FAQs

What is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost?
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is the promise of Jesus Christ that He would fill us with His Spirit, giving us power to be His witnesses, to overcome our flesh, and to make it to heaven.
Col. 1:27 says it very simply: "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
References:
II Cor. 3:17,18 "The Lord is that Spirit"
I John 3:24 "He abideth in us"
What the Bible says about the Promise:
Joel 2:28-29 (Acts 2:16-18) "I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh"
Isaiah 28:11-12 "with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak"
Isaiah 59:20-21 Deliverance will be from the Lord
Matthew 3:11 "He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire"
Matthew 28:20 "I am with you always even unto the end of the world"
John 14:26 "the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost . . . Father will send"
John 15:26 "the Comforter . . . whom I will send"
John 16:7 "the Comforter . . . I will send Him"
John 20:22 "Receive ye the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:38-39 "Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"
Gal. 3:13-18, esp. 14 "we might receive the promise"
The Baptism of the Holy Ghost is a very important New Testament experience.

Why is the term "Baptism" used?
Baptism means to totally immerse, plunge, or dip. Using this definition to be baptized in the Holy Ghost means to be completely immersed in the Spirit of God. We can be likened to an empty container in need of God's spirit. As an empty glass gets filled with water when submerged, so are we filled with His Spirit. "Baptism" as used in Acts 1:5, "filled" as used in Acts 2:4, "gift" as used in Acts 2:38, and "received" as used in Acts 8:17 are interchangeable terms .

Why is the term "Ghost" used?
The term Ghost is actually interchangeable with Spirit. You can find both listed in the King James Version of the Bible (Ghost: Acts 1:5, Acts 2:38-39; Spirit: John 3:5, Acts 2:17-18). Jesus, being a man, was composed of body, soul, and spirit. When He died, his body was separated from His spirit. His flesh had to taste of death. At His resurrection, His spirit was reunited with His body and glorified. Today, He freely gives His spirit to those that are obedient to His Word (Acts 5:32).

Why is the term "Holy" used?
God is holy. There is no other attribute of God that is talked about as much in the Bible as God's holiness.
I Peter 1:16 says, "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 20:26). The root meaning of the word "holy" is to be "separated," to be without sin. Because God is holy and above sin, He is the only one that can help us to overcome sin. Without receiving the Holy Ghost, it is impossible for us to be holy.
It also tells us what we are supposed to be when we receive the Holy Ghost.

Is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost necessary?
John 3:5 Jesus said, "Except a man be born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Rom. 14:17 "For the Kingdom of God is . . . righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost ."
Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4 Jesus commanded his disciples to tarry in Jerusalem for the Holy Ghost (also John 20:22).
Romans 8:9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His."
The Feast of Tabernacles was a feast that was a yearly reminder of the Israelites' bondage and deliverance (salvation) from Egypt. An elaborate ritual occurred on the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, at which the priest circled the altar seven times before kindling the sacrifices and the Psalms 113-118 were sung. It was a feast of joy and salvation. Isaiah 12:3 says, "With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation ." (See also John 4:10-14 - Jesus was speaking to "Whosoever").
When this last song of praise ended, Jesus stood up and said (in John 7:37-39), "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)."
Jesus speaking this at this time directly connected the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with salvation.
1 Cor. 12:3 "No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost ."
Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power , after that the Holy Ghost is come unto you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me".
1 Cor. 6:11 "But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God "
1 Cor. 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we baptized into one body."
Eph. 1:13-14 "Ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession."
Titus 3:5 ".. He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ."
Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (1 Peter 3:21)
Col 1:27 "Christ in you, the Hope of Glory."

Who can receive the Holy Ghost?
Acts 5:32 "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him "
Matt. 18:2 Those that come as little children can receive the Holy Ghost.
Heb. 11:6, Mark 16:16, Acts 16:30-33 Those that believe (have faith) can receive the Holy Ghost.
II Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, . . . but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." Those who repent can receive the Holy Ghost (Also Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, II Cor. 6:16-7:1).
Acts 2:38 "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Mark 16:16 "He that believeth, and is baptized , shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Those that are baptized can receive the Holy Ghost. Some do receive the Holy Ghost without being baptized first (i.e. Acts 10:44-48).
Luke 11:9-13, Heb 4:16 Those that boldly ask Him, can receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 17:27 Those that feel after Him, and find Him , can receive the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 81:10 Those that open their mouth can receive the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 22:3 He inhabits the praises of His people.

When did the first Baptism of the Holy Ghost take place?
The first Baptism of the Holy Ghost took place on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 1:4-5, 2:1-4).

Why did the Baptism of the Holy Ghost occur on the Day of Pentecost?
The Day of Pentecost was the completion of the feast of weeks, which was synonymous with the Israelites' deliverance (salvation) from Egypt. Two loaves of bread were waved, which speak of the fact His plan of salvation was provided for both Jews and Gentiles.
The Day of Pentecost was a feast day that commemorated the giving of the law on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament. The law was written on stone. In the New Testament the law was written on men's hearts when He filled them with His Spirit. In the Old Testament, it was prophesied that He would write His laws on the "inward parts" and in their "hearts" (Jer. 31:31-33, Heb 8:7-13). All that entered into this New Covenant would know the Lord personally (Jer. 31:31-34).
The Day of Pentecost marked the beginning of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. The Holy Ghost experience is the essence of the New Covenant replacing the Old Covenant of the law (II Cor. 3:3-18). The New Covenant is established on better promises (Heb. 8:6).

Did people have the Holy Ghost before the coming of Jesus Christ?
Luke 1:15 John the Baptist did
Genesis 41:38 Joseph did
Exodus 31:2,3; 35:31 Bezaleel did
Luke 1:41, 67 Elizabeth and Zacharias, John the Baptist's parents did
In most cases the scriptures describe the Holy Ghost or Spirit of God coming upon, or moving upon people.
Numbers 11:17-25 The Spirit was put upon the seventy elders
Numbers 24:2 The Spirit of God came upon Balaam
Judges 3:9,10 The Spirit of the LORD came upon Othniel
Judges 6:34 . . . upon Gideon
Judges 11:29 . . . upon Jephthah
I Samuel 11:6 . . . upon Saul
II Chr. 15:1 . . . upon Azariah
II Chr. 24:20 . . . upon Zechariah
Peter described it: II Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Ghost."
Conclusion: We must conclude that the Spirit of God was in various Old Testament characters. Not everyone in the Old Testament had His Spirit. Those that had His Spirit received it for some specific purpose.

How is the Spirit (of God) that John the Baptist and other Old Testament people received different from what we can receive today?
Everything in the gospels pertaining to the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and salvation is future tense:
John the Baptist pointed to Jesus: Matthew 3:11 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." A special sign was given to John to show him that Jesus was the one who would baptize with the Holy Ghost (John 1:33).
Jesus said that he would have to go away before the Comforter would come: John 16:7 "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you."
John 7:38,39 "The Holy Ghost was not yet given."
Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He told His disciples to go to Jerusalem to receive the Holy Ghost (Matt 16:18, Luke 24:47-49).
The great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 did not receive the promise (Heb. 11:39,40).
On the Day of Pentecost, they that received the Holy Ghost spoke in tongues (See also Acts 10:45-46, 19:6). John the Baptist or any of the Old Testament saints did not speak in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost. They had something different .
Matthew 11:11 "Verily, I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he ." (Luke 7:28)
What we have is greater-- I Peter 1:12 "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven; which thing the angels desire to look into."
Since the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was given not only to fill people, but to make them a member of the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:3) "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body."
Jesus had to die on the cross before His church (bride) could come into existence:
Paul spoke of a great mystery, Eph 5:32 "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Adam is a type of Christ and Eve is a type of the New Testament Church (Romans 5:14; Eph. 5:26-32).
Gen. 2:21-24 As Adam's bride was taken from his side, Jesus' bride came from His side.
John 19:34 The blood and water that poured from His side on the cross gave birth to the New Testament church.
The Holy Spirit is given to abide with us permanently (John 14:16). It is the earnest of our inheritance (Eph. 1:13,14). By giving us His Spirit, Jesus is showing us the seriousness of His intent to be in us through out eternity, if we so desire.
It was Jesus' duty to baptize with the Holy Ghost (Mark 1:8)--No one else could give it.

What is the evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost?
There is both an external and internal evidence that a person has received the Holy Ghost. (a) The common external evidence that occurred every time someone received the Holy Ghost was that they spoke in Tongues. Jesus had prophesied about it in Mark 16:17 "And these signs shall follow them that believe . . . they shall speak with new tongues," saying that there would be a definite sign following those that believed. Read the actual following occurrences where people received the Holy Ghost and note what the obvious evidence was "Speaking in tongues."
Acts 1-2, esp. Acts 2:4 "speak with other tongues" (Jews: 120 disciples including Mary the mother of Jesus, and several women Acts 1:12-26).
Acts 2:33 "which ye now see and hear "
Acts 10:44-48 "speak with tongues"

(Gentiles)--How did they know that they had received the Holy Ghost? Acts 10:46 (Also Acts 11:15-17 "the like gift")Acts 19:1-6 "spake with tongues" (Ephesians)
John 3:8 states that the pouring out of the Holy Ghost would be invisible, yet seen and heard.
The Bible does not state that the Apostle Paul spoke in tongues when he received the Holy Ghost, but it does state that he spoke in tongues and understood the differences between the different types of tongues
(I Cor. 12, 13, 14; esp. I Cor. 14:18).
II Cor 13:1, Matt. 18:16, and Deut. 19:5 state that in order for a doctrine to be established that two or three witness have to say the same thing. Obviously from the above, we have many witnesses to the fact that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost. (b) The common internal evidence is the transformation that takes place inside a person: They receive power, strength, joy, the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), etc. The transformation reflects the abiding presence of God in a person's life and in many cases cannot be immediately observed. Because of this it is not a significant indicator of the receiving of the Holy Ghost.

Did everyone in the New Testament speak in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost?
Everyone in the New Testament spoke in tongues when they received the Holy Ghost. The only group of people where it could be questionable is the Samaritans in Acts 8:5-25. Philip went to the Samaritans. They listened to him, saw miracles, had great joy, believed his message, and were baptized in the name of Jesus. Since signs and miracles were already evident (v. 6), that which took place when they received the Holy Ghost must have been far more wonderful and powerful. If nothing supernatural had taken place, Simon would not have wanted to buy the power of laying on of hands to receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8 was probably written to show us that receiving the Holy Ghost was a separate experience from miracles, great emotion, believing, repenting, and being baptized in the Name of Jesus, and that salvation could not be attained without the receiving of the Holy Ghost.

When you speak in tongues, who is speaking?
Matthew 10:20 "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."
Romans 8:26 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
Acts 2:4 "as the spirit of God gives utterance"

What is "speaking in tongues"?
Those who speak in tongues speak in a real language , although they themselves may not understand what they are saying. Many times observers have been able to recognize the languages. In Acts 2, foreign Jews were amazed because the Galilean Jews were able to speak their languages. That was the evidence to them that a miracle was taking place. I Cor. 14:21-22 says that tongues are "a sign for them that believe not."
The language can be either human or angelic in nature (1 Cor. 13:1).
Some people try to say that tongues were given to the 120 in Acts 2 to propagate the gospel to foreign Jews.

Why are "tongues" used as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost?
God is Sovereign. He can do what He wants (Is 40:13-14, I Cor. 1:25-29).
The words we speak express our inner self (Matthew 12:34).
Speaking in tongues symbolizes God's complete control of the believer. He is able to conquer the unconquerable. The tongue is a little member that controls the whole body like the rudder of a ship (James 3:8, Rom 6:13).

Without a genuine proof that we have received the Holy Ghost, what assurance beyond our own feelings could we have that we have got the Holy Ghost? People that believe in unconditional eternal security say that a person that sins never really received the Holy Ghost or was converted in the first place. When church "leaders" or "pillars" fall in sin, this leads many to wonder if their own conversion was genuine.
At Pentecost God reversed the sign of judgment of tongues at Babel, and the Door of Salvation opened to all nations.
It fulfills prophesy (Is 28:11-12).
It fulfills promises (Mk 16:15 -18, Acts 1:8).
The Baptism of water and Spirit constitutes the new birth (John 3:3-7). As the cry of a baby removes all doubt of its birth, Jesus said a sound would accompany every birth of the Spirit (John 3:8).
God is able. He made a donkey to talk (Num. 22:28-35), a deaf and dumb man to talk (Mark 7:31-37), people to permanently change their language (Gen 11:7-9), and He could make rocks to cry out (Luke 19:40).

Is the "gift of the Holy Ghost" the same as the nine spiritual "gifts" that are talked about in I Cor. 12, 13, 14?
The word "gift" is expressed with a different Greek word when referring to the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost - "Dorea." When the "gift" denotes any of the nine spiritual gifts including the Gift of tongues, the word "charisma" is used. The Bible purposely makes a distinction between these words.

What is the most common error concerning Speaking in Tongues?
The most common error concerning "speaking in tongues" is that people think that there is only one type of "Speaking in Tongues"--but there are actually three types . The Bible makes the distinction and addresses the issue of spiritual gifts in the Book of Corinthians to people that had already received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues. Everyone must experience the speaking in tongues that is connected to the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost (1st type) and they must develop their prayer language (second type). The third type of speaking in tongues is not necessary for salvation, but definitely beneficial and should be sought by everyone. If the three types are confused and all are thought to be unnecessary, a serious mistake could be made: a person could be kept from receiving an essential part of salvation--the Holy Ghost.
Satan is trying to de-emphasize speaking in tongues to keep people from receiving the Holy Ghost. He has tried to distort what Paul was talking about concerning the spiritual gifts to the point that he was saying that Paul was telling people not to speak in tongues. Reading the entire chapter (Cor. 14) can easily show you Paul's true feelings on speaking in tongues, that he spoke in tongues, and that there was a proper way to use them.

According to I Cor. 13:8-10, are tongues to cease in this age?
The "ceasing of tongues" in I Cor. 13:8-10 does not refer to this age. In fact the verses point out that if tongues cease, knowledge and prophecy (preaching and teaching) will also cease. That which is perfect is Jesus, and He has not returned yet.
The gift of tongues spoke about in I Cor. 12 - 14 is for the Church today.

Does the devil have the ability to produce tongues?
Satan has power to perform miracles and he often tries to imitate God's work (Ex. 7:10-12, Rev. 13:2, 11-15)
(i.e. in one type of Yoga (Hinduism), people scream, contort their bodies, go through crazy gymnastics, and speak in a hideous tongue).
That facts that "tongues" of the Devil exist is a proof of the real Biblical tongues because for everything that God has, the devil has a counterfeit.
If people are seeking God, reading the Bible, and praying to Jesus, they don't have to worry about the "tongues" of the devil.

Why didn't the fire and wind repeat themselves in further incidents of people receiving the Holy Ghost?
The Bible uses the fire and wind in much the same way that fire, thunder, lightning, and an earthquake was used at the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. It caught people's attention. It was a manifestation of His power.
Additional implications of the wind and fire are:
The wind is significant with the breath of God in Gen.2:7, John 3:8, 20:22, and Ezekiel 37:9.
The fire of the Spirit equates to Matthew 3:11-12 to burn up the chaff, the Golden Candlestick )Rev 1:12-20, Matt 8:12), and the burning bush (Heb 1:7; Exodus 3:1-15) and every manifestation of God's glory up to and including the Day of Pentecost. The glory cloud on Mount Sinai settled on the tabernacle in the Desert. Later it appeared when David was establishing his tabernacle and when Solomon dedicated his tabernacle. Significantly there were 120 priests, trumpeters, and shewbread--a type of the Day of Pentecost where the glory cloud became 120 glory clouds .
The number 120 signifies the end of life in the flesh and the beginning of life in the Spirit (i.e. 120 years to build Noahs Ark, 120 Jubilees (120 X 50 = 6000 years), three 40 year periods in Moses's life, three kings each reigning 40 years, and 120 people on the day of Pentecost).

What is the significance of the "laying on of hands" in the receiving of the Holy Ghost?
The laying on of hands is not an absolute necessity in receiving the Holy Ghost because some people received the Holy Ghost without it. Laying on of hands helps a person demonstrate their submission to God's plan and leadership, symbolizes the bestowal of God's spirit, and helps instill faith in the seeker.

What are the benefits of having the Holy Ghost?
Titus 3:5, Eph. 1:13-14 The seal of our SALVATION
John 14:26 Comforter = Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Strength, and Standby
II Cor 5:17 Make us a new creature
I Cor 12:4-11, Acts 6:3, 11:22-24 Equips us for service
Acts 1:8, Mark 16:17-18, II Tim 1:7 Gives us power (Includes power: to be a witness, to overcome sin, and to be resurrected at his coming Eph 1:13, 4:30, Rom. 8.11).
II Cor. 3:18 Changes us to be like Jesus
John 16:13, Rom. 8:4 Gives us direction and daily guidance
Acts 13:52, Luke 24:52-53 Joy
Ezek. 36:27 Helps us to walk in His statutes
John 3:5,8 Regeneration--the new birth experience
Romans 8:15, Gal. 4:5-6 Adoption--makes us sons of God
Romans 8:5, II Cor 3:18 Holiness--we are changed into His image
II Cor. 3:18, I Peter 4:14 Glory
Is 28:11-12, Matt. 11:28 Rest and refreshing
Rom. 8:13 Mortify the deeds of the Flesh
Rom. 8:26 Receive Intercession
I Cor 6:19 Makes us a Temple of the Holy Ghost
Eph. 2:20-22 Makes us a habitation of God--The Holy Temple, the one building, fitly framed together.
Gal. 3:13-18 Makes us recipients of special blessings--heirs of the Abrahamic Covenant.
Eph. 2:18 Access to God
I Cor. 6:11, I Peter 1:2 Sanctifies us.
Titus 3:5 Renews our nature
Rom. 8:16 Witness that we are children of God
I Cor. 12:3 Gives us ability to say Jesus is Lord
Rom. 8:26 Helps us to pray
John 14:26 Will teach us all things and remind us of what He said
John 16:7, 13, John 15:26 He will lead us to all truth
I Cor. 12:13 Puts us into the body of Christ
II Tim 1:7 A sound mind
Rom 8:26-27, Eph 2:18 Intercessor
Gal 4:22-23, Rom 5:5,14:17, I John 4:7-8,16, I Cor. 13:1-2 The nine fruits of the spirit ( love , joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance).
Rom. 10:9-10, I Cor. 12:3 Gives us the ability to confess that Jesus is Lord
II Cor 3:17, Rom 8:15 Liberty
Rom 14:17 His Kingdom gets established in our hearts
Rom 14:17, Rom 3:22 Righteousness of God
John 16:8 Reproves the world
Luke 24:47-49 Endued with power means clothed with power--the believer receives a Garment of Priestly Ministry