Yesterday, we’ve seen that the first result of the believers being filled with the Holy Spirit was that it had a direct and visible impact on the community. We’ve also seen that, unfortunately, many Christians today seem to lack this dynamite power, and little impact on their community. The Christian church as a whole needs to face up to the challenge of Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”
Once again, the Greek word which Paul here uses is dunamis – explosive power. It is not a question merely of the words we speak but of the power which makes our words effective. The key to this spiritual power is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For this there is no substitute.
We see, then, that according to the New Testament the primary result of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a supernatural enduement with power from on high to become an effective witness for Christ.
The second main result of the baptism in the Holy Spirit is indicated by Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost.
“Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He [Christ] poured out this which you now see and hear.” (Acts 2:33)
The baptism in the Holy Spirit, which Peter and the other disciples had just received, constituted for each of them direct, personal evidence and assurance that their risen Lord was now both exalted and glorified at the Father’s right hand.
Ten days earlier a little group of them had stood on the Mount of Olives and watched Jesus be taken up from them out of their sight.
“And a cloud received Him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9)
That was the last physical contact the disciples had with Jesus. Then, ten days later on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s coming gave to each disciple a new, direct and personal contact with Christ. Each one now knew with a fresh assurance that their Saviour, whom the world had despised, rejected and crucified, was henceforth and forever exalted and glorified at the right hand of the Father in heaven.
Only from the Father’s presence could Jesus have received this wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit which He, in turn, imparted to His waiting disciples. Receiving this gift gave them total assurance that Jesus was actually in the glory of the Father’s presence, invested with authority and power over the entire universe.
Lord Jesus, how incredible and amazing it is that You have ascended to heaven after the completion of your earthly mission and that Your Holy Spirit now, as Your substitute, gives us supernatural, divine power every day to be Your witnesses! Thank you for that! Amen.
