The Purpose of the Holy Spirit in Baptism

The reading from Numbers highlights the significance of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, particularly its purpose for prophecy rather than immediate salvation. It addresses a common argument against the salvific efficacy of baptism by referencing the experience of Cornelius and his friends, who received the Holy Spirit prior to baptism. The argument implies that since they received the Spirit, they were saved, but this assumption is challenged by examples of the Spirit being given for various purposes beyond salvation in the Old Testament. Thus, the text suggests that the presence of the Spirit does not automatically indicate salvation, supporting the Catholic view on the necessity of baptism for salvation.