THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Understanding the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: A Foundational Teaching
Pentecost Sunday reminds us of one of the most important yet often misunderstood aspects of Christian faith - the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This foundational teaching is essential for believers who want to experience the fullness of what God has for them.
Why Is There So Much Division About the Holy Spirit?
When you see significant division in the body of Christ around a particular topic, you can be certain it's an area of great importance. The enemy doesn't want us united in our understanding of the Holy Spirit because unity around the Spirit brings power.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room when they were united in prayer and obedience to Jesus. This unity preceded the outpouring of power that changed the world. The enemy's strategy is to divide believers on crucial matters, and few topics create more division than teachings about the Holy Spirit.
The Elementary Principles Every Christian Should Know
In Hebrews 6:1, the writer urges believers to move beyond basic teachings and become mature in their understanding. But what are these basic teachings that form our foundation?
The writer lists six elementary principles:
1. Repentance from dead works - True repentance means turning completely from self-worship to God-worship
2. Faith toward God - Placing our complete trust in God rather than ourselves
3. The doctrine of baptisms (plural) - Understanding the different baptisms mentioned in Scripture
4. Laying on of hands - A biblical practice for healing, impartation, and blessing
5. Resurrection of the dead - Understanding what happens after death
6. Eternal judgment - Recognizing we will all face judgment
These are the foundational teachings every Christian should understand before attempting to go deeper in their faith.
What Are the Five Baptisms in Scripture?
The word "baptism" (baptizo in Greek) means to immerse, submerge, or overwhelm. Scripture mentions five distinct baptisms:
1. Baptism of repentance - John the Baptist's baptism, representing complete immersion in repentance
2. Baptism into the body of Christ - When we are saved, we are fully immersed into Christ's body
3. Water baptism - The public declaration of our faith, identifying with Christ's death and resurrection
4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Being completely immersed in and empowered by the Holy Spirit
5. Baptism of fire/suffering - The refining process that matures us in Christ
Each baptism represents a complete immersion, not a partial experience.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is not an "it" but a person - the third person of the Trinity. While the Trinity can be difficult to fully comprehend (if we could fully understand God, we would be God), we must recognize the Holy Spirit as God Himself.
Jesus called the Holy Spirit our "Helper" (John 14:15-18), who would abide with us forever. The Holy Spirit is our advocate who desires intimate fellowship with us. In 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul refers to "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit," using the Greek word "koinonia," which implies deep intimacy and communion.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit's Power
In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus commanded His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they received the promised gift - the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He told them: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere."
This promise wasn't just for the original disciples but for all believers. We need the Holy Spirit's power to effectively build God's church and fulfill our calling.
The Difference Between Indwelling and Baptism
When you are saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside you. Your spirit is regenerated, and you become alive in Christ. The Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and guides you.
However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is different - it's being completely immersed in the Spirit. Rather than just having the Spirit in you, you are in the Spirit. This represents a complete surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to flow through you with power and anointing.
In Acts 19:1-7, Paul encountered believers who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. He asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" When they said no, Paul laid hands on them, "the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."
How Do You Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus made it clear in Luke 11:9-13 that receiving the Holy Spirit is as simple as asking:
"So I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for... how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"
Some people haven't received the baptism of the Holy Spirit simply because they haven't asked for it. Others hold back out of fear - fear of receiving "another spirit" or fear of appearing strange.
But Jesus assures us that if we ask the Father for the Holy Spirit, He won't give us anything harmful. The Father gives good gifts to His children.
Life Application
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an optional add-on to your Christian life but a foundational element that empowers you to live beyond your natural abilities. Here are some practical steps to take:
1. Examine your understanding: Have you been taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was only for the early church? Or have negative experiences made you hesitant? Ask God to give you clarity through His Word.
2. Read through the Book of Acts: See how the early believers relied completely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, power, and effectiveness in ministry.
3. Ask with childlike faith: Come to God with simple trust, asking Him to fill you with His Spirit. You don't need a special ceremony - just knock, seek, and ask.
4. Surrender completely: The baptism of the Holy Spirit requires letting go of control and fully surrendering to God's purposes.
5. Stir up the gift: If you've received the baptism of the Holy Spirit but have neglected this gift, it's time to stir it up again (2 Timothy 1:6).
Questions to Consider:
• Have I received all that God has for me, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
• What fears or misconceptions might be holding me back from experiencing the fullness of the Spirit?
• Am I trying to accomplish God's purposes through my own strength rather than through His power?
• How might my effectiveness in sharing Christ be different if I were fully empowered by the Holy Spirit?
God wants to fill you with His Spirit not to make you weird, but to make you powerful - powerful in love, powerful in witness, and powerful in advancing His kingdom. Will you ask Him today?