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Baptism and Fullness: The Work of the Holy Spirit Today
John R.W. Stott discusses biblical teaching on the promise, the fruits, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
119 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
74 people are currently reading
732 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books553 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 18, 2024
A brief biblical exploration of the Christian's experience of the Holy Spirit. Stott exists in the same theological borderlands as myself between continuationism and cessationism, but I think he demonstrates that that's probably the best place for Christians to be.
Main takeaways:
+There is no activity of the Spirit that is not also an experience of the Trinity.
+The gifts of the Spirit are many and they're not for us but for the church.
+Of course miracles have not ceased, God is not absent from the world
+By definition, all Christians have been baptized by the Spirit. There are not two different classes of Christians.
+Self control and holy order help us discern what is a gift of the Spirit.
+Natural talent and supernatural gifts need not be wholly unrelated.
The only complaint I had is that in arguing against the Pentecostal paradigm of the two baptism experiences, Stott still uses their language of two baptisms, while I would have preferred him to make a bit more use sacramental union language.
Main takeaways:
+There is no activity of the Spirit that is not also an experience of the Trinity.
+The gifts of the Spirit are many and they're not for us but for the church.
+Of course miracles have not ceased, God is not absent from the world
+By definition, all Christians have been baptized by the Spirit. There are not two different classes of Christians.
+Self control and holy order help us discern what is a gift of the Spirit.
+Natural talent and supernatural gifts need not be wholly unrelated.
The only complaint I had is that in arguing against the Pentecostal paradigm of the two baptism experiences, Stott still uses their language of two baptisms, while I would have preferred him to make a bit more use sacramental union language.
August 25, 2019
Helpful, concise, and clear summary of how Christians should understand just what it is that the Holy Spirit does in the life of the believer.
Stott explains how we should think of baptism of the Holy Spirit as something all believers receive upon conversion, and he does so by examining and explaining passages in Acts. Really useful.
I highly recommend for anyone wrestling with how we should think about the role of the Holy Spirit.
Stott explains how we should think of baptism of the Holy Spirit as something all believers receive upon conversion, and he does so by examining and explaining passages in Acts. Really useful.
I highly recommend for anyone wrestling with how we should think about the role of the Holy Spirit.
March 18, 2022
John “The Detective” Stott yet again investigates a great topic with concise detail. The way he exegetes topics blows my mind, and the clarity in explanation is easy to follow. For those who are battling with any language of “2nd Baptism” or “2nd blessing of the Spirit”. Also for those who have Pentecostal friends who are loose with theology but keen on ‘feelings and emotions’-based Christianity. A great little resource.
February 3, 2014
Stott takes a cessationist view. He argues that Christian teaching should be determined from the didactic scriptures (i.e. the epistles), rather than from descriptive narrative, such as found in Acts . The problem with Stott’s position is threefold:
firstly it appears to be contrary to 2 Tim. 3:16 (which states that all scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness):
Secondly, it fails to recognise that didactic scriptures (i.e. the epistles) were written to established churches, and hence they presupposed that believers had prior experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit;
And finally, it disallows all scriptural descriptions of the characteristics of Spirit baptism which are all recorded in Acts exclusively.
Thus, the entire foundation of Stott's thesis can be defeated very simply.
firstly it appears to be contrary to 2 Tim. 3:16 (which states that all scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness):
Secondly, it fails to recognise that didactic scriptures (i.e. the epistles) were written to established churches, and hence they presupposed that believers had prior experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit;
And finally, it disallows all scriptural descriptions of the characteristics of Spirit baptism which are all recorded in Acts exclusively.
Thus, the entire foundation of Stott's thesis can be defeated very simply.
April 23, 2024
Few books pack such insightful biblical exposition and balanced biblical wisdom in such a small package. This book is a model for how to address a relatively complex and potentially convoluted subject in a concise yet potent way. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2020
Great book. Stott argues that we have one baptism in the Spirit - conversion - but we need regular fillings by the Spirit.
I happened to have this book in my pocket at work when a man came up to me and told me of a hyper-charismatic experience he had after a recent trip to see a faith healer in Greece. So I gently exhorted him towards the Scriptures and I gave him this book, since I felt led by the Spirit.
I happened to have this book in my pocket at work when a man came up to me and told me of a hyper-charismatic experience he had after a recent trip to see a faith healer in Greece. So I gently exhorted him towards the Scriptures and I gave him this book, since I felt led by the Spirit.
April 12, 2018
The reference (powerfull and accessible) for the controversy over "Holy Spirit controversies" since the rising of the charismatic movement. It takes the traditional view (Stott seems cessationist since he states that prophecy doesn't exist since the end of the New Testament canon development, baptism of the Holy Spirit is the same thing that conversion and not a second experience which all christians must experiment, all Christians must not and do not speak in tongues)
There are three parts. First part deals with baptism of the Holy Spirit, second part with fulness of the Holy Spirit and third part with the spiritual gifts (not only the cessationism & continuationism controversy, it's only part of an anecdotal discussion, but their nature and their relation to natural talents, their goal, their origin, their beneficiaries). I am especially happy that Stott includes a general discussion on gifts (their nature) since all "best theologians" only deals with the charismatic controversy without approaching the subject more broadly - which could be very edifying for Christians.
It read it in french.
There are three parts. First part deals with baptism of the Holy Spirit, second part with fulness of the Holy Spirit and third part with the spiritual gifts (not only the cessationism & continuationism controversy, it's only part of an anecdotal discussion, but their nature and their relation to natural talents, their goal, their origin, their beneficiaries). I am especially happy that Stott includes a general discussion on gifts (their nature) since all "best theologians" only deals with the charismatic controversy without approaching the subject more broadly - which could be very edifying for Christians.
It read it in french.
December 27, 2015
Excellent little primer on NT pneumatology. Four sections comprise the book. The first discusses "baptism of the Holy Spirit," which, contra charismatics and pentecostalists, is synonymous with regeneration and thus something all believers enjoy. The second addresses being "filled" with the Holy Spirit, which is something that can wax and wane but should be pursued (thus Paul's exhortation to do so). However, this is not a sort of "second blessing" that some seem to advocate. The third addresses the fruit of the Spirit, which Stott addresses in his usual winsome and yet challenging way. Last he tackles the gifts of the spirit, which he again stresses are not limited to some, super-spiritual believers; rather, all are gifted. Furthermore, tongues and prophecy had specific uses in NT time and have fallen away. Thus they are not "superior" gifts that especially charismatic believers can boast of possessing today. In fact, if the NT privileges any spiritual gift, it is that of teaching, which is, in one way or another, at the head of every NT "gift list."
April 20, 2013
This is a really solid biblical and pastoral treatment of the work of the Holy Spirit. In some ways it might be a bit dated, since it was originally written decades ago, but the issues are still extremely current, and Stott's treatment has his characteristic insight and evenhandedness. Issues surrounding Pentacostal and charismatic movements are still important, especially on the broader global scale, and this treatment warrants careful consideration. And he also delves into many more timeless questions, such as whether there is a separate baptism of the spirit apart from water baptism, the difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit, and what it means to be filled with the spirit. It is truly a classic.
September 18, 2014
Perhaps the debates surrounding speaking of tongues and other more "charismatic" gifts of the Holy Spirit aren't as hotly contested today as they once were, but this book is still worth the read. Mr. Stott lays out a clear Biblical case for why baptism in the Holy Spirit happens for all believers at conversion. Along with the baptism comes the gifts of the Spirit, and Mr. Stott adds his two Biblical cents to the discussion of gifts (and fruit).
Though a good book, I subtracted one star for repetitive arguments. Despite being a short book, it really ought to be even shorter as some of the later pages feel like a retread of the first pages. This isn't bad as it reinforces his Biblical case, but it does add a touch of weariness as the book progresses.
Though a good book, I subtracted one star for repetitive arguments. Despite being a short book, it really ought to be even shorter as some of the later pages feel like a retread of the first pages. This isn't bad as it reinforces his Biblical case, but it does add a touch of weariness as the book progresses.
July 22, 2017
THE GOOD: John Stott has become one of my favourite authors. His writing is just so easy to read and everything seems to flow well. I can also understand everything he says. I really enjoyed his book about the basics of the Holy Spirit.
THE BAD: He quotes John Owen "Discourse Concerning the Holy Spirit" a few times, which I think I will also check out for further reading.
THE UGLY: Short. Overall a great short read (finished in 2-3 hours).
September 14, 2009
Vintage Stott. Clear. Succinct. Compelling. Stott does a great job showing that the baptism of the Spirit is NOT a 2nd blessing in the New Testament. But he also is not an ‘anti-experientialist’, for he argues that there are many ‘fillings’ of the Spirit. The chapters on the Fruit of the Spirit and the Gifts of the Spirit are fantastic. He takes a soft cessationist position, arguing and articulating it well.
February 28, 2019
Vraiment excellent, charitable et rafraîchissant. Un des meilleurs que j’aie pu lire, il en arrive aux mêmes conclusions que moi : parmi les orthodoxes, c’est souvent une différence de définition dans les termes qui explique que l’un parle de prophète aujourd’hui tandis que l’autre les limites à la période apostolique.
La référence.
Belle exhortation aussi quant à la recherche de la plénitude de l’Esprit.
La référence.
Belle exhortation aussi quant à la recherche de la plénitude de l’Esprit.
October 5, 2016
Stott has quickly become one of the guys I go to when I'm unsatisfied with the answers that others give. This is a small book, but it is full of piercing insight into very difficult issues that continue to divide Christians. I appreciate his practical advice the most.
November 2, 2013
"The Church owes its unity to χάρις (grace) and its diversity to χαρισματα (gifts of grace).", 112. Great quote!
March 15, 2021
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.
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.
April 14, 2023
Great little book on the baptism, filling, fruits, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The chapter on the fruit of the spirit was really amazing. Stott falls a bit more skeptical on the sign gifts than I do, but overall the book was packed with insights and solid exposition. Recommend.
May 21, 2024
Good, succinct biblical survey of the work of the Spirit and the Christian's experience of the Spirit. Practical and clear.
February 14, 2019
Stott offers a brief treatment that interacts with how Scripture uses the terms “Baptism/Fullness of the Spirit” and then addresses the practical implications of his reading of Scripture for all believers.
In the book Stott argues that the biblical norm is that all believers are baptized with the Spirit when they come to Christ. The baptism is not always marked by an unusual spiritual experience, though sometimes it is. Stott calls the reader to pursue the ongoing filling of the Spirit to grow in greater and greater experience of God and the fruit of the Spirit, while recognizing that not all experience of the Spirit is the same.
I think Stott’s book is a helpful introduction, but the brevity will leave some readers with the question... “yeah, but what about _______.” While not comprehensive by any stretch of the imagination, Stott does well to introduce some of the key texts in Scripture that must be interacted with in understanding this biblical concept.
In the book Stott argues that the biblical norm is that all believers are baptized with the Spirit when they come to Christ. The baptism is not always marked by an unusual spiritual experience, though sometimes it is. Stott calls the reader to pursue the ongoing filling of the Spirit to grow in greater and greater experience of God and the fruit of the Spirit, while recognizing that not all experience of the Spirit is the same.
I think Stott’s book is a helpful introduction, but the brevity will leave some readers with the question... “yeah, but what about _______.” While not comprehensive by any stretch of the imagination, Stott does well to introduce some of the key texts in Scripture that must be interacted with in understanding this biblical concept.
September 11, 2014
Since I am a huge fan of Stott's writing, I was pleasantly surprised by this succinct yet very helpful book on the work of the Holy Spirit. As one can expect from Stott he is solid, committed to the authority of Scripture, critical where need be, and very generous towards the Christian brothers and sisters that he is disagreeing with. At the same time he avoids coming across conceited or as one who claims to know all the answers to the mysterious workings of the Triune God. This book is not only a great place to start if you want to think more about the rapid growth of Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity but Stott also offers a basic and (I think) profoundly biblical explanation of how we should be expecting the Spirit to work amongst us.
April 22, 2021
A small but very thorough, very readable book that handles all the related scripture passages fairly and convincingly, with a spirit of true Christian love and appreciation for those with whom Stott differs, while not backing off his interpretation and application of the scriptures.
Bottom line, the Holy Spirit is indispensable to our lives and our churches, to be build one another up, for the work of the ministry, which falls in every one of us, in light our gifts. Seek to love and server faithfully, trusting in God and you'll find yourself exercising your gift. Trust God, he has given to each on of us.
The book is so complete, so convincing and is a great example of careful, consistent arguments in harmony with the scriptures.
Bottom line, the Holy Spirit is indispensable to our lives and our churches, to be build one another up, for the work of the ministry, which falls in every one of us, in light our gifts. Seek to love and server faithfully, trusting in God and you'll find yourself exercising your gift. Trust God, he has given to each on of us.
The book is so complete, so convincing and is a great example of careful, consistent arguments in harmony with the scriptures.
September 24, 2018
John Stott definitivamente es una maestro. En este pequeño y fascinante libro, Stott ofrece un pequeño resumen de pneumatología. De una manera balanceada y con un énfasis en usar la biblia, y una buena exégesis para defender sus puntos, Stott habla sobre la promesa del Espíritu y la llenura del Espíritu, da una definición de qué son los frutos del Espíritu y los dones que él da.
Es un buen libro para aquellos que están comenzando en la fe, o a abordar el tema de la pneuatología. Hay otros libros más profundos, per probablemente ninguno tan simple y a la misma vez contundente en su exposición.
Es un buen libro para aquellos que están comenzando en la fe, o a abordar el tema de la pneuatología. Hay otros libros más profundos, per probablemente ninguno tan simple y a la misma vez contundente en su exposición.
December 23, 2013
Stott skillfully summarizes the basic Biblical explanation of the Holy Spirit's work in our life. He discusses the primary stances on the more controversial issues regarding the Holy Spirit's work and draws conclusions solely based on the corpus of Scripture. I will say that the title insinuates a more inspirational or devotional bent to the book, while it is primarily a practical but systematic handling of the topic.
I strongly recommend this to anyone wrestling with the Holy Spirit's role in the Christian's life or anyone lacking any perspective at all on the Holy Spirit.
I strongly recommend this to anyone wrestling with the Holy Spirit's role in the Christian's life or anyone lacking any perspective at all on the Holy Spirit.
May 19, 2018
A experiência nunca deve ser o critério da Verdade; a verdade deve ser sempre o critério da experiência.
Para continuarmos sendo cheio do Espírito Santo precisamos continuar indo ao Senhor Jesus estou me referindo a sua própria palavra marcante registrada em (João 7 37 a 39) no último dia o grande dia da festa levantou-se Jesus exclamou se alguém tem sede venha até a mim e beba quem crê em mim como diz as escrituras do seu interior fluirão rios de água viva
Stott mais uma vez nos mostra um verdadeiro ensino das escrituras
September 26, 2020
In just 60 pages, Dr. Stott provides an excellent, reasoned argument for rightly understanding what the Bible means when it refers to the baptism of the Holy Spirit as distinct from the filling (or fullness) of the Holy Spirit. He clears away much of the modern confusion over these terms (experiences) by bringing the Word of God (in the original language) to bear on the discussion. This booklet ought to receive a wider circulation so that the Church can move past these petty disagreements and unite in our mission to proclaim the Gospel and disciple men and women until Christ comes!
March 7, 2009
John Stott has some excellent words of wisdom on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but I do not necessarily agree with all his conclusions. I recommend Lloyd-Jones' "Joy Unspeakable" over this little work. There is one particular quote, though, in this that I really enjoyed: "The Christian is a spiritual dipsomaniac, always thirsty, always drinking." The filling of the Holy Spirit is not to be one special moment in time, but is to be continuous. Drink and drink and drink again....
July 28, 2010
In this short but thorough treatment of the Spirit, Stott describes how we receive the Spirit, and moves quickly on to the fruit and gifts of the Spirit. In doing so, he provides a well-balanced, practical book that will affect how you understand the person and works of the Holy Spirit.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 16, 2011
One of the few things I've had the chance to read on the purpose and role of the Holy Spirit. Solid exposition of key passages. Does a good job distinguishing between the baptism, sealing or indwelling of the Holy Spirit compared with both the filling of the Holy Spirit or the fruit/gifts of the Holy Spirit. All in all, a quality read and a solid work on the topic.
August 26, 2012
Stott's treatment of the Baptism of the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit is succinct and to the point. He covers well all the different aspects of the Spirit in a short treatise which is definitely worth the read. It deals well with the possible theological errors of the time, while not condoning them but lovingly correcting. Enjoyable and well covered.
November 26, 2008
"There is one body and one Spirit" "It is difficult,then, to resist the conclusion that the baptism of the Spirit is not a SECOND and subsequent experience enjoyed by SOME Christians,but rather is the initial experience enjoyed by ALL."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews