The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Who, What, When, and Why?

The Baptism of the Spirit Brings Power to Advance the Kingdom of Elohim

  • The gifts of the Spirit are the tools YHVH has given his saints to advance his kingdom.
  • They are for ministry purposes to bring glory to YHVH.

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Born of the Spirit Vs. Baptized in the Spirit — What’s the Difference?

Is there a difference between being born of the Spirit and being baptized in the Spirit? Yes. Water baptism (or baptism for the remission of sins) occurs at one’s conversion and symbolizes being spiritually regenerated by dying to the old sin nature and being resurrected in the newness of life unto the righteousness of Yeshua. It marks the beginning of walking in victory over sin as a spiritual overcomer. The result is being able to live a life of righteousness through obedience to the commandments of Elohim. The outward evidence or fruit of this spiritual work in one’s life is the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit the greatest of which is love. By contrast, the baptism of the Holy Spirit (as Yeshua describes it in Act 1:5–8 and Luke 24:49) is for ministry empowerment purposes. It enable the saints to yield more to the leading of the Spirit of Elohim as they confront the evil darkness in this world via the power of the Elohim. It is for the purpose of boldly and powerfully advancing the kingdom of Elohim through the preaching of the gospel message to those who are spiritually lost with miraculous signs and wonders following.

Yeshua describes the process of receiving the Holy Spirit of Elohim in John 3:5–8. We must be born of water and the Holy Spirit, which involves repenting of one’s sins and placing one’s faith in Yeshua the Messiah followed by water baptism for the remission of sins.

Will one automatically be baptized with the Holy Spirit after they have received the Holy Spirit at baptism for the remission of sins? Not necessarily. The Scriptures reveal that this is may or may not be the case. When Yeshua was baptized in the Jordan, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10; John 1:32) and very quickly afterwards went out and preaching the gospel and ministering in the power of the Spirit with signs and wonders following him.

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had already received the Holy Spirit from Yeshua (John 20:22), but not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Others in attendance on the day of Pentecost received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and then subsequently received baptism for the remission of sin.

In Ephesus, however, the believers underwent the baptism of repentance, but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. When this occurred, they were also baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1–6).

At another time, the believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and then were water baptized (Acts 10:44–47).

These examples from the Scriptures teach us that there is no formulas for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This we know for certain: It is the will of the Father that we be baptized in water for the remission of sins for living victoriously over sin and walking in righteousness, and that we also be baptized in the Holy Spirit for ministry empowerment.

Both Yeshua and his disciples had the Spirit of Elohim, but it wasn’t until they were immersed or baptized in the Holy Spirit that they were fully equipped with boldness and the miraculous power necessary to advance the kingdom of Elohim thus causing the kingdom of Satan to retreat.

The Example of Yeshua

  • Yeshua had the Spirit of Elohim from his conception.
  • Yeshua received the Baptism of the Spirit at his baptism.
  • Immediately afterwards, he started his ministry and began to work miracles.

The Example of Peter

  • The disciples had the Spirit, but were not filled with the Spirit (John 7:37–39).
  • Yeshua blew on the disciples and they received the Spirit (John 20:22).
  • They had the Spirit (for personal growth and fruits) purposes, but not the power of the Spirit for ministry (kingdom advancement) purposes. Their response was to go fishing, instead of doing the Great Commission (John 21:3).
  • Yeshua appears to them again and instructs them to tarry in Jerusalem until they be endued with the dunamis power from on high (John 21:21:4ff, Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8.

What were the results? Peter preaches a little sermon in the power of the Spirit on Pentecost and thousands get saved. He and the other disciples go on to preach the gospel in power non-stop for the rest of their lives. There is no mention of their ever going fishing for fish ever again.

This same power is available for all those who seek it with all of their hearts, and are willing to totally surrender to the Lordship of Yeshua the Messiah in a fuller and deeper way!

 

5 thoughts on “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Who, What, When, and Why?

  1. Thank you for these wonderful words. I want to testify that as a wife and mother I have experienced this power for about 40 years, being baptized in the Spirit in my early 20’s. For the most part it has manifested in my “garden” (family and friends) where children are healed, the course of lives altered, and understanding of the Word and prayer dramatically increased. I just want women to understand they need this power to be most effective in their home. I can’t imagine living without it.

  2. Thank you for sharing your testimony.

    I pray that more people reading this blog post who have experienced the same miraculous and life-changing power of the Holy Spirit in their lives will share their testimonies as well. In this way, others will be encouraged to seek more of what YHVH has for them for the purpose of advancing his kingdom through the spreading of the gospel message, and for helping to regather the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

  3. Do you have any thoughts about the Jordan river? I have been studying this and wondered why the Jordan River. I know that many events occurred at the Jordan. Of course every event, led up to the revelation of Messiah.

    • One thought is this: The geology in the land of Israel speaks to spiritual realities in our lives. The Jordan River where it flows into the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth.This is very near where John did his baptizing. Could this signify that when we come to Yeshua to receive baptism for the remission of our sins, we must humble ourselves and come to the lowest point in our lives as we repent of sin and accept his forgiveness?

      • Yes. although I have never been to Israel. I know if i were able to go to Israel, there would be great revelation. I hope to go soon! Thanks for your comment!

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