The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a tremendous gift given to believers at conversion.
This life-changing experience allows Christians to be more effective witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ and live in spirit-led power.
We’ll go over what it biblically means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit so you can be blessed in your Christian life.
What is The Baptism of The Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is when a person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit at the time of conversion as a result of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and savior.
This experience equips believers with the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses in ministry for the spreading of the gospel and joins them to the body of Christ.
Acts 1:8
but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
This first occurred after Jesus ascended back to heaven. In the book of Acts, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began to fill the apostles in a way never seen before in the old testament.
The Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles and the early church and caused them to speak in new tongues.
As a result, there were about three thousand souls added to the church.
Acts 2:1-4
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested1 on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
When do we receive the Holy Spirit?
When a new believer accepts Jesus Christ into their heart, the Holy Spirit immediately comes to indwell the new Christian and empowers them for ministry.
The apostle Paul confirms this in Ephesians when he tells us that when we heard the word and believe in Christ Jesus, we were sealed with the Spirit of God.
Ephesians 1:13
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
What is the difference between being filled with the holy spirit and being baptized?
Contrary to popular belief, water baptism, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and the event of being baptized in the Holy Spirit are all different things.
John the baptist makes mention of this when he says that he baptizes with water but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Luke 3:16
John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Baptism in water
The first thing we should notice is that John the baptist puts more importance on the baptism that comes from Jesus Christ than his own baptism.
John’s baptism was with submersion in water as a sign of repentance for one’s sins.
Matthew 3:11
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Baptism by water before Jesus Christ was a sign of repentance and preparation for the coming messiah.
Water baptism today (post Jesus death & resurrection) is a sign of conversion. This act is done in obedience to the Lord Jesus to symbolize ourselves joining in his death and resurrection.
The first part of water baptism today involves believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repenting of sin, and being baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism of The Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different from being baptized in water. This baptism is the result of the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in the new believer’s life to make them an effective witness for Christ.
Being baptized in the Holy Spirit happens after conversion.
Baptism in the Spirit is something every Christian receives at salvation. This is when the Holy Spirit seals us for redemption and joins us to the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13
For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
Being Filled With The Holy Spirit
A commonly used term in the New Testament is “the infilling of the Holy Spirit”.
The infilling of the Holy Spirit can be described as when the Spirit of God fills us with his power, boldness, love, wisdom, and gifts.
This is something that occurs numerous times in the life of a Christian and is something the bible teaches us to continually seek after.
The bible teaches us to be filled with the Spirit repeatedly. This is something that should increase in our lives.
Ephesians 5:18
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
The fullness of the Holy Spirit will result in love, thankfulness, and renewed worship.
In addition, being filled with the Spirit will result in increased sanctification, service, and spiritual gifts.
Does The baptism of the holy spirit always result in speaking in tongues
A common question is if the baptism of the Holy Spirit always results in speaking in tongues.
The short answer is no.
I say that because the apostles were in a unique period of time where the old covenant was passing and the new covenant was entering. The apostles actually received the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ resurrection but were baptized in his Spirit on the day of Pentecost.
John 20:21-22
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Though speaking in tongues was prominent in the book of acts, the Holy Spirit chooses what gift believers will receive.
1 Corinthians 12:11
All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
More often than not, the result is speaking in tongues but there are many believers who are filled with the spirit that do not have the gift of tongues. That doesn’t make them any less spiritual than the one who speaks in tongues.
How Do I Receive The Gift of The Holy Spirit?
Receiving the promised gift of the Holy Spirit is available to everyone who opens their heart to God.
Receiving the Holy Spirit is to allow him to move in your heart. He will shape the course of your thoughts, actions, and plans. The Spirit becomes your guide and counselor.
The first step is simple, accept Jesus Christ into your heart. If you call out to Him, He will respond.
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
1) You Need To Be Born-Again
To receive the Holy Spirit, you must allow Jesus to truly be your Lord and savior. This requires a change of lifestyle. You will need to submit your entire life to him.
you must do as Peter listed in the book of Acts. Repent, be baptized, and turn from this world. This is part of being born again.
Another thing we must do is BELIEVE.
Believing is not just acknowledging the existence of God, but trusting in his finished work and plan of salvation.
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Ephesians 1:13
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
2) You Need To Put Your Faith In God
The bible teaches us that without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
The key here is that we must believe not only in God alone but in the fact that he rewards those who seek him.
To receive the Holy Spirit into your heart, you must believe that God is able to give His Spirit to you.
you must believe that Jesus died for your sins, rose again, and is seated at the right hand of the father.
God is looking to give a fresh outpouring of his Holy Spirit on those who will draw near to Him in faith.
Luke 11:13
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
Hebrews 10:38
but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.
3) You Simply Need To Ask
God wants believers today to walk in the power of his Spirit.
Receiving power and a fresh filling from God is not something you have to convince Him into. God wants to do it.
Tell him today. The Father promised His Spirit to all who would believe in the name of Jesus.
Rid yourself of any indwelling sin and ask God to make you a pure vessel for His Spirit to dwell in.
God will give his grace and a new life to anyone who asks.
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Prayer To Receive The Baptism of The Holy Spirit
Father God,
I come to you today in the name of your son Jesus. I thank you that you have sent your son to not only die for me but also live on my behalf. Because of his sacrifice, I believe I can receive your Spirit.
I ask Lord Jesus, that you would come into my heart, be my Lord and savior and baptize me today with your Holy Spirit.
Set me apart for your own glory and will. May you empower me today to fulfill the ministry you have called me to for the spreading of the gospel.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Being Filled With The Holy Spirit Is An Ongoing Experience
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event.
The bible teaches us that the filling of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing experience. Our journey as Christians requires us to constantly seek after God, asking Him to give us more of Him so we can live the life that God called us to live for His glory. We are warned not to quench the Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:19
Do not quench the Spirit.
Conclusion
The spirit’s baptism is available for all believers. Once you accept Christ and are born again, you are baptized into the family of believers.
I pray that today, you will walk in the power of God and fulfill all that he has called you to.
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God bless you.
