Chapter 9: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit

This is the distinctive testimony of the Pentecostal and full gospel movement. We believe that, beyond conversion, Christ baptizes believers in the Holy Spirit for power to witness, and that this experience is for every believer today.

John the Baptist said of Jesus: “he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11). Jesus told the disciples, “tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). And, “ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

On the day of Pentecost, “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). The same pattern appears in Samaria (Acts 8:14-17), at the house of Cornelius, where “they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:44-46), and at Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6). Peter declared that “the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:39). The command stands: “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).

Where the traditions stand.

Assemblies of God. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a gift distinct from and subsequent to new birth, and the initial physical evidence is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

Foursquare Church. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is one of its four cornerstones (“Jesus Baptizes with the Holy Spirit”). Tongues are a recognized biblical sign of the experience; the church gives its members and ministers a measure of flexibility on how this is stated.

Other full gospel churches. The Church of God, Pentecostal Holiness, and many independent charismatic fellowships affirm the experience, with varying emphasis on tongues as initial evidence.

Evangelical Baptists. Practice varies widely. Many hold that the believer receives the Spirit at conversion (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13) and look for ongoing filling (Ephesians 5:18). Some Baptists are open to the charismatic gifts; others are not.

Carry this verse: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8).