The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: The More You Have Been Looking For

John 16:7 (AMPC)

⁷ However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].

There are two manifestations of the Holy Spirit that set the stage for the Holy Spirit to become intimately involved in the life of a believer. The first is seen when a person becomes born-again. I Corinthians 12:3 says that no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. He gives the necessary revelation to a non-believer that causes him to give his life to Jesus.  The second manifestation is called the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:2-4) This occurs when a believer invites the Holy Spirit to become an overflowing force in his life.

In becoming born-again, a person invites Jesus to be the Savior and Lord of his life. Because He sits at the right hand of the Father, we can petition Jesus about any situation we are facing.  But Jesus, Himself, knew we would need “boots on the ground,” so to speak, to help us live the overcoming life He died to give us.  Holy Spirit does just that when we invite Him into our lives through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.  He already has residence in us, but in receiving the Baptism we are saying, “Holy Spirit, you take the lead in my life – I will follow you.”

Every believer has the full measure of the power of the Holy Spirit. But it is not released in greater measure until the Baptism is received. At that point, more power will begin to be released, because the believer has given Holy Spirit more control in his life. This additional manifestation is critical, because as children of God, we have been given ALL authority (Luke 10:19) over the works of the enemy.  With such power, wisdom is needed to know how to use it in the best manner.  One well-known minister of the gospel tells the story of taking his son hunting when the boy was very young.  As they were passing by a barn the son saw a large spider/tarantula on the side of the barn. The son immediately raised his shotgun/rifle and was taking aim to shoot before the father stepped in to stop him. What the son failed to see, was the power he held in his hands.  He could have done great damage to the barn in trying to get rid of the spider/tarantula. The same is true with us as believers; we need to yield our lives to the One Who knows exactly what each situation we face requires.

Are you saying that if I don’t receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit I can’t be used by God?  Of course not!  God uses any believer who wants to be used by Him.  The Baptism of the Holy Spirit, however, is a tool that God has given us as believers to help us become more effective in what we are doing for Him.  It is a gift of GRACE.  And GRACE, when released, always manifests as “sweatless effort”; meaning, we don’t get worn out trying to make something happen.  We let Holy Spirit lead us to do that which will bring about the best outcome for the circumstance we are facing.  Our “doing” is predicated by His “leading.”

In a world that promotes the benefits of any upgrade as “well worth the additional money” it’s safe to say that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the ultimate upgrade in the spiritual realm. And, while it cost Father God everything, in the death of His Beloved Son, it is available to all believers, free for the asking! 

7/18