BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: AN IMPERATIVE FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN

“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.  Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days”.  (Joel 2:28 -29)

“……..Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”.  (Acts 1:4,5).

One of Christ’s key goals in His mission on earth was to baptize His people in the Holy Spirit.  He instructed His disciples not to begin witnessing until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit and endued with power from above (Acts 1:4-5, 8).  Jesus Christ Himself did not start His ministry until He had been “anointed…..  with the Holy Ghost and with power” (Acts 10:38, Luke 4 :1, 18).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Holy Spirit distinct and separate from His work of regeneration.  Just as the sanctifying work of the Spirit is a distinct work complementing His regenerating work, so the baptism in the Spirit complements the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Spirit.  On the day of Christ’s resurrection, He breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22), indicating that regeneration and new life were being given to them.  Then, later, He told them that they must also be “endued with power” by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49).  Therefore, a Christian can be regenerated (experience the new birth) and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but still not be baptized in/filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is God’s provision for releasing His power into the Christian’s life in order to accomplish mighty works in Christ’s name and to make the believer’s witness and proclamation effective (Acts 1:8; 2:14-41; Rom. 15:18-19; 1 Cor. 2:4).

The Word of God cites several conditions by which the baptism in the Holy Spirit is given:-

• People must accept by faith, Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and turn from sin and the world (Acts 2:38-40; 8:12-17).  This response involves surrendering their wills to God.  They must turn from that which offends God before they can become “special vessels ready for the Master’s use” (2 Timothy 2:21).
• Such people must desire to be filled in the Spirit.  Christians should have deep hunger and thirst for the baptism in the Holy Spirit (John 7: 37-39); and often, this is received in answer to definite prayer.

The baptism in the Holy Spirit brings the believer into a closer relationship with God that should be renewed and maintained.  This experience is sustained in the believer’s life by prayer (Acts 4:31), witness (Acts 4:31, 33), worship in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-19), and a sanctified life.  Otherwise,   it would soon become a fading glory.

A genuine baptism in the Holy Spirit:-

• Causes the Christian to love, magnify and glorify God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ more than before (John 16:13-14, Acts 2:11, 36; 4:12).  The Holy Spirit in the one who causes love for God to grow in the heart of believers (Rom. 5:5)
• Increases the Christian’s consciousness of living as son or daughter of the heavenly Father (Acts 1:4; Rom. 8:15-16), leads to a greater awareness of the presence of Christ in one’s daily life (John 14:16, 23; 15:26), and increases the heartfelt cry of “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6)
• Causes a greater love for and appreciation of the Scriptures.  The Spirit of truth (John 14:17) who inspired the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21) will deepen the believer’s love for the truth of God’s Word (John 16:13; Acts 2:42; 3:22; 1 John 4:6)
• Deepens the Christian’s love and concern for other followers of Christ (Acts 2:42-47; 4:31-37).  Christian fellowship and communion can take place only in a Spirit – filled atmosphere  (2 Cor. 13:14)
• Intensifies the Christian’s displeasure with the sinful enjoyment and godless pleasures of the world, and diminishes the selfish pursuit of earthly riches and reputation (Acts 4:32-37; 8:14-24; 20:33; 1 John 2:15-17)
• Gives the Christian a greater desire and power to witness concerning the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 37-42; 4:8-33; Rom. 9:1-3; 10:1)
• Causes the Christian to be more receptive to the Spirit’s operation within the Kingdom of God and His gifts within his/her personal life (1 Cor. 12:4-11).

It is God’s intended purpose that Christians should experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit throughout this age (Acts 2:39).  May nothing frustrate this will of God for your life.

Have a fulfilling week as you continue to experience daily, the filling of the Holy Spirit for the Master’s business.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

1. Igein Isemed