Is There a Difference Between Receiving the Holy Spirit and Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

There is a difference between Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Receiving the Holy Spirit Both are two separate experiences.

When a person submits to Christ and accepts Him as their personal Lord and Saviour, they receive the Holy Spirit.

You become born again by receiving the Holy Spirit (John.7.39) which is also the Spirit of Christ. Example is the Disciples of Jesus (John.20.22), following this is a separate experience of Baptism in the Holy Spirit. (Acts.2.1-4)

When Peter preached to the Jews who came to worship in Jerusalem in Acts the second chapter, at that time, he described the same experiences in Acts.2.38-39

First repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins Act.1 38 (that is being born again) and you shall receive the promise of the Holy Spirit (or the Holy Spirit promised in Joel.2.28-29) Acts.2.39

You will see the same separate experiences for many Christians in the book of Acts

Paul (Acts.9.5-6, 17-19)

Samaria Christians (Acts.8.5-8, also v.12 (this is water baptism), v.14-17Baptism in the Holy Spirit)

Cornelius, his household and friends. (v.34-35, with 43, and then v.44-45 Baptism in the Holy Spirit)

Ephesians Disciples (Acts.19.3-5 (They became born again when they were baptised into Christ. Please see 1Cor.12.12-14, Eph.4.4-5), v.6 Baptism of the Holy Spirit)

There are four places in the book of Acts that speak about the Holy Spirit baptism (Acts chapter 2, 8, 10 and 19) and in all cases there is a distinct difference between baptism and receiving the holy Spirit (or being born again)

The difference between both can be illustrated by a glass filled to the brim with water (receiving the Holy Spirit or being born again) is immersed in a bucket of water (baptism of the Holy Spirit).

In this case the glass is completely submerged in and out with water (Spirit)

Even though every Christian has been baptized by the Holy Spirit into union with Christ (born again), not all are enjoying the fellowship with Christ that comes from being filled

with the Spirit. Baptism in the Holy Spirit has more to do with power to be a witness (Acts.1.8) and fellowship, prayer, worship, gifts of the Spirit and being spirit controlled.

This is promised by the Lord Jesus in John.7.37- 38. If you are thirsty come and out of your inner most being shall flow rivers of living waters. Pastor Femi Popoola