Prologue
I am undertaking the writing of this lesson to try to clear up certain misconceptions about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Having come from a background that didn't believe it existed today, I learned the ways of the "learned" and discounted it.
After God took me to a place where I was willing to learn anything He had for me then the Truth of scripture started opening up. We all must keep an open mind for the Lord to be able to fill it. The Bible says to "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed by rightly dividing the Word of Truth". 2 Tim. 2:15.
As you read the material presented here ask God to reveal the Truth. The Holy Spirit will lead you into all understanding of God's heart and mind. After all, isn't this where we all want to be?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The words Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are interchangeable in the Bible. The word in Hebrew is ruach (roo`-akh) and in the Greek it is: pneuma (pnyoo'-mah) The words mean the same thing.
When was the Baptism in/of the Holy Spirit first mentioned in prophecy?
Joel 2:28-32. "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh..." This prophecy was quoted on the day of Pentecost by Peter Acts 2:14-21 showing that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was being poured out.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in the four Gospels:
Mat 3:11 "I John indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire". (Also in Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16). At this point we must understand that it was Jesus doing the baptizing.
John needed the Holy Spirit Baptism from Jesus even though he was a powerful preacher Mat 3:14 for he said to Jesus "I have need to be baptized of thee". Many construe this to mean that he felt so unworthy that he should baptize the Master, but, he had just said that Jesus baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus called it the promise of the Father in Act 1:4 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father which, saith he, ye have heard of me".
He is speaking this to the 120 who had already received the indwelling Holy Spirit in John 20:19-22, "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" At this point the disciples were Christians for they had the Holy Spirit within them Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Act 1:5 Jesus is speaking to the same people that He had breathed on, "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) not many days hence".
Luke 24:49: "And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high". This power is dunamis (doo'-nam-is) specifically, miraculous power: ability, abundance, meaning, might.
John 7:38-39 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." The Spirit was given on the day of the resurrection after that Jesus had been glorified (John 20:22) but the Power of the Spirit or the "Rivers of living Water" was given 47 days later on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4).
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for?
The Christian can receive salvation and still be powerless as the 120 were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for power to face the enemy and stand. Act 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Power filled disciple's prayer shook the house they were in and they spoke the word with power. Acts 4:31-33.
The disciples were fearful and timid and weak (they were cloistered behind locked doors [John 20:19] fearing the Jews retaliation) until they received the power of the Spirit, then their first act with power was the conversion of 3000 people at one time. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Going from timid believers who had walked with the Master to bold proclaimers of the Truth. They all were martyred but one. The baptism of the Holy Spirit made the difference!
How can we make the Great Commission effective?
The great commission is only effective when one has the Power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord taught the disciples for three years and then gave them the Holy Spirit. His last words to them were to be my witnesses Mat. 28:19-20 " Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. But wait for the power of the Spirit before you go Act 1:4-5 " And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Act 1:8-9 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."
Who is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
I remember when I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1972. The word then was, "It is not for today", and then later on it was, "It is only for a chosen few", and then later on it was, "You receive all the Holy Spirit you can receive at salvation". Of course all of these were not scriptural. We should always base our spiritual knowledge on the Word of God and not man. Today we are seeing that God didn't listen to these naysayers for millions are receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and turning the spiritual world upside down!
So... who is it for? Acts 2:38-39 "Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Luke 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"
Act 5:32. "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him."
We see here that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for obedient believers who ask for it, just like salvation. I was a believer and wanted the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but I had to get into the position of accepting anything the Lord had for me. Too many people want to put restrictions upon the Lord but the Lord says to be obedient!
What other identities does the Word of God give to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Called "the Baptism with the Holy Ghost" by John and Jesus: Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5.
Called "filled with the Holy Ghost" Acts 2:4; 9:17.
Called "received the Holy Ghost" Acts 8:17.
Called "Holy Ghost fell on them" Acts 10:44-47.
Called "came upon hem" Acts 19:6.
Called "fell on them as on us at the beginning" Acts 11:15-16.
Called "the like gift as He did unto us" Acts 11:17.
Called "Pouring out of His Spirit Acts 2:14-20.
Is it important?
Jesus commanded them to tarry or wait for it. Acts 1:4
The Elders at Jerusalem sent Peter and John 42 miles on foot to Samaria to pray for new converts to receive it: Acts 8:14-15
God sent Peter over 40 miles from Joppa to Caesarea to pray for the Gentiles to receive it: Acts 10:23; 44-45.
God sent Annanias to a hated Pharisee to receive it: Acts 9:10-17
Exploding commonly held myths concerning the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Myth One: "You always get it at conversion according to 1 Cor. 12:13".
Exploded! : 1 Cor 12:13 is not talking about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Watch it closely. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." When we are baptized in water we become "one" with the water and when we are Baptized into Jesus we become "one" with Jesus. This is salvation!
Myth Two: "The Church was born at Pentecost for the Spirit had not been given before then".
Exploded!: The Holy was given on the day of the resurrection in the upper room to the one hundred and twenty. John. 20:22 "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost": The breath of God is the Spirit of God. The one hundred and twenty were made spiritually alive that day! This was the first instance of Salvation by Christ, they were made new creatures in Christ, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new". 2 Cor 5:17, as when God breathed life into Adam Gen. 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul", or when God breathed life into the dry bones Eze. 37:9 "Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they
may live".
Myth Three: "If God wants me to have it, He will give it to me".
EXPLODED: He gives the Holy Spirit as He gives any other gift, by asking in faith. Rom. 3:22; "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:13.
Myth Four: "It is a second work of grace or a second experience".
EXPLODED!: It can come at salvation Acts 10:44 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word", but most often after we learn about it, then ask for it. Acts 2:4; Acts 8:12-17; Acts 9:16-18; Acts 19:1-6; Luke 1:15 with Mat. 3:11-14.
Myth Five: "It is only for a select group that the Lord chooses".
EXPLODED!: Acts 2:39 "For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call". It is for all of God's children which included Mary, the mother of Jesus, Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren", also Barnabas and Matthias Acts 1:21-23 and many more.
Myth Six: "You receive all the Holy Spirit you can receive at salvation, you can't receive different portions of the Spirit".
EXPLODED!:
1. Mosaic portion: Num. 11:17.
2. Mosaic portion was divided into seventy portions: Num 11:16-17, 25-29 "And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spoke unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders..."
3. Elijah portion: 2 Kings 2:9 "And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me".
4. Elijah's double portion on Elisha: 2 Kings 2:9-10.
5. Elijah portion on John the Baptist Luke 1:15-17 "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah".
6)The Spirit given without measure given to Jesus Christ Joh 3:34 "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him".
7) Baptismal measure: Mat 3:11, 20:22-23; Luke 3:16,24, 49; Act 2,8,9,10 & 19; Gal 3:14.
God commands and expects it from us.
a. Eph 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit";
b. Mar 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe..."
Conclusion:
Jesus' baptism in the Spirit, when the dove landed on Him, was His kingly coronation to begin His reign as King and Priest. When we are baptized in the Spirit, we share the kingly anointing oil of King Jesus to reign with Him in this life 2 Ti 2:12; Rev 20:6. The baptism in the Spirit is the anointing for kingship. It is the King's ultimate badge of authority.
The Need for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Let us go on to maturity, and this we will do if God permits. Heb 6:1-3 "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto maturity; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit".
In this section we will discuss the doctrine of baptisms.
A) Baptism into the body of Christ (Into Jesus). This is Salvation 1 Cor. 12:13
B) Baptism into water. (Putting off the flesh Col. 2:11)
C) Baptism into the Holy Spirit. (Anointing of Power Acts 2:4)
1) Baptism into the body of Christ. (Salvation)
Q. Who is doing the baptizing?
A. Holy Spirit.
a) "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body". 1Cor. 12:13
b) "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on (one with) Christ" Gal 3:27.
c) "For there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Eph. 4:5. This is the baptism into Christ where you become one with the body of Christ (born again). Without this one all others are meaningless 1 Cor. 12:13.
d) "We now, being His body, (Eph 1:22-23) have the Spirit dwelling in us". 1 Cor. 3:16
2) Baptism into water. Mat. 28:19.
Q. Who is doing the baptizing?
A. The Minister
3) Baptism into the Holy Spirit. Luke. 3:16; John 1:33.
Q. Who is doing the baptizing?
A. Jesus.
a)These three make up the kingdom of God. In order to enter the kingdom of God you must be baptized into His body, into water, into the Spirit.
WAIT A MINUTE! In order to go to heaven you only need to be born again! True, but to enter the kingdom of God you must have all three. Did you know there was a difference in the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God? The kingdom of heaven is exactly that, in the heavens starting with the air we breathe up to the third heaven. The kingdom of God is within you, Luke. 17:21 "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you".
Kingdom means dominion of a King. Now, can you start to get the picture as to why so many Christians profess Christ but do not have the King on His throne in their lives? They make Him savior (kingdom of heaven after they die) but don't make Him Lord (kingdom of God). They have no power to live the overcoming kingdom life.
Parable of kingdom entry.
a) Jesus spoke in parables. The disciples didn't understand, neither did the people. Why did He do it? Because it is for us to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Mat. 13;10-11 "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given..
b)In John 3:3,5 Nicodemus didn't understand what Jesus meant when He said, "Ye must be born again.". But look at verse v5... "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God".
c) Jesus set the example. He, of all people, knew what the requirements were to enter God's presence with power. He left us an example. He was born of the Spirit Mt. 1:20
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost, baptized in water by John the Baptist Mark 1:9-10 " And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan". Then anointed with power by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him". He did nothing for God until He took care of the essentials. Should we do less? Do you want to enter God's presence as He did?
d)Some might say, "I have done this but I have no power". I also say, some profess to KNOW Him but have no fruit! Make sure that what you have is real, not just because everyone else is doing it.
Types and Shadows:
a) Salvation is often referred to as: born again, repentance, and blood.
b)Water is mostly referred to as water, or Word.
c) At Pentecost Acts 2:37 they said... "What shall we do?" They didn't say "what shall we do to be saved?" In Acts 2:38 Peter answered and said "repent and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost".
d)Acts 8:5-17 says in verse 12, "They believed the things concerning the Kingdom of God". In verse 12 it also says "they were baptized". In verse 15 "they received the Holy Spirit".
e) Acts 19:1-5 says they believed, were baptized, were baptized in the Holy Spirit.
f) 1 John 5:8 says there are three that bear record in earth, the spirit, the water, and the blood The children of Israel displayed the same pattern:
Moses was a type of Christ.
a) They were symbolically saved by the blood that covered the entrance of their living place.
b)They were symbolically baptized in water when they passed through the red sea.
c) They were symbolically baptized in the Holy Spirit when the cloud descended upon them.
d)1 Cor. 10:1-2 says they were all baptized,
1. Into Moses (a type of deliverer or a type of Christ).
2. In the Red Sea (the water completely covered them as it does for us in baptism)
3. In the Cloud (the Spirit or Pnuema or breath is the Spirit of Christ. The vapor represented the Spirit) 1 Cor. 10:1-2 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea". "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come".
a) The Blood delivered them from Egypt (the world). The water separated them from the world and they entered into the wilderness. The cloud allowed them to make it through the wilderness.
Abraham followed the same pattern:
a) Believed God Gen. 15:6 "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness".
b)Baptized Gen. Gen. 17:11 "And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you". Circumcision was to the Jew what Baptism is to the Christian Col. 2:11-12. "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead". It showed he had cut covenant with God. If the Jew was not circumcised he couldn't be a Jew.
c) Received the Holy Spirit Gen. 17:5. "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee". "Gen 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be". God added the "H" to his and Sarah's names the "H" is ha or breath of God ie: Spirit of God. (The Jews do not even write or speak the name of God out of respect. They believe it is too holy for mere mortal man to do so, so, they just use the breath sound ha).
When we learn something from God we are expected to live out what we have learned. Do what God tells you to do and watch the difference in your life.
Our Example:
1 Cor 10:6,11 is to be baptized into Jesus, water, and Spirit.
I am undertaking the writing of this lesson to try to clear up certain misconceptions about the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. Having come from a background that didn't believe it existed today, I learned the ways of the "learned" and discounted it.
After God took me to a place where I was willing to learn anything He had for me then the Truth of scripture started opening up. We all must keep an open mind for the Lord to be able to fill it. The Bible says to "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed by rightly dividing the Word of Truth". 2 Tim. 2:15.
As you read the material presented here ask God to reveal the Truth. The Holy Spirit will lead you into all understanding of God's heart and mind. After all, isn't this where we all want to be?
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
The words Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are interchangeable in the Bible. The word in Hebrew is ruach (roo`-akh) and in the Greek it is: pneuma (pnyoo'-mah) The words mean the same thing.
When was the Baptism in/of the Holy Spirit first mentioned in prophecy?
Joel 2:28-32. "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh..." This prophecy was quoted on the day of Pentecost by Peter Acts 2:14-21 showing that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was being poured out.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is mentioned three times in the four Gospels:
Mat 3:11 "I John indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire". (Also in Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16). At this point we must understand that it was Jesus doing the baptizing.
John needed the Holy Spirit Baptism from Jesus even though he was a powerful preacher Mat 3:14 for he said to Jesus "I have need to be baptized of thee". Many construe this to mean that he felt so unworthy that he should baptize the Master, but, he had just said that Jesus baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Jesus called it the promise of the Father in Act 1:4 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father which, saith he, ye have heard of me".
He is speaking this to the 120 who had already received the indwelling Holy Spirit in John 20:19-22, "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:" At this point the disciples were Christians for they had the Holy Spirit within them Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Act 1:5 Jesus is speaking to the same people that He had breathed on, "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) not many days hence".
Luke 24:49: "And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high". This power is dunamis (doo'-nam-is) specifically, miraculous power: ability, abundance, meaning, might.
John 7:38-39 "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified." The Spirit was given on the day of the resurrection after that Jesus had been glorified (John 20:22) but the Power of the Spirit or the "Rivers of living Water" was given 47 days later on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4).
What is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for?
The Christian can receive salvation and still be powerless as the 120 were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for power to face the enemy and stand. Act 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Power filled disciple's prayer shook the house they were in and they spoke the word with power. Acts 4:31-33.
The disciples were fearful and timid and weak (they were cloistered behind locked doors [John 20:19] fearing the Jews retaliation) until they received the power of the Spirit, then their first act with power was the conversion of 3000 people at one time. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:41. "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Going from timid believers who had walked with the Master to bold proclaimers of the Truth. They all were martyred but one. The baptism of the Holy Spirit made the difference!
How can we make the Great Commission effective?
The great commission is only effective when one has the Power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord taught the disciples for three years and then gave them the Holy Spirit. His last words to them were to be my witnesses Mat. 28:19-20 " Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. But wait for the power of the Spirit before you go Act 1:4-5 " And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Act 1:8-9 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."
Who is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
I remember when I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in 1972. The word then was, "It is not for today", and then later on it was, "It is only for a chosen few", and then later on it was, "You receive all the Holy Spirit you can receive at salvation". Of course all of these were not scriptural. We should always base our spiritual knowledge on the Word of God and not man. Today we are seeing that God didn't listen to these naysayers for millions are receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and turning the spiritual world upside down!
So... who is it for? Acts 2:38-39 "Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Luke 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?"
Act 5:32. "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him."
We see here that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for obedient believers who ask for it, just like salvation. I was a believer and wanted the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but I had to get into the position of accepting anything the Lord had for me. Too many people want to put restrictions upon the Lord but the Lord says to be obedient!
What other identities does the Word of God give to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Called "the Baptism with the Holy Ghost" by John and Jesus: Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5.
Called "filled with the Holy Ghost" Acts 2:4; 9:17.
Called "received the Holy Ghost" Acts 8:17.
Called "Holy Ghost fell on them" Acts 10:44-47.
Called "came upon hem" Acts 19:6.
Called "fell on them as on us at the beginning" Acts 11:15-16.
Called "the like gift as He did unto us" Acts 11:17.
Called "Pouring out of His Spirit Acts 2:14-20.
Is it important?
Jesus commanded them to tarry or wait for it. Acts 1:4
The Elders at Jerusalem sent Peter and John 42 miles on foot to Samaria to pray for new converts to receive it: Acts 8:14-15
God sent Peter over 40 miles from Joppa to Caesarea to pray for the Gentiles to receive it: Acts 10:23; 44-45.
God sent Annanias to a hated Pharisee to receive it: Acts 9:10-17
Exploding commonly held myths concerning the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Myth One: "You always get it at conversion according to 1 Cor. 12:13".
Exploded! : 1 Cor 12:13 is not talking about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Watch it closely. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." When we are baptized in water we become "one" with the water and when we are Baptized into Jesus we become "one" with Jesus. This is salvation!
Myth Two: "The Church was born at Pentecost for the Spirit had not been given before then".
Exploded!: The Holy was given on the day of the resurrection in the upper room to the one hundred and twenty. John. 20:22 "And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost": The breath of God is the Spirit of God. The one hundred and twenty were made spiritually alive that day! This was the first instance of Salvation by Christ, they were made new creatures in Christ, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new". 2 Cor 5:17, as when God breathed life into Adam Gen. 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul", or when God breathed life into the dry bones Eze. 37:9 "Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they
may live".
Myth Three: "If God wants me to have it, He will give it to me".
EXPLODED: He gives the Holy Spirit as He gives any other gift, by asking in faith. Rom. 3:22; "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Luke 11:13.
Myth Four: "It is a second work of grace or a second experience".
EXPLODED!: It can come at salvation Acts 10:44 "While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word", but most often after we learn about it, then ask for it. Acts 2:4; Acts 8:12-17; Acts 9:16-18; Acts 19:1-6; Luke 1:15 with Mat. 3:11-14.
Myth Five: "It is only for a select group that the Lord chooses".
EXPLODED!: Acts 2:39 "For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call". It is for all of God's children which included Mary, the mother of Jesus, Acts 1:14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren", also Barnabas and Matthias Acts 1:21-23 and many more.
Myth Six: "You receive all the Holy Spirit you can receive at salvation, you can't receive different portions of the Spirit".
EXPLODED!:
1. Mosaic portion: Num. 11:17.
2. Mosaic portion was divided into seventy portions: Num 11:16-17, 25-29 "And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spoke unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders..."
3. Elijah portion: 2 Kings 2:9 "And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me".
4. Elijah's double portion on Elisha: 2 Kings 2:9-10.
5. Elijah portion on John the Baptist Luke 1:15-17 "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah".
6)The Spirit given without measure given to Jesus Christ Joh 3:34 "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him".
7) Baptismal measure: Mat 3:11, 20:22-23; Luke 3:16,24, 49; Act 2,8,9,10 & 19; Gal 3:14.
God commands and expects it from us.
a. Eph 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit";
b. Mar 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe..."
Conclusion:
Jesus' baptism in the Spirit, when the dove landed on Him, was His kingly coronation to begin His reign as King and Priest. When we are baptized in the Spirit, we share the kingly anointing oil of King Jesus to reign with Him in this life 2 Ti 2:12; Rev 20:6. The baptism in the Spirit is the anointing for kingship. It is the King's ultimate badge of authority.
The Need for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Let us go on to maturity, and this we will do if God permits. Heb 6:1-3 "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto maturity; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit".
In this section we will discuss the doctrine of baptisms.
A) Baptism into the body of Christ (Into Jesus). This is Salvation 1 Cor. 12:13
B) Baptism into water. (Putting off the flesh Col. 2:11)
C) Baptism into the Holy Spirit. (Anointing of Power Acts 2:4)
1) Baptism into the body of Christ. (Salvation)
Q. Who is doing the baptizing?
A. Holy Spirit.
a) "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body". 1Cor. 12:13
b) "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on (one with) Christ" Gal 3:27.
c) "For there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism" Eph. 4:5. This is the baptism into Christ where you become one with the body of Christ (born again). Without this one all others are meaningless 1 Cor. 12:13.
d) "We now, being His body, (Eph 1:22-23) have the Spirit dwelling in us". 1 Cor. 3:16
2) Baptism into water. Mat. 28:19.
Q. Who is doing the baptizing?
A. The Minister
3) Baptism into the Holy Spirit. Luke. 3:16; John 1:33.
Q. Who is doing the baptizing?
A. Jesus.
a)These three make up the kingdom of God. In order to enter the kingdom of God you must be baptized into His body, into water, into the Spirit.
WAIT A MINUTE! In order to go to heaven you only need to be born again! True, but to enter the kingdom of God you must have all three. Did you know there was a difference in the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God? The kingdom of heaven is exactly that, in the heavens starting with the air we breathe up to the third heaven. The kingdom of God is within you, Luke. 17:21 "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you".
Kingdom means dominion of a King. Now, can you start to get the picture as to why so many Christians profess Christ but do not have the King on His throne in their lives? They make Him savior (kingdom of heaven after they die) but don't make Him Lord (kingdom of God). They have no power to live the overcoming kingdom life.
Parable of kingdom entry.
a) Jesus spoke in parables. The disciples didn't understand, neither did the people. Why did He do it? Because it is for us to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. Mat. 13;10-11 "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given..
b)In John 3:3,5 Nicodemus didn't understand what Jesus meant when He said, "Ye must be born again.". But look at verse v5... "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God".
c) Jesus set the example. He, of all people, knew what the requirements were to enter God's presence with power. He left us an example. He was born of the Spirit Mt. 1:20
"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost, baptized in water by John the Baptist Mark 1:9-10 " And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan". Then anointed with power by the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him". He did nothing for God until He took care of the essentials. Should we do less? Do you want to enter God's presence as He did?
d)Some might say, "I have done this but I have no power". I also say, some profess to KNOW Him but have no fruit! Make sure that what you have is real, not just because everyone else is doing it.
Types and Shadows:
a) Salvation is often referred to as: born again, repentance, and blood.
b)Water is mostly referred to as water, or Word.
c) At Pentecost Acts 2:37 they said... "What shall we do?" They didn't say "what shall we do to be saved?" In Acts 2:38 Peter answered and said "repent and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost".
d)Acts 8:5-17 says in verse 12, "They believed the things concerning the Kingdom of God". In verse 12 it also says "they were baptized". In verse 15 "they received the Holy Spirit".
e) Acts 19:1-5 says they believed, were baptized, were baptized in the Holy Spirit.
f) 1 John 5:8 says there are three that bear record in earth, the spirit, the water, and the blood The children of Israel displayed the same pattern:
Moses was a type of Christ.
a) They were symbolically saved by the blood that covered the entrance of their living place.
b)They were symbolically baptized in water when they passed through the red sea.
c) They were symbolically baptized in the Holy Spirit when the cloud descended upon them.
d)1 Cor. 10:1-2 says they were all baptized,
1. Into Moses (a type of deliverer or a type of Christ).
2. In the Red Sea (the water completely covered them as it does for us in baptism)
3. In the Cloud (the Spirit or Pnuema or breath is the Spirit of Christ. The vapor represented the Spirit) 1 Cor. 10:1-2 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea". "Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come".
a) The Blood delivered them from Egypt (the world). The water separated them from the world and they entered into the wilderness. The cloud allowed them to make it through the wilderness.
Abraham followed the same pattern:
a) Believed God Gen. 15:6 "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness".
b)Baptized Gen. Gen. 17:11 "And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant between me and you". Circumcision was to the Jew what Baptism is to the Christian Col. 2:11-12. "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead". It showed he had cut covenant with God. If the Jew was not circumcised he couldn't be a Jew.
c) Received the Holy Spirit Gen. 17:5. "Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee". "Gen 17:15 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be". God added the "H" to his and Sarah's names the "H" is ha or breath of God ie: Spirit of God. (The Jews do not even write or speak the name of God out of respect. They believe it is too holy for mere mortal man to do so, so, they just use the breath sound ha).
When we learn something from God we are expected to live out what we have learned. Do what God tells you to do and watch the difference in your life.
Our Example:
1 Cor 10:6,11 is to be baptized into Jesus, water, and Spirit.