Bible Dictionaries
Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Holman Bible Dictionary

Ever since the days of Joel, God's people have looked for the pouring out of God's Spirit (Joel 2:28-32 ). The Gospels and Acts speak of a baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8; John 1:33; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:5; see Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16 . See Acts 2:3-4 ,Acts 2:3-4,2:16-21; compare Acts 10:44 with Acts 11:16 ). But what does it mean to be “baptized with the Holy Spirit”?

Being baptized in the Holy Spirit means being immersed (baptized) in the presence and being of God. One immersed in the presence of God is made aware of his or her sinfulness and desires cleansing and purification (John 16:8; see Baptism of Fire ). The result of this cleansing is life in the true sense of the word (see Eternal Life; Life ).

One baptized with the Holy Spirit is also empowered to do works of ministry (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8 ). The ministry for which empowerment comes included witnessing (Acts 1:8; see John 15:26-27 ) and working miracles (John 14:12; Acts 3:4-10; Acts 5:12 ). As part of the empowerment for ministry, believers are given the necessary spiritual gifts (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 4:10-11 ) and knowledge and guidance (John 14:26; John 16:13 ).

Phil Logan