The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

 Introduction

The Holy Ghost is the third person of God, in the Divine Trinity. The work of Holy Ghost in the Godhead reveals the sin of man, his rejection of Christ, and doubt to the human conscience. How? By stirring the conscience and showing man what he really is in the presence of Christ. Sanctification through the Spirit is the will of God for all men. The sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is conviction and repentance for the sinner. The sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost turns the penitent from sin to Christ, for salvation of the human soul. The sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost relates to the child of God (after Salvation) where the believers heart is purged from the Adamic nature. This final work of the Spirit through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire will be the central focus of this discourse. Its content will describe how, when, and why this Baptism performed by Christ deals with a part of a believer not dealt with at the new birth.

1. All believers need the sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

Reason: The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the cleansing work of the Spirit in the heart of a Christian, not the sinner. This work of the Holy Ghost has nothing to do with initial Salvation in the new birth where the believer receives a new nature. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is another Christian experience that comes after the new birth. The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is God’s deliverance from the old nature that still exists in the life of a believer.

Through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross the miracle of Salvation of the human soul is granted to those who “trust in Christ’s death for the forgiveness of sins”. Within that miracle is a new birth where that believer receives a divine nature. The divine nature allows the believer to live a holy life in the sight of God however; the old nature suppressed by the presence of the Holy Ghost, still exists.

There is no struggle to do right in a believer’s life; however when there is a lack of recognition to this power, self still tries to rule the mind, soul, and body. This inner conflict wars against the power and will of the Holy Spirit’s directive. Why? The Adamic nature still exists in the life of a believer and tries to rule the mind, soul, and body even though it is suppressed by the power of the Holy Spirit after the new birth.

The miracle of the new birth is an instantaneous work of the Holy Ghost in soul of a penitent sinner. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire likewise is an instantaneous work however; this operation of the Holy Ghost deals with the believer instead of the sinner. Unlike the new birth received by the sinner, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals specifically those who know Christ. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire allows God to deal with a part of this believer not dealt with at the new birth. What is not dealt with in the new birth? The old nature man was born with! That old nature is not forgiven in the new birth because it’s not an act of sin committed. Its man’s fallen nature that still tries to be recognized. The only way a believer can get rid of the old nature is through the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that destroys that part of man, entirely.

The Adamic nature which once ruled the sinner does not rule those who trust in Calvary for the forgiveness of sins. The existence of the old nature is still there but suppressed by the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence. The Adamic life (a product of self) continues to war against the believers consciousness to the Holy Spirits presence. This shows the great need for a believer to get rid of the selfish part of his being not dealt with at the new birth.

The sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire” came upon” believers, not sinners on the day of Pentecost. This Baptism was an instantaneous work of the Holy Ghost and not a progressive work as some profess. Why do Christians need the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire? It’s a more complete Salvation for the believer. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence that delivers those who are saved from the Adamic life. The sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost in the heart of a believer makes better witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Acts 1:8…But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you ;and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire has no relationship to Water Baptism. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals primarily with an inner conflict from the Adamic nature that hinders the believer from having all the Spirit of God has to offer in Salvation. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost that removes the believer’s conflict with the Spirit… is the will of God for all believers. It’s the fullness of Salvation to some however; vague to others due to lack of recognition of the Holy Spirits presence in their lives; or vague because of erroneous indoctrination.

After the new birth, a believer’s conscience desires to become totally subject to the presence of Christ. The conscience of a believer desires to be without sin or an inner conflict with self. The presence of the Holy Ghost allows a believer to constantly see himself in light of a Savior. In this believer’s relationship with the Savior, the Holy Ghost reveals the need for death to the Old Man. This cutting away of all that a believer is points to the work of the Holy Ghost dealing with the negative part of that believer. When the believer actually dies to all that he is and puts off the Old man, the power of the Indwelling Spirit (through Baptism) destroys indwelling sin (which still exists). The body of sin is no longer suppressed by the presence of the Holy Ghost; it’s destroyed through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

• Rom 6:4-6…Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

2. Conditions to receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

This discourse was written to highlight the power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. It’s important to understand the Sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is not limited to any single operation. Sanctification deals with both sinner and the saint alike. The sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire takes the believer away from self and thus makes him totally subject to Christ. How? The presence of the Holy Ghost reveals Christ’s suffering and death to the heart of a believer. In contrast Christ’s death and suffering shows the believer the need to die to the Old man. Through the believer’s recognition of Christ as Savior helplessness and nothingness from the Old man is likewise revealed. “Death to the Old man becomes the believer’s path to receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire”.
The believer’s need of deliverance from the old man is brought to constant attention as the presence of the Holy Ghost makes Christ known to that heart. Unlike the sinner who doesn’t know Christ, a believer continuously sees himself in the presence of the Holy Ghost. What is revealed? A believer in light of Christ sees a need to die, and to get away from self. Through the work of the Holy Ghost a believer has a God given desire to put off the Old man.

• Eph 4:22…That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts

Without Christ a believer has no strength of his own to overcome the old man. A believer is powerless to the struggle of self that tries to rule the mind, soul, and body. A believer knows his sins were forgiven at the cross. A believer knows he received a new nature when he turned to Christ for forgiveness. Enlightenment from the presence of the Holy Ghost allows this believer to realize only God can purge his heart from a still existing Adamic nature. Without death to the Old man there can be no renewal from the Holy Ghost. Deliverance from that struggle is the reason for the blessed experience of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Only those that know Christ through the presence of the Holy Ghost can experience this completed work of Salvation.

Ponder the lives of Peter, John, and James. Did you notice they did not receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire when they first believed? The Bible doesn’t teach that man receives the Baptism with the Holy Ghost in the new birth. Why? The unbeliever doesn’t acknowledge the presence of the Holy Ghost until after his sins are forgiven. Then after Salvation, the believer’s recognition of Christ allows the presence of the Holy Ghost to reveal and rid man of the selfish part of that being not dealt with in the new birth. Death to the Old man revealed through the presence of the Holy Ghost is a path to the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. After the old man is put off, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is performed by Christ …at one stroke.

• Col 3:9…seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

• Matt 3:11…he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

The presence of Holy Ghost shows the sinner his need to get away from sin; likewise the presence of the Holy Ghost shows the believer his need to get away from old man. Remember, the presence of the Holy Ghost reveals the negative side of man to both sinner and saint alike. When the believer totally surrenders to Christ, he will bury the old life. Then at one stroke from the hand of God the believer will “put on” the new man. The new man is created through the purifying operation of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

• Col 2:12… Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God

• Col 3:10…And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

The Bible does teach various modes of Baptism however; the intent of this discourse is to magnify Christ as the one who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire received at Pentecost was not the works of man nor was it performed through water Baptism. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire comes from the Throneroom where a believer’s faith in Christ should remain every minute, every hour, and every day…without wavering. As promised by the Father Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire.

• Luke 24:49…And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

• Acts 1:4-5…And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

• Matt 3:11…he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

3. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire began on the day of Pentecost

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was promised by the Father and has been ministered under Grace since the day of Pentecost. The power and presence of the Spirit of Truth was taught by the Lord Jesus himself before His ascension to Heaven. God’s plan (through the Divine Trinity) understood man’s need to overcome sin and the struggles of the flesh. The omnipresence of Holy Ghost under the Grace dispensation we now live in provides every believer with this power of deliverance. Christ knew the fullness of the Spirit would come through His body, the Church. Christ knew the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was an enduement of power that would produce fruit in the heart and life of every believer from Pentecost until the Rapture of the Church.

• Luke 24:49…And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

4. Biblical proof the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire continued after Pentecost

Records from the book of Acts prove manifestations of the Holy Ghost continued for years after Pentecost. Different Biblical terms yet the same action of the Spirit of God provide much clarification on the subject of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. Notice the language concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost which occurred at different points of time.

• Shed Forth…Acts 2:33…Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

• Fallen upon…Acts 8:15-17…Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost

• Poured out…Acts 10:44-46…While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

• Came on…Acts 19:2-6…He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

5. Twofold evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire: Inner and Outer

There are two evidences shown in the New Testament concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. These are the … inner and outer evidences. Both evidences prove the work of the Holy Ghost in the entire anatomy of the child of God. Both evidences which are Biblically documented offer proof that believers can experience this same sanctifying work of Holy Ghost in their hearts and lives today. Both evidences are Biblical truth that did not stop at the early Church like many believe and teach today. There are no Biblical records that state the gifts of the Holy Ghost stopped at the Early Church however; there are many records that state these gifts continued after Pentecost.

Lack of recognition of the Holy Spirits presence; and erroneous teachings have caused many to be hindered from; or to miss the truth and full blessing of the sanctifying power that comes through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

The inner evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a heart full of love and obedience toward God. Love for God and love for humanity comes when selfishness is purged from the heart and life of a believer. A Salvation without wavering in holiness and right standing with God comes when the Old man is taken out of the picture. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost reduces the hearts of men to humility for Christ… after self-centeredness is removed. When the heart of a believer is purified from all the dross of the body of sin (not dealt with in the new birth), the Indwelling Spirit takes over. Inner evidence from the purifying work of the Spirit is to be holy and without blame before Him in love. A man filled with the Holy Ghost will have no struggle with the problems of life; he will trust Christ for everything. The conflict within a believer’s members is taken away like his sins were forgiven when he first accepted Christ. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is another experience of Salvation that takes place in the life of a believer, after the new birth. The inner evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a life of peace and contentment that rules the heart of a believer. Victory over sin and the flesh is real life experience that offers such contentment. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost and fire in perfect love for humanity is the fullness of Salvation taught in all New Testament writings.

The outer evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is speaking in an unknown tongue. There are two reasons why speaking in unknown tongue is for today and did not stop at the Early Church.

First, in the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, God takes full possession of the believer spirit, soul and body (the entire anatomy of man). The tongue can be controlled by the Spirit of God because the heart of the believer is controlled by the Spirit of God. Men that are filled with the Holy Ghost are dead to the Old man and governed by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has full sway of man’s total being, tongue included. Holy men of God speak in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.

• Acts 2:4…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Second, numerous records in the New Testament prove that when the experience of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost was received, recipients spoke in unknown tongue. The Bible teaches that unknown tongues continued nineteen years after Pentecost. The Bible teaches the Apostle Paul spoke in unknown tongue. Nowhere does the Bible teach these gifts stopped at the Early Church as many try to teach!

• Acts 2:4…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

• Acts 19:2-6…He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied

• Acts 10:44-46…While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

• 1 Cor 14:2-4…For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

6. The necessity of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

In the plan of God through redemption, Salvation of the soul in the new birth is perhaps one of the greatest miracles that come’s from the Throne of Christ. Even greater is the purifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that is granted from Christ to the heart and life of a believer. The beauty of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a full Salvation that provides everything man needs to have victory over sin, self, and lusts of the flesh. Temptation doesn’t have the same affect on a man baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire. The inner conflict between self and the Holy Ghost is taken away by the power of this Baptism. The peace of God “rules” this heart and life every minute, every hour, and every day. A contented life in Christ without the inner conflict and without an entanglement to the problems of life is just another blessing that comes from this Baptism.

It’s understood that all have not experienced the blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, “but they can”. It’s understood that many miss the full blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost because of shallow understanding of the Spirit’s presence or wrong teaching; but the God’s door is still open for them to walk through. Some people take the position that a child of God can never have full Salvation in this life (that Sanctification is future tense work of the Holy Ghost finished when the soul goes to Heaven). The Holy Ghost can show them otherwise. The doctrine of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a present tense truth and New Testament experience.

During Christ’s earthly ministry Peter had a revelation of Christ’s Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Why? Peter had a divine nature. Peter however; didn’t understand that Christ had to suffer, die, and would rise from the grave. After the death of Christ Peter was baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire at Pentecost and his understanding was changed. Peter’s entire character was changed by the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that he received at Pentecost. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was received by Peter fifty days after Christ’s death on the cross. Peter had believed in the Messiahship of Christ for years prior, however; he had not yet experienced the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. After the death of Christ the Holy Ghost inspired Peter to write two Epistles. The fullness of Gods Salvation came after Peter was “filled” with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost. Jesus predicted the work of the Indwelling Spirit when He told the disciples prior to His death that the Spirit of truth shall be “in” you. Shall be in you was a promise stated by Christ.

• John 14:17...Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a necessary experience for the child of God. It makes every believers witness true to both, God and man. It purges a believer from doubt and uncertainty. It gives men strength to overcome and remain faithful to Christ every minute of there existence. It keeps men from wavering in and out of faith. It’s more than the new birth. Why? There’s no struggle on the outside or war from within to oppose the Spirits presence. It’s the final work of the Holy Ghost in the heart of believer. It can be received on this side of Heaven. The Hebrew letter describes this final work of the Holy Ghost as the… spirits of just men made perfect (Perfection in this verse deals with the present tense work of sanctification…not future tense as some people teach).

• Heb 12:23…To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

7. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a renewal; not a progressive work

In every instance and every record of the Bible the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire came upon the believer…instantaneously. Just like the new birth! The Greek text teaches the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire comes upon the believer instantaneously …at one stroke from the hand of God. Renewal from the Holy Ghost is not to be taken as a progressive work of sanctification. Renewing from the Holy Ghost takes place when the believer “puts off” the Old Man. This renewal from God “destroys” the body of sin. Renewal from the Holy Ghost allows the believer to “put on” the new man created in true righteousness and holiness. Renewal is the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that purges man from all the dross of the old man. Note! The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is addressing, “the saints and those faithful in Christ”. (Ephesians 1:1) As taught by the Apostle, the putting off of the Old Man and putting on of the new man deals specifically with the saint! Not the sinner!

• Eph 4:22-24…That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

There is no set time frame between the actual new birth experience and the actual Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Between both actual experiences a believer must “put off” the Old Man which simply means “die to the flesh”. Death to the Old Man opens the door for the New Man to come in. Then renewal through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost can take place at one stroke. Renewal is the final work of the Holy Ghost in this life. Renewal takes place after the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire rids the believer from the Adamic nature.
Renewal through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is when the believer “puts on” the new man. This new man is dead to self and; the Adamic nature has been destroyed. The new man in total subjection to Christ is created through the work of the Holy Ghost in true righteousness and holiness. The new man is delivered completely from the Adamic life and nature. There is no war within his members. There is no conflict or inner struggle from the Adamic. A renewed man trusts in Christ for every situation and circumstance in life. A renewed man is a witness for the Lord as the Spirits witness takes full possession that heart and life.

• Rom 8:15-16…but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Renewal is not a progressive work of the Holy Ghost; it comes instantaneously. Renewal takes place after sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is completely received into the body, soul, and spirit.

• 1 Thess 5:23…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A believer is renewed after he dies to self and receives the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Two Divine acts pertaining to full Salvation are taught in the Bible:

First is God’s Justification, which permits the Spirits regeneration in the new birth. Justification is a pardon from God that frees man from all past sinful acts committed. Justification provides the penitent with a freedom from guilt and the forgiveness of sins. Justification by Grace allows the instantaneous work of the Holy Ghost to regenerate the human soul. Justification gives any believer the eligibility to be entirely sanctified.

Second is Sanctification, where the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire cleanses a justified man from the Adamic nature. Justification is only the believer’s path to Entire Sanctification. After the believer has experienced both Justification and Entire Sanctification, he is renewed by the Holy Ghost. Renewal takes place after a believer experiences the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.

• Titus 3:5…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

8. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire: The final work of the Spirit of God in the life of a believer

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the final work of the Spirit of God in the heart of a believer. Contrary to certain doctrines that teach progressive sanctification, this final work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is received in this present life. A recipient of this blessing will no longer be conformed to the world. A recipient will prove this experience is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God… in word, lifestyle, and action. Like this writer’s testimony for Christ, the recipient of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire will also testify this experience is the same today as it was on the day of Pentecost.

• Rom 12:2…And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The work of the Holy Ghost should never be limited in our minds. The work of the Holy Ghost begins in the heart of a sinner at conviction. The work of the Holy Ghost seals the believer into the Body of Christ “when” he first believes. These various works of the Holy Ghost are initial yet complete works of Sanctification in the heart and life of man. However; Sanctification from the Adamic life which comes upon the believer is the final work of the Holy Ghost and fire. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire which is the completed work of Sanctification was purposed by God so that believers could experience full Salvation. Granted, the new birth is the sinner’s initiation into the Body of Christ but we must never fail to remember the inner struggle that exists. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire gives that believer assurance that keeps him from falling prey to inner struggle of the flesh. That final work of the Holy Ghost delivers a believer from the very source of that struggle which is the Old Nature. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire provides the believer with everything needed to be an over comer to the old nature of the flesh. Spirit filled men are over comers. Over comers make excellent witnesses for the Lord! The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire; the final work of the Holy Ghost, is the entire sanctifying work of Salvation that all believers can experience after they are born from above.

9. Manner in which the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was experienced by this writer

Since the beginning of this writer’s salvation my understanding has been enlarged concerning the sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost. I remember vividly how this heart cried out to God for years asking, “Why… why do I need the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire?” There were so many persuasions I was confused. Certain crowds tried to sway my stance in one direction and other crowds tried to sway my stance in another direction. Confirmation came…straight from God and the Holy Scriptures. Enlightenment came… through study and right division of Gods Word. Truth came to my heart… through subjection to an Enthroned Christ who Baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire (like on the day of Pentecost). God allowed this writer to understand “the purpose” of the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire which is simply sanctification from the negative side of life. God answered questions concerning “How”, “When”, and “Why” the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The opinions of men no longer confused my relationship with the living Christ.

10. Contentment in Christ: The fruit of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

The intent of this discourse is to enlighten the reader to the purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire and; the fruit it produces in the life of the believer. The theme of this discourse is focused on the victorious heart and life of a believer in Christ… not the sinner. The blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the believer’s complete deliverance from the Adamic nature. The fruit of that entirely sanctified heart and life is contentment in Christ that can be found nowhere else in life. Contentment in Christ confirms the truth of New Testament records concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. As any believer will learn through diligent study the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire cannot be found through erroneous doctrines. Why? Contentment cannot be found when there’s an inner struggle with the Holy Spirits presence, or an outer conflict with the problems of life. When the struggles of life and conflicts from man are taken away by a living Christ, the contentment of a Christian becomes the fruit of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. That’s why Paul told Timothy, Godliness mixed with contentment offers great gain.

• 1 Tim 6:5…But godliness with contentment is great gain

Conclusion

Having a true heart to both man and God is the final result of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. As Hubert Lindsey (a recipient and teacher of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire after being a Baptist for 35 years) once told me, “A true heart is never troubled”. With all respect to Hubert as a minister of God’s Word I pondered that statement for years and concluded…that both the true heart and the ability to never be troubled in any situation or circumstance was a gift from God that only comes through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Why? A true heart that’s never troubled proves a man trusts in Christ for everything. A true heart is the product of a sanctified man who lives in holiness and right standing with God. A sanctified man has no conflict within himself. A sanctified man has full acknowledgement of power of the Indwelling Spirit in his heart and life. Any believer who experiences a true heart that’s never troubled is an actual product of the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. By the Grace of God that keeps the Holy Spirit present in our lives…this writer can testify to the blessing of such experience.

Rick Roehm
August 8, 2007