Reflection on Acts 19:1-7

Scripture
Then Paul placed his hands on them. the Holy Spirit was given to them and they spoke unknown languages and prophesied.


Observation
The believers in Ephesus had received a half-gospel- the message of repentance for salvation. Paul knew that there was a lack in their lives because they did not know about Jesus or the Holy Spirit, They were baptised into the name of Jesus and immediately received the Holy Spirit with the signs of speaking in tongues and prophecy.

Many Christians are in the same boat as these Ephesians. They have received the message of repentance, may even have been baptised as a sign of their repentance, but have in fact never heard of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is meant to be a sign of repentance AND a means of grace for receiving the Holy Spirit. We need both the assurance of salvation and the power to minister his grace.


Application
I really like David Pawson's summary of the fullness of salvation, RBBR:

1. Repent- turn away from your sins
2. Believe- that Jesus died for your sins
3. Baptism- water baptism is commanded by Jesus as an essential part of salvation... it is the step of “initiation” into the church
4. Receive the Holy Spirit- this is the power for living the Christian life. It releases the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to make us like Jesus through the gifts of the Spirit (power of Jesus) and the fruit of the Spirit (the character of Jesus)

We need to pass through all 4 of these steps and live in their power each day.

Prayer
Come Holy Spirit and let your grace fill me. Amen