Derek Prince - Who Baptizes In The Holy Spirit
Now it’s very interesting that the introduction to each of the four gospels specifically states that Jesus Christ will baptize in the Holy Spirit. I think far too little attention has been given to this. I want to read the four passages in each of the gospels. Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist says: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But he who is coming after me [that’s the Messiah] is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
And then in Mark 1 verse 8, we get the introduction there. John the Baptist is speaking, he says: I indeed baptize you with water but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
And then in Luke 3:16 the version that’s given in Luke’s gospel. John the Baptist says John answered and saying to them, I indeed baptize you with water but one mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
And then in John’s gospel chapter 1, verse 33. This is part of the official introduction of Jesus by His forerunner, John the Baptist. In every one of the introductions, in every one of the four gospels it’s specifically stated that Jesus will baptize His people with the Holy Spirit.
In John’s gospel the introduction is a little fuller. Beginning at chapter 1, verse 29: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said: Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. And then he went on to say in verse 33, I did not know Him... but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, Upon whom you see the Spirit [the Holy Spirit] descending and remaining on Him this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. I’ve seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
So John there says three things. This is the Lamb of God, this is the Son of God and this is He who baptizes in the Holy Spirit. We are all so wonderfully familiar with the statement that Jesus is the Lamb of God but it’s only stated in one gospel whereas in all four gospels it’s specifically stated that Jesus is the baptizer in the Holy Spirit. In other words, it’s one of the most important things that we need to know about Him. It’s wonderful to know Him as Savior, to know Him as Lamb of God. But, that’s not the end. It’s also very, very important that we come to know Him individually and personally as the baptizer in the Holy Spirit.
Now after His earthly ministry was completed, after His resurrection, in Luke 24... I'm sorry, in Acts 1:4-5, Jesus repeats this promise. It’s really hard to overemphasize how frequently this promise is given in the gospels. In Acts 1:4–5 it says of Jesus: Being assembled together with them [His disciples] He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father which He said, You have heard from Me. For John truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. So Jesus was careful to repeat the promise with which John the Baptist had introduced Him, that He would be the baptizer in the Holy Spirit.