Baptism Of the Holy Spirit

The Everyday Flow of the Holy Spirit Through a Believer

Ps David Jones

Who is the Holy Spirit?

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity. The term “trinity” does not occur in the bible but came about in (AD 181) Trinity in the Greek trias and in the Latin form trinitas came about in (AD 220). Trinity means: That there are three eternal distinctions in the one divine essence, known as the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They are one yet have distinct personalities. Complete unity in trinity. To understand or accept this bible truth must come by revelation.

The Person of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not a strange force that comes from God or even some sort of influence that comes out from God. Some deny the personality of the Holy Spirit. We could never fully understand the Holy Spirit, but the scriptures give us a clear insight into him.

Matthew 3:16-17  As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

If we do not believe the Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity, we will struggle to believe the inward working of the Holy Spirit and that there would ever be an outward flow of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:1-4

The Holy comes upon the believer to anoint and energise him or her for special service. All we must do as believers is yield ourselves to him. (Holy Spirit)

The Promise Coming of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The scriptural name for the Holy Spirit coming upon believers is “the baptism in the Holy Spirit”

Matthew 3:11 

I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit [and fire.

[See also Mark 1:8 and Luke 24:49]

Jesus gave this promise to his disciples, that they would be baptised in the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4-5 

And being assembled with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.

This is why it is called Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This promise was not from man but the Father. God is abundantly able to fulfil this promise to us. 

What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not the new birth. It is different from our salvation experience. Many people are genuinely saved who have never been filled with the Spirit.

The apostles were converted under the ministry of Jesus:

Luke 10:20

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.

John 20:21-22

So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit

[See also John 13:10-11 and 15:3]

We are Born of the Spirit

At the very moment of our salvation the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us. This is known as being born again.

John 3:5 

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

John 3:8 

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

They were told to wait in Jerusalem for the coming Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49

Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”

[See also Acts 1:1-4 and 1:13-14 (The upper room prayer meeting)]

The Samaritans were Saved Under Philip

Acts 8:5-12 

Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed, and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, 10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptised

They were Baptised by Peter and John a few days later

Acts 8:14-17 

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Paul was Converted on the Road to Damascus

Acts 9:3-9 

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank

Baptist in the Holy Spirit by Ananias three days later.

Acts 9:17-19 

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptised.

The Twelve Men in Ephesus “Believers” According to Paul

Acts 19:2-7

He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So, they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptised?” So, they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptised with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 Now the men were about twelve in all

Holy Spirit is a Gift

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a reward for many years of Christian service. Receiving the baptism in the Spirit is a gift and is available to all believers. The baptism in the Spirit is for all new babies in Christ Jesus. This gift is free and cannot be worked for, merited or deserved in any manner. The lord has commanded us to be filled with the spirit and to refuse is disobedience.

Acts 2:38 T

hen Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:32 

And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

[See also Acts 1:4 and Eph 5:18]

New Testament Mentions of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The New Testament mentions four times the Holy Spirit being poured out and there must have been evidence because Simon the sorcerer wanted this gift. (Acts 8:18-19) 19:2-7) Paul said, “he spoke in tongues more than you all”.

Acts 10:44-48 

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

[See also Acts 2:4, 8:14-24, 9:17 and 19:2-7]

Immediate Evidence

glossolalia (from Greek glōssa, “tongue,” and lalia, “talking”)

Speaking in other tongues is one of the initial pieces of evidence of being baptised in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6) the pattern for this Pentecostal experience was set in place on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4)

The Purpose and Necessity of the Holy Spirit

1.      Power for service

The main purpose for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is that the believer might have power for Christian service. When we are baptised in the Holy Spirit, we receive special power. This is the result of being baptised and should be expected. (Acts 1:8)

When Jesus was baptised in water by John, the Holy Spirit came on him in the form of a dove. From here Jesus’s earthly ministry started.  Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit. He preached and healed under the anointing of the Spirit. (Luke 4:18, Matt 12:28) Jesus did amazing things. Jesus said, “You will do greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).

The disciples were together locked away for fear of the Jews after Jesus died. But after they were baptised in the Holy Spirit they were as bold as  lions (Acts 4:19-20; 5:17-20; 6:8-10).  Paul said, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirits power” (1 Cor 2:4).

The baptism in the Spirit is a baptism into power. You have received power, authority and the anointing to service. To advance the kingdom of God. Go in power!

Acts 1:8 

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Acts 6:8-10 

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

2.      Power for the fight

We need to be full of the Spirits power to overcome the devil and the world. We are in a war for the hearts and souls of men and woman. (Eph 6:11-18).

Our fight is against the forces of darkness, and is in the Spirit not in the flesh. We must not fight in our own strength, but rather in the authority given to us by Jesus. This comes from the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

3.      Power for overflow

God has placed his Spirit of power in you for others. Out of us will flow streams of living water that brings life, hope, refreshing and God’s grace to others. In verse 39, Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit to come. The Holy Spirit did come on the day of Pentecost. People can drink from the river of the Spirit that flows out of us. We can be so full of the Spirit that it overflows out of us like water overflowing a cup. The water has nowhere to go but overflow. You have been given power to cast out demons, heal the sick and preach Jesus.

John 7:37-39 

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [a]believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Ephesians 3:20 

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us

[See also Matt 10:1]

4.      Power for ability

God has given us the ability to overcome all things and to carry out the task set before us. God would not give his children a call, a task and great commission to fulfil without giving us the power of ability to complete.

The Holy Spirit releases the spiritual gifts out of us for the good of his church. The ability to run our race to the end.

[See 1 Corinthians 12]

Who can be Baptised in the Holy Spirit?

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is for all believers of all ages, race, male or female. Those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour, and have become children of God.

Conditions for obtaining the baptism in the Holy Spirit

Before we can receive this experience, the bible teaches us the following things as a biblical patten. But never box God into a patten or a system of experience. God does not do things the same way every time. This process however is helpful for us lead someone into receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

1.Repentance from sin

Repentance is the very first step.

Acts 2:37-38 

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit cannot operate where sin stands in the way.

Acts 17:30 

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent

2. True Salvation

We must be children of God. There must be a genuine salvation of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. This is the new birth into Gods family. (Luke 11:13) “God gives the Holy Spirit to his Children”.

Galatians 4:6 

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

3.Water Baptism

We must choose to obey God’s commands in order to receive the Holy Spirit. By obeying God, we place ourselves humbly before God to receive from him. A Christian can be baptised in the Holy Spirit before being baptised in water. However, according to scripture God has set a process for us.

Acts 2:37-38 

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

4.Hunger for the Holy Spirit

There must be a real hunger and thirsting for more of God before one will receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If we thirst for more of God, we will receive and can drink of the Holy Spirit. There needs to be a deep desire to be baptised.

John 7:37-39 

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those [a]believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified

[See also Matthew 5:6 and Psalm 42:1]

 5.Surrender to the Holy Spirit

We must surrender our will to the Holy Spirit, to his control and leading in life.  Choose to lay down your life for Christ and all that God desires for you.  When we lay down our own will, this is the greatest thing we can give to God. This does not make us weak but empowered from the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

How to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

God cannot be defined to one way of doing things. The bible teaches us how to believe and receive.

• By faith in the promise given (Gal 3:2; 3:14) Just believe

  Everyone who asks will receive (Luke 11:11-13)

• Ask to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:11-13)

  
  

• The Holy Spirit falls on you (Acts 2:4)

  
  

• You speak in new tongues (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:6)

  
  

• Speak until out of your innermost being flows rivers of living waters.

  (John 7:37-39)