Baptism in the Holy Ghost
Baptism is separate from salvation. Acts 19:2 "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" Baptism is not conversion. Conversion is turning toward God and away from sin. Baptism in the Spirit (Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are the same) is something that Christ does for us; it is a gift from God. John 14:13, Jesus said: "Whatsoever you shall ask in my name, that will I do." John 14:26 "But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name." Luke 11:13 "The Father will give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him."
Matthew 3:11 , John the Baptist is speaking: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he (Jesus) that will come after me is MIGHTER than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire."
Baptism is a symbol of purification and consecration. Note the two baptisms here.
1. Water baptism with immersion is when a person is under the water or in the water. However, the water is not in you. Water baptism is a baptism unto death to self, sin and the old nature of man. Romans 6:3,6
2. Baptism with the Holy Ghost is spiritual immersion unto life with power and living waters shall flow out of you. (John 7:38). You are under the influence of the Spirit of God, you walk in the Spirit of God, and you are filled with the Spirit of God, for the Holy Ghost is in you. (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire
Fire is often used as a symbol of God. Exodus 13:21, God is like a pillar of fire by night. Exodus 24:17, the glory of God was like a devouring fire, and in Hebrews 12:29, God is a consuming fire. Jeremiah 23:29, says that the Word of God is like fire. Acts 2:3, there appeared cloven tongues like as fire, as in a "Baptism of fire".
FIRE = repentance, dying to self, purification, a change from the unholy to the holy. When we are saved, God takes us out of the world. When we receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, He takes the world out of us. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire gives a different presence to your being and you have a closer contact in your walk with God. The power in your life will be seen in your working relationships with God, and with people…they will become different. The power of the baptism of the Holy Ghost will baptize you into Christ and you will partake the very nature of Christ. You will have boldness to speak the Word and your prayer relationship will change. You will have the chance to operate in spiritual gifts to help others. God gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. What we need is more of His presence. We do become what we behold. The more you walk in the presence of God, the more the presence of God walks in you.
Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but He (Jesus) that comes after me is mightier than I; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire."
John 7:38 Jesus said (when Holy Ghost is dwelling in you) "out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water."
John 14:16-17 Jesus prayed for us to the Father that He shall give us another comforter, who is the Spirit of Truth, and shall dwell with us and shall be in us.
John 14:26 Jesus said: "But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance."
Luke 24:49 Jesus said: "I send you the promise of my Father upon you, but wait in Jerusalem until you be endued with power from on high."
Acts 1:8 Jesus said: "But you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and you shall be my witnesses."
Acts 2:3 (The disciples were waiting) "and there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire and it sat upon each of them."
Acts 2:4 "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Acts 19:2 "HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST SINCE YOU BELIEVED?"
The baptism of the Spirit is separate from salvation and is not conversion. The baptism in the Spirit is something that Jesus does for us; it is a gift. Conversion is the turning toward God- it is something we choose to do.
Acts 19:6 "By the laying on of hands the Holy Ghost came upon the disciples and they spoke with other tongues."
Luke 11:13 "The Father will give the Holy Ghost to them that ask Him."
Romans 8:26-27 The apostle Paul explains that the Holy Ghost also helps our infirmities: for we don't know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us, and the Father who knows our heart, and what is the mind of the Spirit, makes that intercession according to the will of God. When speaking in tongues, you speak not to man, but to God. When you speak in tongues you edify yourself and the church, and you build up your most holy faith.
Ephesians 6:18: We are to pray always in the Spirit.