It is possible to live as a Christian without the experience of Holy Spirit baptism. There are many godly people in the world today who do not believe that this experience is necessary.
However, it is clear from the New Testament that Jesus never intended for the work of the Kingdom of God and the life of the Church to be conducted without the empowering experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In fact, Jesus gave explicit instructions to His disciples to wait and not attempt anything until they had received the power of the Holy Spirit.
“On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.For John baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.’”
Acts 1:4-5
Jesus knew who was needed to establish and advance His kingdom and to build His body on earth.
Therefore, it is impossible to live an effective Christian life apart from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come, and to lead us into all truth.
But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
John 16:7But 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. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.
John 16:13,14
John the Baptist taught that Water Baptism was an act of repentance, and pointed out that Jesus would baptise His disciples with the Holy Spirit.
“I baptise you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Matthew 3:11
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is a person to be greatly loved and esteemed. He is the third person of the Godhead. He is gentle in His dealings with us and makes Jesus real to us in our daily lives.
He comes to live within us at the moment of conversion to Christ – this is sometimes referred to as being “born again”. And so we say that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit when we accept the Lordship of Jesus in our life.
The Holy Spirit’s presence may be sensed at some times more strongly than others but that does not mean that He has departed or has abandoned us. Consider this: Air is all around us, we can’t feel it and we don’t particularly notice it, but we know it is there. However when there is a breeze or a strong wind we are made aware of the presence of air currents. It is the same with the presence of the Holy Spirit – He is always there with us, and in us, if we have accepted Jesus as Lord. Some times we are aware and at other times we are not – that does not change the fact that the Holy Spirit will be in us and with us.
So, why be baptised with the Holy Spirit?
Holy Spirit baptism is an experience subsequent and distinct from being born-again, which Jesus provides to enable us to live in the power of the Spirit and to accomplish His will. It is the activation of the dynamic power of Christ in a believer’s life; it is the release of the ability to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God in the world. In the Bible, this experience is also referred to as being “filled with the Spirit.“(Ephesians. 5:18).
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be effective witnesses. A witness is one who not only tells the truth, but also lives the truth.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
It is God’s Gift for us today!
The Holy Spirit wasn’t just for those present at Pentecost, but it is a gift promised for every believer.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:38,39
How do I receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
James tells us that we do not have because we do not ask. In order to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must ask, and we must ask in faith.
“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:9-13
Many disciples in the New Testament received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands.
Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:17
Speak out as the Holy Spirit gives you the words.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:4
Continue to use your spiritual language every day and believe for God to increase the flow of the Spirit within you.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by the manifestation of spiritual gifts. In the biblical accounts of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the most common spiritual gift manifested was the gift of tongues.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:4
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.
Acts 10:44-46
When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:6
Tongues and prophecy are both designed for edification, building up or for strengthening. Tongues strengthens the individual. Prophecy strengthens the church.
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
1 Corinthians 14:14,15
Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
1 Corinthians 14:39,40
Holy Spirit Baptism, your move…
Have you repented of your sins?
Have you put your trust in Christ alone for Salvation?
Have you been baptised in water since you repented?
Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If not, ask God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, connect with your local church and ask existing Spirit-filled believers to lay hands on you and to pray for you to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.