The Holy Spirit: Indwelling, Baptism, and the Power of God

Primary Scripture Reading:

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Introduction

The Holy Spirit is a central figure in the believer’s life, offering guidance, transformation, and empowerment. However, many struggle to understand the difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Today, we will explore these two key aspects and the manifestations of the Spirit’s power.

There is a difference between the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit happens at the moment of salvation. When a person repents, believes in Jesus Christ, and is born again, the Spirit comes to dwell within them, making them a temple of God.

Key Scripture References:

• “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV)

• “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6, KJV)

What Happens When the Holy Spirit Indwells Us?

1. Permanent Residence:

• The Spirit takes up permanent residence in the believer’s heart, assuring them of salvation.

• “I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” (John 14:16, KJV)

2. Transformation:

• The Spirit begins to change the believer from the inside out.

• “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)

3. Sanctification:

• He works to make the believer holy and Christlike.

• “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, KJV)

4. Fruits of the Spirit:

• Evidence of the Spirit’s indwelling is seen in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

• (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV)

Purpose of the Indwelling:

The indwelling Holy Spirit assures salvation, provides guidance, and produces spiritual growth.

2. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct from the indwelling and refers to an empowering experience that equips the believer for ministry and supernatural works. This baptism often follows salvation and is accompanied by outward manifestations such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, or boldness.

Definition of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the immersion of the believer in the Spirit’s power and presence, equipping them to carry out God’s work with boldness and spiritual authority.

Biblical Basis:

• “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1:5, KJV)

• “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.” (Acts 1:8, KJV)

Characteristics of the Baptism:

1. Empowerment for Ministry:

• The baptism provides boldness and authority for proclaiming the Gospel.

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

2. Supernatural Gifts:

• It often results in spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, or healings (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

3. Renewed Boldness:

• After receiving the baptism, believers are emboldened to witness and preach the Gospel.

• “And they spake the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31, KJV)

4. Manifest Presence:

• Unlike the quiet work of the indwelling Spirit, the baptism is often marked by visible, supernatural signs.

Biblical Examples of Spirit Baptism:

• Pentecost: (Acts 2:1-4)

• Samaritans: (Acts 8:15-17)

• Cornelius’ Household: (Acts 10:44-46)

• The Ephesians: (Acts 19:6)

3. The Differences Between Indwelling and Baptism

Aspect Indwelling of the Holy Spirit Baptism of the Holy Spirit

When It Happens

Indwelling: At the moment of salvation

John 14:16–17 KJV 1900

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.

Baptism: Often after salvation

Acts 8:15–17 KJV 1900

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Purpose Assurance, sanctification, and spiritual growth Empowerment for ministry and supernatural gifts

Evidence Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Nature Inward, transformative Outward, empowering

How the Two Work Together:

• The indwelling Spirit assures and transforms you, producing spiritual fruit.

• The baptism of the Spirit empowers and equips you for service, producing supernatural gifts.

4. The Power of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s power is evidenced through spiritual gifts, boldness in ministry, and supernatural manifestations.

Being “Slain in the Spirit”

While not explicitly described in Scripture under this term, instances of people falling under the power of God are seen:

• Ezekiel: “I fell upon my face.” (Ezekiel 1:28, KJV) When he saw the glory of God.

• John: “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.” (Revelation 1:17, KJV) While he was in the presence of the Lord.

This experience, if genuine, must glorify God and result in spiritual fruit.

Application

1. Seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

You must seek the Baptism. The indwelling happens at the moment you are become a born again believer.

• If you are saved but have not experienced the baptism, ask the Lord for this empowering gift.

• “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find.” (Matthew 7:7, KJV)

2. Walk in the Spirit:

• Let both the indwelling and baptism guide your life.

• “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25, KJV)

3. Bear Fruit and Use Gifts:

• Let the indwelling Spirit produce godly character and the baptism equip you for ministry.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit is at work in every believer’s life through His indwelling and His baptism. The indwelling Spirit assures salvation and sanctifies us, while the baptism empowers us for ministry and supernatural service. These two works are not contradictory but complementary, leading us to walk in the fullness of God’s purpose.

Closing Quote:

“We are not here to play, to dream, to drift; we have hard work to do, and loads to lift. The Spirit of God is our strength and power.” — D.L. Moody