The baptism of the Holy Spirit was a miraculous event that occurred only twice in the New Testament: In Acts 2 with the apostles, and in Acts 10 with the household of Cornelius). By the time Paul wrote the book of Ephesians, he stated that there is one baptism (4:4), that is, water baptism which Jesus had told His followers to do in making disciples (cf. Matthew 28:19-20). This is important because some believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit still takes place today. Since God is not the author of confusion, let's look in the Bible so we can know what God commands us to do.
In Acts 1:5 (NKJV), Jesus was speaking to the eleven apostles when He said, "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Ten days later, we understand what that meant as we read Acts 2:1-4: When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The only other place in Scripture when the Holy Spirit is given in this manner is found in Acts 10:44-46: While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
We know that this event in Acts 10 was the same in Acts 2 because of the testimony of Peter. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God” (Acts 11:15-17). So when one was baptized with the Holy Spirit, he spoke in tongues and magnified God (Acts 2:11; 10:46). The purpose of tongues (languages which the speaker had never studied) was a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). In Acts 2, the people did not believe that Jesus was Lord and Christ. In Acts 10, the Jews did not believe that God had also granted salvation to the Gentiles.
Jesus does not baptize people with the Holy Spirit today because He has given us His complete will in written form - the New Testament (cf. Hebrews 9:15-17, 2 Peter 1:3), so no one needs to miraculously speak in different languages to get people to believe in God. The written word does that now. And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:30,31; cf. Romans 10:17). Furthermore, the baptism of the Holy Spirit did not convey upon the sinner the forgiveness of sins. For we read that after the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household, Peter commanded them to be baptized in water (Acts 10:47,48). It is only when one is baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, having believed in Him, repented of sins, and confessed that He is the Son of God, that one's sins are forgiven. This is the "one baptism” mentioned in Ephesians 4:4 that Jesus authorizes and commands today (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Peter 3:21). Brotherly, Jamie
