THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. Background
Before the Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, He commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem and wait for THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER …
Acts 2:4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father…
The Lord Jesus referred to this promise as the BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Acts 2:5 John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
So important was this promise of being baptized in the Holy Spirit that Jesus forbade His disciples to even begin their ministry until they had received it.
Luke 24:49 Behold I send the promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
It is unfortunate that many Christians today are in the dark regarding the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Are you?
Let us investigate what the Bible has to say on the subject of the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
2. The Promise and it’s Fulfilment
The term ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit” has 6 scriptural references, (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16) all of which point to the specific PROMISE OF JESUS.
2.1 Jesus the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit
John the Baptist foretold that Jesus would baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with the water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.
2.2 Jesus promised Power
Jesus then promised this baptism to His disciples, saying that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon them.
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you
2.3 The Fulfilment of the Promise
This specific promise of Christ was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4 Now when the Day of Pentecost has fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them the utterance.
Peter declared that, that which happened on the Day of Pentecost was a direct fulfilment of prophecy.
Acts 2:16 But this is that what was spoken of through the prophet Joel
Joel 2:28-29 And it will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all man- kind; And your sons and daughters will prophecy, Your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. And even on the male and female servants I will pour out My spirit in those days.
2.4 The Promise of Christ after the Day of Pentecost
This outpouring of the Holy Spirit, DID NOT ONLY OCCUR ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST. Approximately ten years after Pentecost, Peter still declared that Christ was the baptizer in the Spirit.
Acts 11:15-16 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning (the Day of Pentecost). Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, “John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”
The book of Acts records that the baptism in the Holy Spirit it was also experienced by:
Samaritans (Acts 8:5-20)
Paul (Acts 9:17)
Followers of John (Acts 18:24-28,19:1-7)
Peter also referred to the baptism in the Holy Spirit as the Gift of the Spirit.
Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Not only was the gift of the spirit, promised to the first disciples, but is also promised to ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
Acts 2:39 For this promise is to you and your children and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord God will call.
3. An Experience Separate from Salvation
The experience of conversion is not the same as the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit baptism is an experience completely separate from salvation It is a distinct work from and subsequent to the regenerating work of the Spirit, which is to be sought and obtained by the believer.
While it is true that every believer is ‘born of the Spirit’ at the time of conversion, it does not of necessity follow that he is ‘baptized in the Holy Spirit”.
3.1 Jesus and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Although Jesus was born of the Spirit, it was not until He was baptized some 30 years later, that the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, enduing Him with power.
Matthew 3:16 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him
3.2 The Samaritan Converts
Acts 8:5,12 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16) so according to Christ these Samaritans were saved. They had received Christ. Yet none of them had received the gift of the Holy Spirit, until they were prayed for with the ‘laying on of hands’.
Acts 8:17 then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
3.3 The Ephesian Disciples
Twenty years after the Day of Pentecost we find believers who had not yet received this gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:1-2 And it happened, while Appolos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples, he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit”.
Paul’s question implied that some disciples believed without receiving and that the reception of it was so wonderful and accompanied with such evidence, that they were able to answer the question definitely. Their answer indicated that they were in the dark, as many Christians are today. Only after Paul laid hands on them did they receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:5 And when Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
4. The Meaning of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
John said, “For He shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11) Jesus is the baptizer who baptizes us in (into) the Holy Spirit. It is therefore not ‘the baptism of the Holy Spirit’, for that would make the Holy Spirit the baptizer and not the ‘element’ into which we are baptized. It is also not ‘the baptism with the Holy Spirit’. The word ‘baptism’ refers to immersion. We do not say we immerse with water, but in water. So in the same way we refer not to a ‘baptism with the Holy Spirit’ but to a ‘baptism in the Holy Spirit.’
4.1 What the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is Not
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not sanctification. (An act whereby a person is made holy in the sight of God)
John 15:3 Now you are clean (sanctified) through the word which I have spoken to you.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit presupposes that the believer is clean in the sight of God. When one receives Christ as Saviour he receives positional sanctification (1 Cor. 1:30), and not when he is baptized in the Spirit.
4.2 The Meaning of ‘filled with the Spirit’
In order for us to obtain further insight into the Spirit baptism, we need to have a clear understanding of what it means to be ‘filled with the Spirit’.
In Acts 1:5 Jesus promised to baptize His followers in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:4 we have the account of that experience.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
Notice verse 4 does not say “And they were all baptized in the Holy Spirit…” it says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…” Here we see that being filled with the spirit goes hand in hand with being baptized in the Spirit. The baptism in the Holy Spirit was the act done by Jesus (Matthew 3:11) while being filled with the Spirit was the result of that act.
A distinction does however, need to be made between being baptized in the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit.
4.2.1 The Disciples of Christ
The disciples of Christ were filled, anointed and endued with power in various degrees and yet were never baptized in the Holy Spirit until Pentecost
4.2.2 John the Baptist
John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit from birth but never was baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:15-17)
4.2.3 Mary
Mary was filled with the Spirit before Jesus was born but was baptized in the Holy Spirit 33 years later at Pentecost. (Luke 1:41-56; Acts 1:12-2:4)
We see that one can be filled with the Spirit and yet not be baptized in the Holy Spirit, for men before Pentecost were filled with the Spirit.
4.3 The Filling and Baptism Compared
The difference between the filling of the Holy Spirit and the baptism in the Holy Spirit can be seen when we understand the difference between the words ‘measure’ and ‘fullness’.
4.3.1 Measure of the Spirit
Before Pentecost men received and experienced different MEASURES OF THE SPIRIT and did work according to the measure of the Spirit they received.
4.3.1.1 Elisha
Elisha received a double portion of Elijah’s Spirit and the record shows that he did twice as many miracles which were twice as great (2 Kings 2:9)
4.3.1.2 The Lord’s Disciples
Our Lord’s disciples also experienced different measure of the Spirit. (Matthew 10:1-8,20; Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-20)
John 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.
It is certain that the disciples received a very special measure or enduement of the Holy Spirit, but this was not the baptism in the Holy Spirit, for the Lord Jesus still commanded His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father saying, “You shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4-5) If the disciples had been baptized in the Holy Spirit before this, our Lord would not have commanded them to wait for this promised gift.
4.3.2 The Fullness of the Spirit
The disciples may have experienced measures of the Spirit (Matthew 10:1-8,20; Mark 6:7-13, Luke 10:1-20) but they did not have the fullness of the Spirit (the Spirit without measure) until being baptized in the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14, 12-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-39).
Jesus was the first to experience the fullness of the Spirit.
John 3:34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for he gives the Spirit without measure.
Matthew 3:16 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him.
5. The initial evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The baptism in the Holy Spirit was a completely new experience, therefore God gave a new spiritual manifestation which would act as a sign or evidence that one had received it. Gifts of healing, working of miracles, words of knowledge and wisdom, discernment of spirits, prophecy, faith, love and joy were all evident before the arrival of the Spirit baptism and therefore cannot be used as evidence for it.
Only speaking in tongues and it’s interpretation had not yet been manifested before the Day of Pentecost and its the only clear initial evidence of having received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The book of Acts records 5 separate occasions where the Holy Spirit was received. On 3 of these occasions speaking in tongues is specifically mentioned as the visible sign accompanying the experience at Pentecost (Acts 2:3) the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46) and at Ephesus. (Acts 19:6)
5.1 The Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance
Those gathered together in the upper room understood each other without the use of tongues. The purpose of tongues was not to make the gospel intelligible to people of different languages. It was evidence of the Spirit baptism.
5.2 The House of Cornelius
Acts 10:4-47 While Peter was still speaking these words the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision (Jews) who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?
Peter testifying of this event to the apostles and brethren at Jerusalem plainly linked tongues with the Spirit baptism.
Acts 11:15-17 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. (the Day of Pentecost) Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, “John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”
5.3 The Samaritan converts
Acts 8:17-18 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given …
While there is no evidence of the believers speaking in other tongues, there is also no evidence that they did not speak with tongues. It is apparent that these Samaritans must have spoken in tongues, because “…Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given…” (Acts 8:18)
The Holy Spirit cannot be seen with the physical eye, because He is Spirit. Yet there had to be some kind of physical sign whereby Simon knew that they had received the Holy Spirit.
It could not have been joy, for they already had joy before being baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:8)
It could not have been the many healings taking place for this too was in occurrence before they were baptized in the Spirit. (Acts 8:6)
The evidence indicates that the sign which was manifested was the divine ability to speak with other tongues.
6. The baptism in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues
While there may be and frequently are other spiritual manifestations which accompany the Spirit baptism, tongues remains the primary initial evidence and serves as proof that one has indeed been baptized with the Holy Spirit.
6.1 Tongues is for all
The ability to speak/pray in tongues is intended for all to receive and enjoy.
1 Cor. 12:28-30 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, Are they? All are not workers of miracles are they? All do not have the gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they?
Some take Paul’s phrase do all speak with tongues and say that speaking in tongues isn’t for everyone. This is not so. Paul in the context of this passage of scripture, is referring to the ministry gifts in the church.
Paul asked, “Are all prophets?” the answer - no. However, he went on the say, “You may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted” (1 Cor 14:31,24) all can prophesy (through the spiritual gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:1 ,31) however all are not set as prophets in the church (Eph 4:11)
Paul asked, “Are all teachers?” the answer - no. But Paul also taught that “…a steward of the Lord must be apt to teach” (1 Tim 3:2) Every believer should be able to instruct others in the things of God, but not all are set in the church as teachers (Eph 4:11)
In the same way Paul asked, “Do all speak with tongues?” The answer - no, not in the church. But Paul writes “I would that you all spoke with tongues” (1 Cor 14:5) Every believer can pray in tongues for personal spiritual edification, but not all are used to bring forth a tongue in the local assembly.
It is not unscriptural for the whole assembly to worship God in tongues for in all instances in the book of Acts where the gathered church spoke in tongues there is no interpretation of tongues mentioned. However, when tongues are used in an assembly as a prayer on behalf of the assembly, then it should be interpreted so that it may be edified. (1 Cor 14:12,13,19,27,28)
6.2 What is tongues exactly?
6.2.1 Supernatural Prayer
Speaking in tongues is supernatural prayer in an unknown tongue
1 Cor 14:2 for he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.
6.2.2 No one can understand
No person can understand what the person who is speaking in tongues is saying, not even the speaker. Paul said, ”For no one understands him”.
6.2.3 Not a known human language
If no man can understand tongues, it follows that tongues is not a know human language. The Holy Spirit can move upon the speaker in such a way that he is supernaturally enabled to speak a foreign language without knowing it. This special manifestation of tongues will always be for the hearer’s benefit and edification. It differs from the more general use of tongues, which, as we shall see, benefits and edifies the speaker only.
When we are praying in tongues in our private devotions there is generally no need for an interpretation of tongues (1 Cor 12:10) as this form of prayer is not exercised for the benefit of the intellect.
6.2.4 Praying with our Spirit
Speaking in tongues is referred to as praying with our Spirit, and can even be sung.
1 Cor 14:14-15 For if I pray in a tongue my Spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the outcome them? I will pray with the Spirit and I will pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding
6.2.5 A believer’s possession
The ability to speak in tongues is possessed by the believer and is not just a passing experience which can be withdrawn at anytime by the Holy Spirit. Paul said, “I will pray with the spirit…” This indicates that he had this ability to speak in tongues whenever he so desired. Tongues is to be a continual experience for the rest of ones life, a flowing stream that should never dry up to assist us in our worship of God. Since tongues and the baptism in the Holy Spirit go hand in hand it stands to reason that the Spirit baptism is not just a passing experience but a lasting state or condition.
6.3 Why should I pray in tongues?
6.3.1 Tongues a sign
Jesus said that tongues is one of the signs which is to follow the Christian (Mark 16:17) It is a sign from God to unbelievers of the reality of the gospel.
1 Cor 14:22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers
6.3.2 Spiritual Edification
Paul encourages believers to continue the practice of speaking with other tongues in their prayer lives for spiritual edification, or building up (strengthening)
1 Cor 14:4-4 He that speaks in a tongue edifies himself
Jude agrees with Paul and encourages us to pray in the Spirit for our spiritual edification
Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
6.3.3 A rest and refreshing
The Old Testament prophet, Isaiah prophetically refers to tongues as a rest and refreshing
Isaiah 28:11-12 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to His people, to whom He said, “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest” and “This is the refreshing” yet they would not hear.
The above scripture most definitely refers to speaking in tongues, for Paul writing to the Corinthian church, quoted it in the context of tongues.
1 Cor 14:21,22 In the law it is written :with men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers.
6.3.4 The Will of God
Praying in tongues also helps to keep our prayers in line with the Will of God. We do not always know how to pray in a given situation, but the Spirit of God who knows all things can pray through us in tongues for things about which our natural mind knows nothing.
Rom 8:26 And in the same way the Spirit helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Notice that the scripture says, “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought” it does not say that we do not know how to pray, because we know how to pray. We pray to the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:13) But just because I know how to pray does not mean I know what to pray for. As the Holy Spirit gives the utterance He is helping one pray according to the will of God for things that should be prayed for.
6.3.5 The Elimination of Selfishness
Praying in tongues eliminates selfishness from our prayers. If I pray out of my own thinking, very often my prayers may be unscriptural and selfish.
6.3.6 The Armour of God
Praying in tongues also goes hand in hand with the armour of God, and is of utmost importance when combating opposing spiritual forces. We are warned in Ephesians 6 that “… we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (v12) With this in mind we are to take up the full armour of God so that we may be able to resist and stand firm (v13) Still in the context of the armour of God we are now told to pray at all times in the Spirit.
Eph 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.
When we pray in tongues we are always praying in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit indwells us gives the utterance and directs our prayer. Tongues, when used to combat opposing spiritual forces is often stern and authoritative.
6.3.7 For Giving Thanks
Tongues provides the most perfect way to give thanks.
1 Cor 14:17 For you are giving thanks well enough
6.3.8 A privilege
Paul was thankful to God for this privilege when he said “I thank my God I speak in tongues more than you all (1 Cor 14:8) He desired all to speak with tongues (1 Cor 14:5) and ordered that is should not be forbidden (1 Cor 14:39)
7. How do I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of tongues?
Before explaining the method of receiving, it is necessary to address the obstacles to receiving the Holy Spirit.
7.1 Obstacles to receiving the Holy Spirit
7.1.1 Tarrying for the Holy Spirit
God promised to send His Holy Spirit to believers and this promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus told His disciples “…but tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49) Some have supposed this was the bible formula for receiving the Spirit baptism - to tarry or wait. However, the disciples were waiting for the Day of Pentecost (in Jerusalem) when the Holy Spirit was given (Acts 2:1) After the day of Pentecost there is no record in the bible anywhere that anyone ever waited, cried, struggled or tarried to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We are not meant to ‘tarry’ but to believe and receive.
Acts 8:17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
7.1.2 Earning or deserving the Holy Spirit
Many people are of the opinion that they must do something to receive this gift of the Holy Spirit. This is not so. The baptism in the Holy Spirit, like eternal life, is not a reward for good works but a gift of God (Rom 6:23) Eternal life is not earned or deserved but is received by faith by anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord (Rom 5:1) In the same way the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) is not earned or deserved but can be received by faith by any ‘born again’ believer, regardless of spiritual age or growth.
7.1.3 Certain patterns of thought
Unfortunately many Christians have hindered themselves from receiving. Besides unconfessed sin and unforgiveness, there are also patterns of thought which could seriously hinder one from receiving. Ideas such as ‘It’s not the norm for Christianity. ‘It’s not intended specifically for me’ , ‘It’s not so important’ etc, seriously hinders one from receiving from God
7.1.4 Afraid of receiving a counterfeit
Some Christians are afraid of receiving a counterfeit from Satan. However, we need have no fear. If you ask God for His Spirit, then that is what you will receive.
Luke 11:11-13 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent in stead of a fish?: Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask of Him.
Some even have stated that they know of many accounts of unbelievers speaking in tongues and have testified that the persons speaking were actually cursing God. Therefore many consider speaking in tongues as something evil. While it may be true that there are unbelievers who speak in tongues this is not the tongues spoken of in the bible, as only a believer can speak the kind of tongues mentioned in the Bible. The question is “If tongues are given from the Holy Spirit, how then is it possible for such people to speak in tongues?
11 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays
Every person walking the face of the earth has a spirit. Therefore every person walking the face of the earth has the ability to speak with his/her spirit. However, not every one walking the face of the earth has a spirit which is regenerated (born again) If you are born again you need not worry that you will end up cursing God when speaking in tongues. Never! Your spirit is alive to God.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me
7.1.5 Afraid of the experience itself
Others are afraid of the experience itself, believing that there is some type of possession involved with regard to tongues. This is not the case. The Holy Spirit will never force anyone to speak in tongues. Speaking in tongues is never uncontrollable. The one doing the praying is as much in control of his speaking as he is when he is praying in his home language, ie. He starts and stops at will and decides if and when he is to speak. The Holy Spirit gently guides the utterance of the believer as he yields to the Spirit of God
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance
Notice that this passage does not say: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit started to speak through them ” It is quite clear. They were filled - and they spoke in tongues.
7.2 Receiving the Holy Spirit
There is no so-called hard and fast rule for receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
The scriptures make a good case for the practice for the laying on of hands in connection with prayer for the Spirit baptism. In 3 of the 5 accounts where people received the Spirit baptism in the book of Acts, those who received were ministered to through the laying on of hands. On the other 2 occasions (The day of Pentecost, Cornelius’ household) here was no laying on of hands. We may conclude that the laying on of hands, which can be performed by any ‘spirit baptized’ believer for the receiving of the Spirit baptism, is scriptural, often helpful but no always necessary.
What is absolutely necessary is faith and yielding to the Holy Spirit. You must believe and trust that God will baptize you in the Spirit. When you yield to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit will give stirrings of words deep down inside no recognisible as English or any other know language ever heard. When this happens you must take a step of faith and speak out those words.
John 7:37-39 If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water. “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive
8. Conclusion
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is not an optional experience but is an obligation within God’s plan for His children. The Spirit baptism is not a denomination, church or movement but a life transforming experience
It is unfortunate that while the promise of a baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to all believers, yet for many it has never become a matter of actual experience due to failure to appropriate it.
Many have been deluded into believing that the Spirit baptism through which God wrought miracles in the New Testament days is either not important, not available or that it is not specifically intended for everyone to receive and experience.
It is the joyous testimony of literally millions today of having received this wonderful experience. Jesus still saves, delivers and baptizes in the Holy Spirit.
God wants you to receive it.
If you know Christ as your Saviour and are thirsty for the things of God, Jesus invites you to:
“COME AND DRINK”
