Baptism with the Holy Spirit
Dr. John K. Mathew
About the Holy Spirit, the Nicene Creed says:" We believe in the Holy Ghost, who is the Lord and giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and Son, is worshiped and glorified, who spake by the prophets".
Since we live in the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, It is very important that we know as much about Him as the Word reveals to us. Sound doctrine depends upon a clear and accurate understanding of the nature and work of the blessed third person of the Trinity who dwells in and empowers the church, the Body of Christ. This empowerment of the Holy Spirit is Scripturally called, "Baptism with the Holy Spirit".
John the Baptist says, 'After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit' (Mark 1:7, 8). It is clear and evident in the Word of God that baptism with the Holy Spirit is a unique experience. This baptism will be given to all believers who long for it. Apostle Peter sites the words of Prophet Joel, "in the last days, God says I will pour out my Spirit in all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days" (Acts.2:17,18).
The Apostles were converted under the ministry of Jesus Christ. They were commanded to tarry and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Samaritans were saved under the ministry of Philip. They were baptized with the Holy Spirit under the ministry of Peter and John some days later.
Paul was converted on the road to Damascus by a personal vision from the resurrected Christ. He was baptized under the ministry of Ananias three days later. The twelve men at Ephesus were believers who were baptized in water but they received the baptism with the Holy Spirit subsequent to the laying on of the hands of the apostle.
In conclusion, may I quote a few words from the book Foundations of Pentecostal Theology, "The Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a definite experience, subsequent to salvation, whereby the third person of the Godhead comes upon the believer to anoint and energize him for special service. This experience is designated, in the New Testament, as the spirit, 'falling upon', 'coming upon', 'or being 'poured out upon' the yielded believer in a sudden and supernatural manner".
Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? 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 2:39).
