The baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is more commonly referred to as "being baptized in the Holy Spirit," is one of those doctrines that seems to have a lot of ambiguity mixed in it, and there's a reason for that. Long ago the enemy sowed tares into our understanding of this truth in GOD'S Word. Yet once again, most of the Church lacks the discernment to expose this or any other "doctrine of devils'" for what they are by bringing the needed correction. I will even tell you right up front what this tare is so that as you read, you can judge for yourself if what I say is from the Word of GOD.
"I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." Mark 1:8
The "baptism of the Holy Spirit" as taught by the Church, got it's inception from 18th-century Wesley Methodism and was called the "second work of grace." It was considered a second in-filling of the Holy Spirit separate from the initial "born-again" experience. It's this second filling that cannot be found in the Bible. John Wesley determined this second in-filling of the Spirit was given and needed for sanctification. Then came "Pentecostalism" in the early 20th-century that decided it was a "third work of grace" that was given after one was saved, and this was how you got the "gifts" and probably the "signs" too. So in their eyes, one got saved, and then submitted to sanctifying themselves for the work of the LORD, but then needed this supposed third work of grace, or second in-filling as they saw it, where the "gifts" of the Holy Spirit were then bestowed upon the now matured believer. This last third work doctrine is somewhat right in concept, but wrong in application. To understand this process we must understand what we are as a triune being. Part of us, our spirit, was already given all these blessings once "born-again."
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" Ephesians 1:3
"Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts [in our souls, our spirit man contains the whole upon the new birth]." 2 Corinthians 1:22
"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed [marked in the spirit of man] with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest [down payment] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession [spirit, soul, and body], unto the praise of his glory." Ephesians 1:13-14
See: The Triune Man / The Soul of Man
What you will find as you read the pdf file below, is that the baptism Jesus and John the baptist spoke of, was then, and still is today, the only true in-filling or receiving of the Holy Spirit that the born-again believer is shown to receive in the Bible. Now I'm not saying GOD does not have times where He pours out His Spirit, or I should say, allows It to manifest more openly upon those believers' who have been pushing in and seeking GOD with all their hearts. Yet, all the fruit and signs of the Holy Spirit (not gifts) were already present in these believers' spirits, via the Holy Spirit. Yet they were only given in "earnest" in the heart/soul at the new birth. So our souls get a "taste" of the Spirit Holy upon the new birth.
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift [that being the Holy Spirit], and were made partakers [G3348: a participant] of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." Hebrews 6:4-6
Have you ever seen brethren called up front and encouraged (more like talked into) believing that they now have the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" after a short prayer? The reality is more that some were talked into believing what they already had. The Holy Spirit was just waiting for these believers' to actually believe without doubting that they now possess the "signs" in Mark 16, which were previously blocked by a doubting un-submissive soul. Thus, some start to speak with new tongues. It's funny though how none of the other "signs" seem to manifest at this new baptism? In other words, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and being "born-again" are in reality, one and the same brethren. If you can believe for tongues you can believe for healing the sick, which is also one of the "signs" in Mark 16. Furthermore, GOD does give the power "gifts" as He pleases to those saints who ask out of a matured and sanctified "nothing wavering" heart, but this is not an actual new in-filling of the Holy Spirit to talk in tongues and lay hands on etc. Those are the "signs" and were given upon the new birth to every believer. Howbeit, there is also a "gift of tongues" that is paired up with the "gift of interpretation of tongues." Only by faith in the one who gave them and obedience to His Word (John 14:21) can these manifest as one goes forth in the "great commission."
"And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." Acts 5:32
"But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him."
1 Corinthians 12:18
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these SIGNS shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Mark 16:15-18
And GOD hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." 1-Corinthians 12:28-31
Please read the file below which explains in detail how this misunderstanding came about.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit? pdf
