It is easy to be wary and cynical of Christianity today. Does the Holy Spirit still give power to God’s people? In Baptism & Fullness, John Stott shows us the work of the Holy Spirit today.
Soaked in Scripture
The book is broken into four parts: (1) The Promise of the Spirit, (2) The Fullness of the Spirit, (3) The Fruit of the Spirit, and (4) The Gifts of the Spirit. Stott’s writing is saturated with Scripture, and his sentences drip with Bible references throughout. You can see where Stott is coming from, and you are able to interact with his arguments.
The basic belief that God wants all of his people to receive the new covenant blessings of the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit undergirds the entire book. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 12 understands “baptism” of the Spirit is identical with the “gift” of the Spirit. Stott is clear in articulating his position.
Distilled Truths
Stott is able to make his points in a memorable way. When describing the marks of a person who is filled with the Holy Spirit, he beautifully states that "there can be no doubt that the chief evidence is moral not miraculous, and it lies in the Spirit’s fruit not the Spirit’s gifts.” He further goes on to state that “the two chief spheres in which this fullness is manifest are worship and fellowship.” Stott’s ability to distill the truth is astounding.
Stott is also consistently logical. When detailing the order of spiritual progress, he sees it as: enlightenment, knowledge, faith, and experience. I appreciate how he helps his readers follow his train of thought.
Sow and Reap
In regards to special experiences of the Holy Spirit, Stott says that they are varied, of secondary importance, and are incomplete. He concludes that we should humbly be ready to recognize the unusual operations of the Holy Spirit, cling to Scripture, and be led to worship and praise -- and not pressure others into a “baptism with the Spirit.” Instead, we should constantly seek to be filled, led, and walk in the Spirit.
In Part 3, Stott examines the fruit of the Spirit. He makes use of the example of “sowing” seeds to grow, and this means that our thoughts, habits, lifestyle, life direction, and life discipline should work to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. He directs us toward a gradual maturity while acknowledging that becoming like Christ is still something that happens supernaturally. I was encouraged to reap the fruit of the Spirit in my own life.
Open-Minded Inquiry
In regards to miraculous claims and giftings, Stott offers a spirit of “open-minded inquiry.” Stott remains cautionary, but does not seek to rule out or say what God can and cannot do. While some won’t agree with everything Stott has to say, it is hard to argue that we all want more of the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives. It’s something that we desperately need. And it’s something that God has decisively given to us.
I received a media copy of Baptism & Fullness and this is my honest review.