Baptism with the Holy Spirit in the Bible

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

WHAT IS THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the moment when God dwells in us (Eph 2:22, John 14:24) as in His temple (I Cor 3:16, I Cor 6:19). Then we enter into a personal, close relationship with God. Receiving the Holy Spirit is the essence of conversion, salvation and the Gospel. The baptism of the Holy Ghost enables us to live in courage, power, and holiness.

DO WE NEED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is necessary for anyone who wants to follow God. This cannot be seen as a “bonus” or “add-on” to faith! The Bible says that whoever does not have the Holy Spirit does not belong to God, and that unless one is born again of the Spirit, he will not enter the Kingdom of God. Not every person has the Holy Spirit – “because they do”, “because they believe it”, “because they were baptized as a baby” “because they had confirmation” (cf. Acts 19:1-6, Acts 8:14-17). A creed or ordinance does not guarantee the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. The believer should not stop seeking to receive the Holy Spirit if he has not yet been baptized with it.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the receipt of the Holy Spirit.

Read verses:

Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." [John 3:5 ESV]

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [Romans 8:8-9 ESV]

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings,[a] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. [Hebrews 6:1-2 ESV]

John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [Luke 3:16 ESV]

DISCIPLES OF JESUS

Without Holy Spirit	With Holy Spirit
they left Jesus Peter renounced three times they were going fishing they wanted the death of their enemies they fought with the sword they did not understand the scriptures uneducated they didn't know what to do they knew the physical voice of Jesus	gave their lives for their faith endured persecution they went to preach the gospel they forgave their enemies they fought with spiritual weapons they understood the scriptures preaching with unsurpassed wisdom guided by God they knew the voice of the Holy Spirit

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD

Read verses:

for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, [Philippians 1:19 ESV]

inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. [1 Peter 1:11 ESV]

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” [John 4:24 KJV]

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. [2 Corinthians 3:17-18 ESV]

The baptism of the Holy Spirit significantly changes lives

A comparison of the lives of Jesus’ disciples before receiving the Holy Spirit and after receiving it shows a clear change that took place in them. Before the crucifixion they abandoned the Lord Jesus, Peter denied him. The disciples had wrong motives, lacked faith, and spiritual truths and scripture were hidden from them. Later, we see disciples who are courageous, radical, passionate, wise, understanding the scriptures and the will of God. Disciples full of love and forgiveness, led by the Holy Spirit and ready to die for their faith. According to tradition, as many as 11/12 apostles died a martyr’s death (they were crucified, sawn, stoned, hanged, flayed, beheaded, pierced).

POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Pharisees were educated, they knew languages, they knew the scriptures, they were fluent in speech, but that’s not what the Kingdom of God is about – it’s not a substitute for the Holy Spirit and it’s not equal to His leading.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
[Acts 4:13 ESV]

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
[Mark 1:22 ESV]

When led by the Holy Spirit, many signs and wonders can be experienced. The Pharisees, compared to the disciples of the Lord Jesus, did not walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. They did not see people healed, demons cast out, they did not prophesy, they did not speak new tongues. The Holy Spirit is needed to demonstrate the power of God. Many people can speak well and share knowledge, but the Holy Spirit is needed to reveal the power of God. The point is to walk and speak from the Spirit, not from the flesh.

and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
[1 Corinthians 2:4-5 KJV]

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.
[1 Corinthians 4:19-20 ESV]

THE DISCIPLES PREACHED THE GOSPEL IN POWER

Power of the Holy Spirit it is needed in the effective preaching of the Gospel. Jesus walked in power, the apostles walked in power. For gospels and the Book of Acts is a show of signs and wonders testifying to God’s Power. Signs and miracles served people – their healing and liberation, but they also instilled God’s fear towards repentance of sins and were the igniter of true, fervent faith in God.

Verses about the Gospel in Power

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17-18 ESV)

And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs. (Mark 16:20 ESV)

and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[c] but in the power of God. (1 Cor. 2:4-5 ESV)

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (1 Cor. 4:19-20 ESV)

he signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. (2 Cor. 12:12 ESV)

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (1 Thess. 1:5 ESV)

God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Heb 2:4 ESV)

Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” (John 4:48 ESV)

And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33 ESV)

And Stephen, full of [b]faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6:8 ESV)

having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Tim. 3:5 ESV)

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19 ESV)

And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (Ac 8:6-7 ESV)

Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. (Acts 15:12 ESV)

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, (Acts 19:11 ESV)

HOW GOD GIVEN THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE?

Because of prayer/asking/waiting (Acts 2:1-4; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 4:31)
By the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; Ac 19:6)
While listening to the Gospel (Acts 10:44)

THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
[Luke 4:18-19 KJV]

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
[Isaiah 11:2 ESV]

The same Holy Spirit guided the Lord Jesus and his disciples in the past and today. Believers baptized in the Holy Spirit continue the work of the Lord Jesus in spreading the Kingdom of God here on earth. The Holy Spirit anoints (equips) us for service, for the same purpose as the Lord Jesus.

The Holy Spirit guides the disciples of the Lord Jesus. He tells them what to do and what not to do. His guidance concerned their vocation, direction and everyday matters. The disciples of the Lord Jesus knew His Voice, they could distinguish when the Holy Spirit spoke to them and they did not hesitate to follow His guidance. [Learn more about leading the Holy Spirit]
The Holy Spirit adopts us as Children of God and certifies a new identity. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God [Rom 8:15-16 ESV]
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. It gives us a close relationship with God. “(…) even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ” (John 14:17-18 ESV)Helps us in our weaknesses.
The Holy Spirit teaches, recalls the Word of God, Testifies of the Lord Jesus “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)
The Holy Spirit tells the disciples the truth and things to come (John 16:13-14) In practice, he tells what is to happen, what will happen to the disciples – e.g. rejection and persecution, that the coming of the Lord is imminent, that something awaits us in the future, what is our vocation, etc.
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:. (John 16:8 ESV)
The Holy Spirit molds and changes disciples’ behavior, which begins to abound in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Holy Spirit confirms the Gospel with signs and wonders.
The Holy Spirit equips believers with gifts for building up the church and effectively preaching the Gospel in Power. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” [1 Corinthians 12:7-11 ESV]

BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BOOK OF ACTS

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
[Luke 3:21-22 ESV]

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness
[Luke 4:1 ESV]

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
[Acts 1:4-5 NKJV]

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing 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 upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[Acts 2:1-4 NKJV]

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
[Acts 2:38-39 NKJV]

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
[Acts 4:31 NKJV]

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
[Acts 8:14-17 NKJV]

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision 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 with 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?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
[Acts 10:44-48 NKJV]

And it happened, while Apollos 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 when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
[Acts 19:1-6 NKJV]

GIFT OF TONGUES

In three passages in Acts we see that the gift of tongues was the most common, visible sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. Read more about what the bible says about the gift of tongues!

CAN A BELIEVER NOT HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?

YES

And it happened, while Apollos 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 when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
[Acts 19:1-6 NKJV]

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Signs of the absence of the Holy Spirit in your life may be that: 1) you do not see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life. (Gal 5:22) 2) you do not see any manifestations of God’s power in your life 3) you have no desire to preach the gospel to another person 4) you are not willing to suffer for your faith 5) you have no desire to read the Bible 6) you do not understand God’s Word 7 ) you have no fear of sin 8) you do not experience “God’s voice” 9) you do not have the courage to do the things of God 10) other

* The lack of all this may also result from extinguishing the Spirit of God, lukewarmness, going into religion. Therefore, despite receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, we have to be filled up all the time.

Signs that can assure you that you have received the Holy Spirit:

You have been given the gift of tongues.
You have prophesied by the Holy Spirit and/or have begun to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. You have begun to experience the guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Lord has made you feel the Holy Spirit in a different way that you understand.
This has been confirmed by your or other believers’ spiritual discernment.

I DON'T HAVE OR I DON'T KNOW I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT - WHAT CAN I DO?

What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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!”
[Luke 11:11-13 ESV]

Go to the Lord Jesus asking for the Holy Spirit or confirmation that you are baptized with Him. Ask Him to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the gift of tongues or the gift of prophecy.
Go back to the basics of the gospel – faith, repentance, water baptism into the Lord Jesus. Because the promise is: repent and be baptized, and you will receive the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus requires following him 100%, readiness to endure persecution, choosing this path irrevocably, regardless of the cost. Have you overcome this decision barrier in your life? The Lord Jesus said that those who do not renounce everything are not worthy of Him, those who do not take up their cross and follow Him are not worthy of Him.
Ask other believers who have the Holy Spirit to pray for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecy. Let them lay hands on you and open yourself to the Holy Spirit.
Still nothing happens? Don’t blame yourself or get frustrated. Persevere and seek the Lord God with all your strength! God is not an algorithm or a machine, he has his ways and times that we often do not understand.