Lesson 30 — The Truth About the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

1. 1 THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is one of the most misunderstood subjects of the Bible. The whole Christian world is divided on the subject and for that reason every thinking Christian should search the Scriptures and have an open mind to every statement in the Bible which throws any light upon the subject. We invite your unbiased attention to the following facts in Scripture:

1. That there is a baptism in the Holy Spirit Mark 1:8Luke 3:16John 1:31-34Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:1-39Acts 8:14-20Acts 9:17Acts 10:44-48Acts 11:14-18Acts 15:7-11Acts 19:1-7Galatians 3:14Hebrews 6:2.

2. Jesus was the first to be baptized in the Holy Spirit Matthew 3:16-17Matthew 20:22-23Luke 3:21-22Luke 4:16-21John 1:31-34John 3:34Acts 10:38.

3. This baptism was in fulfillment of prophecy Isaiah 11:2Isaiah 42:1-7Isaiah 61:1-2Matthew 11:2-6Matthew 12:18Luke 4:16-21.

4. Men in general were not baptized in the Spirit until Pentecost and until Jesus was glorified John 7:37-39John 14:16-17, 26John 16:13-15Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:1-21, 33.

5. Although men were not baptized in the Spirit until Pentecost, they did receive the Holy Spirit in their lives in various ways and in permanent form in all ages up to that time. Old Testament saints, including the disciples of Christ before Pentecost, had many spiritual experiences, physical and material blessings, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit except tongues and their interpretation, different measures of the Spirit, the new birth, sanctification, justification, and many other benefits of the gospel, including power to witness.

They were “filled” with the Spirit and had the Spirit “in” and “upon” them. They were anointed with the Spirit and endued with power in various degrees and yet never were baptized in the Spirit until Pentecost. For proof of all these claims see Lesson Eighteen, Point IX.

John the Baptist was “filled” with the Spirit from birth but he was never baptized in the Spirit Luke 1:15-17. Mary was “filled” with the Spirit before Jesus was born but she was baptized in the Spirit thirty-three years later at Pentecost Luke 1:41-56Acts 1:12–2. Others were “filled” with the Spirit before Pentecost but they were not baptized in the Spirit Luke 1:41-67Luke 2:25-38. Jesus was “filled” with the Spirit from birth Isaiah 50:4-5Luke 2:40, 52, but He was not baptized in the Spirit until thirty years later Matthew 3:16-17Matthew 20:22-23John 3:34Luke 4:16-21Acts 10:38Isaiah 11:1-2Isaiah 42:1-5Isaiah 61:1-2.

The disciples were “filled” with the Spirit before Pentecost Matthew 10:1-8, 16Matthew 16:17Mark 6:7-13Luke 10:1-24John 17:14, 16John 20:22 but were not baptized in the Spirit until three years later at Pentecost Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:1-4, 16Acts 10:44-48Acts 11:14-18Acts 15:7-11. The disciples “were saved, born-again or converted and their names were written in Heaven” Matthew 4:20Matthew 10:1-8, 16Luke 10:20; they “were clean” 1 Timothy 1:51 Timothy 3:92 Timothy 1:32 Timothy 2:22Revelation 15:6Revelation 19:8, 14 and therefore “were sanctified” John 13:10-11John 15:3John 17:6, 14; “they were not of the world even as Christ was not of the world” John 14:16-17John 15:19John 17:14, 16; “they were fully trained in the things of God by Jesus” John 15:15John 17:6, 14; “they were sheep” Matthew 10:16; “they were of one accord and one mind” Acts 1:12–2; and “they were commissioned to evangelize the world before they were baptized in the Spirit” Matthew 28:19-20Mark 16:15-20Acts 1:4-8.

The disciples “had the Spirit in them and were anointed to preach, teach, heal, and cast out demons” Matthew 10:1-8, 20Mark 6:7-13Luke 10:1-19; “had been baptized and had baptized others in water” John 1:35-46John 3:22John 4:1-2; “had kept God’s Word” John 17:6; “had eternal life” John 17:2-3John 10:27-29; “had experienced spiritual revelations” Matthew 11:25Matthew 16:16-17John 15:15; “had received the glory of God” John 17:22; “had learned to pray” Matthew 6:1-15Matthew 7:7-11; “had seen thousands healed and had healed many themselves” Mark 6:7-13Luke 10:1-19; “had confessed that Jesus was the Son of God” Matthew 16:16-17John 6:67-69; “had seen many backslide and had stayed true themselves” John 6:66-71; “had been branches in the vine for years” John 15:1-17; and they had many spiritual blessings before they were baptized in the Spirit.

Men in the Old Testament received different measures of the Spirit and did work according to the measure of the Spirit and power they received. That there were different measures of the Spirit before men first received the Spirit baptism at Pentecost is clear from both Testaments. In Num. 11:16-25 the one portion of the Spirit Moses had was divided into seventy-one parts. Elisha received a “double portion” of Elijah’s Spirit and the record shows that he did twice as many miracles which were twice as great 2 Kings 2:9. Elijah did fifteen miracles and Elisha thirty; Elijah shut the Heavens for 3½ years and Elisha for seven 1 Kings 17:1–2James 5:17. John the Baptist had the same measure of the Spirit that Elijah had, not the “double portion” of Elisha or the seventy-one portions of Moses Luke 1:15-17. The disciples had a great measure of the Spirit and power of Christ Matthew 10:1-8, 20Mark 6:7-13Luke 10:1-20 but they did not have the fulness of the Spirit until Pentecost Luke 24:49John 7:37-39John 14:12-17, 26John 15:26John 16:13-15Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:1-39. Jesus had the Spirit “without measure” John 3:34. Paul speaks of “the supply of the Spirit” Philippians 1:19; “the earnest of the Spirit” 2 Corinthians 1:222 Corinthians 5:5; and “the fulness of God” Ephesians 3:19. John speaks of men receiving “of his Spirit” and “of his fulness” thus implying only a part of the fulness of God John 1:161 John 4:13.

Today we all recognize that men have different measures of the Spirit, power, faith and other spiritual blessings, so it should not be difficult to understand that the same experiences were enjoyed both before and after Pentecost. If all men today had the same gifts and blessings then all could do the same works and have the same success.

6. Every believer today receives the Spirit of adoption and is filled with the Spirit in a measure when born-again: “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 . . . ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” Romans 8:9-161 Corinthians 3:161 Corinthians 12:13. No man could be a child of God without receiving the Spirit in a measure.

It is by the Spirit that men are “convicted” John 16:7-11; “born-again” John 3:1-8; “call Jesus ‘Lord’” 1 Corinthians 12:3 and “God ‘Father’” Romans 8:15Galatians 4:6; “baptized into the body of Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:13 and “into Christ” Galatians 3:27-29; “changed into the image of Christ” 2 Corinthians 3:18; “made new creatures” 2 Corinthians 5:17; “freed from sin” Romans 8:1-13; “kept free from sin” Galatians 5:16-24Romans 6:3-23; “led and receive witness of sonship” Romans 8:14-161 John 5:6; “have access to God” Ephesians 2:18; “receive gifts” 1 Corinthians 12:14; “life” 2 Corinthians 3:6; “liberty” 2 Corinthians 3:17; “love, joy, peace, etc. “ Galatians 5:21-22; “are washed, sanctified and justified” 1 Corinthians 6:112 Thessalonians 2:121 Peter 1:2; “worship God” Philippians 3:3; “receive grace” Hebrews 10:29; “are invited to Christ” Revelation 22:17; and “receive many other spiritual blessings” Romans 5:5Romans 14:17Ephesians 1:3. One can have all of these blessings and yet not be baptized in the Spirit, for men in all ages before Pentecost had these experiences.

II. When the Baptism in the Spirit Was First Given

The following facts prove that no man before Pentecost besides Christ ever received the Spirit-baptism:

1. Several prophets foretold of a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh Isaiah 28:9-12Isaiah 32:15Isaiah 44:3Ezekiel 39:29Joel 2:28-29. This outpouring had to be something that the Old Testament saints did not experience or it would not have been foretold as yet to come to pass. A study of these passages just mentioned above reveals a Millennial setting, but both Peter and Paul taught that these passages were also being fulfilled in this age. Compare Isa. 28:9-12 with 1 Cor. 14:21-22 and Joel 2:28-29 with Acts 2:15-21.

2. Jesus was the first ever to receive the baptism in the Spirit or the Spirit in all fulness, “for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him” John 3:34. This implies that God did give the Spirit by measure unto all others before Christ. This we have proven in Point I, 5, above. That this Spirit “without measure” was the baptism in the Spirit is clear from Mt. 3:16-17; 20:22-23. It was the fulness of the Spirit and power foretold to be given the Messiah Isaiah 11:1-2Isaiah 42:1-7Isaiah 61:1-2, and fulfilled in Mt. 3:16-17; 11:2-6; 12:18; Lk. 4:16-21; Acts 10:38.

3. John said “the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified” John 7:37-39. This could not refer to the different measures, fillings, and blessings given to men before Pentecost as in Point I, 5, above and in Lesson Eighteen, Point IX, for these experiences had been given to men before Jesus was glorified. This could only refer to the baptism in the Holy Spirit, or the Spirit in all fulness that men were not to receive until Jesus was glorified. Peter at Pentecost taught that the baptism in the Spirit was given because Jesus was glorified Acts 2:33.

4. John the Baptist taught that Christ would baptize his followers in the Spirit Matthew 3:11John 1:31-34. This could not be done before the Messiah came. John himself was “filled” with the Spirit from birth, but when he saw Jesus he desired the baptism in the Spirit Christ was to baptize men with Matthew 3:14.

5. It was not until Jesus came that He promised the Spirit-baptism to men John 7:37-39John 14:16-17, 26John 15:26John 16:13-15Acts 1:4-8. Peter next promised it to men Acts 2:38-39Acts 5:32.

6. The Spirit-baptism was first experienced by men at Pentecost John 7:39Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:1-4, 33. After this it was given to the Samaritans Acts 8:5-20; to Paul Acts 9:17; to the Gentiles Acts 10:44-48Acts 11:14-18Acts 15:7-11; and to the followers of John Acts 18:24-28Acts 19:1-7.

III. What the Baptism in the Spirit is Not

Spirit-baptism is not a “filling” or a “measure” of the Spirit; the reception of the gifts or fruit of the Spirit; the experience of salvation, sanctification, justification; or any one or all of the spiritual blessings listed in Point I, above, and in list under Point IX, Lesson Eighteen. None of these experiences should be taken as the baptism in the Holy Spirit, or as proof of such baptism. The reason for this is that saints of God in all Old Testament ages before the day of Pentecost had all these experiences, while the baptism in the Spirit was not given to men until the day of Pentecost. Jesus plainly said that the Holy Ghost in baptismal measure was not given because that He was not yet glorified John 7:37-39. Peter confirmed this on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:33. If the Spirit baptism was not given to men before Pentecost, and they did have all the above-mentioned blessings before Pentecost, then there is all the difference in the world between the baptism in the Spirit and all these other blessings. Such blessings will naturally be in the lives of those baptized in the Spirit, but they do not constitute such baptism, nor should they be taken as evidence of this baptism. The baptism in the Spirit is the Spirit without measure John 3:34Matthew 20:20-23Luke 4:18-21Acts 10:38, and these other blessings are simply different measures of the Spirit and are only a part of the fulness of God.

IV. What the Baptism in the Spirit Is

The Spirit-baptism is the immersion or burial of the believer in the Spirit at which time he receives the Spirit in his life in all “fulness” and “without measure” and is “endued with power from on high” to do the works of Christ Luke 24:49John 7:37-39John 14:12-17Acts 1:4-8Acts 3:6Acts 5:12-16Acts 19:11Mark 16:16-20Hebrews 2:3-4. It is the same full anointing of the Spirit that Christ received Isaiah 11:1-2Isaiah 42:1-7Isaiah 61:1Matthew 11:4-6Matthew 12:18Matthew 20:22-23Luke 4:16-21John 3:34John 14:12Acts 10:38.

It is the Spirit coming “in, upon, filling, overwhelming, infusing, anointing, and enduing with full power,” and not with just a “measure” as in the Old Testament days. It is the Spirit taking full possession of the believer to live, speak, and work through him in the same degree that was manifested through Christ and the apostles. It is the fulness of what men had in part before Pentecost.

The difference between a “filling” and a “baptism” in the Spirit, or the Spirit “by measure” and “without measure” may be illustrated by a glass and a pitcher of water. To the extent one pours water into a glass, to that extent it is filled. One can fill the glass by pouring different measures into it at different times until it is full, or one can fill it at one pouring. One can keep pouring until the glass is running over and still it is not baptized. It is only full and running over. But if one takes the glass and immerses or buries it in the fulness of the water it is both filled and baptized. This explains how the disciples were all “filled” Acts 2:4 as well as “baptized” Acts 1:4-5. A filling always accompanies a baptism, but a baptism does not accompany a mere filling.

One so “filled” and “baptized” must keep this way, for the minute one gets out of the “fulness” of the Holy Spirit and lives in self, he is no more baptized than the glass would be if it were taken out of the water. Like the glass, it is possible to get out of the baptism or the fullness of the Spirit and still retain a “measure” or be “filled” with the Spirit as before being baptized. Christ kept baptized in the Spirit by yielding to God and by daily praying to God for more virtue and power to bless all who came to Him Matthew 14:23Matthew 17:21Mark 1:35Mark 6:46Luke 5:16Luke 6:12, 16Luke 9:18, 28Luke 22:32Hebrews 5:7. The disciples also lived in prayer and received new fillings and anointings from time to time Acts 4:31Acts 6:4.

There is no such thing as “once baptized in the Spirit, always baptized in the Spirit,” any more than “once saved, always saved;” “once in grace, always in grace;” “once healed, always healed;” “once alive, always alive;” “once in sin, always in sin,” “once a child of the devil, always a child of the devil;” “or once full of chicken, always full of chicken.” No such principle exists. Common sense alone teaches us that certain conditions must be met continuously in order to maintain any position in life or in God. If it takes a complete surrender and yieldedness to God to be wholly possessed with the Spirit, it will take this consecration daily to maintain a life in all the fullness of God.

If one wants to always be in grace and be saved, let him stay in grace and stay saved. If one wants to always be a child of the devil, let him continue in sin. And if one wants to always be full of chicken, let him meet the conditions of such a state and we all know what he would have to do. If one ever gets baptized in the Spirit he must constantly maintain this place in God or he will lose the spiritual anointing.

VI. The Purpose of the Baptism in the Spirit

The purpose of the Spirit-baptism is not to save the soul, sanctify one, or make him a child of God, or to qualify to go in the rapture. Such doctrines are unscriptural as proven by the following:

1. All the Old Testament saints and the disciples before Pentecost were saved, sanctified, justified, and free from all sin as proven in Lesson Eighteen, Point IX and Point I, above. Since they never were baptized in the Spirit, the purpose of the Spirit-baptism was not to give them these blessings.

2. Jesus was always sinless, yet He needed the Spirit-baptism in order to have power to do His mighty works. The purpose of the Spirit-baptism in His case then was not to sanctify Him, to save His soul, or to make Him a child of God.

3. In Point I, above, we have many Scriptures which prove that men received the Spirit in a measure at the new birth and that these blessings are not the Spirit-baptism.

4. The Spirit-baptism was promised only to saved men after they had repented, were baptized in water, were obedient to God, and had asked for it as a child of God Matthew 3:11John 1:31-34John 14:12-17, 26John 15:26John 16:13-15Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:38-39Acts 5:32Luke 11:7-13.

5. It was given only to saved men. The disciples were saved and sanctified before receiving the baptism in the Spirit at Pentecost, as proven in Lesson Eighteen, Point IX and in Point I, above. The Samaritans were saved, sanctified, baptized in water, healed and had great joy before Peter and John laid hands on them so they could receive the Spirit-baptism Acts 8:5-20. The disciples of John were saved, sanctified, and baptized in water years before Paul laid hands on them so they could receive the Spirit baptism Acts 19:1-7. The only two cases recorded of men receiving the baptism in the Spirit at the same time they were saved are Paul and the Gentiles Acts 9:17Acts 22:16Acts 10:43-48Acts 11:14-18Acts 15:7-11. In both of these cases they were “granted repentance unto life” and their hearts were “purified by faith” or they would not have received the Spirit-baptism, so the purpose of this baptism was not to give them these blessings.

6. The baptism in the Spirit is not given to qualify saints to go in the rapture. In no passage is the subject mentioned in connection with the rapture. Old Testament saints will go in the rapture and they were never baptized in the Spirit. Multitudes of people in all ages will go in the rapture who have never heard of the baptism in the Spirit. The necessary qualifications to go in the rapture are as follows:

(1) Be “in Christ” 1 Thessalonians 4:16. To be “in Christ” means one must be a “new creature” 2 Corinthians 5:17Ephesians 4:22-24.

(2) Be “Christ’s at His coming” 1 Corinthians 15:23. To be “Christ’s” means that the flesh with the affections and lusts have been crucified Galatians 5:24.

(3) Be “blessed and holy” Revelation 20:4-6Hebrews 12:14.

(4) Be “good” John 5:28-29Galatians 5:16-242 Corinthians 7:1.

(5) Be in “the body of Christ,” the Church which He is coming for Ephesians 5:25-27Ephesians 1:22-23Colossians 1:18, 24.

(6) Be “pure” 1 John 3:1-3Matthew 5:8Ephesians 5:27.

(7) Be walking “in the light” 1 John 1:71 John 2:6-111 John 3:9-10.

(8) Be “worthy” Luke 21:34-36.

The sole purpose of the Spirit-baptism is to endue men with power from on High to do the same works that Christ did. Christ plainly taught that such an enduement of power was necessary to confirm the Word of God Mark 16:20Hebrews 2:3-4, to continue the things “that Jesus began both to do and teach” Acts 1:1-2Matthew 28:20; to make men successful witnesses Acts 1:8; and to prove men to be true believers and divinely sent to represent God Mark 16:15-20John 14:12Acts 1:8.

Christ reminded men that if they did not believe in Him for what He said, then they should believe in Him because of His works John 5:20, 36John 9:4John 10:25, 32John 14:11John 15:24. It was by such works that men were to know the Messiah Isaiah 11:1-2Isaiah 42:1-7Isaiah 61:1Matthew 11:2-6. It was by the good works of the disciples that God was to be glorified Matthew 5:162 Timothy 2:21Hebrews 13:21.

Paul used his power “to do miracles as proof that he was sent of God” 2 Corinthians 6:4-72 Corinthians 10:3-112 Corinthians 12:122 Corinthians 13:10Galatians 3:3-51 Thessalonians 1:5Hebrews 2:3-4; “to defeat and punish others who opposed the gospel and who did not live right” Acts 13:6-111 Corinthians 4:18-211 Corinthians 5:1-5; “to make men obedient” Romans 15:18-19, 291 Corinthians 4:18-21; and “to establish the faith of men in God” Romans 1:111 Corinthians 2:1-5.

If one is not able to do the same things that Christ and the apostles did, then it stands to reason that he does not have the same enduement of power that they had. The same enduement of power today would accomplish the same things it did in the early Church. The same portion of the Spirit that Moses had when divided among the seventy elders accomplished the same work as it did by Moses before its division (Numbers 11:16-25). The “double portion” of Elijah’s Spirit caused Elisha to do exactly twice as much and perform miracles twice as great as did Elijah. Elijah did sixteen miracles and Elisha thirty-two. Elijah shut the heavens that it did not rain for 3½ years and Elisha shut them for seven years, thus proving he had a double portion of the Spirit that rested upon Elijah. Read all of 1 Ki. 18:1–2 Ki. 13:21 for a record of these miracles. If the same portion of Samson’s Spirit should come upon anyone else, it would accomplish results similar to those that it caused Samson to achieve.

The law of nature and the law of mechanics prove that two persons or things of equal power can do exactly the same things. It is likewise true that the stronger of the two will be able to do more than the weaker one, and that each one is able to do exactly according to the degree of power he possesses. To the extent that one is endued with power from on High he will be able to work. Christ received the Spirit “without measure” and was unlimited in His power John 3:34. The Old Testament saints were able to do works according to their power The disciples did works according to the power given them, and the same principle holds true today. Men are promised unlimited power and such can be attained in this life if men will meet the conditions Luke 24:49John 14:12Mark 9:23Mark 11:22-24. This will be proven in the Scriptures in Point VIII, below. Thus we conclude that the real purpose of the Spirit-baptism is for the enduement of power for service, not to save or sanctify one, and not to qualify men to go in the rapture.

VII. Importance of the Spirit-Baptism

If the chief purpose of the Spirit-baptism is to endue men with power to accomplish what is stated above, then it is the all important experience of believers today if they want to be successful in gospel work. Jesus commanded His disciples to teach all nations throughout this age “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” Matthew 28:20. That being baptized in the Spirit was a definite command to them is clear from Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:4-5. If it was a command for them to be baptized in the Spirit it still is commanded of men, for we are still in this age. Such an enduement of power for service is promised to every believer in the simplest language possible Matthew 3:11Luke 11:13Luke 24:49John 1:31-34John 7:37-39John 14:12-17, 26John 15:26John 16:13-15Mark 16:15-20Acts 1:4-8Acts 2:16-21, 38Acts 5:32Acts 19:17. In fact, it is one of the two things for which Christ died Galatians 3:14.

Jesus made it very clear to the disciples that it was imperative that they be baptized in the Spirit before going out to evangelize the world Luke 24:40John 14:12, 17John 16:7-15Acts 1:4-8. Only one hundred and twenty of many hundreds of followers of Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:6 felt it was necessary to obey Acts 1:4-5 and these are the only ones who received the enduement of power at Pentecost Acts 2:1-33.

For one to receive this power today is even more needful, for there are infinitely more demon possessed people, more sick and diseased people, more false doctrines, more false teachers, and more divisions among Christians than at any other time in history. The Word of God needs confirmation today as before to convince men of the truth. This is the greatest need of the modern Church, and if God could get men to believe in these things again and “tarry until” as men did of old we would again see mighty works of power and a new type of Christianity. Let no man complain of the lack of power to win souls, heal the sick, and do the works of Christ. Instead, let every one quit his laziness and unbelief and again seek God “till he come and rain righteousness” on us Hosea 10:12; and God will show again His mighty works Jeremiah 33:3; and “hear from heaven” and forgive and heal as of old Luke 24:49Mark 16:15-20.

VIII. Bible Evidences of the Baptism in the Spirit

It is very clear from prophecy, promise, and history what the evidences of the baptism in the Holy Spirit are. They include power to:

1. Speak with “stammering lips and another tongue” and “new tongues” Isaiah 28:9-12Mark 16:17John 15:26John 16:13-16Acts 2:1-13, 34Acts 10:44-48Acts 19:1-7. Compare Acts 9:17 with 1 Cor. 14:18 and Isa. 28:9-12 with 1 Cor. 14:21-22.

2. Cast out demons Mark 16:17Luke 24:49John 14:12Acts 1:8Acts 8:7Acts 16:18Acts 19:11-17Romans 15:18-29Hebrews 2:4.

3. Be immune from poisons and have power over wild beasts Mark 1:13Mark 16:18Luke 10:19John 14:12Acts 28:3-6Psalms 91:1-16.

4. Heal everyone prayed for (Mt. 4:24; 8:16-17; 9:35; 12:15; 14:34; 21:14; Lk. 4:40; 6:19; 9:6; Jn. 14:12; Acts 2:43; 3:6; 4:10, 30, 33; 5:12-16; 6:3-8; 8:4-12; 9:34; 10:38; 11:21; 14:8-10, 19-20; 15:4, 12; 19:11-21; 28:1-10; Rom. 15:18-29; Heb. 2:3-4; Jas. 5:14-16).

5. Cleanse the lepers Matthew 8:1-4John 14:12Luke 24:49Acts 1:8.

6. Raise the dead Acts 9:40Acts 20:9-10.

7. Bind and loose anything and forgive sins Matthew 9:1-8Matthew 16:18-19Matthew 18:15-20John 14:12-15John 15:7, 16John 16:23-26John 20:22-23Mark 9:23Mark 11:22-24.

8. Destroy the works of Satan John 14:12John 17:18Acts 10:381 John 3:81 John 4:17.

9. Do works as great as and even greater than did Christ John 14:12Luke 4:16-21Luke 24:49Acts 5:12-16Acts 9:17-18Acts 10:38Acts 19:1-29Romans 1:11Romans 15:18-29.

10. Get everything prayed for Matthew 7:7-11Matthew 17:21Matthew 21:22Mark 9:23Mark 11:22-24Luke 11:1-13Luke 18:1-8John 14:12-15John 15:7, 16John 16:23-26Hebrews 11:6James 1:5-81 John 3:20-241 John 5:12-15.

11. Have sound health John 14:12-15John 15:7, 16John 16:23-26Mark 9:23Mark 11:22-24Romans 8:11Matthew 8:16-171 Peter 2:24Hebrews 11:6. Sound health was even promised to Old Testament saints who had only the Spirit by “measure” Exodus 15:26Psalms 34:12-13Psalms 37:1-10Psalms 84:11Psalms 91:1-15Psalms 103:1-3Psalms 12:18Psalms 13:3Psalms 15:4Psalms 18:8, 21.

12. Have rivers of living water flowing out of the innermost being John 7:27-39Acts 2:1-4Ephesians 3:19John 14:12Luke 24:49. This expresses the Spirit “without measure” John 3:34 and is quite different from the “well of water springing up” of Jn. 4:14. Rivers cannot be measured or stopped, but wells can be.

13. Control the elements and to do all kinds of miracles John 14:12-15John 15:7, 16Luke 24:491 Corinthians 12:4-112 Timothy 2:21Hebrews 2:3-4Mark 9:23Mark 11:22-24.

14. To execute judgment John 14:12Acts 5:1-11Acts 13:6-121 Corinthians 4:211 Corinthians 5:1-5.

15. Exercise all the gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:4-11Romans 12:4-81 Corinthians 1:7.

16. To impart spiritual gifts to others Romans 1:111 Timothy 4:142 Timothy 1:6Hebrews 6:2.

17. To impart the baptism in the Spirit to others Acts 8:17Acts 9:17Acts 19:1-7.

18. Exercise unlimited authority in the fullness of God (Lk. 24:49; Jn. 14:12; 15:7, 16; Mk. 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Mt. 17:20; 21:22; Acts 2:43; 3:6; 4:10-16, 29-33; 5:1-16; 6:3-8; 8:5-20; 9:17-18, 32-43; 11:21; 13:6-12; 14:3, 8-20, 27; 15:4, 12; 16:16-34; 19:1-20; 20:9-12; 28:1-10; Rom. 1:11; 15:18-19, 29; 1 Cor. 1:7, 18-24; 2:1-5; 4:19-21; 5:1-5; 9:18; 12:1-31; 13:1-3; 14:1-40; 16:10; 2 Cor. 3:6-18; 4:7; 5:20; 6:7; 10:3-11; 12:9, 12; 13:4, 10; Gal. 3:3-5, 14; Eph. 1:19-20; 3:7, 19-20; 6:10; Phil. 4:9; Col. 1:11; 2:10; 1 Thess. 1:5; 2:13; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2:17; 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6-8, 14; 2:21; 3:5; Titus 2:14; Heb. 2:3-4; 6:2; Jas. 2:18; 5:14-16; 2 Pet. 2:4).

Gifts of the Spirit in the Early Church

All the gifts of the Holy Spirit (of 1 Cor. 12:4-11) in the lives of believers are recorded in the early chapters of Acts after the reception of the Holy Spirit baptism, except one; and no doubt that was also manifest many times. Note the following:

1. Tongues (2:4; 10:44-48; 19:1-7).

2. Healings (2:43; 3:6; 5:12-16).

3. Miracles (2:43; 4:22; 5:16).

4. Prophecy (2:17-21; 3:19-21; 13:1).

5. Knowledge (2:15-40; 8:19-25).

6. Wisdom (3:12-26; 6:10).

7. Faith (3:6, 16; 5:12-16).

8. Discernment (2:15; 3:4-6; 4:3-11).

Note Other Miraculous Manifestations:

1. Executing judgment 1 Corinthians 4:18-211 Corinthians 5:4-5.

2. Miraculous deliverances Acts 5:19-29Acts 9:3-7, 31Acts 12:1-19.

3. Imparting Holy Spirit (8:14-25; 9:17-19; 19:1-7).

4. Immunity from poisons Mark 16:17-18Luke 10:19.

5. Imparting spiritual gifts Romans 1:111 Timothy 4:142 Timothy 1:6.

6. Raising the dead Acts 9:40Acts 20:10.

7. Earthquakes to protect believers Acts 4:31Acts 16:26.

8. Special miracles to confirm the Word Acts 19:11-12.

9. Fulness of the Spirit manifest Romans 15:18-19, 29Hebrews 2:4.

10 Many kinds of spiritual powers (See under Point VIII, above).