John bare record, saying…He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
—John 1:32-33
There were two things that John the Baptist preached concerning the person of Christ. First, Christ was the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Second, Christ would baptize His disciples with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). The blood of the Lamb and the baptism of the Spirit were the two central truths of his preaching.
The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the second chapter of Acts, on the Samaritans in chapter eight, on the heathen in the house of Cornelius in chapter ten, and on the twelve disciples at Ephesus in chapter nineteen. These incidents must also be regarded as separate fulfillments of the words, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 3:11).
This baptism of the Holy Spirit is the crown and glory of Jesus’ work. Jesus needed it. Christ’s loving, obedient disciples needed it. We need it also. It is the personal Spirit of Christ making Himself present within us, always living in the heart in the power of His glorified nature. It is the Spirit of Christ making us free from the law of sin and death.
Be very faithful to what you already know of the Spirit’s working. Wait for and listen to the gentlest whispering of God’s Spirit within you. Listen especially to the conscience, which has been cleansed in the blood. There may be much involuntary sin in your heart that makes you feel powerless. Deeply humble yourself and, when the sin occurs, be cleansed in the blood.
As far as your voluntary actions are concerned, tell the Lord Jesus every day that you will do all that you know is pleasing to Him. Yield to the warnings of your conscience when you fail. Then come again, have hope in God, humbly ask and wait for guidance every morning. Soon the Spirit’s voice will become better known, and His strength will be felt.
Jesus taught the disciples for three years, and then the blessing came. Be His loving, obedient disciple, and believe in Him who is full of the Spirit. Then you will also be prepared for the fullness of the blessing of the baptism of the Spirit.