Baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit

Filled with the Spirit

Luke, who wrote the Book of Acts, uses the term “filled with the Spirit”. “Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from Heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:2-4).

Earlier, in Acts 1:4-5, he uses the term “Baptised in the Spirit” to describe the same event. In his mind, the two are interchangeable. Throughout the book of Acts, the term “filled with the Holy Spirit” is a recurrent, repeated experience in the believer’s life, not just a one-time experience (Acts 4:31, Acts 13:52).

The important question for you is not when the work of the Spirit happens in your life (this is not an orchestrated event; it’s the prerogative of the Spirit), but does the Spirit have complete access to your life so you can live in its power? It is important to pray that you receive the Spirit at your baptism, so be ready for this.