Is The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit Required For Salvation?

Q

In regards to Is Satan A Christian? a question from a little boy, it would do well for all to know that just believing in Jesus alone is not enough to be resurrected to life. We must have the spirit of God indwelling us. We must be baptized into His Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit revealing truth to us all we have is a historical Jesus.

A

Believing there was a Jesus is what gives you the historical Jesus. Believing in Jesus is what saves you. It means you believe you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, and that Jesus died to save you and rose again (1 Cor. 15:1-4). John 3:16 says everyone who believes in the Son will not perish but have eternal life. John 6:28-29 tells us belief in the Son is the only work God requires of us. John 6:40 says everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life and will be resurrected. Ephesians 1:13-14 says having believed, the seal of the Holy Spirit was given us as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. 2 Cor.1:21-22 confirms this, adding that God has put His Spirit into the hearts of all believers. None of these passages state that being baptized into the Holy Spirit is also needed.

Some parts of the church practice a second baptism, called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They say this second baptism is required to receive spiritual gifts, specifically a prayer language, which they call speaking in tongues. A few even say that manifestation of this prayer language is the only approved confirmation that the baptism of the Holy Spirit has taken place, and without it a person’s very salvation may be uncertain.

But in his definitive teaching on Spiritual gifts (1 cor. 12-14), Paul never mentioned the need for a second baptism to receive them. He said the Holy Spirit gives these gifts to each believer as He determines for the good of the body.