Bible Studies
What is the Baptism in the Holy Ghost?
And [John] preached, “A mightier than I is coming after me, whose shoe strap I am not worthy to stoop and loose. Indeed, I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Ghost. [Mark 1:7 & 8]”
And [Jesus], being assembled with them told them not to leave Jerusalem, but, “Wait for the promise of the Father, which I already told you about. For John truly baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Ghost in a few days [Acts 1:4 & 5].”
And right on the Day of Pentecost they were all gathered for the same purpose. Suddenly a sound like the howling of the wind filled the house where they were seated, and something like a cloven flame rested on each one, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began speaking different languages [unknown to them (mine: inferred by the context and original text)] as the Spirit made them speak [Acts 2:1-4].”
The apostles saw the events of the day of Pentecost as the fulfillment of Jesus’ command and promise recorded in Acts chapter 1. I do not believe that I have met any who deny that this is fact according to the Scriptures.
Is Baptism in the Holy Ghost water baptism?
One cannot correctly assume this to be true in the light of Scripture. Beginning with John the Baptist’s statement [Mark 1: 7 & 8] we find a defining of two different baptisms.
Furthermore, in the order of things worked out in the lives of the apostles, they had been baptized with water while walking with Jesus, yet Jesus told them, “Wait till you receive the Holy Ghost.” This only took place after Jesus ascended. If their water baptism signified they were baptized in the Holy Ghost, there was no need for this waiting for that which they already had.
When the apostles heard that Samaria had received the word of God they sent Peter and John to them. Upon their arrival they prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost (for, as yet, he has fallen on none of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). When they laid hands on them they received the Holy Ghost [Acts 8:14-17].
Although these had been baptized in water by Philip [Acts 8:12] before the apostles arrived, they had not yet received the baptism in the Spirit.
While Peter was speaking the Holy Ghost fell on all those who listened, and the believers who came with Peter believed in circumcision were surprised that the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured on gentiles as well since they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God.
Peter observed, “Can we refuse water baptism to these who have received the Holy Ghost as we did?” So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord [Acts 10:44-48].
Once again we see that the two experiences of baptism differ and are not the same. Baptism in the Spirit being initiated by Christ and water baptism by a believer. Acts 19:1-6 once again establishes the two being practiced in the early church.
Why is speaking in tongues accepted as evidence one has been baptized in the Holy Ghost?
And right on the Day of Pentecost they were all gathered for the same purpose. Suddenly a sound like the howling of the wind filled the house where they were seated, and something like a cloven flame rested on each one, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began speaking different languages [unknown to them (mine: inferred by the context and original text)] as the Spirit made them speak [Acts 2:1-4].”
We see three things happening on the Day of Pentecost:
1. The sound of a howling wind
2. Cloven flames which separated to each one
3. They spoke in languages unknown to them
While Peter was speaking the Holy Ghost fell on all those who listened, and the believers who came with Peter believed in circumcision were surprised that the gift of the Holy Ghost was poured on gentiles as well since they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God.
Peter observed, “Can we refuse water baptism to these who have received the Holy Ghost as we did?” So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord [Acts 10:44-48].
The only similarity mentioned here is that they spoke in languages unknown to them. There is no sound of a wind, or flames descending.
Notice also, from the context of Acts [read through the chapters] that those who came with him were Jews, but were not necessarily of the original group in the upper room. Peter said that these received the Holy Spirit “as we did”. This suggests that it was common practice for those who received the Holy Ghost to speak in tongues.
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul came to Ephesus via the upper coasts. Finding some who believed there he asked them, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?”
“What Holy Ghost?” they replied, “We have not even heard of this Holy Ghost.”
“What?” responded Paul, “How were you baptized, then?”
“With the baptism of John the Baptist,” they answered.
So Paul explained to them, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance: that they should believe on he who is coming; whom we now know is Christ Jesus.”
When they heard they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul laid hands upon them the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied [Acts19: 1-6].
Once again we see that baptism in the Spirit came, not through water baptism, but by the laying on of hands after.
What we have seen in the Book of Acts is that the early church over a number of years maintained the practice of laying on of hands to receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in unknown languages. Whilst some may argue that these are 3 special cases I maintain that this is not true since the practice was maintained on other occasions.
Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost [Acts 8:17].
So Ananias went to the house and, putting his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, The Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your journey here has sent me that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost [Acts 9:17].”
These two texts do not mention speaking with tongues, but the context of the book, and all Scripture indicates that it is appropriate to see it as such.
Don’t you receive the Baptism in the Holy Ghost when you’re born again?
Once again, the evidence of Scripture does not support this claim. Acts 8, where Philip had revival in Samaria, they believed, and were baptized in water, yet had not received the Holy Ghost. Unless you believe, a some, that you are not saved till you have been baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues, you would have to agree that these had been born again, yet were still without the baptism in the Holy Ghost. Even at Ephesus Paul did not dispute the authenticity of their faith, he merely asked, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?”
In whom you, when hearing the word of truth: the gospel of your salvation (believed). Who also sealed you with the Holy Spirit of promise when you believed [Ephesians 1:13].
There are some who argue that the use of the term ‘when’ denotes ‘at the same time [moment]’. This would not make sense since the term is used twice in the text. One must hear first, before they can believe [see Romans 10]. So it is more logical to say that the seal came following the believing. It would be incorrect to say that the New Birth equates the Baptism in the Holy Ghost as it is evidenced in Scripture.
Then Peter said to them, “Let everyone repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [Acts 2:38].”
It would be commonly accepted that one would repent first, and then be baptized [in that order] which was even the practice of John the Baptist. After this follows the laying on of hands and receiving the Holy Ghost. This would be confirmed in all other events save the home of Cornelius, where God had to convince Peter, and those with him that gentiles could be saved.
How can I receive the baptism in the Holy Ghost this way?
As is clearly shown in the texts above, by the continuing of your faith, and the laying on of hands.
I know some will say how they received it by other means, and I have no desire to dispute their claims, I merely point you to the Bible way to receive the Holy Ghost.
What if I don’t speak in tongues?
Experience shows that you may not, at first (I say this to relieve anxiety, not to give you expectation), but you will. Many have had hands laid on them and burst forth immediately, but some have gone, still seeking, and experienced it in divers places. Some, also, have merely asked and received. My advice is to keep seeking till you have the evidence.
May God grant you all this wonderful gift of Jesus Christ who baptizes you with the Holy Ghost.
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