Baptism in the Holy Spirit


Many people believe and teach that the above heading is another way of expressing the Spiritual gift of speaking in tongues. This unfortunate state of affairs has arisen firstly, because many professing Christians believe that if you don't speak in tongues you are not reborn of the Spirit and secondly, because speaking in tongues is so noticeable.

The Bible clearly shows that there is an order that God follows and which is evident to man so that a Christian can be judged by his spiritual walk, and his spiritual and worldly works.

Briefly, because the subjects are dealt with elsewhere on this web site* , the order that God has set down is:

Repentance - a complete brokenness of soul and spirit, where we each end up on our knees in front of God's throne in the name of Christ Jesus. At this stage, if repentance is granted through God's grace (Ephesians 2:8), we are converted from carnal living to spiritual living (Romans 8:1), enabled by the Holy Spirit, are led by Him and become aware of His presence in our inmost being.

Baptism - or immersion in water, where we show the universe, physical as well as spiritual, that we have repented of our sins, ritually washed them away and that we are each a new creature (newness of life) and a willing servant of the Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus Christ (Acts 22:16). I believe that this acknowledgement gives us certain authority over spiritual wickedness and empowers us to be used in the fivefold ministry.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a manifestation of God the Holy Spirit within us, is a further step forward and is a gift or a basket of gifts given by God for the enrichment of believers. In other words, this baptism is for the sole purpose of glorifying God and is used in ministry among fellow believers. For example, God should be glorified when someone becomes healed; such as the leper we read about in Luke 17.
It is a gift of spiritual empowerment which goes beyond that of what we can physically achieve.
Therefore, any gift from the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues where God is not directly glorified must be a false gift and must come from the spiritual double dealer, Satan.
Please be careful here, because the master deceiver will make the manifestation appear as though it comes from God.
Because we cannot see into the spirit world, if we come across, and wish to associate with someone, say, speaking in tongues, we must use our spiritual discernment to see that person's fruits. Is he or she submitted and obedient to God and His word?
Can a spring give forth both sweet and bitter water?

Please think about this. Repentance, if God allows it¹, and water baptism are things that we can do. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is something that God can do. He will only impart this gift for His glory, not Satan's. Why would God give us spiritual gifts if it wasn't for His glory? He made us in His image remember, and we each are in Covenant with Him.
This is for a purpose:: Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.; (Psalms 80:17-18)

We see in the article "God Gives Repentance", that in two different books of the New Covenant, Romans and Hebrews, possibly by two different writers, that Esau did not receive repentance.
God would not grant it to him because of his attitude in giving away his birthright. The importance of the birthright doesn't come into it here; but his attitude in being willing to give it up. His heart wasn't right with God.
He was not found acceptable to receive citizenship into the Kingdom of heaven.
The King refused his application.

When we receive the Holy Spirit into our bodies at our conversion, and are obedient as described in Part one and Acts 5:32, we then receive gifts:: But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:; (Ephesians 4:7-15)
These gifts are for the furtherance of the work of our Master as described in Ephesians 2:10 and Luke 19:12-27. This entails work among the heathen - the harvest fields.
The gifts given by Jesus Christ are different to those of the Holy Spirit and are called the fivefold ministry.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given for profit.
Because the Holy Spirit resides in those who are obedient, who are the servants of righteousness, these gifts are for the spiritual enrichment of the saints, those who are already under the power of, and are familiar with spiritual manifestations themselves. They can then, if they so covet it, be baptised in the Holy Spirit and their gifts are mainly for the building up of each other and for those who are already in the church.

The gifts given by God in the name of Jesus Christ at conversion are for the furtherance of the gospel; spreading the good news.
The gifts given by being immersed in the Holy Spirit are for God's glory and only those who recognise the holy perfectness of God, "who only doeth wondrous things", shall receive these gifts.

If we carefully study the next passage of Scripture (1 Corinthians 12) we see that what is being discussed is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit who is within us!

This must therefore mean that anyone who professes to have one or more of these gifts from the Holy Spirit will be attempting to lead a spirit-filled and obedient lifestyle. As described in Romans 8:1, he or she "lives after the spirit". Anyone who does not and has a spiritual gift must then have a gift from an unclean spirit; which goes back to the master deceiver, Satan.

Most of the New Covenant is filled with dire warnings of this occurrence and so is not repeated here.

Let us see what gifts of the Holy Spirit can be given us, but first let us meditate on the word "gift". A gift is something that is given us for our pleasure, not so? Also, it is given by someone who has pleasure in giving it. So, if we are submitted to God and come joyfully before Him, He has pleasure in giving us this Spiritual gift, and we have pleasure in using it as it should be used.
Also, we can refuse the gift, either by repugnance, or fear that it comes from the wrong source.

So, here are the heavenly gifts, one or more of which God the Holy Spirit offers us, which we can covet or reject:: Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.; (1 Corinthians 12:1-13); Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.; (1 Corinthians 12:27-31)

The more excellent way, which, like immersion, we can choose to do² is described below.: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.; (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)
Is it not strange that this chapter is sandwiched in between two that deal with manifestations of the Holy Spirit of God?

And here dear pilgrim is the purpose, the reason for the spiritual gifts, as well the law of using them:: 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. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.; (1 Corinthians 14:1-40)

How is the baptism in the Holy Spirit given? Or rather, how is the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us released?

By the prompting of the Holy Spirit and then asking for it.
My Christian brother Darryl, after searching the Scriptures daily, seeing the falseness in the denomination wherein he worshipped, got on his knees in a hotel room in a foreign land, praying to God. Suddenly he started speaking, calling and singing in sounds that he didn't recognise, but knew that he was praising God.
A similar occurrence happened to Derek Prince. He started reading the Bible from a philosophical perspective until, as he so beautifully put it "met the Author of the Book". In the army environment of World War two he suddenly started experiencing similar spiritual manifestations.
Both the above-named people were baptised in water after the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Saul of Tarsus and Cornelius had similar experiences.

By the laying on of hands of the presbytery (elders).
This is the more usual way of receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit - after repentance and water baptism. Many receive the Spiritual baptism immediately after water baptism - as they rise out of the water.
Some people receive the gift, or an additional gift some time later, maybe after many years, only as they need the power thereof.

However, here is a word of warning, of concern. Paul wrote that we should not lay hands on anybody in a hurry. In reversal of roles, don't let just anyone lay hands on you. Also don't just join hands with anyone when praying, or form a prayer ring, because you may be a spiritual conduit to someone on the other side from the person doing the praying. Especially if it is a woman who is praying. At first this must just sound crazy, but because we cannot perceive the flow of spiritual power, both good and evil, we must use the evidence of our eyes, ears, smell etc. to be on our guard, as well as listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
For example, at one of his "laughing in the spirit" meetings Rehab³ asked that all the persons in the front row to stand and hold hands; and then foretold that they would all fall down and start laughing in the spirit just as soon as he would lay his hands on one of the ladies. It happened just as he said.
Do you believe that this was a manifestation of a spiritual power, a baptism in a spirit? Was it the Holy Spirit? We can tell this from Rehab's spiritual and worldly fruits, not so.

Unfortunately, many people who speak in tongues, or profess to, are unregenerate in their ways, are in willing sin, and as a result we must have grave misgivings as to their conversion and therefore withdraw from them spiritually and where possible, physically as well.
Here is what is meant:: And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.; (Acts 5:32); Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptised, 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 baptised 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, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.; (Acts 8:5-23)


This was apparently to be an unopinionated writing of some length, but it seems that it is not to be so.
Two Scripture passages have been revealed by the Holy Spirit today which lead me to believe that you are to do the searching for yourself:: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.; (Psalms 119:105); 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. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.; (Romans 8:26-28)
The word and the Spirit. The only way to find the truth.


The following copyrighted books and booklets may help you in your search.

Hal Lindsey. "Satan is Alive and Well on Planet Earth". Bantam Books; pages 118 to 134

Derek Prince. "The Spirit-Filled Believers Handbook". Derek Prince Ministries.

John R. Rice. "How Great Soul Winners Were Filled With The Holy Spirit". Sword of the Lord Publishers.

R.A. Torrey. "What the Bible Teaches". Whitaker House.


*www.hosanna.org.za
¹See "God Gives Repentance"
² See "Charity"
³ See "Let Us Cleanse Ourselves"