What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit dwells within every Christian, comforting us and enabling us to grow in grace every day. Today, Derek Thomas explains what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is and what it is not.

NATHAN W. BINGHAM: We’re recording live from Ligonier’s 2022 national conference, and I’m joined by Dr. Derek Thomas, one of our teaching fellows here at Ligonier Ministries. Dr. Thomas, what is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

DR. DEREK THOMAS: I think that the simplest answer to that question is to say that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the receiving of the Holy Spirit. That the baptism is the Holy Spirit quickening us, living in us, being Christ’s representation here on earth. Christ has gone away, but He says in the upper room, “I will come again.” And He comes by the Holy Spirit, who indwells us and enables us to grow in grace and to persevere in the faith.

I don’t think of the baptism of the Spirit as a post-conversion experience, accompanied perhaps by gifts of prophecy or tongues. I don’t think that the baptism of the Spirit is something that is post-conversion, giving you, say, assurance. I think the baptism of the Spirit is the indwelling of the Spirit at the time of regeneration and rebirth.