In the book of Acts, a common thread runs throughout every instance of the Spirit being poured out: the manifestation of speaking in tongues. Beginning in Acts chapter 2, this pattern is evident as believers received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In some cases, they not only spoke in tongues but also prophesied. This raises an important distinction: receiving the Spirit and being baptized in the Spirit are two different experiences. To fully understand this, we need to dive into Scripture and explore what it means to have the Spirit and what it means to operate in the power of God.
Receiving the Spirit vs. Baptism in the Spirit
1 Corinthians 12 offers a critical foundation for understanding the Holy Spirit. The entire chapter discusses the gifts of the Spirit, emphasizing that one must first be born again. In verse 3, the Apostle Paul says, “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” This verse underscores the prerequisite for the Spirit’s work: confessing Jesus as Lord. Many believers, even though they confess Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit within them, do not immediately speak in tongues. For example, in Acts 19:1-6, Paul encountered believers who had not heard of the Holy Spirit. After he laid hands on them, they were baptized in the Spirit and began to speak in tongues.
This demonstrates that while the Holy Spirit dwells within believers at salvation, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience. It is often accompanied by the evidence of speaking in tongues, a primary sign of the Spirit’s baptism.
The Holy Spirit and Power: Are They the Same?
Many people assume that receiving the Holy Spirit automatically grants them power. This assumption comes from scriptures like Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8. In Luke 24:49, Jesus tells His disciples, “Do not leave the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then in Acts 1:8, He says, “You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you.”
However, the relationship between the Holy Spirit and power is not quite as straightforward as it seems. In the Greek, the wording is precise. The Holy Spirit is indicative of power, but the Spirit and power do not always operate in parallel. The Holy Spirit is not power; they are two distinct things. The Greek language uses two different words for “power” that help clarify this distinction:
- Exousia – This refers to authority, legislation, or influence. It is the power to act on God’s behalf, much like a legal right. For example, in Luke 10:19, Jesus says, “Behold, I give you authority (Exousia) to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” Here, authority is the key.
- Dunamis – This refers to the dynamic, explosive power of God, often likened to dynamite. It’s the supernatural power that performs miracles, heals the sick, and demonstrates God’s might. When the Bible speaks of the Spirit’s power in Acts 1:8, it uses the word dunamis.
Where Does the Power Reside?
To further understand, let’s look at 2 Timothy 1:7, which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Here, the word for power is dunamis. This verse makes a clear distinction: the Spirit of God within us does not produce fear but power, love, and self-control. Importantly, the power being referenced here is within us.
Many people mistakenly think of the Spirit’s power as something external or “upon” them. However, Jesus demonstrated otherwise. When the woman with the issue of blood touched Him, Jesus said, “I felt power come out of Me” (Mark 5:30). The power was not external to Him; it resided within Him.
The Baptism of the Spirit and Power
While receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation brings Him to dwell within us, the baptism of the Holy Spirit brings an additional dimension of empowerment. The Spirit upon us is for ministry and outward demonstrations of God’s power. Both are necessary for living a victorious Christian life and for effective ministry.
However, it is crucial to recognize that not all believers who speak in tongues immediately walk in God’s power. Speaking in tongues is evidence of the Spirit’s baptism, but the power comes through cultivating a deeper relationship with God and yielding to the Holy Spirit’s work within us.
Moving from Spirit-Filled to Power-Filled
The Bible warns us against having a “form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). God’s intention is not only that we speak in tongues but that we minister in His power. 1 Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it with the ability which God supplies.”
This passage emphasizes that ministry must be done by the power of God. It is not enough to possess the Spirit; we must operate in His power. This requires faith, intimacy with God, and obedience to His Word. The Spirit’s power becomes evident as we step out in faith and rely on Him to work through us.
Conclusion
In summary, receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation and being baptized in the Spirit are two distinct experiences. Speaking in tongues is a primary sign of the Spirit’s baptism, but the power of God comes as we yield to Him and walk in faith. The Holy Spirit resides within us, and His power is available to flow through us, enabling us to minister with authority and effectiveness.
Let us not settle for a form of godliness without power. Instead, let us seek both the infilling and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, so we can fulfill the call of God on our lives and be effective witnesses to the ends of the earth.