|
The Baptism
of the Holy Ghost
John
the Baptist told the people that Jesus is the one who will baptize with
the Holy Ghost and with fire (Luke 3,16). Various scriptures in the
Old Testament prophecy about the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Jesus spoke
about rivers of living water, which will flow out of a person who is
filled with the Holy Ghost (John 7,38-39).
The holy people living under the Old Covenant were led and moved by
the Holy Ghost (2.Peter 1,21), but they never received the baptism of
the Holy Ghost - as we find, first of all, at the beginning in the book
of Acts and even still today - the reason being that everything still
happened to lay ahead in the future (Joel 2,28-32).
On the day of Pentecost (the 2nd chapter of the book of Acts), 3120
people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Peter said that this
gift from God is for everyone, both for those that are near and those
that are far-off. Paul asked the disciples at Ephesus, "Have ye
received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" Acts 19,2. They were
believers but they knew nothing about it, however, now they received
the baptism of the Holy Ghost themselves.
Every believer who has not yet received this baptism should ask themselves
why they have not yet experienced it. There may be various reasons:
1. Lack of interest:
An individual might not be interested in that what God wants to do for
him. Due to his apathy he will not receive the Eternal Life, which is
only to be found IN Jesus Christ. John 3,3-7; Acts 2,13; Rom. 9,8
2. Self-deception:
An individual describes himself as being religious, but his lack of
knowledge about the Scriptures deceives him and allows him to believe
that his religion or experience is adequate, without the necessity of
having to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. As a result, he rejects this
theme (John 8,31-34)
3. Convenience:
An individual depends upon the opinion of other people, rather than
relying upon what God says in the Holy Scriptures. Others tell him that
the baptism of the Holy Ghost is no longer necessary, or that it does
not take place anymore.
(Read: Matt. 18,7-9; Acts 2,38-39; 4,18-19; 5,29-33)
By some means or other, the enemy of your soul will also try to prevent
you from having this wonderful experience. Whether it is by devising
arguments such as: "You don't need that, that was only for at that
time, you're never be good enough" or "There is no such thing."
The decision to want to receive the promise of God cannot be taken away
from you because you possess a free-will! Believe the Scriptures, study
them carefully so that you may also pertain to this promise. Do not
allow anyone to hinder you, considering that this gift of God is also
for you and will thereby enable you to inherit eternal life! Every year,
thousands and thousands nation-wide enjoy this wonderful experience,
why should you not also be one of them too? Jesus is risen. He still
baptizes people with His Holy Ghost and they are then born into His
kingdom.
We found out about being baptized with the Holy Ghost in the book of
Acts, in the 2nd chapter, verses 1 to 4. The Holy Ghost filled the 120
disciples one after the other in the upper room. They were praying and
were expecting the Holy Ghost to fall. When the Holy Ghost fell upon
them and filled them, they spoke in a different language - a language
which they had not previously learnt. However, even here at this place
and time, the mockers were not very far-away - just like it is the case
nowadays. Nevertheless, they did not allow anyone to stop them.
In chapter 8 of the book of Acts, Phillip preaches in Samaria and baptizes
the believing men and women in Jesus' name in water. When Peter and
John came and laid hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came and they were
filled. They also spoke in a different language - exactly in the same
way as everyone else does - this was the sign whereby the Jews recognized
that an individual had received the Holy Ghost (Acts 10,45). This baptism
is more than just having a good or an unusual feeling - as some falsely
claim to be the case. It is the power and glory of God, which completely
changes a person's life for the best!!! The Holy Ghost was also poured
out upon Cornelius and his family in Acts 10,44-46, whilst Peter was
preaching. The Jews were shocked that the Gentiles were also able to
receive the Holy Ghost. This is the reason why David also happened to
say, "I would rather fall in the hands of God than in the hands
of man."
Everywhere the apostles went, they spread this message to people that
they also could receive the Holy Ghost if they would turn around and
get baptized in Jesus' name. The Holy Ghost is given to those that are
obedient to God (Acts 5,32). The manipulation of the masses throughout
the centuries has caused a lot of damage, even until this present day.
If you flee from this evil and turn completely to Jesus Christ, He will
baptize you with the Holy Ghost! rw
Home
Page |