Questions and Answers

Is Baptism in the Spirit Different than Water Baptism?
By Adam Bartlett

Baptism in the Spirit is a separate event from water baptism. The baptism in the Spirit endues the receiver with power from on high and generally gifts are imparted to the believer at this point. Baptism in water is a symbolic act after salvation to indicate a believer's death to self and resurrection to a new life following Christ. I don't believe that there is a clearer picture of this symbolism of baptism than that found in Romans chapter 6

Romans 6
3: Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4: 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.
5: For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6: 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.


When we get water baptized we are symbolizing our death to our own self, desires and control and burying our old nature by being immersed and rising to a new life led by Christ and His Word. It is an outward symbol of an inward change in our heart and life. Water baptism is very important and should be done as soon as possible after conversion.

There are many scriptures that speak of the baptism of the Spirit also and clearly indicate that it is a completely separate and unique experience.

Matthew 3
11: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but 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:

Mark 1
8: I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Luke 3
16: John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire

John 1
33: And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1
5: For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

It is clear from the scriptures that this baptism is a different event than that of the water baptism. The question is, "What is the purpose of this baptism in addition to water baptism?"

The answer to that is found in the scriptures also. There are many instances in which the baptism of the Spirit is accompanied with one of the sign gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12: 8-10. However, the gift of tongues has been largely abused and promoted to be the main gift and in many cases required as evidence of being baptized in the Spirit. This is completely untrue and unbiblical and we will not get into that in this lesson. For more information on that topic see the study on speaking in tongues on this site.

The answer to the reason for this baptism is found in Acts chapter 1.

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.

The baptism produces "power" that is necessary to have the boldness and wisdom to be witnesses for Him. That power is never more evident than when we see the disciples preaching in this power after the Day of Pentecost in chapter 2 of Acts. Chapter 2 also provides the explanation of what John the Baptist was referring to by being baptized with the Holy Spirit and "Fire."

Acts 2
1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3: And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4: And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


This event is displayed in the following Scriptures
2:1-4, 38, 8:12-20, 9:17-18, 10:44-48, 11:15-16, 19:1-7

Anyone can see by reading the book of Acts that there was a significant difference in the boldness and power of the preaching by the disciples after they were baptized in the Spirit. This was the purpose for this event, to provide the power necessary to do what we cannot accomplish in our own strength. Gifts are a part of this baptism but unfortunately in our church society today they are abused and are emphasized above the point of the power that is received.

The baptism of the Spirit endues us with the supernatural power to do the things necessary to battle and overcome the enemy. The gifts provide the miraculous power of God and allow us to perform as Jesus said we would through Him.

It is a sad and unfortunate fact that many denominations do not teach the whole Word of God and deny this event and cheat their followers of knowing this experience that would equip them for what is vitally needed in our walk.

A Christian without the baptism of the Spirit is like attacking the gates of hell with a water pistol. It is settling for minimal power when you could have limitless power and confidence in your walk. If you have never received this baptism I encourage you to seek God and ask Him for it. He promised that He would hear and give us what we ask in His name.

Back to Questions and Answers

Bible Headquarters