts 1:5) was and is directed by the Lord Jesus to be "received" (John 20:22; Acts1:8) as a "gift" given following His ascension (John 7:39; Acts2:38.39). In the end, it is fine if people do not like to use the words "baptism/filled with Holy Spirit" because to experience the Holy Spirit's fullness as one whole body of Christ is more important than to have division in the Body or diminish (reduce) our passion for His fullness over differences in theological wording or practice.
2) By "a process of yielding the complete person" the Pentecostal/Charismatic does not mean either (a) a passivity of mind (can be done out of unwillingness) or (b) a self-hypnotic or trance-like state (meaning, the person is conscious, not unconscious or unaware of happening). Rather, this terminology refers to an assertive prayerful, heartfelt quest for God. In simple terms, that means being very passionate and thirsty for God, want God very much. The mind is active, worshiping Jesus Christ, the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33). The emotions are warmed, as the love of God is poured forth into our hearts (Rom. 5:5). One's physical being participates, as worship is spoken and expressed, with upraised voice in prayer (Acts 4:24) or upraised hands of adoration (Ps. 63:1-5)
Can understand now? :\
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