*Frequently asked questions*
The Bible, the written word of God, is our sole authority in answering all questions pertaining to our spiritual life. However, in reading the Bible, we must keep in mind that the Bible is not written like a book of science where each statement is exact and complete in itself, nor like a book of law where the goal is to elaborate matters in sections and sub-sections so as to avoid loopholes. The Bible is written for the heart, and can be understood in its proper sense only by those who are spiritually minded (1Co.2:14), and who desire to do the will of God once it is revealed (Jn.7:17). Those who want to argue against the word of God can always find arguments, and those who do not want to obey what God says can appear to find words of God themselves to support their stand. Please read the following with an open heart and a willingness to know God's ways and obey them. - Jacob Ninan
The baptism in the Holy Spirit
1. Is there something called the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
The angel told Mary that her Son should be called Jesus because He would save the people from their sins (Mt.1:21). Another thing that Jesus would do, as John the Baptist mentioned, is to baptise them in the Holy Spirit and fire (Mt.3:11).
2. Is the baptism in the Holy Spirit the same as the baptism in water?
No. John the Baptist contrasted his baptising people in water to Jesus baptising them in the Holy Spirit (Mt.3:11).
3. What does it mean?
'Baptism' means 'immersion'. When we are baptised in the Holy Spirit, we are immersed in Him.
4. Is the baptism in the Holy Spirit the same as being filled with the Holy Spirit?
When we are immersed in the Holy Spirit, we are, of course, filled with the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, 'being filled with the Holy Spirit' is a more general term. Many people in the Old Testament also were filled with the Holy Spirit. But 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' is used only with reference to what happened on and after the day of Pentecost to those who believed in Jesus.
Jesus told His disciples just before He ascended to heaven that they would be baptised in the Holy Spirit shortly afterwards (Ac.1:5). This is what happened subsequently on the day of Pentecost. Peter recognised a repetition of this when the Holy Spirit came on those who were gathered in the house of Cornelius later (Ac.11:16).
The phrase 'baptism in the Holy Spirit' is used specifically for the first time when the Holy Spirit comes upon those who have believed in Jesus. These believers do receive the filling of the Holy Spirit even afterwards, and and are exhorted to be always filled with the Holy Spirit (Ac.4:31;Ep.5:18).
5. What does the baptism in the Holy Spirit do for us?
a. The baptism in the Holy Spirit gives power to the believer to be a witness for Jesus, both in word and life (Ac.1:8).
b. A believer is baptised into the body of Christ through the baptism in the Holy Spirit (1Co.12:13).
c. God gives various gifts of the Holy Spirit through the baptism in the Holy Spirit (See 1Co.4-11 in connection with v.13).
6. Are not all who believe in Jesus and born again also baptised in the Holy Spirit?
Those who are born again are born of the Spirit (Jn.3:3,5). Jesus was born of the Spirit when He became a Man (Lk.1:35). But the Holy Spirit came upon Him after He was baptised in water (Mt.3:16). The eleven disciples of Jesus had received the Holy Spirit after Jesus died and rose from the grave (Jn.20:22). But they were baptised in the Holy Spirit subsequently. Certain disciples in Ephesus who had believed in Jesus had not been baptised in the Holy Spirit till Paul laid hands on them and prayed (Ac.19:1-6).
7. Are not all who are baptised in water into Christ (Ro.6:3) also baptised in the Holy Spirit?
Baptism in water is different from baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was after Jesus was baptised in water that the Holy Spirit came upon Him (Mt.3:16). In the case of those in the house of Cornelius, they were baptised in the Holy Spirit even before they were baptised in water.
8. Who can be baptised in the Holy Spirit?
It is those who are born again by repentance and faith in Jesus who can be baptised in the Holy Spirit. Normally Jesus baptises people in the Holy Spirit after they have been born again and baptised in water. But sometimes, as in the case of Conelius, even those who have not been baptised in water receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
9.How can we know if we have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
This is something we can know in a definite sense, just as we know our sins have been forgiven. Otherwise it would not have been meaningful for Paul to have asked the disciples in Ephesus if they had received the Spirit (Ac.19:1-6).
There are several instances in the Acts of the Apostles where people spoke in unknown tongues after they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. However, the Bible says that not all speak in tongues, referring to people who are baptised in the Holy Spirit and have other gifts (1Co.12:30). One sure sign of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an endowment of power to be a witness for Jesus. This is what Jesus promised (Ac.1:8).
10. How can we receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Ask, and receive by faith. God waits for us to ask. He is eager to give us good gifts (Lk.11:13). We must keep asking till we receive, because many times God tests us to see if we are really eager to receive what we ask for, by delaying His answer (Mt.7:7,8).
11. Do we need to tarry for the Holy Spirit? No. We can receive as soon as we have believed and been baptised. But we must ask in faith. If there is delay in our receiving, it is good for us to examine our hearts. Perhaps there is some sin we have not given up, something in which we are not willing to obey God, etc.
12. Can one be a believer without being baptised in the Holy Spirit?
Certainly. But he will be lacking in power which Jesus wants to give him (Ac.1:8).
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