The first two articles in this series showed how John the Baptist announced that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world and the risen Son of God, who is Lord of all. This article focuses of Jesus’ third ministry or role as the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. Everyone who is a Christ follower knows about Jesus’ role as the Savior who died for our sins. Fewer, perhaps, fully embrace his lordship; although, acknowledging his rule is the gateway to salvation, according to Romans 10:9-10. Still fewer understand the importance of the baptism in the Spirit, acknowledge, and receive this key ministry of our Lord.
John the Baptist said the following about it.
“I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ John 1:33 (NASB)
As the baptizer in the Holy Spirit, Jesus takes his place as the Lord of the Harvest. The baptism in the Spirit is a gift he gives to his people to equip and empower them to be his witnesses.
Jesus admonished his followers to wait in Jerusalem until this gift was poured out on the first New Covenant Pentecost, saying:
...“Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.5 John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”...8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8 (NLT)
The baptism in the Spirit is so important that the first believers were commanded to refrain from announcing the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection and lordship until they first received it. In Acts Chapter 2 we have the account of when this happened, with the result that 3000 people surrendered their lives to Christ after hearing Peter’s Spirit inspired and empowered gospel message!
The power and presence of the Holy Spirit that was released in the disciples when they were baptized in the Spirit launched the church into fulfilling the Great Commission. God intended for this to be the model for all believers going forward.
(If you wish to learn more about this amazing gift, you may wish to purchase my book, Promise of the Father, which is available on Amazon, and read my other articles on the subject.)
As is the case with the lordship of Christ, this aspect of Jesus’ ministry opposes modern-day consumerism. Unless we surrender to Christ’s lordship, embrace the call to obey the Great Commission, and receive the empowering of the Spirit, believing in the Lamb of God may become a self-centered pursuit of blessings.
Rather than allowing us to comfortably settle for being churchgoers, the Lord of the Harvest, the Baptizer in the Spirit calls us to radical discipleship, evangelism, and obedience to the Great Commission – “Go and make disciples.”
It takes great courage to testify to the Lordship of the risen Jesus and to call people to repentance from a self-directed life. That is why we need to be empowered by the Spirit. When we share the gospel, we should include the challenge to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit as part of the complete package. We do not want anyone to settle for less than God intended. That is how the early Church did things.
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 (NASB)
They were committed to knowing Christ as Baptizer in the Spirit and fulfilling the Great Commission. We should do no less.
Prayer
Jesus, I received you as my Savior and declared allegiance to you as my Lord. Now I see that you want me to know you as Baptizer in the Spirit, too, and receive this marvelous empowering to be your witness. Jesus, I ask you to baptize me in the Spirit right now. I receive it by faith. Holy Spirit, overflow in my life and enable me to be a bold witness. Let your gifts flow through me without restraint. Lead and empowered me each day. Amen.
