Introduction: How would you answer that question? Hopefully, after reading and studying this devotion, you will have a better grasp on the subject.

Comments:
1. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, some preachers/teachers leave off an extremely important SCRIPTURE verse in discussing this subject – “The BAPTISM of the Holy given by JESUS.

“18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

What some call “baptism of the Holy Spirit,” is better understood as the “filling of the Holy Spirit.”

“πληροῦσθε (plērousthe)”
Which means under the control – influence.

Conclusion: The New Testament’s description of the ROLE of the HOLY Spirit is found after the book of Acts to the Churches, etc, which Jesus promised to the early Church.

{The book of Acts is not necessarily a pattern for every Christian or Church today – because in John’s day they had not received the Holy Spirit – his message Acts 2,10,19, etc. but the book of Acts is an HISTORICAL record of what happened after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during that time – Acts 2 – Day of Pentecost, etc. and how those early believers who had not received the Holy Spirit but believed in Jesus got the Holy Spirit. }

Argument against this terminology “The Baptism of the Holy Spirit”:

It needs to be pointed out that the Scripture reference which states the wording “Baptized” or “baptism of the Holy Spirit” (1Cor 12:13) is interpreted as at the moment of one being saved (born again) when we are immersed into the body of Christ.

“13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” The word “baptized” is in aorist tense in the GREEK which means **PAST **TENSE…in other words at the moment of conversion we are baptized into the body of Christ.

But when studying Ephesians 5:18, the words “Be FILLED with the Holy Spirit” are in the **PRESENT TENSE, which means ongoing, continuously…not once and for all – unlike “BAPTISM” which means once and for all!

Bottom Line: This is written with all due respect to my charismatic friends (I have a lot of them whom I love dearly, and have preached in probably close to 100 Churches). But if this terminology “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” instead of being “Filled by the Holy Spirit” enables others to serve our Lord better.. well hallelujah! Anyway, meanwhile I am (we are) still learning about God’s inexhaustible TRUTH of His Word fleshed out by the Power of the Holy Spirit and for the Glory of our Lord JESUS CHRIST!