Many questions have been asked about the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Is it truly God’s promise to every believer for today? If so, Is there any reason why all Christians should not receive it? What are the practical steps we need to take in order to receive this baptism? Can some things hinder us in receiving? How do we know if we’ve received the baptism in the Holy Spirit? What will the result be? Do we really need this baptism in the Holy Spirit, or is it optional?

Since experiences must be based on the Word of God, rather than creating theology from our experience, let’s begin with a small attempt to provide a sound theological foundation. The Bible’s primary text on the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the first and second chapters of Acts, with some reference to Luke’s first volume, the gospel of Luke.

In Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4, Jesus said that he would send what the Father had promised. It is not likely that he repeated his promise in two different settings, but rather that Luke is recording the same instance twice to show the relationship between the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts, which Luke intended to be two volumes of the same work. What must not escape our notice here is that the fulfillment of this promise was imminent. This was something for which they were to prepare now. In Acts 1:5, Jesus made reference to the prophecy of John the Baptist that he would baptize them in the Holy Spirit. While he did not tell them how to prepare for the outpouring or what to expect as evidence when it happened, his message is quite clear that it was about to happen and the implication is clear that they needed to be prepared.

In looking at the example of the apostle’s experience in the book of Acts, several principles of how to receive the Holy Spirit can be noted.

They Waited

In Acts 1:4, Jesus commanded them to “wait for the gift the Father promised” (NIV). No specific time frame was given, although Jesus had promised that it would not be long. The importance of the time of waiting cannot be overstated. It was a time for prayer and soul searching, a waiting to be released for the work that God had called them to do. Stanley Horton notes that their task was “… no human enterprise. They were not to use their own ingenuity to figure out ways to spread the gospel. They were to be led by the Spirit. He would be in charge.” (Horton, What the Bible Says, p. 139). For the Holy Spirit to take charge, they would need to wait for this fullness.

Pastor Michael Peters looks at the Baptism with the Spirit in light of the whole salvation experience.

Editorial Introduction

This article is a chapter from Michael Peter’s book In Defense of Charismatics. In Defense was written as a response to John MacArthur’s book Charismatic Chaos and as a defense of charismatic beliefs and teachings. Peters wrote in the introduction to his book:

There is a lot of good among charismatic Christians that is worth defending. But, whenever God uses human instruments there are failings; therefore some criticism is justified. My purpose is not to defend every charge against individuals, but to defend charismatic teaching.

Because the emphasis is upon defending charismatic teaching, any number of noncharismatic authors could have been quoted. However, MacArthur’s book includes all the significant doctrinal differences, therefore his is the primary author quoted. The reader should not assume that MacArthur has a vendetta against charismatics or that charismatics do against him.

MacArthur has provided a service to the body of Christ by expressing his concerns and beliefs. It affords the opportunity to respond. Some would rather keep such doctrinal differences concealed. But Paul taught that we are to speak truth in love so that we can grow up in Christ (Eph. 4:15). If we cannot openly address differences we are destined to immaturity.

My hope and prayer is that upon reading this book, charismatics will become deepened in their convictions, and that noncharismatics will grow in their appreciation of charismatics by understanding that we too only want scriptural Christianity.

The Baptism with the Spirit—Distinct from Salvation? by Michael D. Peters

Linda had been a Christian for three years but felt something lacking. She couldn’t explain it except to say she needed more of God. Her praying and witnessing had diminished, and she didn’t feel as tender in heart toward God. She continued to attend meetings, and as the leader spoke on being closer to God, she listened. When he called for those to come forward who wanted more of God, she went. In a matter of minutes she was speaking in tongues. She didn’t go forward for tongues, but for God. Later, some told her that she was baptized with the Holy Spirit. She thought that she already had the Spirit but simply wanted to get closer to God. She continued to attend her family’s Lutheran church and to go to charismatic meetings. The Lutherans taught her that it was normal for Christians to receive the Spirit at conversion. The charismatics taught her that it was normal to receive the Spirit at the Baptism with the Spirit. She wondered which was normal? Or, we might ask, what is the normative Christian experience?