The Baptism of the Holy Ghost: God’s Progressive Revelation
Introduction
The baptism of the Holy Ghost represents one of the most significant promises in Scripture—God's plan to dwell within His people and empower them for service. From Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment, we see God's progressive revelation of this mighty gift.
But before we proceed, it's essential to understand that there are two distinct Spirit-related works in the believer’s life (some say that ‘sanctification’ is the Second work of the Spirit):
• At conversion, when we place our faith in Jesus—confessing Him as Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9–10)—the Holy Spirit baptizes us into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is the new birth, the moment of spiritual regeneration.
• After conversion, Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Ghost (Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5), a separate and empowering experience often accompanied by speaking in tongues (Acts 2, 10, 19). This is commonly referred to as the baptism in the Holy Ghost.
Both are necessary and glorious. One gives us identity in Christ; the other gives us power to be His witnesses.
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I. Old Testament Prophecies and Promises
The Promise of a New Covenant
• Jeremiah 31:33 (KJV) – “I will put my law in their inward parts… and will be their God…”
• Ezekiel 36:26–27 (KJV) – “A new heart also will I give you… and I will put my spirit within you…”
These prophecies pointed forward to a day when God would not only give laws—but place His own Spirit within His people, enabling them to obey from the heart.
Joel's Prophecy of the Outpouring
• Joel 2:28–29 (KJV) – “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh… your sons and daughters shall prophesy…”
This passage foretold a universal, supernatural outpouring with prophetic power, dreams, visions, and spiritual gifts—across all ages and social classes.
The Promise of Tongues
• Isaiah 28:11–12 (KJV) – “With stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people…”
The prophet identifies tongues as both a sign and a rest—a spiritual refreshing for the weary.
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II. The First Occurrence: Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)
The Setting
• Acts 1:4–5 (KJV) – “…ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”
• Acts 1:15 (KJV) – “…the number… was about an hundred and twenty.”
Jesus tells His already believing disciples to wait for the promise of the Father—a separate experience from their salvation.
The Manifestation
• Acts 2:1–4 (KJV) – “…they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues…”
Three manifestations:
• Sound of a rushing wind
• Cloven tongues like fire
• Speaking in tongues
Peter’s Explanation
• Acts 2:16–17 – “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel…”
• Acts 2:39 – “The promise is unto you… and to all that are afar off…”
Peter connects Pentecost directly to Joel’s prophecy, declaring the experience open to all.
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III. The Gentile Breakthrough: Cornelius (Acts 10–11)
Peter’s Vision and Preparation
• Acts 10:19–20 – The Holy Ghost prepares Peter for a Gentile encounter
The Gentile Pentecost
• Acts 10:44–46 – “The Holy Ghost fell… for they heard them speak with tongues…”
• Acts 11:15–17 – “The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning…”
Key elements:
• Same experience, same evidence
• Peter affirms it as the baptism with the Holy Ghost, consistent with Acts 2
• Sign that salvation and power are both available to Gentiles
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IV. The Samaritan Breakthrough (Acts 8)
• Acts 8:14–17 – Samaritans believed and were baptized in Jesus’ name but had not yet received the Holy Ghost
• Acts 8:18–19 – Simon sees the Spirit imparted through the laying on of hands
This is evidence that the baptism with the Holy Ghost is distinct from salvation, even when genuine faith and water baptism are present.
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V. The Pauline Encounters: Church Growth and Correction
The Ephesian Disciples (Acts 19)
• Acts 19:1–6 – “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?”
Key points:
• They were believers—but not yet filled
• Paul baptized them properly
• He laid hands on them
• They spoke with tongues and prophesied—a consistent sign of Spirit baptism
The Corinthian Teaching
• 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV) – “By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…”
? This is the Spirit's work in salvation: the new birth
• 1 Corinthians 14:2 (KJV) – “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh… unto God…”
? Paul affirms the private devotional value of tongues
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VI. The Two Baptisms Clarified
1. The Baptism into Christ (Conversion)
• The Holy Spirit baptizes us into the body of Christ at the moment of saving faith (1 Cor. 12:13).
• This is the new birth, the act of regeneration.
• It happens when we confess Jesus as Lord and believe in the resurrection (Rom. 10:9–10).
2. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost (Empowerment)
• Jesus is the one who baptizes believers with the Holy Ghost (Luke 3:16; Acts 1:5).
• This baptism is for power, not salvation.
• Often accompanied by speaking in tongues, prophecy, and bold witness.
• A secondary, subsequent experience, as seen throughout Acts.
These are not the same baptism, but complementary acts in the believer’s life:
One for identity in Christ, one for ministry through Christ.
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VII. The Progressive Pattern and Purposes
The Expansion Pattern in Acts
• Acts 2 – Jews
• Acts 8 – Samaritans
• Acts 10 – Gentiles
• Acts 19 – Uninformed believers
The Consistent Evidence
• Speaking in tongues appears in each clear Spirit baptism account:
o Acts 2:4 – “They began to speak with other tongues”
o Acts 10:46 – “They heard them speak with tongues”
o Acts 19:6 – “They spake with tongues, and prophesied”
The Primary Purposes
• Prophetic Fulfillment – Joel’s promise fulfilled (Acts 2)
• Breaking Barriers – All nations included (Acts 10)
• Apostolic Unity – Samaria joined under apostolic oversight (Acts 8)
• Church Completion – Disciples made whole in Christ (Acts 19)
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VIII. The Continuing Promise
• Acts 2:38–39 (KJV) – “…ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost… the promise is unto you… and all that are afar off…”
• Luke 11:13 (KJV) – “How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”
• John 7:37–39 (KJV) – “Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water…”
The baptism with the Holy Ghost is not merely historical—it is ongoing. It is promised to all generations who believe and are called.
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Conclusion
The Holy Ghost was promised, prophesied, poured out, and is still being given today. The Spirit baptizes us into Christ—that’s the new birth. But Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Ghost—that’s for boldness, gifts, and power.
Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
Have you answered the invitation not just to believe, but to be empowered?
The promise is still for you.
He is still baptizing with fire.
And the rivers still flow for those who thirst.
Come and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost—today.
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