The Baptism And Infilling Of The Holy Ghost

The Baptism and Infilling of the Holy Ghost

(Acts 2:1-4)

When one accepts Christ as Savior, the he is immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit. However, one does not have the fullness of the Spirit until he undergoes the infilling of the Holy Spirit. When one speaks in tongues, it is an overflow of the Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different than the infilling. Water baptism is an outward means of recognizing God’s inward working. Spirit baptism and infilling was normal in the early church and should be normal in our church as well.

1. The purpose of the infilling:

A. Power-Luke 24:49 says, "tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." The disciples were

commissioned to carry on the work of God in Christ. They needed Holy Ghost power to accomplish this work.

B. Preaching-After the power of the Holy Spirit imbues you, Acts 1:8 says we would be witnesses for Christ at home and in

all the world. The Holy Spirit is the one who animates our lives to do God's work, not for vain-glory but for His glory.

2. The promise of the infilling:

A. Prophecy-Joel prophesied the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, and has been

fulfilled in the Church even today. Those 120 people who prayed for 10 days in the upper room (Acts 2:14), claimed the

promise of Joel 2:28-29.

B. Acts 2:39 tells us that the promise is for all people who are called by God in all generations. There are no Scriptures which

say the infilling of the Holy Ghost ceased with the apostles.

3. The particulars of the infilling:

A. Spirit baptism is God's response to man's repentance and submission. The Holy Ghost will not enter a vessel which is not

completely yielded. Many people hear the Word and say they are convinced, but most are unwilling to surrender their

lives for His purpose. Speaking in tongues is an outward manifestation of an inner conviction (see Acts 8:16-17).

B. Peter said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my

mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving

them the holy Ghost, even as He did unto us" (Acts 15:7-8). The experience of speaking in tongues in conjunction with

the infilling was consistent in the early church.

4. The power of the infillling:

A. Peter became a bold witness for Jesus once he received the Holy Ghost. He boldly declared Jesus to all and signs and

wonders followed him (see Mark 16:20). The same man who denied Jesus before the cock crowed (Matt. 26:34), became

a power filled witness.

B. "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom;

to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same spirit; to another the gifts of healing by

the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another

divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,

dividing to every man severally as He will" (1Cor. 12:7-11). These gifts are given to us to empower us for God's work.

C. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance" (Gal. 5:22-

23). These fruits of the Spirit enable us to live Spirit filled lives, worshipping God and giving thanks for His mercy and love.

D. Signs were given that unbelievers might come to believe and thus be encouraged to rebuke Satan and join with us in

God's work.

Have you received the infilling of the Holy Ghost? This question was asked in Acts 19:2 to people who already believed in Christ as Lord. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than just saying you know Jesus; it's an indication of an intimate relationship with Him. Do you want a more intimate relationship with Jesus today? You can have it right now, if you will yield yourself completely to Him today. If you ask Him to draw closer to you, He will, and He will add more life to your life?