~ ~ What exactly is the filling of the Holy Ghost? Well, I'll let the scriptures speak for themselves on the matter: 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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" First, let's take a look at the definition for the word "baptism" to help us gain a better understanding: From the Strong's Concordance: Definition Baptize-transliterated "Baptizo" Strong's number 907 1. to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) 2. to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe 3. to overwhelm To be baptized with the Holy Ghost, is to be completely "submerged" in Him. I especially like the rendering of the 3rd definition-"to overwhelm." This baptism (according to Acts 1:8) is for empowerment for Christian living and service. It empowers us to live a holy life (as we are commanded to do), and gives us an annointing to be a witness for Jesus like never before (as we are also commanded to preach the gospel to every creature). Some of the most common misconceptions or misunderstandings about the Holy Ghost are: "I thought I received everything when I got saved" "Who can receive this baptism?" "How do I know if I've got it or not?" "Why should I even concern myself with the topic?" I'll try to tackle these issues to the best of my knowledge, admitting that I have not arrived myself! Probably the most common misconception is the first one mentioned. Many people believe they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost when they became a Christian. Now, first and foremost, I do not want to under-emphasize or belittle the salvation experience in any shape, form, or fashion. The new birth is in itself a true miracle, when God literally translates us from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His dear Son. Salvation however, is merely the first step in the Christian experience. We must do as Peter admonished us to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ", (II Peter 3:18) I know that my opinions on the subject should not be the basis for true doctrine, so let's examine this further in the light of scripture. John 7:37 . . . In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. 7:38 He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ********Please take note of a few things about this passage. First, note that Christ said the phrase "he that believeth on me." This automatically disqualifies the unregenerated man. The infilling of the Holy Ghost is reserved for him/her that "believeth" (notice it doesn't say will believe or believed, but the active tense believeth-literally one who is currently believing). Next notice that in verse 39 it says again that "they that believe on Him" SHOULD receive this empowerment. Jesus made this statement prior to his ascension, but He is now glorified and therefore this command is now in full effect! John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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 ******A few things to note about this passage as well. I believe that a clean heart is essential to being filled with the Holy Ghost. Verse 15 further solidifies this notion, because He says that the believer should be keeping His commandments (it is unlikely that non-followers of Jesus would be keeping His commandments in the first place). Then, he states that he would give "another" comforter (in addition) to abide with us. Now the key is in verse 17. Notice that the "world" cannot receive the Spirit baptism. Only the believer can receive the baptism because He (the Holy Ghost) is already "in" them. Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord Some final thoughts . . . I think it is a sad commentary that many people (ministers especially) have neglected this vital command of the LORD. In fact, this is one of the reasons for which Jesus gave His precious life. John 16:7 . . "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. Again, this study is not intended to make some believers feel superior to others, or conversely, to make some believers seem inferior to others. This has nothing to do with being better than anyone else. The scriptures clearly state that God is no respector of persons. ~ ~ TruthAblaze