Expert: Elder Greg Madden - 5/24/2007

Question
John 20:22 says, "And when he had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, 'Receive ye the Holy Spirit."  In Acts 1:5 says, "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence."   What is the difference between these two receptions of the Holy Spirit, for the same group of believers?

Answer



Jim

This is Elder Greg Madden, and I wanted to thank you for allowing me the privilege of answering your questions. And from my family to yours, I pray that you would have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Elder Greg
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1


-----------------------------------------------------------

Jim,

I apologize for the late reply. I am very busy this time of year with work, church, ect... I hope you understand. Now to your questions.

John 20:22 is the when the disciples were regenerate or received the gift of salvation (born again) by the Spirit. This was after the death of Christ upon the Cross, whereby He cried "It is finished!". What was finished? Everything that was need for the forgiveness of sin's Jesus completed upon the Cross. So after His resurrection He was giving them the Spirit in measure that all receive when they are saved/Born-again.

Acts 1:5 refers to Acts 2:4 as the moment they were baptized in the Holy Ghost. What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the empowering for service that takes place in the life of the Christian.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Second encounter with God. The first encounter with God is called as 'conversion' or salvation (that which was given by Christ when He breathed the Spirit upon them in John 20:22). Just as the indwelling Spirit reproduces the life of Jesus, the outpoured, or baptizing Spirit reproduces the ministry of Jesus.

To illustrate, if I had a glass of water and took a swallow, then the water would be inside me. If, on the other hand, I went down to the beach and stepped into the ocean, then I would be in the water. We receive, as it were, a drink of the Spirit when we are saved, but when we are baptized in the Spirit, it is as if that initial drink becomes an ocean that completely surrounds us.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a definite experience, not identical with conversion. When the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is received, unknown tongues will follow. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to endue the believer with power from on high; to give and to equip him for a practical, efficient, spirit-filled, soul-winning ministry and service. Inasmuch as this is the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, every believer has a right to expect His incoming to be after the same manner as recorded by the Word of God in Bible days.

Luke 24:49; John 14:16; Acts 1:8; 2:4, 38-39; 10:44 -48, 19:6

Please let me know if this helps, or if you have any further questions.

Elder Greg Madden
http://www.forministry.com/USOKPENTEMMM1