The Indwelling With The Holy Spirit
“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate* who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” — John 14:15-17
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:9) comes when we repent of our sins, ask Jesus to forgive us and confess Him as our Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10). Our confession of faith is followed by water baptism (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38).
This is the first step, which Jesus called being “born again” (John 3:3-8; Titus 3:5). We have the promise of eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25), and receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who comes to live within us (Romans 5:5, 8:9, 11; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit comes at salvation. But there’s more . . .
The Baptism With The Holy Spirit
“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” — Matthew 3:11 (See also Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:4-5, 8).
We see the same sequence as new believers came to Christ (Acts 8,9,10-11, 19). The purpose of this baptism (which is separate from water baptism and subsequent to the initial indwelling), is to receive the power** (the gifts) to be a witness and servant for Jesus Christ and His body (Acts 1:8). The baptism with the Holy Spirit is the power from on high upon a believer. But there’s more . . .
The Filling With The Holy Spirit
Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit*** — (Ephesians 5:18).
Paul gave the command to all believers, “be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Literally, the Greek text says it this way, “Be continually being filled with the Spirit,” meaning it is to be done over and over again. It is a continuous action.
There are thirteen named individuals and countless disciples who are identified in Scripture, going back to the Old Testament, as being “filled with the Spirit.” When they were the Bible tells us that amazing things followed in their lives and ministries. For example,
Old Testament Bezalel received wisdom, understanding, knowledge and a gift of craftsmanship. Joshua was given wisdom; Micah received power and boldness to prophecy as did Ezekiel.
In the New Testament, Elizabeth pronounced a supernatural blessing on Mary. Zechariah prophesied of the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus was “Full of the Spirit” and overcame the devil’s temptations, was anointed to preach the gospel, heal the sick, teach of the kingdom, committed no sin and was resurrected from the dead. Paul and Peter were filled with boldness to preach the gospel, heal and receive special revelation. Stephen died a martyr’s death and saw Jesus in heaven. Countless disciples just like us spoke in tongues, preached the word of God in boldness, healed the sick, cast out demons, performed miracles and were filled with faith and joy when “filled with the Spirit.” Being filled with the Spirit can occur over and over.
In his book, Living Waters, Pastor Chuck Smith writes, “How desperately we need this power today! We need it for survival. We are ling in the perilous days foretold by the Scriptures, when the love of many would grow cold. We need so urgently to wait upon God until we overflow with His Holy Spirit.” Good words!
Summary
In regard to the person of the Holy Spirit, these are the three steps to a victorious and powerful Christian life and witness: 1) The indwelling of the Holy Spirit at salvation; 2) The baptism with the Holy Spirit for the power to be a Spirit-led witness, full of faith and joy; and 3) The continual filling with the Holy Spirit to continue to walk in victory and perform signs and wonders.
Sadly, many Christians stop their Christian lives and experiences at Step 1, mostly because of ignorance, lack of teaching, or denominational bias. If this be the case with you, what should you do? Determine what steps you have missed along the way, then read Luke 11:1-13, and follow instructions. Jesus will do the rest and you will be different. Let these words from the dear old saint, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones from his book, Joy Unspeakable, encourage you in your pursuit of more of the Holy Spirit:
“Look at the apostles themselves. Here are these men who had been with our Lord and who believed in him, whom he contrasts with the world and of whom he has said, “Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken to you.” These are the same men upon whom he had ‘breathed’ the Holy Spirit in the upper room room after his resurrection, whom he had told to remain until they received power—these men who were already believers, and regenerate—but it was only on the day of Pentecost that they were baptized with the Spirit. That is the order.”
*Advocate (parakletos): one who comforts, encourages or exhorts; who comes forward in behalf of another, a representative. **The Greek word for power is dunamis from which we get our word “dynamite” or explosive power. ***The term “filled with the Spirit” and “full of the Spirit” appear 20 times in the Old and New Testaments.