The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is one of the most fascinating and often underrated aspects of Christian baptism.

What do you understand about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?

John the Baptist went before Jesus to “prepare the way.” He accomplished his mission through preaching and baptizing.

He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. —Luke 3:3 (NIV)

What does this verse tell us about the baptism that John offered?

What is the difference between John’s baptism and Christian baptism?

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. 2 “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” 5 As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. —Acts 19:1–7 (NLT)

Why is the Holy Spirit so important in baptism?

Paul’s understanding of the spirit at baptism is founded on the baptism of Christ.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” —Matthew 3:16–17 (NLT)

What is the point of Jesus being baptized?

It was the plan from the beginning to not only send Jesus to die on the cross, but also to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. —John 14:16–17 (NLT)

What does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit mean to you?