Believers are encouraged to experience the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, which was the typical experience in the early Christian church. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit brings power for life and service, a deeper love for God, and a greater dedication to Christ and His work and Word.

John the Baptist’s Words

John the Baptist first tells of this baptism:

Matthew 3.11-12; Mark 1.7-8; Luke 3.16-17; John 1.29-34

John contrasts Jesus’ baptism in the Holy Spirit with his own baptism in water.

We never see Jesus baptizing anyone in water in the Bible. John 4.1-2

Matthew and Luke add two words in their accounts: and fire.

A Gift from the Father

Jesus refers to the baptism with the Holy Spirit as being a gift promised by the Father.  Luke 24.49; Acts 1.4-5

Before Jesus ascends into Heaven, He gives them one more bit of information: Acts 1.8

This promise was given to individuals…

• whose names were already written in heaven, Luke 10.20
• were clean before God, through Christ’s word,
  John 13.10; John 15.3
• and were under the new covenant. Hebrews 9.15-17

Baptism in the Holy Spirit appears in scripture as an event separate and distinct from salvation and sanctification.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts

Pentecost – Acts 2.1-21, 40-41

Samaritan Believers – Acts 8.14-20

Cornelius – Acts 10.44-48, Acts 11.15

Ephesus – Acts 19.6

Biblical Terminology for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Baptize

Poured out

Came on

Received

Filled

Purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Acts 1.8

Power

Be witnesses

Gateway to the gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12.7-10

Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

It is a gift – not deserved or earned.

We see from scripture:

• A person must first repent and believe in Jesus for salvation.
• Sometimes the baptism in the Holy Spirit comes after water baptism; sometimes before.
• The verbs used in scripture show various actors involved:
  • The Father through Jesus pours out the Spirit.
  • Jesus baptizes in the Spirit.
  • The Spirit comes on believers.
  • Believers receive the Spirit.
• “Be filled” is the only passive verb used to describe this event. It describes a state that is a result of the above verbs.