Book: Baptism & Fullness
Author: John Stott

Quick Thoughts.

As a pastor, I frequently encounter questions about the Holy Spirit—His role, His power, and specifically, the meaning of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Many believers have been taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a secondary experience, separate from salvation, often accompanied by dramatic manifestations like speaking in tongues. But in Baptism & Fullness, John Stott provides a biblical and pastoral response that clears up the confusion. His central argument? The baptism of the Holy Spirit is received at the moment of salvation, and the fullness of the Spirit is an ongoing experience for every believer.

Amazon Bio

"The Christian life is life in the Spirit," writes John Stott. "It would be impossible to be a Christian, let alone to live and grow as a Christian, without the ministry of the gracious Spirit of God. All we have and are as Christians we owe to him."

The Holy Spirit continues to be at work around the world, as numerous renewal movements attest. Yet much confusion and controversy remain regarding the Holy Spirit's activity. In this classic study, John Stott provides clear biblical exposition on the promise, the fruit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He offers particular guidance on the nature of "the baptism of the Spirit" and whether certain spiritual gifts and experiences should be normative for all Christians.

Always irenic and gracious, Stott points the way to both greater biblical understanding and deeper fullness of spiritual life.

Synopsis

John Stott, a widely respected evangelical scholar, approaches the topic of the Holy Spirit with clarity and scriptural depth. The book is concise but deeply impactful, walking through key New Testament passages to explain what it means to be baptized and filled with the Spirit.

Four Main Sections:

1. Who is the Holy Spirit? – He begins with the identity of the Spirit as the third Person of the Trinity, emphasizing His work in creation, revelation, and redemption.
2. What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? – Here, Stott argues that the baptism of the Spirit happens at conversion, not as a later experience. He supports this with passages like 1 Corinthians 12:13 (“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body”).
3. What Does it Mean to be Filled with the Spirit? – The book makes a clear distinction between baptism (a one-time event at salvation) and being filled with the Spirit (a continuous need in the Christian life).
4. The Marks of a Spirit-Filled Life – Stott concludes by describing what a life empowered by the Spirit looks like—marked by Christlikeness, joy, worship, and service.

Key Takeaways

1. Baptism of the Spirit Happens at Salvation.
   1. Every believer receives the Holy Spirit at conversion. There is no need for a second experience to “receive” the Spirit; He indwells us from the moment we are saved (Romans 8:9).
2. Filling of the Spirit is Ongoing.
   1. While baptism is a one-time event, being filled with the Spirit is something believers are commanded to pursue continually (Ephesians 5:18).
3. The Evidence of the Spirit is Not Always Dramatic.
   1. Many associate the Spirit’s work with visible manifestations like tongues and miracles. While God can work in supernatural ways, the true marks of the Spirit are Christlikeness, love, and obedience (Galatians 5:22-23).
4. Spiritual Growth Comes Through Submission.
   1. We do not get “more” of the Spirit, but He gets more of us as we yield to Him in obedience. Walking in the Spirit means aligning our lives with His leading through Scripture and prayer.

Action Steps: Living in the Fullness of the Spirit.

1. Rest in Your Identity.
   1. If you have trusted Christ, you already have the Holy Spirit. You don’t need to chase a second blessing or wait for a supernatural experience to know He is with you.
2. Seek Daily Filling.
   1. Being filled with the Spirit is about surrender. Start your day with a prayer of submission: “Holy Spirit, fill me today. Lead my thoughts, words, and actions.”
3. Immerse Yourself in the Word.
   1. The Spirit works through Scripture. Meditate on God’s Word daily to grow in wisdom and spiritual maturity (Colossians 3:16).
4. Live in Obedience.
   1. The Spirit fills those who walk in step with Him. If there’s sin in your life, confess it, and allow the Spirit to renew you (1 John 1:9).
5. Practice Gratitude and Worship.
   1. Ephesians 5:18-20 ties being filled with the Spirit to thanksgiving and worship. Make it a habit to praise God in all circumstances.

Resources.

• The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology by Sinclair Ferguson
• Keep in Step with the Spirit by J.I. Packer
• Forgotten God by Francis Chan
• Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem (Chapter on the Holy Spirit)

Bottom Line.

John Stott’s Baptism & Fullness is a must-read for believers seeking a clear, biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit. His teaching brings both clarity and encouragement—reminding us that every Christian has been baptized into Christ by the Spirit and that the key to a Spirit-filled life is daily surrender, not a one-time emotional experience.

If you’ve struggled with confusion about the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to read this book with an open Bible. Let Scripture, not tradition or experience, shape your understanding. And as you walk in step with the Spirit, you’ll discover the joy and power of a life fully yielded to Christ.

Have you read Baptism & Fullness? How has your understanding of the Holy Spirit been shaped by Scripture? Let’s discuss in the comments!