Short answer

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience, after new birth, in which Jesus fills a believer with the Holy Spirit and with power for service, as He did the first disciples at Pentecost. The Bible shows speaking in other tongues as its evidence.

Jesus’ promise

Before He returned to heaven, Jesus told His followers to wait in Jerusalem for what the Father had promised: John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now (Acts 1:5). He explained why: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8).

Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, it happened. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). Frightened disciples became bold witnesses, and three thousand people were saved that day.

Not the same as being born again

Every Christian receives the Holy Spirit at new birth; He lives in all who believe. The baptism in the Spirit is something further: being filled and clothed with power. In Acts the two are often separated in time. The Samaritans believed and were baptised in water, and later received the Spirit when the apostles prayed for them (Acts 8:14-17). The disciples in Ephesus had the same experience (Acts 19:1-6).

Peter said the promise was for you and for your children and for all who are far off (Acts 2:39). It was never meant to stop with the first generation.

How to receive

Jesus said the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). So ask. Come to Him with a clean heart, thank Him for what He has promised and open your mouth in faith. Many people receive this as others pray with them, which is why we regularly make time for it in our services and prayer nights.

How this connects across the Bible

The Bible is one story. Here is how this theme runs from the Old Testament to Jesus:

  • God’s Spirit rested on Moses and then on seventy elders so they could share his work (Numbers 11:25), and Moses wished all God’s people could have the Spirit (Numbers 11:29).
  • Joel promised the Spirit poured out on all people, young and old, men and women (Joel 2:28-29); Peter says Pentecost is that promise (Acts 2:16-17).
  • John the Baptist announced that the coming One would baptise with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11); Jesus repeats the promise before His ascension (Acts 1:5).
  • Jesus, anointed with the Spirit at the Jordan (Luke 4:18), pours out that same Spirit on His church from heaven (Acts 2:33).

What we believe at Spring Valley

We believe in the baptism in the Holy Spirit as an enduement of the believer with power for service, the essential, biblical evidence of which is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. This is what makes us a Pentecostal church.

Our full Statement of Faith

Your next step

If you would like prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit, ask any of the leaders on a Sunday, or come to our Prayer & Revival Night. Read What is speaking in tongues? next.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Read the Bible free in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, English and many more languages at bible.com.