Dr. Ron Clouzet is no stranger to discussions about the work and the power of the Holy Spirit. As a seasoned scholar and practitioner, he has witnessed the work of the Spirit all over the world. His book, Adventism’s Greatest Need, explores the necessity of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There’s an old gospel song that says, “If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need him now. We need him every day and every hour.”
It was this concept of the moment by moment need for the the Holy Spirit, specifically, that served as the backdrop for this Thursday afternoon seminar. Dr. Clouzet has lectured throughout the encampment under the subject, “Living by the Spirit.” He quoted Ellen White’s statement in Christ’s Object Lessons (page 139) where she explains that Jesus received a fresh baptism of the Spirit daily.” This is what we need. We do not simply receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit once and for all. Rather, we receive a fresh impartation of the Spirit as we express our need to God. Nevertheless, Dr. Clouzet portends that the baptism of the Holy Spirit has conditions; eight conditions, specifically.
According to Dr. Clouzet, if we would receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and be filled, we must (1) express deep repentanc, and exercise (2) implicit trust in God. There is a need for (3) obedience and a (4) burden to share Christ. There must also be (5) persistent intercession for others, and a commitment to (6) honor the body temple. Also, one must have a burning desire (7) for Christ to abide in the heart, and finally a commitment to (8) praying together with other believers for the impartation of the Spirit.
It’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit came, not because we were conforming and prepared, but rather because Jesus promised that it would. It’s also important for our hearts to be aligned with the will and work of God. Therefore, if we’re going to go to the upper room and wait for the Pentecost, we might as well pray and put aside our differences to pass the time.
—Christopher C. Thompson
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