The baptism in Holy Spirit is NOT the same as baptism in water.
When someone mentions "baptism," what do you think of. . . ?
Water, of course. So do most people.
Water baptism and baptism in the Holy Spirit may occur in close proximity timewise, but they are not the same.
But do you know there are at least 6 "baptisms" besides water baptism mentioned in the Bible? And the list of foundational teachings in Hebrews 6:2 contains "baptisms" in the plural! Some versions translate the term as "washings," but the Greek word is baptismwn (baptisms plural).
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is NOT necessary for salvation. Salvation is a free gift granted to those who believe (accept, rely on, trust in) the Lord Jesus Christ and His death for us on the cross.
I know that some people--even some denominations--hold that a person must be filled with the Holy Ghost and speak in tongues in order to go to heaven. That idea is false and must be repudiated.
Again, we are saved by grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. Salvation is NOT based on something we do; rather, redemption is based on the work Jesus did for us at the cross. This is not meant to imply that we baptize ourselves in the Spirit or that we accomplish speaking in tongues by our own power. No, Jesus baptizes in the Spirit and He also gives "tongues" to His people for Christian service.
Let there be no confusion on the main point: baptism in the Spirit and speaking in tongues are not the same as salvation and are NOT necessary for a person to be saved. Jesus gives Spirit-baptism and tongues to empower for service, not for salvation.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is NOT given because you are good, righteous, sanctified, holy, or mature. Quite the contrary; the most famous writer of the New Testament (Paul) was baptized in the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues only hours after he had washed the blood off his terrorist hands.
The Holy Spirit is given to whose who have faith to receive Him (Gal 3:1).
Thirsty for God? You are a candidate to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit John 7:37-39!
In Luke 11:13, Jesus gives only one condition to receive His Holy Spirit. ASK!
The baptism in Holy Spirit is NOT given because You are better than anyone else. In fact, you may be worse. Think about Paul before he arrived in Damascus.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is NOT a feeling or emotion. It is an act of the ascended Lord Jesus Christ in which He immerses a seeking believer in the Third Person of the Trinity with supernatural power and the gift of tongues. It may or may not be accompanied with joy or any other emotion. When I was "filled" with that experience, I didn't feel a thing.
The baptism in Holy Spirit is NOT given as a reward for service. Rather, the Holy Spirit is given to empower God’s people for service.
The baptism in Holy Spirit is NOT something to be “tarried” for in the sense you have to “wait” for Jesus to “do something” for you. The Holy Spirit has already been given at the day of Pentecost.
The baptism in Holy Spirit is NOT a “get home free card.” Each Christian is responsible for his/her own actions and will be judged accordingly at the Judgment Seat of Christ. In fact, To whom much is given, much will be required Luke 12:48. A Spirit-baptized Christian may well have a stricter judgment than anyone not empowered by the Spirit.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is NOT a panacea. When we receive God’s Holy Spirit, we are empowered by Him to do His pleasure. We are empowered to witness and share Christ with other people. We still need to let the Word of God have it’s full range within us. God’s word–alongside the Spirit–sanctifies a believer John 17:20.
We still need a local church. Fact of the matter: Spirit-filled believers need a local church more, not less, than ever. A local church that’s working right tethers us to reality. Just because we are anointed with Power from on High, doesn’t mean we can fly off and do whatever we choose. The local church helps a Spirit-empowered person stay focused, develop his/her gifts, and keep humble.
A local church will help a spirit-empowered believer to find God’s timing for action. It’s much more difficult to find God’s timing than to find God’s will. For instance, I once was planning a round-the-world ministry trip. When I submitted this plan to the church elders, I received no confirmation. One elder spoke succinctly, ” I don’t think you should go at this time.” A year or so later I looked back: That elder was right on. He saved me mega amounts of trouble and grief.
The baptism in Holy Spirit is NOT the end. More accurately, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a beginning. He opens a divine adventure to open for us in a way which no one knows until a person experiences it for himself!
Even then, I have met believers who experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but stop using Jesus’ gift of tongues. That makes Jesus sad. He paid the cost on the cross for you to use tongues.
Speaking in tongues keeps us filled with the Spirit. Here’s an opportunity: Double the time you speak in tongues, and see what happens!
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit Does NOT mean “controlled” by the Holy Spirit. Demons control people. The Holy Spirit comes inside a person to guide and cleanse, not “control” a person. Spirit-filled believers are not robots. Each enjoys free choice. Each has a conscience. Each makes mistakes. Including me!
The baptism in the Holy Spirit does NOT mean that everyone’s behavior or habits will change immediately. It may take time. Yet, be assured the Holy Spirit is inside you "wearing overalls." He's a good worker. He is working overtime to make you more like Jesus as the days go by. He is generating the fruit of the Spirit as much as you allow.