Now that we have defined the baptism in our previous article (What is the Baptism in the Holy Ghost?), the question is “why do I need it?” I am saved and going to heaven when I die, so why this? I can sing, teach, do Bible studies, et al., so why this? God will work in my life either way, so why this?
Many will say you do not need it
On the first Pentecost, 120 were in the upper room and received the first baptism, and a great revival broke out with 3,000 getting saved at one time. The Bible records that over 500 saw Jesus at one time after his resurrection. Many more saw him but we only know of 500. We know what happened to the 120, but what happened to the 380? Perhaps they were just average Christians that were satisfied with attending church every Sunday. They enjoyed the Sunday sermon, hung out with their clique, and went home or to the café afterwards for a good Sunday dinner. These are the Christians that fill most of our churches today, and these are the ones who will tell you emphatically that you don’t really need this baptism. Perhaps this is all God wants them to do, but I believe “they have not because they ask not” (James 4:2).
This is what they told me. Unfortunately, these are what we call “average Christians”, and I refuse to emulate them. Jesus said:
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)
How can I fulfill this calling by being like everyone else? I need more.
You will receive knowledge
Our two greatest needs are knowledge and power. When I say knowledge and power, I refer to spiritual knowledge and spiritual power. These things can only be received through the Holy Ghost and not through a college degree (sorry). Here is how spiritual knowledge is not received:
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1Co 2:9)
We cannot receive it by seeing or hearing it, and it does not appear mysteriously in our hearts from out of nowhere (like hitting the lottery, winning a sweepstakes, or a rich relative dying and leaving their fortune to you). How do we receive spiritual knowledge or are we doomed? The next verse tells us plainly:
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1Co 2:10)
In other words, we cannot receive knowledge until we get the Holy Spirit, and he reveals these things.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1Co 2:14)
You will receive power
For many years, I was born again and living for him. I went to church every time the doors were opened, I read my Bible constantly, I prayed as much as possible, and I tried the hardest to live a good Christian life as I believe would please God. I would move one step closer to God and then get knocked two steps back every time. No matter how hard I tried, I would end up right back where I started. Does this sound like you?
I did every thing right, but every thing went wrong. Why? I needed power:
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Act 1:8)
He gives special gifts
In 1 Corinthians 12, we read about the different gifts that are enabled by the Holy Spirit. Please understand that “without him you can do nothing “(John 15:5), and therefore until the Holy Spirit moves in, you will do nothing spiritually. These special gifts combined with the increased anointing will take you places that were impossible previously. Here are some of the gifts:
- Word of wisdom
- Healing
- Faith
The gifts are presented in greater detail in the article “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit”. Click here
Summary
Sadly, the church limps on walking in the flesh and trying to fulfill the mandate God has given us. We fail every time to achieve our purpose, and eventually we burn out and quit. The Holy Spirit is available to keep you revived. He also gives power, knowledge, and special gifts for service in God’s army. Now because of the cross, every born-again believer can receive him just by asking. Are you interested?
Have you received this mighty gift? Click here for more
Next Page: Will I Speak in Tongues Upon Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
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