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Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The Grace of Baptism in the Holy Spirit may be viewed under four aspects:
First, it brings about a new awareness of the reality and presence of Jesus Christ in one's life. This aspect of the grace of Renewal often occurs through a dramatic manifestation of the action of the Holy Spirit, and it quite often includes the gift of tongues.
The second aspect of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the presence of the spiritual gifts once again in the lives of many Christians. The gifts most commonly manifested are tongues, prophecy and healing. These are given to us to empower us for ministry and evangelisation
The third aspect of being baptised in the Spirit is power for sanctification. We become conscious of the presence of the Holy Spirit within our lives of his action eliminating sin and bringing our lives in order. As we co-operate with the Holy Spirit we begin to appreciate the power of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, a power which far exceeds any resources available to us left to our own . Not that the sinful tendencies of the personality are eradicated, but we discover the authority and power of the Holy Spirit to live a life worthy of the One who has called us.
The fourth aspect is being drawn into a brotherly sisterly relationship with other Christians. As on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit draws people together. Into community relationship and way of life
The grace of Baptism in the Holy Spirit is thus understood to be knowledge of Jesus Christ, power for overcoming sin, and conscious use of the spiritual gifts and building up the Body of Christ or the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Sacraments of initiation
In the Sacrament of Baptism we receive the Holy Spirit. He comes into our lives to sanctify us. In Confirmation the Spirit comes to empower us to bear witness to our Lord Jesus Christ and to build up the body of Christ and in the Eucharist the Holy Spirit unites us with Jesus present in the Sacrament.
Through Baptism in the Holy Spirit we experience the graces of Sacraments of Initiation coming alive in our lives