THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT: THE SIGN OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE

          By Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

In one of my African campaign meetings in November 2000, over one million people had a tremendous experience simultaneously—they were all baptized in the Holy Spirit.

In Europe, I’m sure 90 percent of people have never even heard of such a thing. To many, the Holy Spirit might seem as foreign as mathematics is to sheep. The things of the Spirit of God belong to a realm that is, metaphorically speaking, a million light years away from the godless world in which we live today. There is simply nothing else like it.

That gulf has always existed. People don’t truly know what it’s like to meet Jesus Christ until they do. And they often don’t understand those who have already met Him—especially those baptized in the Spirit.

The Sign of Christ

What was the first thing ever said about Jesus? It was this amazing prophecy: He would baptize people in the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16). John the Baptist was sent by God to announce Jesus’ coming and to tell people how they would recognize Him.

There are many religions all over the world, but Christ stands apart. Even before He began His ministry, people were told He would be recognizable as the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.

We have a right to know who we are dealing with. There are many spirits, many religions, and many experiences. What guarantee do we have of authenticity? How can we be sure we are dealing with the true Christ and not an impostor?

The sign of the true Son of God is that He baptizes in the Holy Spirit. Ask Jesus to give you the Spirit, and you will not receive a scorpion—that is His promise.

The Timing of Baptism in the Spirit

Interestingly, Jesus did not baptize people in the Spirit while He was here on earth. That baptism came only after He had returned to heaven. The plan was for us to recognize the signs of His presence after His ascension, through His heavenly role as the baptizer in the Spirit.

Baptism in the Spirit was not a sign given to the disciples while they were with Jesus. It is not just a historical event we read about. It is—and still is—the sign of His present identity. It has never been changed or withdrawn. It characterizes Jesus for the entire Christian age.

What Is Baptism?

The word “baptism” might seem strange today, but in Greek, it simply means “dipped” or “immersed.” It was often used to describe dipping cloth in dye—a beautiful image. The cloth soaks in the dye, and the dye soaks into the cloth, changing its color.

John the Baptist baptized people in the chilly Jordan River, leaving them wet and cold. But Christ’s baptism in the Spirit is like liquid fire. It is transformative and powerful.

Fire: God’s Consuming Presence

The Bible tells us that God’s character is like a consuming fire. Fire in Scripture has many meanings, not all negative.

Luke 3:17-18 (NIV) says:

“He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

John the Baptist preached this good news to the people.

Fire symbolizes purification, power, and renewal.

Fire Transforms Dry Bones.

In Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones, the bones came together and became an army of living men. God breathed life into those lifeless bones.

Another way to understand fire’s power is through bone china. Bone china starts as ground-up old bones mixed with clay, molded, and then fired in a kiln. Out of the fire comes beautiful, pure white china—strong and valuable.

Similarly, there are “dry bone” Christians—lifeless believers who have lost their spiritual vitality. But when baptized in the Holy Spirit, God’s fire ignites their very bones, transforming them into vessels fit for His purposes.

This process leaves a pure, unmistakable mark. Just as a potter uses a kiln to create beautiful pottery, God uses fire to produce His workmanship.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us:

“We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

We are God’s good work, made to produce good works.

Forget About the Feelings

The baptism in the Spirit brings permanent power, but not a permanent feeling of power. We don’t measure power by feelings or what we see.

Consider electrical wires capable of carrying 110,000 volts—they look the same whether energized or not. Similarly, muscular strength is not felt constantly but demonstrated when needed.

Strong men don’t feel their strength all the time, but when asked to lift a heavy weight, they simply do it.

The Power of God in Jars of Clay

The power of God dwells in fragile human vessels—“jars of clay,” as Paul says. This power is real, effective, and available to all who receive the Holy Spirit.

If you desire to experience this baptism in the Holy Spirit, ask Jesus today. He promises to fill you with His Spirit and empower you for a victorious Christian life.

You can always write us to join you in prayers and spiritual guidance if you so wish. The Lord bless you evermore!