In the baptism of the Holy Spirit it is the divine power that is contrasted with water as the element with which the child of God is baptised. It is the spiritual element in contrast with the material element. As 2 Peter 1:4 states, we are partakers of the divine nature. His presence is manifest in sanctifying us so that we are being changed from one degree of glory to another.

When Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His disciples, He spoke of Him in terms such as Helper, Comforter, Guide or Teacher. The Holy Spirit always keeps Himself within these limits. He never usurps the will or the personality of the believer. He never compels the believer to do anything against the believer’s own will or choice.

The Holy Spirit is also called “the Spirit of grace” Hebrew 10:29. Grace is the empowering ability of the Holy Spirit to be all God wants us to be and to do. Romans 8:15 “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

John 3:34 “For God does not give the Spirit by measure.” The measure is not in God’s giving; the measure is in our receiving.

We may have as much of the Holy Spirit as we are willing to receive, we must voluntarily yield to Him and accept His control. He will never force us to do anything against our own will. The Holy Spirit will not do for us – or through us – more than we allow Him to.

What main results is the baptism in the Holy Spirit intended to produce in the life of each individual Christian?

• Opening of the Scriptures: John 14:26 “But when the Father sends the Counsellor as My representative – and by the Counsellor I mean the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.”

John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will be telling you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future.

• Power to witness: Luke 24:49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as My Father promised (The promise of My Father). But stay in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Acts 4:31 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”
• A release of worship and prayer: Jesus is glorified in us and empowers our prayer life. He helps us in our weakness as in Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit also helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.
• A gateway to the supernatural: The early disciples experienced supernatural protection, anointed preaching, direct guidance and could minister in signs and wonders.

Each believer is to be personally empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let us hunger more and more for His filling. We need to be clothed with His power to be all He wants us to be and do.