The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Supporting Text: Acts 1:4–8, Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22, Luke 4:1, 14, 18, Acts 10:44–48, Acts 19:1–6, 2 Peter 1:4, 1 Corinthians 6:11, John 20:21–23, Mark 11:12–14, 20–24, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Matthew 3:11, Acts 10:38, Matthew 28:19–20, Luke 11:13, Acts 1:12–14.
Let's begin with Acts 1:4-5:
Acts 1:4-5 - [4] And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Luke records here, in the first chapter of the book of Acts, the last words of Jesus before His ascension. Certainly, when it comes to any man's last words, they are important. But even more important are the last words given by our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, before He ascended into heaven (where He remains until He returns).
He did not give words of prophecy regarding the future. Rather, He gave a command for the present. That command was to wait for the Promise of the Father and to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
These disciples, who had walked with Jesus for three and a half years, were now being commanded to do nothing (in regards to being a witness) for Him except wait until they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
This raises several questions:
Acts 1:4-5 - [4] And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; [5] for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Luke records here, in the first chapter of the book of Acts, the last words of Jesus before His ascension. Certainly, when it comes to any man's last words, they are important. But even more important are the last words given by our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, before He ascended into heaven (where He remains until He returns).
He did not give words of prophecy regarding the future. Rather, He gave a command for the present. That command was to wait for the Promise of the Father and to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
These disciples, who had walked with Jesus for three and a half years, were now being commanded to do nothing (in regards to being a witness) for Him except wait until they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
This raises several questions:
- Were these disciples not already used by Jesus?
- Were they technically not saved until they received the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost?
- What about the doctrine of a second work of grace that certain Christians (I am one of them) believe?
Jesus: Our Example
What Jesus is commanding here is for the disciples to undergo a similar experience to what He Himself experienced at His baptism in the Jordan (Matt. 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22).
Prior to that baptism, there is no record of public miracles or ministry from Christ. He lived in relative obscurity. It was at that event, when Jesus was water baptized and the Spirit came upon Him, that His public ministry and miracles began (Luke 4:1, 14, 18).
Jesus is God, but when He took on flesh, He lived as a man. As one pastor stated:
"He maintained the possession of His Deity; however, He laid aside the expression of it."
While Jesus ministered on this earth, everything He did was accomplished by and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now He commands His disciples to undergo a similar experience.
Prior to that baptism, there is no record of public miracles or ministry from Christ. He lived in relative obscurity. It was at that event, when Jesus was water baptized and the Spirit came upon Him, that His public ministry and miracles began (Luke 4:1, 14, 18).
Jesus is God, but when He took on flesh, He lived as a man. As one pastor stated:
"He maintained the possession of His Deity; however, He laid aside the expression of it."
While Jesus ministered on this earth, everything He did was accomplished by and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now He commands His disciples to undergo a similar experience.
What Is Baptism?
To be baptized simply means "to be immersed."
Our practice of water baptism illustrates this. When people give their lives to Jesus, they are soon baptized in water. There, they publicly confess Christ, and ministers baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19–20).
They are taken beneath the water and then raised up again.
This symbolizes the passing away of the old person and points toward resurrection life. It represents our salvation as we move from death into life.
We are immersed into the water just as we have been immersed into Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 - For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
At the moment a person accepts Christ, the Spirit of God immerses them into the body of Christ, allowing Him to take up residence within them.
At the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the reverse occurs.
Matthew 3:11 - I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Here, Jesus takes His people and immerses them fully into the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we see the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a second and distinct work of grace that every believer should experience.
We see this again in Acts 19:5–6. There, Paul baptized believers in the name of the Lord Jesus, and then, one verse later, laid hands on them. They were then baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues.
On the subject of tongues, I will speak at length in a future article, but not in this one.
Our practice of water baptism illustrates this. When people give their lives to Jesus, they are soon baptized in water. There, they publicly confess Christ, and ministers baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19–20).
They are taken beneath the water and then raised up again.
This symbolizes the passing away of the old person and points toward resurrection life. It represents our salvation as we move from death into life.
We are immersed into the water just as we have been immersed into Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 - For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
At the moment a person accepts Christ, the Spirit of God immerses them into the body of Christ, allowing Him to take up residence within them.
At the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the reverse occurs.
Matthew 3:11 - I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Here, Jesus takes His people and immerses them fully into the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we see the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a second and distinct work of grace that every believer should experience.
We see this again in Acts 19:5–6. There, Paul baptized believers in the name of the Lord Jesus, and then, one verse later, laid hands on them. They were then baptized in the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues.
On the subject of tongues, I will speak at length in a future article, but not in this one.
A Second & Distinct Work of Grace
I am one of those who maintain that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a second and distinct work of grace.
Yes, both salvation and Spirit baptism can happen at the same time (Acts 10:44–48). However, there are other occasions where they are presented as distinct events (Acts 19:1–6).
Does this mean that a person does not receive the Holy Spirit until they are baptized in the Spirit?
The answer is no.
In the previous articles, we have seen that the Holy Spirit indwells a person from the moment they accept Jesus Christ as Savior. It is at that point that we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
1 Corinthians 6:11 states:
"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Clearly, the Holy Spirit is involved in salvation and begins to take up residence and work within us from the moment we accept Christ.
I would even argue that the disciples had already received the Holy Spirit prior to the command given in Acts 1. Consider John 20:21–23:
John 20:21–23 - Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.
Here we see Jesus, after His resurrection, breathing upon His disciples and telling them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Their reception of the Holy Spirit evidences that they are now in relationship with Christ and part of His body.
With this reception of the Holy Spirit comes authority (exousia), which is also granted to Christ's disciples. This authority enables Christians to operate within the authority delegated to them by God.
If the Word of God declares something, we may speak that Word with confidence. Jesus and the fig tree provide one example (Mark 11:12–14, 20–24), and commanding demonic spirits to leave is another.
However, I do want to add a caveat.
I do not believe that we can simply command whatever we desire and expect God's authority to automatically enforce our will. A Christian walking in humility is a servant of God.
Therefore, we must operate under His authority—the Word of God. When He opens our eyes to a situation, we may, by faith, speak according to His will. This authoritative speaking is then in line with the will of God.
These disciples had already received the Holy Spirit. What, then, was the point of the Day of Pentecost?
When we read the first chapter of Acts, Jesus is not primarily speaking about receiving the Person of the Holy Spirit for the first time, but rather receiving power from the Holy Spirit.
The emphasis is not on receiving the Spirit Himself, but on receiving the power that accompanies being baptized in the Spirit.
That reception of power comes through being baptized into Him.
Yes, both salvation and Spirit baptism can happen at the same time (Acts 10:44–48). However, there are other occasions where they are presented as distinct events (Acts 19:1–6).
Does this mean that a person does not receive the Holy Spirit until they are baptized in the Spirit?
The answer is no.
In the previous articles, we have seen that the Holy Spirit indwells a person from the moment they accept Jesus Christ as Savior. It is at that point that we become partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).
1 Corinthians 6:11 states:
"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Clearly, the Holy Spirit is involved in salvation and begins to take up residence and work within us from the moment we accept Christ.
I would even argue that the disciples had already received the Holy Spirit prior to the command given in Acts 1. Consider John 20:21–23:
John 20:21–23 - Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.
Here we see Jesus, after His resurrection, breathing upon His disciples and telling them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Their reception of the Holy Spirit evidences that they are now in relationship with Christ and part of His body.
With this reception of the Holy Spirit comes authority (exousia), which is also granted to Christ's disciples. This authority enables Christians to operate within the authority delegated to them by God.
If the Word of God declares something, we may speak that Word with confidence. Jesus and the fig tree provide one example (Mark 11:12–14, 20–24), and commanding demonic spirits to leave is another.
However, I do want to add a caveat.
I do not believe that we can simply command whatever we desire and expect God's authority to automatically enforce our will. A Christian walking in humility is a servant of God.
Therefore, we must operate under His authority—the Word of God. When He opens our eyes to a situation, we may, by faith, speak according to His will. This authoritative speaking is then in line with the will of God.
- We speak as He speaks. We act as He acts.
- We are His servants.
- He is our Master, not our genie.
These disciples had already received the Holy Spirit. What, then, was the point of the Day of Pentecost?
When we read the first chapter of Acts, Jesus is not primarily speaking about receiving the Person of the Holy Spirit for the first time, but rather receiving power from the Holy Spirit.
The emphasis is not on receiving the Spirit Himself, but on receiving the power that accompanies being baptized in the Spirit.
That reception of power comes through being baptized into Him.
The Purpose of Spirit Baptism
By now, we understand that to be baptized in the Holy Spirit is to be fully immersed in the Holy Spirit. We also understand that this is a second work of grace that occurs after a person gives their life to Jesus Christ. This means that the only prerequisite for being baptized in the Holy Spirit is to be saved.
But what is the purpose? Why should a believer seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Acts 1:8 tells us:
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
The purpose of Spirit baptism is that we might be empowered as God's witnesses of Jesus Christ on the earth so that others may also come to know Him.
But what is a witness?
The Greek word translated "witness" is martys, from which we derive the English word martyr. Martyrs are those who have proven the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ, even unto death. Their words and their lives testify to the victory of Christ.
When believers proclaim the Gospel, there should be a power associated with that proclamation—not merely authority.
Earlier, we spoke about authority. Every Christian is able to, and should, operate in the authority given to them by Christ. However, there is also power that Jesus desires to give to every one of His children. Not only does He desire to give it, but He commands us to receive it.
Read Acts 1:4–5 and 1:8 again. This command was given by Jesus to His disciples, and by extension, it applies to us as well. They were instructed to wait until they received power from God.
The word translated "power" is dunamis, from which we derive the English word dynamite. It refers to inherent power, miraculous power, or mighty works.
This is the same power that Jesus operated in throughout His earthly ministry when He healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead (Luke 4:14, 18; Acts 10:38).
As Christians, we need to operate in both God's authority and His power. When those two things work together, we are able to properly fulfill our role as witnesses and carry out the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19–20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
But what is the purpose? Why should a believer seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Acts 1:8 tells us:
Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
The purpose of Spirit baptism is that we might be empowered as God's witnesses of Jesus Christ on the earth so that others may also come to know Him.
But what is a witness?
The Greek word translated "witness" is martys, from which we derive the English word martyr. Martyrs are those who have proven the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ, even unto death. Their words and their lives testify to the victory of Christ.
When believers proclaim the Gospel, there should be a power associated with that proclamation—not merely authority.
Earlier, we spoke about authority. Every Christian is able to, and should, operate in the authority given to them by Christ. However, there is also power that Jesus desires to give to every one of His children. Not only does He desire to give it, but He commands us to receive it.
Read Acts 1:4–5 and 1:8 again. This command was given by Jesus to His disciples, and by extension, it applies to us as well. They were instructed to wait until they received power from God.
The word translated "power" is dunamis, from which we derive the English word dynamite. It refers to inherent power, miraculous power, or mighty works.
This is the same power that Jesus operated in throughout His earthly ministry when He healed the sick, cast out demons, and raised the dead (Luke 4:14, 18; Acts 10:38).
As Christians, we need to operate in both God's authority and His power. When those two things work together, we are able to properly fulfill our role as witnesses and carry out the Great Commission.
Matthew 28:19–20 - Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Waiting for Power
Before we do this, however, we must be filled with the Spirit.
I have already stated this, but it bears repeating: this is a command given by Jesus.
As I bring this article to a close, I want to address what we are to do in order to obey this command and receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
First, we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Salvation is the prerequisite. God does not fill someone who is unwilling to enter into relationship with Him.
Second, we must ask.
Luke 11:13 - If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
It really is that simple.
If you have given your life to Jesus and are reading this article, begin asking God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Now let's focus on the concept of waiting.
Waiting is not passive; it is active.
The disciples (not just the Twelve) spent the days following Christ's ascension waiting for the Promise of the Father. What did that waiting look like?
Where Did They Wait?
They waited where Christ told them to wait.
They remained in Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room (Acts 1:12–13).
How Did They Wait?
They waited in unity and prayer.
Acts 1:14 tells us that they continued together in prayer. This likely included both private and corporate prayer.
They were actively fellowshipping, praying, worshiping, gathering together, and living in obedience to the Scriptures while they waited.
We should do the same.
We should be actively involved in the church where God has planted us. We should be fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ, living lives aligned with the Word of God, and continually asking the Lord to baptize us in the Holy Spirit.
We do this knowing that this is the very promise Christ commanded His disciples to wait for. We also do it knowing that when God fills us with His Spirit, He empowers us to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ so that others may come to know Him as Lord and Savior.
Begin waiting for the Promise of the Spirit.
While you wait, ask God to fill you.
Expect the Holy Spirit to come upon you, knowing that when He does, God will use you and demonstrate His power through the ministry He has called you to fulfill.
I have already stated this, but it bears repeating: this is a command given by Jesus.
As I bring this article to a close, I want to address what we are to do in order to obey this command and receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
First, we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. Salvation is the prerequisite. God does not fill someone who is unwilling to enter into relationship with Him.
Second, we must ask.
Luke 11:13 - If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
It really is that simple.
If you have given your life to Jesus and are reading this article, begin asking God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Now let's focus on the concept of waiting.
Waiting is not passive; it is active.
The disciples (not just the Twelve) spent the days following Christ's ascension waiting for the Promise of the Father. What did that waiting look like?
Where Did They Wait?
They waited where Christ told them to wait.
They remained in Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room (Acts 1:12–13).
How Did They Wait?
They waited in unity and prayer.
Acts 1:14 tells us that they continued together in prayer. This likely included both private and corporate prayer.
They were actively fellowshipping, praying, worshiping, gathering together, and living in obedience to the Scriptures while they waited.
We should do the same.
We should be actively involved in the church where God has planted us. We should be fellowshipping with our brothers and sisters in Christ, living lives aligned with the Word of God, and continually asking the Lord to baptize us in the Holy Spirit.
We do this knowing that this is the very promise Christ commanded His disciples to wait for. We also do it knowing that when God fills us with His Spirit, He empowers us to be effective witnesses for Jesus Christ so that others may come to know Him as Lord and Savior.
Begin waiting for the Promise of the Spirit.
While you wait, ask God to fill you.
Expect the Holy Spirit to come upon you, knowing that when He does, God will use you and demonstrate His power through the ministry He has called you to fulfill.
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