Baptism of the Holy Spirit as a Second Experience after Conversion: An Examination of Relevant Passages in the Book of Acts

Abstract

The “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is one of the most debated Pneumatological topics due to different biblical interpretations and traditions. On the one hand, some scholars argue that the experience was only available to the original disciples of Jesus and not today. On the other hand, some scholars teach that this experience is still available for believers today. These debates have both theological and practical dimensions. The book of Acts introduces to Christians the coming and working of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came to indwell believers and continue the salvation work from Christ. Again, the Holy Spirit empowered believers to be witnesses both locally and globally. Biblically and theologically, is the conversion experience and Spirit baptism the same thing or are they different experiences? And is the baptism of the Holy Spirit accompanied by speaking in other tongues or visible manifestations of signs or gifts? The study analyses relevant biblical passages and key theological discussions on the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then, it argues that conversion or regeneration experience is different from the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The conversion experience precedes Spirit’s baptism. Believers in all generations should desire to be empowered by the Spirit. In addition, the baptism of the Holy Spirit should not be exclusively tied to speaking in tongues because it is not Scripturally supported.