by Bishop Joe Prado

Jesus Christ, the Builder and Chief Cornerstone of our salvation, has designed three building blocks that lead to the framework of our salvation. These building blocks are repentance, water baptism, and the baptism (infilling) of the Holy Spirit. In this study, we will examine the building blocks and key components of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

What is the baptism of the holy spirit?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit infilling in our hearts.  When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit unites with our human spirit. We become one with the Lord.

In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul states to the church of Corinth, “But he who is joined to the Lord is ONE spirit with Him.”

Old Testament and New Testament prophecies about the baptism of the Holy Spirit

The baptism of the Holy Spirit was promised in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This clearly demonstrates the importance of this building block within the framework of our salvation.

Old Testament

  • Joel 2:28 — “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”
  • Isaiah 28:11 — “For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people.”

New Testament

  • Matthew 3:11 — “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
  • John 14:26 — But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

In the Old Testament, the Prophets Joel and Isaiah prophesied about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, John the Baptist and Jesus also spoke about this glorious experience. The fact that this truth is present in both portions of Scripture emphasizes how important and central it is to the Christian experience.

Speaking in other tongues

One important sign that an individual has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance.

  • Acts 2:4 — “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

A person praying to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit should not seek to speak in tongues but rather to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The tongues will naturally be manifested when the Holy Spirit baptizes that individual.

Why is the building block of the baptism of the Holy Spirit important?

1. It’s part of God’s framework for our salvation.

  • John 3:5 — “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”
  • Acts 2:38 — Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”

2. It identifies us with our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 8:11 — But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

3. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts sanctifies us and makes us holy unto the Lord.

  • Titus 3:4-5 — 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

4. It empowers us to be effective witnesses of Jesus.

  • Acts 1:8 — “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

5. Spiritual gifts are given to us when we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 — 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

How can I receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

There are three important steps to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

1. We must first understand that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a promise from God to all people, both Jews and Gentiles.

  • Joel 2:28 — And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
  • John 14:16-17 — 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

2. We must exercise faith in God’s Word.

  • Hebrews 11:6 — “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
  • Acts 11:15-17 — 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?”

3. We must repent of our sins.

Repentance means that we must turn away from our sins and surrender our lives to the Master Builder, Jesus Christ!

  • Acts 2:38 — Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”

4. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, we must surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

  • Galatians 5:16-18 — I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Conclusion

In this biblical study, we have learned that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is an essential aspect of the framework of our salvation and Christian life. We have also learned how to prepare our hearts to receive this important gift from God.

It is my prayer that all Messengers of Peace seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily for empowerment and guidance. May you experience the fullness of God’s presence and power in your life daily.

Small Group Study Guide

This five-part small group Bible study series explores the profound and life-changing reality of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives.

About the Author

Bishop Joe Prado serves as the overseer of the Asia Region for the Apostolic Assembly. In addition to his regional responsibilities, he is the Senior Pastor of East Palo Alto, California, where he collaborates with his wife and family in guiding the congregation.