The Baptism of The Holy Spirit as promised in the New Testament, is quite different in kind from any of the various operations or manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
“But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name. He shall teach you all things! And bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26).
Why do Christians need the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
- According to Luke 11:13, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him”
- Jesus said it was for the endowment of supernatural power for service. “Be endued with power from on high . . . to witness, ” (Luke 24:9; Acts 1:8).
- The high water mark of New Testament teaching on the Holy Spirit is reached in John 14-16. These chapters contain the five “paraclete sayings” (John 14:15-17; 14:26; 15:26,27; 16:5-11,12-15). The use of masculine pronouns and adjectives indicate we are to think of the Holy Spirit as a fully personal being. He is the Spirit of Truth and is seen preeminently as the revealer of Christ. As Jesus Christ is the truth, the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13) lead the disciples to a full appreciation of his life and teachings.
A transliteration of the Greek word Parakletos, is translated in the various English versions as Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Intercessor, or Helper.The Hebrew word for spirit is ruach. In the Old Testament it frequently means “wind.” The Greek word equivalent pneuma is used in this sense only twice in the New Testament. These terms are also used to denote “breath,” the vital stuff of life in default of which man ceases to live. In neither of these uses is it difficult to make an association with God. The wind was thought to be the unseen instrument of an unseen God, and, as God was viewed as the source of life, it was natural to associate spirit with life created by God. “Spirit” is also found with the meaning “soul” or “heart,” the seat of the intelligence and emotions, the principle of life which God imparts to man at his beginning and recalls from him at his death.
In the Old Testament the Spirit of God is viewed as having been sent forth for the creation and sustenance of human life and as endowing men with special abilities and gifts such as leadership, craftsmanship, and wisdom. The gift of prophecy, however, was considered the characteristic mark of the presence of the Spirit.