Definition: The "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" is understood to be a second baptism,

"in fire" or "power," spoken of by Jesus in Acts 1:8. Specifically, it refers to the
experience of believers on the Day of Pentecost described in the book of Acts
(Acts 2:4). The following verses provide evidence that the Baptism in the Holy
Spirit is a distinct and separate experience from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
that occurs at salvation: John 7:37-39; Acts 2:37-38; Acts 8:15-16; Acts 10:44-47.

Pentecostal Christians believe in the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit."

One of the best descriptions of what it means to receive the Baptism in the Holy
Spirit is this one by John Piper, found at Desiring God: "How to Receive the Gift
of the Holy Spirit".
Also Known As: Baptism of the Holy Spirit; Baptism in the Holy Ghost; Gift of the
Holy Spirit.
Examples:
Some Pentecostal denominations teach that speaking in tongues is the initial
evidence of
the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

This look at the person of the Holy Spirit is Part I of our topical Bible study series
on the Holy Spirit. In Part II, you will learn more about the divine works of the
Holy Spirit. The series is intended to simplify your study and help you better
understand what the Bible says about doctrines such as the Trinity, the Baptism
in the Holy Spirit, Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit, and other subjects related
to the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a Person

The Holy Spirit is included in the Trinity, which is made up of 3 distinct persons:
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The following verses give a beautiful
picture of the Trinity in the Bible:
Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus (the Son) was baptized, he went up out of the water. At
that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God (the Holy
Spirit) descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from
heaven (the Father) said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well
pleased." (NIV)
Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (NIV)
John 14:16-17
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be
with you forever-- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him,
 because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives
with you and will be in you. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (NIV)
Acts 2:32-33
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the
promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
(NIV)

The Holy Spirit has the Characteristics of Personality:

• The Holy Spirit has a Mind:

Romans 8:27
And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the
Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. (NIV)

• The Holy Spirit has a Will:

1 Corinthians 12:11
But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each
one individually just as He wills. (NASB)

• The Holy Spirit has Emotions:

The Holy Spirit grieves:

Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for
the day of redemption. (NIV)

Isaiah 63:10
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became
their enemy and he himself fought against them. (NIV)
The Holy Spirit gives joy:

Luke 10: 21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you,
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things
from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes,
Father, for this was your good pleasure." (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 1:6
You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering,
you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
He Teaches:
John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to
you. (NIV)

• He Testifies of Christ:
John 15:26
When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the
Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. (NIV)

• He Convicts:
John 16:8
When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt [Or will expose the guilt
of the world] in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: (NIV)

• He Leads:
Romans 8:14
Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (NIV)

• He Reveals Truth:
John 16:13
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He
will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell
you what is yet to come. (NIV)

• He Strengthens and Encourages:

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of
peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in
numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. (NIV)

• He Comforts:
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that
he may abide with you for ever; (KJV)

• He Helps Us in our Weakness:

Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know
what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with
groans that words cannot express. (NIV)

• He Intercedes:
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know
 what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with
groans that words cannot express. (NIV)

• He Searches the Deep Things of God:

1 Corinthians 2:11
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who
among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within
him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit
of God. (NIV)

• He Sanctifies:
Romans 15:16
To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of
proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an
offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

• He Bears Witness or Testifies:

Romans 8:16
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of
God: (KJV)

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. (NIV)

• He Forbids:
Acts 16:6-7
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and
Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the
province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to
enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. (NIV)

• He Can be Lied to:

Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that
you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the
money you received for the land? (NIV)

• He Can be Resisted:
Acts 7:51
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just
like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" (NIV)

• He Can be Blasphemed:
Matthew 12:31-32
And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the
blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a
 word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks
against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age
to come. (NIV)

• He Can be Quenched:
1 Thessalonians 5:19
Quench not the Spirit. (NKJV)

A New And Living Way

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into

the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and
living way, which he hath consecrated for us,
through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And
having an high priest over the house of God; Let
us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed with pure
water." (Heb 10:19-22)
Most students of the Bible believe Saint Paul is the author of the epistle to the
Hebrews. He taught about a "new and living way". Jesus taught that the baptism
in the Holy Spirit allows us to access the power to walk in that "new way".
Remember that one of the Holy Spirit's names is "the Spirit of Christ" (Rom. 8:9 1
Peter 1:11). It not only empowers us to be witnesses to Christ, but it releases the
Holy Spirit into a role that's never been possible before Pentecost. There are
many benefits to having the Holy Spirit live inside us. A person indwelled by the
Holy Spirit is in a totally different position than someone who isn't. This
represents the major difference between believers under the Old and New
Testaments. The differences between these two dispensations are not minor.
Some denominations only view the indwelling Spirit symbolically or allegorically.
This belief is the result of false teaching. Theologians that teach reformed
theology tend to hold this belief. They don't respect the tremendous
transformation that takes place when the Holy Spirit is released into a human life.

Saint Paul emphasized an important fact overlooked in these kinds of

discussions. When the Holy Spirit indwells a believer, He brings a whole new
system with him for relating with God. Paul calls this Divine system, "the things of
the Spirit". It should be self-evident that "the things of the Spirit" are spiritual. In
other words, they appear very unusual to our natural human way of thinking.
Actually, the word "unusual" isn't the correct word. Saint Paul tells us that the
"things of the Spirit" are foolishness to those who approach the kingdom of God
with natural thinking. They cannot be understood by such a person. The baptism
in the Holy Spirit and the spiritual "things" associated with it fall into this category.
"Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but
which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness
unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1
Cor 2:13-14)
If we consider Paul's words, we can understand why organized religion and those
trapped in its teachings choose to oppose the baptism in the Holy Spirit--and
spiritual things in general.

Intercessory Prayer--Our Powerful Partnership With The Holy Spirit

In his epistle to the Romans, Saint Paul reveals one of the benefits of the
indwelling Spirit:

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should
pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with
groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth
what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints
according to the will of God." (Rom 8:26-27)
Several facts are revealed by this passage:

 The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities (weaknesses)

 We don't always know what we should pray for as we should

 The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be
uttered with normal speech
 The Holy Spirit makes intercession for the saints according to the will of
God

Most of us pray by using our own native language and according to our own
natural human understanding concerning the things going on in the world around
us. Yet, when it comes to God's involvement with the affairs of the world, our
limited understanding is not enough. Saint Paul suggests that because of this
limitation, we don't always know what to pray for. How could we? The only way to
know how to pray correctly in every situation is to have unlimited knowledge. No
member of the human race has natural understanding that possesses unlimited
knowledge--unless you think you know it all. Yet, no matter how much we want to
believe this way (even with the resources of the Internet)--it isn't true. Yet, for the
believer who has released the Holy Spirit into their lives, this limitation is
removed.

Saint Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit (when we allow Him) will make intercession
FOR US "with groanings that cannot be uttered". So what does that mean? To
answer this question we need more insight into Paul's words. Sometimes we
have to look into the Greek language from which our English Bible translations
were taken. A Greek scholar by the name of P.C. Nelson gives us more
information. Nelson comments that the English translation of Romans 8:26 that
says "the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered" is more accurately recorded in the Greek, which says, "the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered in articulate
speech." This not only suggests that the Holy Spirit prays for us through simple
groanings, but also in a special language used by the Spirit that is not the same
as our normal articulate kind of speech. Furthermore, Nelson states that this
completely agrees with Saint Paul's teaching to the Corinthians concerning the
topic of speaking in tongues where he says:

"Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto
God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
(1 Cor 14:1-2)
If Nelson is right, then Paul is talking to the Corinthian believers about the same
operation of the Holy Spirit in intercessory prayer that he taught in his epistle to
the Romans. Because the Scriptures agree on these things--and because I've
seen the different inflections of the Greek that do not always carry over to the
various English translations--I believe Nelson is correct. Paul said to the
Corinthians, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men,
but unto God: for no man understandeth him." First, Paul said that speaking in
tongues is speaking to God. When we speak to God, we are praying. Paul then
tells us that "no man" understands those who speak in tongues in this area of
prayer. Paul didn't say that no man in the country would understand--he said no
man. This means that if you're a member of the human race, regardless of your
native language, you won't understand this kind of speech. When you put all
these things together; "tongues" is a unique language the Holy Spirit uses to
allow you to speak to God without anyone else having the ability to listen in. Our
military uses this method to communicate with troops in foreign lands and with
naval vessels at sea. It's called "encrypted" communication. It's meant to be
secret and private for reasons of national security. God's reason for using this
"spiritually encrypted" communication is for a similar purpose. Yet, remember
that God invented it before science did. It's hard for religious people to
understand, but God doesn't want some people who are allies of our enemy to
know what his plans are--so he keeps the prayer information encrypted.

I once heard the story of a church member who was criticizing speaking in
tongues as being unintelligible, useless nonsense. Another person walked up
during his tirade and said, "That's what you get for trying to open someone else's
mail". People who oppose speaking with tongues usually have no idea of the
facts. Most just parrot the criticism of their denomination or church group, which
is nothing more than a defense of a religious tradition, rather than the actual
teachings of the Bible.

You say this idea is far fetched? It probably seems that way for those who
approach the "things of the Spirit" with a natural mindset. Yet, the supernatural
things of the Spirit are the way God accomplishes His purposes. You can either
agree with Him, or walk away in disgust and miss out. I was faced with this
decision 33 years ago. Lots of religious folks walk away because they consider
themselves too rational to accept such nonsense. It appears as foolishness to
us--but it's wisdom to God.

Romans 8:26-27 reveals an important truth. If we understand how the Holy Spirit
operates, we can release Him in such a way that He will use us as a partner in
intercession that has full access to the unlimited knowledge of God. It's allowing
the Holy Spirit access to our mouths in intercession to pray perfectly according to
the will of God about things we could not possibly know. That's what makes it so
powerful. It is also, in my opinion, the reason our enemy is so determined to stop
believers from discovering the knowledge of this power. Ever notice how much of
organized religion is opposed to the message of the baptism in the Holy Spirit
and the topic of speaking in tongues? It's not as bad today as it was 30 years
ago. If critics can't defeat this truth using an honest exegesis of Scripture, they
resort to using demeaning terms and ridicule. Thirty years ago, it was a topic that
got you thrown out of some churches. Today, I believe more people have the
tools they need to do their own study and arrive at their own conclusions. If you
can shut out all the noise and misinformation, the Word of God has some very
interesting things to say.

Our discussion here about the role of the Holy Spirit in intercessory prayer brings
us into another area of controversy.

The Baptism In The Holy Spirit And Speaking In Tongues

I never try to force God's Word to fit some cherished denominational tradition or
belief. I study and report what God's Word teaches. I form my beliefs around
what I discover regardless of what my church or denomination teaches. That's
the way I approach this topic of tongues. In the previous section we learned that
speaking in tongues is a method the Holy Spirit uses in our intercessory prayer
life. The area of intercessory prayer is a diverse Biblical subject--and we only
covered a small section in this study. Yet, tongues serve another important
purpose. In the Bible, speaking in tongues is an indication or evidence that the
baptism in the Holy Spirit (or the gift of the Holy Spirit) has been received. Why
do I say this? Because nearly every time it's received, speaking in tongues
accompany it.
"And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto
them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were
all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard
the word. 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. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be
baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:44-47)

"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. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came
on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were
about twelve." (Acts 19:4-7)
We know the Corinthian church received the Holy Spirit under Paul's ministry.
We also know that Paul gave them instructions concerning the use of tongues in
their public meetings because they were misusing the gift. You can read about it
in 1 Cor. Chapters 12 through 14. From Paul's writings we know that the
Corinthian congregation had the spiritual gift of tongues in operation. We also
know that the apostle Paul himself was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17)
because he later said to the Corinthian's that he spoke in tongues more than all
of them (1 Cor. 14:18). We know that all of Christ's disciples (assembled with the
120) on the day of Pentecost spoke in tongues--because the Bible says they ALL
did (Acts 2:4).

These are known examples from Scripture. Yet, it's impossible to make an
airtight argument on this point. Can a case be made where the Holy Spirit is
received without speaking in tongues? Yes, I believe a weak case can be made.
But, the argument will be based on speculation rather than hard Scriptural facts.
This study is based on honesty. I choose not to use worldly persuasive speech
tactics in my presentation. I'm making the assumption that the reader needs
information to make up his or her mind about this topic. I have nothing to lose if
you choose to disagree with me. That's your choice. Yet, if you're someone who's
desperately looking for a way to discredit or disprove speaking in tongues as
evidence that accompanies the infilling with the Holy Spirit--you will find a way.
There are lots of persuasive methods available. Why do I say that? Once again, I
want to draw our attention back to the words of Saint Paul who said that the
things of the Spirit are foolishness (offensive to our natural way of thinking). I've
found that the things of the Spirit are also offensive to those who revere religious
tradition more than the Word of God. Paul said that the "things of the Spirit" can't
be understood through natural thinking. That makes this whole study an exercise
in futility if my goal is to provide an airtight intellectual defense. If we could
intellectually make people understand spiritual things that Paul said couldn't be
understood through natural processes--Paul lied about it. I'm convinced that
unless God's Holy Spirit is opening this subject up for you to understand, it
doesn't really matter what is said in this study.

The Baptism In The Holy Spirit: A Second Work Of Grace

Many old time Pentecostals referred to the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a
"Second Blessing" or a "Second Work of Grace". I've looked at this topic and find
it confusing because of the way salvation is preached in the modern church. In
the first century church after the day of Pentecost, the infilling of the Holy Spirit
was ministered directly after belief in Christ (salvation). Early church leadership
considered believing on Christ and receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit as two
halves of a whole message. They were two truths that made up the whole of
salvation. Today, we generally don't preach the gospel in this way. If we
evangelize and convince people to commit their life to Jesus Christ--we baptize
them, give them a Bible and direct them to attend church. In most places these
believers are never told about how to receive the Holy Spirit--or any of the
benefits. It isn't included in the message because modern theology falsely
believes it doesn't apply anymore. It is commonly taught that you get everything
when you trust Christ for salvation. They've stripped it from the New Testament
Scriptures and tossed it into their trashcan of "unessential doctrines for Christian
life". I don't know how God will work all this out, but I think there's going to be
some horrible unintended consequences related to this kind of thinking. It's true
not only for the leaders, but also for the believers who are spiritually cheated.

Do we see examples of these things from Scripture?

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of
God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with
Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now
when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the
word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come
down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he
was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
(Acts 8:12-17)
In this passage we discover how Samaria believes Philip's evangelistic message
and is water baptized. This means they believed the gospel of salvation through
faith in Jesus Christ. You're not baptized until you believe in Christ otherwise,
you're just getting an unbeliever wet. Under our modern day evangelistic
message, the leaders would rejoice that Philip's gospel campaign was
successful. We would probably send some leaders to Samaria to make sure that
either a church was successfully started or to get them involved in an existing
one. We'd consider that the efforts bore good fruit and move on to the next
challenge.

Yet, that way of thinking doesn't agree with the Biblical pattern. It says that the
apostles in Jerusalem sent Peter and John to pray for them, that they might
receive the Holy Ghost--for as yet he was fallen upon none of them--they were
baptized only in the name of the Lord Jesus. After Peter and John arrived in
Samaria they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Hmm...I was always told that you got everything when you believed on Jesus
Christ.

This is a very revealing section of Scripture. It shows where modern evangelism

misses the mark. Most Christians today are in the same spiritual condition that
the believing Samarians were in before Peter and John visited them. These
believers are told they got everything when they believed on Jesus Christ.
They're told they already have all of the Holy Spirit that's available. Yet, God's
Word shows us in Acts chapter 8 that this belief isn't accurate.

How did Peter and John know that the Holy Ghost had been received? It doesn't
say in this passage--but they had to have a way to know. Could it be that they
spoke with tongues like in the other Scriptural examples? If I was to give an
answer based on the pattern found in other Scriptures I'd say yes. Yet, the
silence concerning tongues at this event is all opponents need to convince them
otherwise. The reader can decide.

The reason I believe the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a necessary "Second Work
of Grace" is because it's left out of the common evangelistic message. Many
evangelical Christians haven't received this necessary spiritual equipment that
Jesus said was to empower them to be his witnesses. This could go a long way
in explaining why the modern organized church is falling apart and losing its
effectiveness.

We find another example in the salvation testimony of the apostle Paul while
traveling on the road to Damascus.

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined

round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice
saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art
thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for
thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what
wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city,
and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with
him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man." (Acts 9:3-7)
Notice something important in this passage: Paul (then known as Saul)
responded with "trembling and astonishment" and addressed Jesus who was
speaking to him, as Lord. Paul became a believer in Christ at this point.
Theologians attribute this spiritual encounter to the "conversion of Saul", who
immediately lost his eyesight and needed someone to guide him. This Damascus
road event ocurred several years after the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit had
already arrived. Saul was taken to Damascus where he continued without eating
or drinking anything. He was devastated because his anti-Christian theology was
destroyed in a matter of seconds. And worse, he had persecuted and contributed
to the execution of many of God's people. Jesus equated these acts of
persecution as something committed personally against Him. As a man whose
whole life was dedicated to the service of God--Saul suddenly found himself in
the position of having offended the God he served because of his religiously
motivated deeds. No modern day Christian will ever understand how Saul, a
devoted Pharisee (Phil. 3:4-6), felt at this point. As far as he was concerned, his
whole purpose for living was gone.

God calls a disciple by the name of Ananias to visit and minister to Saul. For
good reason, Ananias protests this mission because Saul was responsible for the
arrest and persecution of many of Christ's followers.

"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to
bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will
shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 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." (Acts 9:15-17)
During Ananias' time with Saul, we discover some extraordinary things. First,
Ananias referred to Saul as "Brother Saul". This is an endearing term used
between fellow believers in Christ. You don't call another man "brother" unless
he's also a believer. In addition to receiving his eyesight, Ananias is sent to Saul
by a direct command of Jesus to "be filled with the Holy Spirit". Notice that this
"infilling with the Spirit" occurred through the laying on of Ananias' hands
(covered later). Obviously, Saul didn't receive everything on the Damascus road
when he first believed on Christ. The infilling, or the baptism in the Holy Spirit
was ministered as a second work of grace on Saul's life. We don't know whether
Saul spoke in tongues during Ananias' visit, but we do know that he eventually
did so. In his epistle to the Corinthian church he said that he "spoke in tongues
more than all of them" (1 Cor. 14:18).

Another example can be seen during an exchange between Saint Paul and
certain disciples who previously followed John the Baptist. No other person knew
more about Jesus than John. If these men followed him and received his
baptism, it's reasonable to conclude that they knew and believed in Christ. John's
whole ministry was built around being the "voice crying in the wilderness"
concerning the arrival of Jesus Christ, God's Son. I find it interesting that Paul's
question to them, "have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" indicates
that he believed they already had faith in Christ. Yet, these disciples had not
received everything that was available. Let's look at the entire account:

"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, 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. And
he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's
baptism. 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. When they heard this, they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy
Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the
men were about twelve." (Acts 19:1-7)
These Scriptures raise some interesting questions.

Don't We Receive The Holy Spirit When We Believe On Jesus?

Many of us fail to understand that the Holy Spirit has a dual role in the area of
salvation. This failure is the result of coming into God's kingdom under a "partial
gospel" message. There's a difference between the Holy Spirit coming into us for
the purpose of "sealing us until the day of redemption", and the act of allowing
Jesus to "baptize (immerse) us in the Holy Spirit". The first action spiritually seals
us on the inside. It is activated by simple child-like faith in Christ. The second
action allows Jesus to immerse us in the Holy Spirit for empowerment. These are
two different spiritual acts. Paul teaches us about the first process:

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your
salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit
of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory." (Eph 1:13-14)
Jesus tells us about the second process involving Holy Spirit baptism:

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you
shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the
end of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Some opponents attempt to argue that the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the way
Jesus taught it, is only for the Jews. Yet, Peter on the day of Pentecost puts an
end to this idea. Concerning the events where the Holy Spirit is poured out, Peter
says:

"For the promise is to you and to your children (the Jews), and to all who are afar
off, as many as the Lord our God will call (Gentiles)." (Acts 2:39)
Again, there are several New Testament terms used to describe Holy Spirit
baptism. One is "receiving the Holy Spirit". This term is not meant to imply that a
believer doesn't have the Holy Spirit at all. As Paul taught, he's very much inside
us through the act of believing in Christ. Paul said that the Holy Spirit seals us
until the day of redemption. This "sealing" guarantees our salvation. We get this
benefit by receiving Jesus Christ as our redeemer. Yet, the question we must ask
ourselves is; "Does the Holy Spirit have us?" Have we personally yielded to the
Holy Spirit in the way Jesus taught? Have we received the Holy Spirit the way the
early apostles ministered it? We "believe in Christ", but have we released his
Spirit into our lives? It's something completely different than when we initially
receive Jesus to be saved. It's the "other half" of the original gospel message that
is commonly left out.

You can look at it this way. Let's say a visitor walks into your office and sits down
in the waiting area. Your secretary informs you and several minutes later, you
walk out, and "receive" this person by shaking his hand and asking him to come
in. In the same way the Holy Spirit is "in your office" through faith in Christ. He's
there and waiting for you to "receive" him--and the rule of his spiritual
government. "Receiving the Holy Spirit" is a separate act after believing on
Christ.

"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Col 2:8)
If modern evangelists followed the Biblical pattern (and some do) they would
include these things in their gospel message. But, we've seen that this is not the
case. You can get saved under a "partial gospel" message because God said
that eternal life is a free gift through faith in Christ. However, you'll lack the power
of the Spirit to properly live for Jesus. I consider this a spiritual disaster. It's also
the reason so many oppose this subject. Imagine having to admit that the
doctrine of salvation your denomination preached for hundreds of years wasn't
quite right. I learned from watching the conflicts between Jesus and the
Pharisees--and from personal experience that religious leaders never admit to
mistakes of this magnitude. The result would be catastrophic. Their credibility as
"God's representative" would be seriously damaged, the average church
member's faith would be shaken and the religious system they've built could
collapse. In the short term, it's far better to discredit the baptism in the Holy Spirit,
rather than allowing your whole religious system to be threatened.

How To Receive The Baptism In The Holy Spirit

In the early church the Holy Spirit is primarily received in two ways:

 The Holy Spirit would "fall" upon a group as they hear the gospel of Christ

 The Holy Spirit would be imparted to individuals by the "laying on of

hands"

We see an example of the Spirit "falling" (being poured out) on a group in Acts
chapter 2 with the Jews on the day of Pentecost and in Acts chapter 10 with the
Gentiles. Saint Paul reveals how the Galatian church "received the Holy Spirit
during his comments about their sin of trusting in the works of the law. He
suggests that they initially "received the Spirit" by the hearing of faith.

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth,
before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among
you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the
law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Gal 3:1-2)
We also see that the Holy Spirit is received (both individually and as a group) by
a method called "the laying on of hands". This is a Scriptural way that certain
spiritual blessings, such as physical healing and the baptism in the Holy Spirit,
are transmitted to the recipient. It happens by physically "laying hands" on
people--usually the shoulders or the head. We can see this practice in three
examples. The first is when Peter and John went to Samaria and ministered the
Holy Spirit to the new believers. The second is when Ananias ministered healing
and the Holy Spirit to Saul as a new believer in Christ. The third example is
where Paul ministers the Holy Spirit to some disciples of John the Baptist.

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they
were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For
as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy
Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the
Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money..." (Acts 8:14-18)

"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." (Acts 9:17)

"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them;
and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about
twelve." (Acts 19:6-7)
We also see the practice of "laying on of hands" taught by the Lord Jesus after
his resurrection:

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out
devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if
they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the
sick, and they shall recover." (Mark 16:17-18)
Here is the problem. Unless you attend a church that already believes in the
practice of "laying on of hands" and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit--you're pretty
much on your own. Don't make the mistake of taking this study to your pastor,
thinking that you're giving him new revelation. Chances are, he's heard these
things before and decided not to implement them in his fellowship. There are a
lot of reasons this message isn't taught by more pastors and teachers. Most of
the reasons are "political" in nature. They don't want to draw the displeasure of
their denomination down upon their ministry--and they don't want to upset their
congregation with a message that contradicts traditional beliefs. Some
"fundamentalist" church members are deeply offended and withdraw their
membership when hearing anything about "tongues" or the baptism in the Holy
Spirit". The ministry and reputation of the pastor or teacher is at stake. I'm not
saying these things to be disrespectful. These are powerful political forces that
can be found in all religious organizations. Most church members have no idea of
the intense pressures that come against the pastor and his staff on a daily basis.
When a congregation embraces this message, it's usually the result of direct
intervention by the Holy Spirit Himself that brings about the change. Some
people may get offended and leave the church, but God will bring in new ones to
take their place.

The last reason is the most common. Some ministers don't believe the subject of
the Baptism in the Spirit applies to the modern day Christian. They can produce
many persuasive arguments to support their beliefs. Yet, my experience proves
that these "arguments" hold no merit when compared with the Scriptures. The
unintended consequences of striping this topic from the New Testament gospel is
alarming. It forces us to ask hard questions like: What else has been removed
from the foundation doctrines of salvation by some theologians without our
knowledge?

If you're seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit you have several options. If you
know of a fellowship in your locality that believes in it--you can visit to receive
ministry. You might know a friend that attends one of these fellowships and can
vouch for its beliefs. However, there are many "spirit-filled" churches that abuse
the Scriptural principles concerning the gifts. There are churches (such as some
Holiness and "Oneness" Pentecostals) that practice a form of legalism that
undermines and redefines the Gospel of Grace. The only advice in this area is to
sincerely pray and ask the Lord to lead you to the right place. Also, it may not be
a traditional church building, but an individual believer in a "home church" setting.
This was my experience. God wants you to walk in this truth--so he will answer
this kind of prayer.

The other option is to go directly to the Lord Jesus in prayer and ask him to
baptize you in the Holy Spirit. The Scripture teaches that Jesus is the one who
baptizes in the Spirit--so you can never make a mistake by going directly to the
source.

Important Note: Before receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, it is important that
some prerequisites are met. Make sure you've dealt with all bitterness, hostility
and opposition that's been placed in your life regarding the gift of speaking in
tongues. This will be a major road block if not dealt with. Repentance must also
occur in areas of all occult practices. Involvement with palm readers, ouija
boards, witchcraft, sorcery, Satan worship, séances (communication with the
dead), spirit-mediums, astro-projection, channeling or any other such practices
involving "spiritism" will hinder or prevent a believer from receiving the infilling of
the Holy Spirit. Heavy metal rock music associated with the occult and magic arts
also fall in this category. A clean break with these practices is necessary for
involvement in the Spirit-filled life. You can't be involved with Satan's kingdom
and walk with God at the same time. Remember that the Holy Spirit is "Holy". If
you desire to repent from these areas, just pray and confess each one to your
Father in heaven, renounce your involvement in it, and ask Him to forgive you for
it. It's just that simple.

Bible Verses and Scriptures About the Holy Spirit - Read what the Bible says
about the Holy Spirit. Find biblical answers to common questions about the Holy
Ghost, such as "what is the Holy Ghost?" "what does it mean to be baptized in
the Holy Spirit?", and many more.

Use our Bible verses by topic page to quickly find scriptures about popular topics.

 Judges 3:10-14

The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, so that he became Israel's judge
and went to war. The LORD gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into
the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him.  So the land had peace for
forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.  Once again the Israelites did
evil in the eyes of the LORD, and because they did this evil the LORD
gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel.  Getting the Ammonites and
Amalekites to join him, Eglon came and attacked Israel, and they took
possession of the City of Palms.  The Israelites were subject to Eglon king
of Moab for eighteen years.

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 Matthew 12:31-33

And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the
blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.  Anyone who speaks a
word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks
against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age
to come.  "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad
and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.

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 Luke 24:45-49

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  He

told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the
dead on the third day,  and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be
preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  You are
witnesses of these things.  I am going to send you what my Father has
promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from
on high."

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 John 3:6-8

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not
be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'  The wind blows
wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it
comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

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 Romans 8:2-6

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from
the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do in that it
was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the
likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in
sinful man,  in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be
fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according
to the Spirit.  Those who live according to the sinful nature have their
minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance
with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  The mind of
sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;

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 2 Corinthians 5:16-18

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we

once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has
 come!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ
and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:

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 1 Chronicles 12:18-20

Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: "We
are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to
you, and success to those who help you, So David received them and
made them leaders of his raiding bands.  Some of the men of Manasseh
defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul.
(He and his men did not help the Philistines because, after consultation,
their rulers sent him away. They said, "It will cost us our heads if he
deserts to his master Saul.")  When David went to Ziklag, these were the
men of Manasseh who defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael,
Jozabad, Elihu and Zillethai, leaders of units of a thousand in Manasseh.

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 Psalm 52:1-3

Why do you boast of evil, you mighty man? Why do you boast all day long,
you who are a disgrace in the eyes of God?  Your tongue plots
destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit.  You love
evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth. "Selah"

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 Micah 3:8-10

But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with
justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his
sin.  Hear this, you leaders of the house of Jacob, you rulers of the house
of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right;  who build Zion
with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness.

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 Acts 2:1-5
 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one
place.  Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from
heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.  They saw
what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on
each of them.  All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.  Now there were
staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.

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 Luke 24:45-47

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.  He

told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the
dead on the third day,  and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be
preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Read Luke 24 | View in parallel | Compare Translations

 1 John 2:19-27

They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had
belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed
that none of them belonged to us.  But you have an anointing from the
Holy One, and all of you know the truth.  I do not write to you because you
do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie
comes from the truth.  Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus
is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist--he denies the Father and the
Son.  No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges
the Son has the Father also.  See that what you have heard from the
beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in
the Father.  And this is what he promised us--even eternal life.  I am
writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you
astray.  As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you,
and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches
you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it
has taught you, remain in him.