John R. W. Stott wrote a classic book on the baptism and fullness of the Holy Spirit. He taught that "1 Corinthians 12:13 indicates that the baptism of the Spirit is identical with the gift of the Spirit, that it is one of the distinctive blessings of the new covenant, and because it is an initial blessing, is also a universal blessing for members of the covenant."
"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Dr. Stott made it clear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not found in the Old Testament, because it is distinctive in the New Testament. Every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is baptized with the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ, the church. It is our union with Christ, and our unity with the members of Christ.
Jesus prayed that those who believe in him should all be one (John 17:11). His prayer is fulfilled with the baptism of the Spirit. This baptism is not for only some believers in Christ, but for all in one body. That's the reason Dr. Stott taught "the baptism of the Spirit is identical with the gift of the Spirit."
Dr. Stott made an important summary statement on the baptism of the Spirit. He wrote, "The fundamental truth that is involved is that by uniting us to Christ, God has given us everything." That is to say, we have already been blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).
