What is the “baptism in the Holy Spirit”? Is it the same thing or different from being “filled with the Holy Spirit”? Is “speaking in tongues” the initial evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit? Does it take place at or after conversion? There has been so much controversy and confusion over this subject, that I don’t pretend that we are going to solve all the difficulties in this study. We are seeking more light from the Scriptures on the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, and hopefully we have gained some ground in this study. If you see flaws in our reasoning or understanding of the Scriptures on this subject, please feel free to e-mail us and share your thoughts.

Teaching Notes:

In the chart below, scriptures are given to show how each of these expressions can be identified with the rest:

• All of the above expressions can be identified with every other one of these expressions somewhere in the NT. To see how each expression identifies with each other one, find the box where the 2 different expressions intersect, then follow the Scriptures from beginning to end in that box. This, hopefully, will lead you to see how each different expression is used interchangeably with each other expression. For example, to see how the Promise of the Father can be equated with the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, go to Luke 24:49 where Jesus tells his followers to stay in the city until they receive the Promise of the Father. Then when you look at Acts 1:4-5 Jesus tells his followers not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which he identifies in the next verse as the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

• The only question is, “Do all of these expressions refer only to the initial reception of the Spirit, or can they refer to subsequent experiences of the Spirit?” We know that Peter was filled with the Spirit on several occasions (Mk.6:7-13; Jn.20:22; Acts 2:4; 4:8; 4:31). We do know that being filled with the Holy Spirit is equated with all the other above expressions, so in that sense we could say that Peter had several fillings of the Spirit, several “baptisms” of the Spirit, several coming upons of the Spirit, several outpourings of the Spirit, several instances of being clothed with power from on high, several drinkings of the Spirit. However, I don’t think we would want to say that a person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit or the Promise of the Father many times in his life. It seems that these expressions most properly relate to the initial reception of the Spirit. Perhaps it would be better to say once a person receives the Promise of the Father, or the Gift of the Holy Spirit, he can receive many subsequent experiences of the fullness of that reality.

• Interestingly, I just learned that the above view (that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is not to be taken as a technical term but can have the general meaning of an “effusion” of the Spirit, and may take place many times in a believer’s life) is advocated by D.A. Carson in “Exegetical Fallacies” pgs. 46-47, and that the Puritan writers would often pray for a fresh baptism in the Spirit when praying for revival.

• Charismatics believe that the “baptism in the Spirit” is a postconversion pouring out of the Spirit. They refer to it is a “second experience” following salvation, or a “second work of grace.” Non-charismatics tend to make all references to the “baptism in the Spirit” refer to the initial receiving of the Spirit at conversion. They believe that the “baptism in the Spirit” refers to our incorporation into the body of Christ which takes place at regeneration. If the view I am setting forth above is correct, then the “baptism in the Spirit” is any pouring out of the Spirit at any time in the life of a believer. Since every believer receives the Holy Spirit at conversion, it is true that all Christians have been baptized in the Spirit, just as the non-charismatics affirm. But it is just as true that there are subsequent “outpourings of the Spirit” in the lives of believers, just as the charismatics affirm.

Conclusion

I do not believe the Bible teaches a second blessing theology, but I do believe it teaches a 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th blessing theology. In other words, I believe that the “filling with or baptism in the Holy Spirit” – call it whatever you want, is something that occurs at conversion, and can occur many times in a believers’ life, either in response to prayer or given sovereignly by God to empower us to fulfill His calling on our lives. This “baptism” may result in a supernatural spiritual gift like tongues, prophecy, visions, dreams, or healing or it may result in boldness in proclaiming the gospel, wisdom, faith, joy, praise, thanks, or mutual submission.

Therefore, if we find ourselves lacking in power for witness or service, ask God for a fresh filling with the Holy Spirit, and expect Him to answer! “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

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