The Holy Spirit baptism is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers who are already saved and thus already have the indwelling of God’s Spirit in them. The baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service in God’s Kingdom and can happen soon after salvation or later. Sometimes it may not happen till people get enlightened as in Acts 8 and Acts 19.
The Holy Spirit baptism is followed by supernatural acts of power which include speaking with other tongues and prophecy. One who receives such a baptism may not necessarily speak in other tongues there and there but this should normally happen or follow may be at a later stage.
Other visible signs of the Holy Spirit manifestation include shaking, vibrating, screaming, groaning, shedding tears, laughter, inspired expression of joy and praising God. Believers can always be able to speak with other tongues with proper faith and willingness.
I also highlight that the Holy Spirit can baptize believers through laying on of hands by an anointed believer or He can also be poured out upon a congregation when a minister is ministering in the power of God. It is also possible to breathe on the believers to minister the power and Spirit of God. Some people can simply ask God and receive this gift on their own.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit may need to be prayed for but the indwelling of God’s Spirit within the believers at salvation comes automatically when we accept Jesus Christ and surrender our lives to Him.
Acts 8:17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues [Or other languages] and praising God...
John 20:22 And with that he (Jesus) breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
By Howard Tundu
