Born again – Part 25

Is Regeneration The Same As Baptism In The Holy Spirit? Cont.

This “receiving” of life from the Spirit preceded both their receiving the authority of Jesus (Jn 20:23) and their baptism in the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4). (4) Prior to this time, the disciples were technically true believers and followers of Jesus and were saved according to the old covenant provisions. Yet, they were not regenerated in the full new covenant sense. Not until this point did the disciples enter into the new covenant provisions, based on Jesus’ death and resurrection (see Mat 26:28; Lk 22:20; 1 Cor 11:25; Eph 2:15-16; Heb 9:15-17).

(5) This passage is crucial in understanding the Holy Spirit’s ministry to God’s people. These two statements are true: (a) the disciples received the Holy Spirit (i.e., were indwelt and regenerated by the Holy Spirit) before the day of Pentecost, and (b) the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2:4 was an experience occurring after their regeneration by the Spirit. Their baptism in the Spirit at Pentecost was, therefore, a second and distinct work of the Spirit in them. (6) These two separate and distinct works of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Jesus’ disciples are normative for all Christians. That means that all believers receive the Holy Spirit at the time of their regeneration, and either at that point (Acts 10:44-47) or at a subsequent time must experience the baptism in the Spirit for empowering them to be His witnesses (Acts 1:5,8; 2:4; see 2:39).

Further notes on Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Read Luke 24:46-49; and Acts 1:1-8. Evangelize with power from on high.
Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48And you are witnesses of these things. 49Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49)

24:49 the promise of my Father. “The promise of my Father” that will bring “power from on high” refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that began at Pentecost (see Acts 1:4; 2:4); we find this promise recorded in the OT (Is 32:15; 44:3; Ezek 39:29; Joel 2:28) and in the NT (John 14:16-17,26; 15:26; 16:7; Acts 1:4-8; 2:33,38-39). The disciples devoted themselves to prayer as they waited for the fulfilment of the promise (see Acts 1:14). The believer today seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit should do the same (Luke 11:13).

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

You shall receive power. This is the key verse in the book of Acts. The primary purpose of the baptism in the Spirit is the receiving of power to witness for Christ, so that that lost will be won over to Him and taught to obey all that Christ commanded. The end result is that Christ may be known, loved, praised and made Lord of God’s chosen people (cf. Mat 28:18-20; Luke 24:49; John 5:23; 15:26-27).
(1) “Power” (Gk dunamis) means more than strength or ability; it designates especially power in operation, in action.
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