The Baptism of the Holy Spirit; the importance for every believer
- Darren Roy
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A brief introduction to the Spirit baptism
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is one of the foundational truths of Pentecostal theology and practice, especially within the Assemblies of God where it is held as a Core Doctrine. [1] More than just a historical footnote or optional experience, it is a God-ordained empowerment for holy living and bold witness to the world. While initial salvation is the entry point to a new life in Christ, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the force that propels the believer into spiritual power, purity, and purpose, on the journey of progressive sanctification. All believers are encouraged to earnestly seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit and fire, which is the promised gift of the Father, in obedience to Christ’s command.[2]
To be clear, we are saved by grace, through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation comes first and is the only requirement to enter the everlasting relationship of eternal life. It’s a heart-response to the gospel that begins this journey. The Assemblies of God does not claim to be the only church that teaches the true gospel.[3] However, they do believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a vital, empowering experience God wants every believer to enjoy. Without Him, the Holy Spirit, to walk in the fulness of God and to please Him are impossible.[4]
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct and subsequent experience to salvation. It is not the same as regeneration or being born again. This experience, first described in Acts 2, is when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believer in power, enabling them to live more boldly and effectively for Christ. Jesus Himself said:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8).
This experience is accompanied by the initial physical evidence of speaking in tongues, as described in the five accounts of Spirit baptism in Acts (2, 8, 9, 10, and 19). Speaking in other tongues is not the goal but it serves as a doorway into a deeper walk with the Spirit.[5]
Throughout Scripture, the pattern is clear: salvation comes first, and then Spirit baptism equips believers for effective ministry and godly living. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter declared that the promise of the Spirit was for “you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). That includes believers today. The prophet Joel saw this reality coming when he declared on behalf of God:
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people… Even on my servants, both men and women” (Joel 2:28–29).
The early church grew rapidly because of this supernatural power from God. It wasn’t just strategy or clever organisation, there wasn’t a social media campaign or a Church website - it was the Holy Spirit empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things.[6] One of the reasons the baptism of the Holy Spirit is so important, is that church growth or advancement of the Kingdom is not by our own power, but rather God’s power all the time at work in us. God’s power through the Holy Spirit is able to do immeasurably more than we could possibly imagine.[7]
That said, the Spirit doesn’t only bring power, He brings gifts and graces. The gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) include prophecy, healing, wisdom, tongues, and more. These are meant for the edification of the church, not personal display. As the Assemblies of God believes, and Randy Hurst of AG World Missions explains, “Spiritual gifts are not rewards or achievements. They are gifts or graces that are undeserved and imparted by God’s will for the good of the whole church.”[8] For the church to be genuinely built-up in the way that Christ desires, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the corresponding gifts are crucial.
Along with gifts come the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A Spirit-filled life is not just powerful; it is holy and Christlike. Being Christ’s witnesses is more than just the words we say, but also the character and fruit of Christ which is displayed in our lives.[9] The only way to grow in this godly fruit is to be baptised in the Spirit and it’s His work in us which gives convincing evidence of His empowerment.
The Holy Spirit also the agent of sanctification. The process of becoming more like Jesus is accelerated by ongoing fullness in the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who purifies our motives, shapes our desires, and corrects our behaviours. As believers remain filled with the Spirit, they grow in holiness and maturity. “God desires holiness to touch and affect our entire being - body, soul, and spirit.”[10] The baptism is vital for us to experience the fullness God has for us.
Many people associate the Holy Spirit with loud manifestations or dramatic moments, but it’s important to understand the gentleness of the Spirit. The Spirit never forces Himself; He invites. He doesn't just give power; He comforts, counsels, encourages and guides. For those who may feel hesitant, it’s okay to proceed with openness and prayer. The Holy Spirit comes to those who are willing and hungry, not those who are perfect or who consider themselves spiritual superstars.
Today’s world faces an energy crisis both physically and spiritually. People chase power in careers, relationships, and even religion[11], but neglect the unlimited source of supernatural energy: the Holy Spirit. Many Christians live far below the potential God offers through the Spirit. But we don’t have to. The important Power and Energy is available now, and it’s found in the importance of the Spirit baptism.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not just for pastors or missionaries. It’s for you - for every believer who wants to live a life of confident faith, pure holiness, and supernatural success. It’s not a requirement for salvation, per se, but it’s essential for those who want all that God has for them. “There is no limit to what God can do through vessels yielded completely to His control and guidance.”[12]
So we’re all invited, whether we have already experienced the baptism or if we are beginning to discover Him, to stay open, stay hungry, and let the Holy Spirit fill you anew. The supply is unlimited. The important promise is for you and I.
Holy Spirit related sermons by Darren Roy on the subject are available at:
With thanks and acknowledgment to the faculty of the School for Ministry Development, Global University, Dr. Zenas Bicket (Berean President, ret.) and Randy Hurst (Head of AG World Missions). This blog is part of the learning requirement for the course.
References
Part 07. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
[3] Dr. Zenas Bicket, retired president of Berean University, THEC113 (Course Notes), Section: Friends and Foes of the Cross.
[4] Romans 8:8-9, New International Version.
[5] Dr. Zenas Bicket, retired president of Berean University, THEC113 (Course Notes), Section: The Persistent Seeker.
[6] Dr. Zenas Bicket, retired president of Berean University, THEC113 (Course Notes), Section: Living in the Holy Spirit.
[7] Philippians 2:13 and Ephesians 3:20, New International Version.
Enrichment Journal, Fall 2012, Randy Hurst.
AG News, May 2021, Randy Hurst.
[10] Dr. Zenas Bicket, retired president of Berean University, THEC113 (Course Notes), Section: Sanctification: Immediate AND Progressive.
[11] 2 Timothy 3:4, New International Version.
[12] Dr. Zenas Bicket, retired president of Berean University, THEC113 (Course Notes), Section: An Experience Available to All Believers.
© 2025 NorthSaint: Darren Roy
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