Baptism and Fullness: The Work of the Holy Spirit Today

by John R.W. Stott

Book Overview

"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.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0877846480
• ISBN13: 9780877846482
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Length: 119 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 4.3" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Biblical understanding of Holy Spirit's work

This is by far the best book available today on a sometimes controversial topic - the work of the Holy Spirit. I have given out nearly 20 of them in the last ten years. It's a MUST READ!

Balanced & insightful

Stott's book is a balanced and insightful view of what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit and of how the presence and filling of the Spirit manifests in different believers in Christ. Not everyone has a "big experience". My personal opinion is that The Word, and not Experience, is what should ground a Christian. If you have questions about what "baptism" really means, this book could help you.

Baptism and fullness - a review

Although it was written in 1964 (and before the modern charismatic movement hit its stride), this book is one of the best short treatments of the work of the Spirit that I have read. I especially appreciate the spirit of humility in which it is written. Emphasis in this book is not on extraordinary gifts, but fruit. This book is a practical book that will affect how you understand the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to read it.

Good look at biblical Pneumatology

This is a good biblical study of the meaning and work of the Holy Spirit, Baptism of the Spirit, Filling with the Spirit, Gifts, Fruit of the Spirit etc. This is a very good and sober investigation - Stott is more concerned with seeing what the Bible actually says than with supporting either 'side' of the debate. I do think some will disagree with his methodology of interpretation which leads him to emphasize doctrinal passages (like the letters) and de-emphasize narrative passages that do not include a theological interpretation (like some of the passages from Acts). While I mostly agree with the distinction he draws between 'Baptism' and 'Filling' with the Spirit, I think he fails to adequately justify his position in light of what the texts actually say - and much of his argument depends upon this distinction. On the whole I would say this is a very good read for all Christians, no matter how much (or little) one feels connected with the Pentecostal/Charismatic movements. This book is technical, but I think not OVERLY 'scholarly'. He wants to get it right, and I appreciate that.

Must read if searching on the Holy Spirit

This book was well written. Mr. Stott put a lot of study and prayer into the writing of this book. It will open the Scripture up for a good understanding. People with all views will be made to rethink and look at the Scripture again to strengthen their understanding.