The Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and why you need it

It seems that many of the theological issues that we face in our modern church world tend to be somewhat controversial. The doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is no different. Some choose to ignore it, some misunderstand it, others deny it exists altogether. As I have said before, I am not the final authority on this subject, but the scriptures do have quite a bit to say about the matter. First of all, let's establish the fact that the baptism with the Holy Ghost is indeed a biblical doctrine.

Matthew 3:11 I 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

Mark . 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire

John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Here, we can clearly see from all four gospels, as well as the book of Acts, that the doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is not only biblical, but vitally important. It is interesting that this doctrine is introduced very early on in each of the gospel accounts, as well as early in the book of Acts.

What is the baptism of the Holy Ghost?

Ok, we've established that the scriptures tell us there is a baptism of the Holy Ghost, but what exactly is it? Well, I'll let the scriptures speak for themselves on the matter:

Acts 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth

First, let's take a look at the definition for the word "baptism" and that will help us gain a better understanding.:

From the Strong's Concordance:

Definition Baptize-transliterated "Baptizo" Strong's number 907

1.to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)

2.to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe

3.to overwhelm

To be baptized with the Holy Ghost, is to be completely "submerged" in Him. I especially like the rendering of the 3rd definition-"to overwhelm."

This baptism (according to Acts 1:8) is for empowerment for Christian living and service. It empowers us to live a holy life (as we are commanded to do), and gives us an annointing to be a witness for Jesus like never before (as we are also commanded to preach the gospel to every creature).

Common misconceptions about this baptism of the Holy Ghost

Some of the most common misconceptions or misunderstandings about the Holy Ghost are:
"I thought I received everything when I got saved"

"Who can receive this baptism?"

"How do I know if I've got it or not?"

"Why should I even concern myself with the topic?"

I'll try to tackle these issues to the best of my knowledge, admitting that I have not arrived myself! Probably the most common misconception is the first one mentioned. Many people believe they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost when they became a Christian. Now, first and foremost, I do not want to under-emphasize or belittle the salvation experience in any shape, form, or fashion. The new birth is in itself a true miracle, when God literally translates us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son. Salvation however, is merely the first step in the Christian experience. We must do as Peter admonished us to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ", (II Peter 3:18)

I know that my opinions on the subject should not be the basis for true doctrine, so let's examine this further in the light of scripture.

John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 7:39 (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.)

********Please take note of a few things about this passage. First, note that Christ said the phrase "he that believeth on me." This automatically disqualifies the unregenerated man. The infilling of the Holy Ghost is reserved for him/her that "believeth" (notice it doesn't say will believe or believed, but the active tense believeth-literally one who is currently believing). Next notice that in verse 39 it says again that "they that believe on Him" SHOULD receive this empowerment. Jesus made this statement prior to his ascension, but He is now glorified and therefore this command is now in full effect!

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you

******A few things to note about this passage as well. I believe that a clean heart is essential to being filled with the Holy Ghost. Verse 15 further solidifies this notion, because he says that the believer should be keeping His commandments (it is unlikely that non-followers of Jesus would be keeping His commandments in the first place). Then, he states that he would give "another" comforter (in addition) to abide with us. Now the key is in verse 17. Notice that the "world" cannot receive the Spirit baptism. Only the believer can receive the baptism because He (the Holy Ghost) is already "in" them.

Now we know, that the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. But they were already His believers and had received salvation prior to that. Take a look at this passage in John's gospel after the resurrection of Christ.

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 20:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained

At that point, the disciples received their new birth. Just as Adam had received the breath of God when he was created in the garden. Jesus breathed the breath of the Holy Ghost into these disciples......only this time, it was a "new man" being created! This can be further demonstrated by the fact that they were referred to right after that as "children."

John .21:5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.

I won't list all the verses that call Christians the "children of God", but needless to say, they are quite numerous.

Acts 2:38 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.

Again, this shows that the "gift" of the Holy Ghost, is given to those who have alreadyput their faith in Jesus Christ, and repented of their sins. (hence the phrase "ye shall" which indicates a future tense). One thing I would say at this point however, is that God is sovereign, and He, according to His own plans and purposes could baptize someone with the Holy Ghost right after their conversion, though that is probably not the norm.

Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 8:17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost

**Well, you probably already know where I 'm going with this, but let's look at it anyway. Note first that these folks in Samaria had "received" the word of God. These were believers and not unbelievers. And yet we read in verses 15 & 16 that the Holy Ghost had not "fallen upon" them yet, only they had been baptized in water. Perhaps now would be a good time to review the distinction between the Holy Ghost being "in" us and "upon" us. These are completely different terms. When you get in the shower, the water is "upon" you, but not in you right? Just like when you drink a glass of water it is "in" you, but you usually try not to get it "upon" you. I know that may seem like a silly illustration, but it does make the point. The same is true of the Holy Ghost. The scriptures do make a distinction:

Romans 8: 9But 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. 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you

Colossians .1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you

I Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

I Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

I think you're probably getting the picture. Let's look at some "upon" verses now.

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.

Acts . 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth

Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied

Now these are just a few examples of the distinction made between the Holy Ghost coming "in" and "upon" believers. The scriptures are very precise about everything. Nothing is left to chance by the Holy Spirit. There is a reason why different terminology is used in different instances. God knows the difference between "in" and "upon." He means what He says, and says what He means.

Now, I digressed just a bit (but not completely off topic) to show you the differences of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Now let's look at some more examples of "believers" receiving the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Now Saul (whom we now know as apostle Paul) was converted on the Damascus road. We can logically infer this also because Ananias greets him as "brother" Saul in the above verse. It is important to see however, that even though Brother Saul was a believer in Christ (and what a grand conversion he had indeed!), he still needed to be filled with the Holy Ghost.

(An interesting side note about this Saul/Paul scenario is that he is called Paul after it says he was filled with the Holy Ghost)

Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him

I consider this to be one of the most definitive passages on the baptism of the Holy Ghost being for believers.

Acts 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

First your attention should be drawn to the fact that these were "disciples" or followers of Christ. Remember it was Jesus himself who gave the qualifications for discipleship:

Luke 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Next, Paul asks them clearly if they had received the Holy Ghost "since they believed", which further indicates that these were believers. Finally, notice that the scriptures said the Holy Ghost "came on" (remember our previous discussion about "in" and "on") them when Paul laid his hands on them. If someone says these disciples just got born-again, then we have a problem. According to that line of thinking, Paul was able to save people by laying on of hands. Of course, we know that salvation cannot be imparted by the laying on of hands. So obviously, this experience they had was distinct from their salvation experience.

How do I know if I've received this baptism?

Well, there are plenty of opinions on this, and lots of debating. I believe that we should use the scriptures as examples to form our doctrines, rather than experiences or feelings. I am of the persuasion that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is evidenced (at least initially) with speaking in tongues. Now, I know some of you are ready to throw a scripture at me, so let me do it for you, and then we'll take a look at it. :

I Corinthians 12:30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way

While it is true, that all may not have the "gift" of speaking in tongues, I do believe that we can safely find in scripture that this is a common initial manifestation of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. So let's go to the bible and see for ourselves.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues

Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance

Acts. 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

***I would like to place an important note here. When the disciples were gathered together in the upper room on Pentecost Sunday, they were not there "seeking" tongues. I doubt if they had any idea at all, that they would be speaking in tongues. I think much confusion exists because people are seeking the tongues rather than the baptizer (who is Jesus Himself).***

This all sounds so controversial, why should I even concern myself with it?

Well, I could give you several answers to that, but the best one is "because God told us to!"

I think sometimes we are confused because we live under the New Covenant, and we tend to think there are no absolutes like the 10 commandments to follow. While it's true, we live in the dispensation of grace, there are imperative verses in the New Testament, which in essence, are commands! Let's take a look at just a few:

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 was not a suggestion, it was a command. We know that because later on in Acts we read:

Acts 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. 1:5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence

Now of course we don't have to "tarry at Jerusalem", but the principle is the same. Remember these disciples receive the commission to "go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature", BUT they were NOT to begin their public ministry UNTIL they had been baptized with the Holy Ghost. If it was good enough for them who had actually seen the LORD, how much more for us who are at the end of the age!

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

I wish that I didn't even have to include this section in the article. But I would not be a good servant of Jesus Christ if I left this part out.

Many people are not really ignorant of this doctrine at all. Because the issue of speaking in tongues is involved, many shy away from this altogether because they are ashamed to be lumped with the "holy rollers" and other nasty labels that are sometimes assigned to full-gospel believers. These same people are not ashamed of Jesus himself usually, but they are ashamed of His words. Remember: the doctrine of the Holy Ghost baptism was taught by Jesus as well as the apostles. Not only should we not be ashamed of Him, but we have no need to be ashamed of His words either.

Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels

How do I receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost

Well, depending on who you ask, you could receive thousands of different answers. As I stated earlier, the Word of God (and not me) is the final authority. I will however, offer my best advice based on the scriptures.

First, we have established that you must be a believer in Jesus Christ. (For space and time's sake I won't quote all the verses again, but refer to the scriptures posted above concerning this topic.)

Realize that God wants you to receive the Holy Ghost, and that it is a promise unto you.

Acts 2:38 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. 2:39 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

And a promise from God cannot be broken!

II Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Do your best to have a clean heart before the LORD. Obey His commands and repent of any known sin.

Acts. 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.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 14:16And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 14:17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you

The Holy Ghost, is by His very nature, holy. Strive therefore to be holy, that he may completely empower and fill you.

Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved (see also Mark 2:22 and Luke 5:37-38)

II Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you

Stay in the Word of God, because we know that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) And faith is vitally important to receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost:

Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Now this might seem obvious, but the best way to receive the Holy Ghost is to persist in prayer with the Heavenly Father. Notice how Jesus instructs us to pray for the Holy Ghost:

Luke 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 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?

I love this verse in Jeremiah as well.

Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

It has been said that the Holy Spirit comes in on the wings of praise. I can't find a scripture that explicitly states that, but it sure seems like sound logic.

Psalm 148:14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord

Some final thoughts

I think it is a sad commentary that many people (ministers especially) have neglected this vital command of the LORD. In fact, this is one of the reasons for which Jesus gave His precious life.

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

Again, this study is not intended to make some believers feel superior to others, or conversely, to make some believers seem inferior to others. This has nothing to do with being better than anyone else. The scriptures clearly state that God is no respector of persons. What is at stake however, is what we do with the commandments that are placed before us. Do we choose to obey those things that we are comfortable with, and ignore those things that might be a little embarassing or that we feel may not apply to us? If we're going to follow Christ all the way, then we have to obey the "whole counsel of God", and not just our own concept of what's required of us. Remember that Jesus said "to whom much is given, much is required." We will all give account to Christ for the things that we have done in our bodies. I, for one, do not want to be held accountable for not obeying his commands to the best of my ability. My prayer for you is that you would be gloriously baptized with the Holy Ghost and that your cup would run over with the annointing of God! God bless you as you study His word, and feel free to email us here if you need prayer (just click on the "prayer" link below). I know I've quoted this verse several times in this study, but I want this to get down in your spirit. I'll leave you with these wonderful words:

Acts 2:38 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. 2:39 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.

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