BASIC
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BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT First of all, there are a number of designations in
the Bible for this experience called the Baptism with the Holy
Spirit. (1) Luke 24:49 - Here, Jesus refers to it as “The
Promise of my Father” and “Endued with power from on
high”. (2) Acts 1:4
- The same experience is spoken of as “The
Promise of the Father”. Secondly, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a work
of the Holy Spirit separate and distinct from His regenerating
work. This is made clear form Acts 1:5. There Jesus stated, “Ye
shall be baptized with the holy Ghost not many days hence”.
The disciples had not yet been baptized with the Holy Ghost, but
they were already saved. This is proven by the following verse
John 15:3; James 1:18; I Peter 1:23. From these it is evident
that regeneration is one thing and the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
is something different, something further. One can be regenerated
or saved and still not be Baptized with the Holy Spirit. This
is made even clearer in Acts 8:12-16: 19:1-7. Thirdly, the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is always
connected with testimony and service. The purpose of being Baptized
with the Holy Spirit is to receive power from on high
to be a bold and effective witness for Christ. Acts 1:5, 8;
2:1-41 (vss. 4,14);
Who can receive? A. John 14:17
- The world cannot receive. B. I Cor. 2:14 - The
natural man (man as born on this earth- prior to the rebirth)
cannot receive the things of the Spirit. C. A + B = Must be saved first before one can receive the Baptism with
the Holy Spirit. (Note: This also says that it is not the Baptism
with the Holy Spirit that saves a person). Rom. D. John 7:38-39
- Believers should receive. How to receive? A. John 1:33 - Realize that Jesus is the baptizer. B. Acts1:4-5 - The disciples were told to wait for the Holy Ghost because
He had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified
(John C. Luke 11:9-13 - The Baptism with the Holy Spirit
is received by faith. Once you have asked Jesus to baptize you
with the Holy Spirit,
believe that He has done so. Believe that God has given
you exactly what your asked for and do not be concerned with receiving
something fake form Satan. D. The believer should expect to receive power to
be a witness. That has been promised by Jesus in Acts 1:8. The
believer should realize that the Baptism with the Spirit is received
by faith in the Word of God. For his assurance, he should first
of all acknowledge that the Holy Spirit’s Baptism in Luke
24:49; Acts1:4 is called the Promise
of the Father. Second, know it is God’s will for all of His
children to have the Spirit’s Baptism. And, according to
I John 5:14-15, we know that if we ask for anything according
to His will, He hears us, and as a result we receive and do have
by faith the petitions we desired of Him. Furthermore, in Luke
Acts9:17-22 ICor. 14:1-5, 12-15, 18& 19, 39&40 For further insight on the tongues, see the study,
“Gifts”. |