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Baptism in the
What is Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
What is Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit refers to an experience, separate and distinct from salvation where believers receive an outpouring or filling of the Holy Spirit, that empowers them be an effective witness for Jesus Christ, and is evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus emphasized the importance of this, instructing His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5. He promised that when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power to be His witnesses and spread the gospel to the world Acts 1:8.
What Happens When People Are Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
What Happens When People Are Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
The book of Acts records that people spoke in tongues as a result of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. While there are examples of other verbal expressions, such as praising God or prophesying, these occurred in addition to speaking in tongues, which consistently appears as the common element throughout.
Examples:
In Jerusalem - Jesus told the disciples to WAIT for the baptism in the Holy Spirit Acts 1:4-5. When the Day of Pentecost came, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4.
At Cornelius' house - The Jews who came to Cornelius' house were convinced the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit "FOR THEY WERE HEARING them speaking in tongues and praising God" Acts 10:44-48 . As Peter explained to the apostles in Jerusalem what took place at Cornelius' house, he identified their speaking in tongues as the baptism in the Holy Spirit Acts 11:15-18.
In Ephesus Acts 19:1-7 - Paul ran into a dozen believers, and after a brief conversation, laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit & Speaking in Tongues: Continuity from Pentecost to Today
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit & Speaking in Tongues: Continuity from Pentecost to Today
The baptism in the Holy Spirit, marked by speaking in tongues, directly fulfills Joel’s prophecy, which first came to pass on the Day of Pentecost. This event set a precedent, linking today’s experiences of receiving the Holy Spirit with the same occurrences that began at Pentecost, creating an unbroken thread from ancient times to the present.
The Day of Pentecost was significant as it marked the first time a group of ordinary believers was baptized in the Holy Spirit. The act of speaking in tongues on that day was identified by Peter as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, which foretold the outpouring of God’s Spirit on all people Joel 2:28-29. When Peter said, "this is that", he equated speaking in tongues with this promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:15-17.
When Peter later witnessed Gentiles speaking in tongues, he pointed back to Pentecost, stating that they "have received the Holy Spirit just as we have" Acts 10:44-48. Reporting this event to the apostles in Jerusalem, he said, "The Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’" Acts 11:15-18.
The Day of Pentecost set a clear precedent: speaking in tongues was the initial evidence that a person had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Throughout the book of Acts, subsequent outpourings of the Holy Spirit included this sign, establishing a continuous and unified link from Joel's prophecy, through the experiences documented in Acts, to the present day. This creates a consistent thread that connects believers across time, affirming the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling biblical prophecy.
NOTE: There are two other passages in Acts where people were baptized in the Holy Spirit, and although speaking in tongues is not explicitly mentioned, the context strongly implies that it likely occurred:
Acts 9:17-18 - Ananias was sent to Saul (later Paul) to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit. Although tongues are not directly mentioned here, Paul later writes about his frequent speaking in tongues 1 Cor 14:18. It is reasonable to assume he began this practice upon his infilling with the Holy Spirit, aligning with other Acts accounts.
Acts 8:6-7 In Samaria, Simon witnessed many miraculous signs and wonders performed by Philip, which led him to believe and be baptized Acts 8:13. However, when Peter and John came from Jerusalem and laid hands on the people to receive the Holy Spirit, something seemingly more extraordinary than the miracles he saw amazed Simon to the point where he offered money for the same power Acts 8:15-21. Simon's eagerness to buy this ability suggests that he saw something remarkable and tangible. Given the context, it is reasonable to think that speaking in tongues might have been the astonishing manifestation he witnessed, that to him seemed more significant than the signs and wonders he had seen earlier through Philip's ministry.
How to Receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
How to Receive Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
How People Received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts
How People Received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts
Here’s a concise look at how the baptism in the Holy Spirit happened in the book of Acts:
Acts 2:1-6 the disciples were together devoting themselves to prayer Acts 1:13-14 and on the day of Pentecost Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit upon them Acts 2:33
Acts 8:14-19 Peter and John came to Samaria and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 9:17-18 Ananias laid his hands on him that he might be filled with the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter was speaking the Holy Spirit fell on them
Acts 19:1-6 When he laid his hands on them the Holy Spirit came on them.
In these examples, the purpose of the gathering or prayer was the expectation that individuals would be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Typically, (1) prayer was offered asking for individuals to receive the Holy Spirit Acts 8:15, (2) hands were laid on them, (3) they received the Holy Spirit, and (4) this was evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Preparing Your Heart to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Acts 2:38
Do you believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is for today? Acts 2:39
Understand it’s a gift from God, not earned by works? Acts 2:38 & Luke 11:13
Recognize it’s God’s will for all believers? Acts 2:17
Do you desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit? John 7:37-39
Are you ready to ask the LORD to baptize you in the Holy Spirit? Luke 11:9-13
What to Expect When Receiving the Holy Spirit
What to Expect When Receiving the Holy Spirit
Prayer: We will pray with you to receive the Holy Spirit, just as Peter and John did in Samaria Acts 8:14-19.
Personal Prayer: You should also pray, asking to receive the Holy Spirit Luke 11:13.
Laying on of Hands: We will lay hands on you.
Receiving: You will receive the Holy Spirit 1 John 5:14-15, and you will begin to speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit enables you.
Receiving the Holy Spirit & Speaking in Tongues
When you ask the Lord to baptize you in the Holy Spirit, begin by thanking and praising Him. Focus on Jesus, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. At some point, stop speaking in your native tongue and yield your voice to the Lord, allowing yourself to speak in a new language given by the Holy Spirit. This language flows from your spirit, not your mind 1 Cor 14:14. While the Holy Spirit provides the words, you must actively speak them out. In Acts 2:4, "[they] began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
I was prayed for to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit - Now What?
I was prayed for to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit - Now What?
If You Received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Exercise Your Prayer Language (Pray in Tongues Often)
If You Received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Exercise Your Prayer Language (Pray in Tongues Often)
After receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, continue to use tongues as your prayer language:
After receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit, continue to use tongues as your prayer language:
Pray or sing in the spirit 1 Cor 14:15
Praying in the Spirit is prayer according to the will of God Rom 8:26-27
When we pray in tongues we are speaking to God and utter mysteries 1 Cor 14:2
When we pray in tongues our spirit prays 1 Cor 14:14
When we pray in tongues we edify ourselves 1 Cor 14:4, Jude1:20-21
Praying in the Spirit is part of the armor of God Eph 6:17-18
What if I Did Not Speak in Tongues
If you did not speak in tongues, remember that God loves you, and Jesus wants you to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Here are some reasons why you might not have spoken in tongues and ways to overcome them:
Faulty Teaching: If you've been taught that tongues are not for today or are somehow wrong, revisit the Scriptures to see that it is indeed for believers today.
Self-Conscious: Some people may feel too self-conscious to speak in tongues in front of others. Find a private, comfortable space to pray.
A Conscientious Person: Wanting to make sure that this is legit, it is "NOT ME" but the work of the Holy Spirit. If you’re hesitant or unsure, study the Scriptures to build your faith. Seek clarity and assurance that it is the Holy Spirit’s work.
If you have any of these concerns, continue to ask for the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Don’t give up until you speak in tongues. You might also benefit from praying with a trusted friend who can support and encourage you.
Overcoming Doubts
For the person who was prayed for and did not receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, they may be tempted to think God does not love them or is holding back the Holy Spirit for some reason.
For those who did receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, the enemy will tempt you by trying to convince you that you made up this language, it really wasn't the Holy Spirit.
Ignore any negative thoughts, as they are common and often stem from Satan’s attempts to discourage you. Persist in faith, and these doubts will diminish. You have asked for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, you see it in scripture, and receiving it just as it was on the day of Pentecost is the expected outcome.
Didn't I Receive the Holy Spirit When I Was Saved?
Didn't I Receive the Holy Spirit When I Was Saved?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is separate and distinct from salvation
It is true, you DID receive the Holy Spirit when you were saved. You were born of the Spirit John 3:5-7, the Holy Spirit came to live within you Rom 9:9.
However, the Bible speaks of being both saved or "BORN of the Spirit" John 3:5-8 AND of (receiving, being filled with, or having the Holy Spirit poured out upon you), which are various ways of describing being "BAPTIZED in the Holy Spirit" Acts 1:5 . These are two separate experiences, and for every person who is born of the Spirit, Jesus desires they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit as well, for the promise is for everyone whom the Lord calls to Himself Acts 2:38-39.
Throughout the book of Acts we see examples of people being saved THEN baptized in the Holy Spirit as a subsequent and separate event. We also see water baptism in these cases. Salvation, water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit are foundational to the life of every believer.
The apostles
1) Saved or Born of the Holy Spirit John 20:21-22
2) Baptized in the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4
Samaria Act 8:14-17
1) Salvation (v 14)
2) Water Baptism (v 16)
3) Baptism in the Holy Spirit (v 17)
Saul Acts 9:17-18
1) Salvation - surrendered to Jesus on the road to Damascus (v 17)
2) Baptism in the Holy Spirit (v 17)
3) Water Baptism (vs 18)
Cornelius Acts 10:44-48
1) Salvation (v 44)
2) Baptism in the Holy Spirit -- appeared to take place simultaneously (v 44)
3) Water Baptism (v 47-48)
Ephesus Acts 19:1-7
1) Salvation (v 2)
2) Water Baptism (v 5)
3) Baptism in the Holy Spirit (v 6)
Is Baptism in the Holy Spirit Different From Water Baptism?
Is Baptism in the Holy Spirit Different From Water Baptism?
Even though the word "baptism" is used to describe this experience with the Holy Spirit, it is not speaking of water baptism. Baptism is a word that means to immerse or submerge. In the case of water baptism a person is immersed in water. In the case of baptism in the Holy Spirit, a person is immersed and filled with the Holy Spirit.
More about Water Baptism
What is the Purpose of Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
What is the Purpose of Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
The primary purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is to empower believers for effective witness and service. This is evident from the words of Jesus in Acts 1:8 - "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."
How Does Baptism in the Holy Spirit Affect a Believer’s Daily Life?
How Does Baptism in the Holy Spirit Affect a Believer’s Daily Life?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a one time sort of initiation into the ongoing life in the Spirit.
While speaking in tongues is an amazing gift and exercising our prayer language has powerful benefits, the baptism in the Holy Spirit has a far greater purpose than to just enable people to speak in tongues.
Here are some examples:
Enhanced Prayer Life - Rom 8:26-27 & Jude 20-21
Understanding the Word -1Jn 2:27
Power for Ministry - Rom 15:19
Power to be a Witness - Acts 1:8 & 1Thes 1:5
Enhanced Worship -Joh 4:23-24
Can a Believer Be Filled with the Holy Spirit More Than Once?
Can a Believer Be Filled with the Holy Spirit More Than Once?
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a one-time event, serving as an initiation into God's anointing. However, believers need to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit Eph 5:18. The Bible provides several instances where individuals who had already received the baptism in the Holy Spirit were later filled again. Here are some examples:
The Apostles
Initial Filling: the Day of Pentecost Acts 2:4.
Subsequent Filling: Later, after facing persecution, they prayed, and the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit again, and they spoke the word of God boldly Acts 4:31.
Peter
Initial Filling: Peter was among those filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost Acts 2:4.
Subsequent Filling: He was filled again with the Holy Spirit when he addressed the Sanhedrin Acts 4:8.
Paul
Initial Filling: Paul (Saul) was filled with the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him after his conversion Acts 9:17.
Subsequent Filling: He was filled again with the Holy Spirit when confronting the sorcerer Elymas Acts 13:9.
The Disciples in Ephesus
The Early Church Leaders
These examples illustrate that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but can happen multiple times as believers seek God's empowerment for various tasks and challenges in their spiritual journey.
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