The Baptism of The Holy Spirit

When a person believes accepts Christ as Saviour, he is placed into the body of Christ by the Spirit and the spirit is placed in him. He is identified as a believer. 1 Cor.12:13. For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Acts 1:5, Jesus said to them "For John truly baptised with water; but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Jesus is making a distinction between water and Spirit baptism, just as John did. Johns water baptism always showed repentance. It looked forward to Christ whom they would receive.

The Holy Spirit's work would be inward. This is the spiritual work of God to regenerate a believer and put them supernaturally in the body of Christ. Ac 1:8

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth." the anointing gave them the boldness to be witnesses (martyrs) wherever they went.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a New Testament teaching and experience. In John 7:39, Jesus, speaking of the Spirit, stated those who believe in Him would receive the Spirit when He was glorified.

This event happened when He ascended to heaven and then sent the Spirit. Its first occurrence was on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit started the body of Christ. He came with an audible sound rushing into the upper room came upon them and filled them all, so that they were endued with power to bring the gospel.

This baptism was unique in that it also exhibited a dividing of fire above each ones head. This was associated with the glory of God the Shekinah in the OT. tabernacle. Believers are place "in Christ", in their new position they now have access to privileges and blessings that come with this relationship.

Ephesians 1:1-22 describes our new position in Christ "all blessings in heavenly places in Him." We are seated in heavenly places. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was prophesied by John the Baptist, Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16. by Jesus Christ who said he would send him, John 14:16,17; Acts 1:5.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for all believers adopted into the family of God , It is how one enters the body 1 Cor12:13, Gal. 3:26-28. Eph. 5:18 tells us to be continually filled with the Spirit, in other words give him control of our lives, it is a daily thing.