What the Bible says about the Threefold Relationship of the Holy Spirit with Men, pt. 8

The Infilling of the Spirit
As we saw earlier, the third Greek word, epi (upon or over), used to describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit with men is found in the Book of Acts, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).

There is much dispute within the Church today as to when the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service. The Bible does indeed speak of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist spoke of the Spirit’s baptism in Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, and Luke 3:16. Also it was revealed to John the Baptist that Jesus would be the one “…who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:33).

Many today doubt the need for an infilling as they believe that they have everything they need for salvation at the time of receiving Christ as Lord and Savior. This is true. The moment we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have all we need for salvation. Always be wary of those who tell you that you need some other experience or blessing or work to complete your salvation. Paul declared, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:10).

The Holy Spirit has been promised to us in order that we may have power “…to be witnesses…”, (Acts 1:8), that is, the power we need to live our lives for Christ. Just as the Jew did not have the power to keep the law, so we as Christians, do not have the power to live the Christian life. This is why God has given us His Holy Spirit. He wants us to be effective and victorious. That is why Jesus prayed to the Father to send the Spirit (John 14:16).

Jesus promised in John 7:38-39, that the Spirit would flow out of His followers like rivers (Greek, potamos, literally, torrents of living water, used of the effects of the operation of the Holy Spirit in and through the believer), of living water, “’He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” We believe that the overflowing of the Holy Spirit seen initially in the Book of Acts chapter 2, and repeatedly through the rest of the book is the direct fulfillment of this promise by Jesus to give the Holy Spirit to those who believe on Him.

Clearly, the early Christians had a power that is lost on many believers today. Where is this power Jesus spoke of? Where is this power in our marriages? Where is this power in influencing the world? Where is this power in reaching the lost?
And not only did Jesus promise the power of the Holy Spirit to us, He also told us to ask for the Holy Spirit, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:11-13).

As we said earlier, it is our conviction that the Apostles were born again when Jesus spoke to them in John 20:22, “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” The Holy Spirit was with (para) them, and upon being born again He is now dwelling in (en) them. In Acts 2:1-4, they experienced the third relationship of the Spirit with men, the overflowing (epi, upon or over), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…” (Acts 1:8).