The Baptism of the Holy Spirit that was prophesied by the Prophet Joel, John the Baptist and Jesus was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, which was the birth of the New Testament Church. (Joel 2:28-29 Matthew 3:1, Luke 11:9-13)
Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. {2} And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3}Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. {4}And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Peter identifies this experience as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - Acts 11:15-16
The major sign given in the 2nd Chapter of Acts that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit had actuallycome was that they spoke with other tongues, of which we will discuss later in this lesson.
There Are Two Distinct Experiences in the Holy Spirit.
The new convert is saved or born again through the Holy Spirit, but there is yet another work of grace. We find and example of this in the lives of the early disciples.
- The early disciples were born of the Spirit when Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit". (John 20:22)
- Jesus then told these same disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they receive the promise of His Father. (Luke 24:49)
The Evidence of Having Received the Baptism of the Spirit & the Pentecostal Experience.
It is more than taking it by faith. God gives a tangible supernatural sign in your body. Your tongue will speak a language you have never learned. This is called "speaking in tongues". (Mark 16:17, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:1-6)
The Two Kinds of Tongues.
The apostle Paul elaborates on this truth quite extensively in the Book of 1 Corinthians. He explains the difference between tongues as a sign of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues.
- The gift of tongues must be followed with an interpretation.
- The devotional tongue comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Is The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit and Speaking in Tongues Still For Today?
This is a valid question and must be answered in the context of New Testament Christianity. The primary scripture used by those who say the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with Tongues is not for today is found in 1 Corinthians 13:8-9
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
Notice that Verse 8 says, “tongues shall be done away with as well as knowledge when that which is perfect is come.” Those who advocate that the gifts of the Spirit are not for today say that when the Bible as we know it today was canonized "that which is perfect" came and so the gifts or the supernatural manifestations of God are not needed anymore.
The problem with this thought is that 1 Corinthians 13:12 identifies very clearly what Paul is talking about.
It says "when we see face to face" that which is in part shall be done away with. Also, if tongues is to be done away with knowledge must also be done away with. I John 3:2 identifies what this passage is talking about. It's at the second coming!
- We have all been called to receive this gift. (Acts 2:39)
- Have You Been Called by God? If so then the Pentecostal experience is for you.
- The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29)
- This means God can't take back a gift He has given to the Church.
How Do We Receive The Baptism of The Holy Spirit?
- Our hearts must be properly prepared through repentance. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19)
- There needs to be a real hungering and thirsting for it. (Matthew 5:6)
- There must be a sense of expectation. (Luke 11:9-13)
- There must be an active response to your faith. (James 2:2