BAPTISM
WITH THE HOLY GHOST
Because
of the “peace with God” that accompanies justification by faith, the
blessedness of the new birth, and the joy of sanctification, some confuse those
experiences with the baptism with the Holy Ghost. This great “baptism” is not a
cleansing, nor a work of regeneration, even though He has an agency in these
works. Rather, this “baptism” awaits the cleansing of sanctification, that the
bodily temple and the inner man may be fit to receive Him.
John
the Baptist was the first to mention this coming baptism: “I indeed baptize you
with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me.. .shall baptize you
with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Mall. 3:11). Jesus did not come baptizing
with the Holy Ghost, but He promised His disciples that, after His ascension,
He would pray the Father to send “another Comforter…even the Spirit of truth”
(John 14:16, 17). In John 15:26 He speaks even more plainly: “...the
Comforter...whom I will send unto you from the Father.” He and the Father are
one. It is in this sense that Jesus fulfilled John the Baptist’s words.
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2.4).
Luke 24:49
49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:8 (See also Acts 4:31-33.)
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
I.
THE PROMISE OF POWER (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)
In
these passages, Luke records Jesus’ last instructions and promise to His
apostles before His ascension. (See also Acts 1:4, 5.) They were to wait in
Jerusalem for the descent of the Holy Ghost, who would endue them with power
for their ministry. In the Upper Room they all continued in prayer and
supplication several days (ten)—until the coming of the Holy Ghost and His enduement
of power. (Incidentally, read Acts 4:31-33 and6:8 for instances of the power
operating in the church.)
Acts 2:1-4, 12, 16, 17
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh...
II.
THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISE (Acts 2:1-4, 12, 16, 17)
The
literal descent of the Holy Ghost occurred on the Day of Pentecost, when
“about an hundred and twenty” souls were “in one place.. .all in one accord.” All
of their minds and the purpose of their hearts was concentrated on the promise
of the Father. The Holy Ghost came “suddenly”; first, with a sound, then with
a visible likeness, and finally with audible tongues.
The
word of what was happening “was noised abroad”—out of the Upper Room and into
the streets of Jerusalem. When the multitude came together,” they were
“confounded.” It was amazing, marvelous, and unheard-of, “because that every
man heard them speak in his own language.. .wherein they were born” (Acts 2:6,
8), though the speakers-in-tongues were all Galileans. The hearers were
“devout men, out of every nation under heaven.” They were in Jerusalem for the
Feast of Pentecost, for God would have it so. And “about three thousand souls
were added” to the Church that day.
It
seems that those from afar chose to stay in Jerusalem’s heavenly atmosphere,
fellowshipping, breaking bread, and enjoying the daily increase (Acts
2:42-47). But eventually, persecution came and drove them to their home fields
(Acts 8:1-4).
John 14:26
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26
26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.
John 16:8, 13, 14
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
13 ...he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.
III.
THE WORKS OF THE HOLY GHOST
(John
14:26; John 15:26; John 16:8, 13, 14)
Gleaning
statements made by Jesus from our texts, we find the following attributes
and/or works of the Holy Ghost: (1) He is the Comforter (parakletos—”One called
alongside to help”). (2) He indwells those who receive Him, and will abide
forever. (3) He gives power for witnessing and ministerial service. (4) He
convicts of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. (5) He testifies of and
glorifies Christ; not Himself. (6) He guides into all truth as the Spirit of
truth. (7) He teaches all things. (8) He brings to remembrance all that Jesus
has said. (9) He shows us things to come. Besides these, there are “spiritual
gifts,” generally referred to as “gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:4-11). The
gifts differ, but the Holy Ghost manifests and operates them all.
Everything
pertaining to the baptism with the Holy Ghost as recorded in the scriptures
holds true today. All may receive Him who will prepare themselves by the new
birth and sanctification. It must be emphasized, however, that the manifestations
of the Spirit are not to be limited to speaking in tongues, the interpretation
of tongues, and quickening bodily exercises. These evidences may be more
visible, but it is worthy of note that Jesus did not mention any of these
things specifically, in John, chapter 14, 15, and 16. We must let Him be all
that the Father intends Him to be.
This is a good message for encouragement:
http://www.martinsville-church-of-truth.org/2019/Sermons/Convention/Hungry%20for%20the%20Holy%20Ghost.mp3
If you have never accepted Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And Tell Someone What Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
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If you have a prayer request or have questions that need clarification please contact me at: neverstoppraying8@gmail.com
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