This is a very important question to ask because the very reason why Christ came was to baptize His people with the Holy Spirit; so preached John the Baptist (, , , , ).
What is "baptism with the Holy Spirit"?
The Spirit is not the One performing the baptism — Jesus is. This is the whole emphasis on the Day of Pentecost: the exalted Jesus is given the Spirit by the Father and pours Him out (). This "baptism" is the work of the risen Lord immersing a person in the Holy Spirit.
All true Christians are baptized with the Holy Spirit
There is an emphasis in on Christian unity. There is only one body (the true church), and one Spirit. The teaching that the "baptism" is an experience that only some Christians have after conversion is therefore false. That would divide Christians into two groups. The word "all" occurs three times — all were baptized, all have drunk of the Spirit.
Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a conversion experience
This is because all Christians have received the baptism. The Holy Spirit:
- Regenerates — It is the Holy Spirit who powerfully works to bring the new birth ().
- Indwells — The Holy Spirit indwells every Christian, not as a passive guest but powerfully to sanctify, teach, and protect ().
- Seals — The Holy Spirit indwells as a seal, His mark upon us guaranteeing our eternal inheritance ().
Baptism with the Holy Spirit is not the same as being filled with the Spirit
The baptism happens once at conversion. We are never commanded to seek the baptism, but we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (). The filling is something that can be repeated in special situations ().
Baptism with the Holy Spirit is the great new covenant blessing
This is why Jesus came! He did all this — living a perfect life, suffering and dying for our sins, rising and being exalted — that He might give those who believe on Him the Holy Spirit. It is the central gift of the risen Lord to His new covenant people (, ).
Have you been baptized with the Holy Spirit?
Unless you are, you are not a true Christian. Speaking in tongues is NOT the evidence of the baptism. Tongues was a gift only given to some, as the Spirit willed (). The "more excellent way" (12:31) is the way of love. The fruit of the Spirit is love ().