7.22 The baptism measure of the Holy Spirit

In lesson 7.5, we talked about the salvation measure of the Holy Spirit which we received when we first believed (Eph 1:13). There is a greater measure of the Holy Spirit than the salvation measure. This is called the baptism measure which is received during the baptism in the Holy Spirit. There were many things that John the Baptist could have said as a forerunner, but he introduced Jesus as the “Baptizer in the Holy Spirit”.

(Mark 1:7-8)
“There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will BAPTIZE YOU with the HOLY SPIRIT.”

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave some very important instructions to His disciples. He told them not to preach the gospel yet, but to wait for “the promise”, referring to the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5).

(Acts 1:4-5, 8)
And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for THE PROMISE of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be BAPTIZED with the HOLY SPIRIT not many days from now.”

“But you shall receive POWER when the Holy Spirit has come UPON you; and you shall be WITNESSES to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Since Jesus used the definite article “the promise” in referring to the baptism in the Spirit, this must be a significant and important experience for every believer.

The baptism in the Spirit is an anointing upon. The impartation of the anointing upon also comes with the empowerment to do His work (Is 10:27; Zech 4:6; Luke 4:14, 18; Acts 10:38).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit gives us the power to be witnesses. It is not just “for doing witnessing” but also for transforming our lives to reflect Jesus. Many people ask Reinhard Bonnke, the leading evangelist in the world today, “When did you begin to see miracles in your ministry, and why do so many people turn to Christ when you preach?” He says, “God gives us the power to do what He commands. That comes through the baptism in the Holy Spirit.”

Earlier, we said that the salvation measure is like a fountain of water within us springing up into everlasting life (John 4:13-14). It is for personal consumption. Now the baptism experience is like rivers of living water flowing out from our hearts (John 7:37-38). Rivers flow in the public domain and bring water to many people. Through this baptism, the Holy Spirit flows out from our hearts to bless others. We will also have plenty to drink in the process.