Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Witnesses on Earth

If you clicked on this blog title, chances are, you are acquainted with the baptism of the Spirit, or you are curious from other people mentioning it. Before we get started, I must define the indwelling of the Spirit, which is different from the baptism. Ephesians 1:13 tell us that upon receiving Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in you. The Holy Spirit then lives inside of you. But today, we are talking about Holy Spirit coming ON you. It's worth noting Jesus referenced it throughout the Gospels, pointing to the arrival of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts. Jesus tells us in Acts 1:8, the main purpose of the baptism of the Spirit- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We are told that we receive power in order to be His witnesses on Earth. The wonderful workings of signs, miracles, and wonders are to bring people to Christ. I will also point out that Jesus was the first one to be baptized in the Spirit. Back when Jesus and John the Baptist were at the Jordan River, that passage is usually used to talk about the importance of water baptism.

Holy Spirit and Fire

But there’s a second aspect. At the end of the story, out of Heaven, Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending towards Him. Then, the Holy Spirit came upon Him, which is what we call the baptism of the Spirit. Furthermore, in that same chapter, John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and fire. This experience marked the beginning of his public ministry. In the next chapter, he goes throughout the region of Galilee, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, healing every sickness and disease, and delivering people from demons.

Different Experience, But Same Spirit

In the New Testament, there are several instances where people were baptized in the Spirit. Many of you may be familiar with some of these passages, such as Acts 2, the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit falls down on the disciples in Jerusalem. or when Peter visits Cornelius the centurion, and his whole family gets saved and baptized in the Spirit. But I’m going to run through a couple that may not have gotten much attention in the past.

Acts 8:14-17, “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

What I love about this passage, is that it highlights evangelism in a new way. There were new believers who accepted the gospel, which is a huge win. Yet, you’ll notice, that they took an additional action. They sent two apostles for the sole purpose of praying for the new believers to receive the baptism of the Spirit. How did I miss this verse growing up? It even goes into detail to explain that the Holy Spirit had not come upon them, until they were prayed for.

Acts 19:1-7 “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

For Every Believer

I remember coming across these verses, years ago. These clearly demonstrate that believers can receive the baptism of the Spirit. I myself have received it, and I can tell you that it’s amazing. The baptism of the Spirit is available for every believer. It’s something that every Christian can receive. Don't live one more day without it. Say this prayer with me.

Jesus, I receive the baptism of the Spirit. Come empower me, so I can be your witness on earth. Baptize me in your fire. I am so excited about my relationship with you. You will guide me into my calling and destiny, and help me perform mighty works. So that all may know and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Amen.