One of the major teachings in the Bible is the baptism in the Holy Spirit, also referred to in the Scriptures as the Holy Ghost. The Word of God teaches the following concerning baptism in the Holy Ghost.

1. Baptism in the Spirit is intended for all believers who have been born again(Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17).
2. One of Jesus' goals on earth was to baptize His believers in the Holy Spirit(Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). He told His disciples not to start witnessing until they were filled with the Holy Ghost(Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5,8). Christ Himself did not begin His ministry until He had been "anointed....with the Holy Ghost and with power" (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:1,18).
3. Baptism in the Spirit is a working separate from His working of regeneration and sanctification. The work of regeneration happens when you are born again or given a "new birth". The work of sanctification happens after you are saved to help you live your life totally for Christ. Baptism for the disciples was clearly a post-regeneration experience. One can be born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but still not be baptized in the Holy Spirit(Acts 19:1-2,6).
4. This baptism occurred only at and after Pentecost. Luke, in referring to those filled with the Spirit before Pentecost, does not use the term "baptized" (Luke 1:15,67). This experience happened only after Christ's ascension(Luke 24:49-51; John 16:7-14; Acts 1:4).
5. Speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial outward sign of baptism in the Spirit(Acts 2:4; 10:45-46; 19:6). Baptism in the Holy Ghost is connected so closely to the outward manifestation of speaking in tongues that it should be considered normal when receiving that baptism. (See Speaking in Tongues).
6. This baptism will bring the power and boldness of the Holy Ghost into the believer's life making his witness effective and enabling him to accomplish mighty works in Christ's name(Acts 1:8; 2:14-41; 4:31; 6:8; Rom. 15:18-19; 1 Cor. 2:4). This power is a manifestation by which the presence, glory and works of Jesus are present with His people(John 14:16-18; 16:14; 1 Cor. 12:7).
7. Other results of a genuine baptism are: [a] prophetic utterances and praises(Acts 2:4,17; 10:46; 1 Cor. 14:2), [b] enhanced sensitivity to sin that greives the Holy Spirit(John 16:8), [c] a life which glorifies Christ(John 16:13-14; Acts 4:33), [d] new visions(Acts 2:17), [e] manifestation of the different gifts(see Gifts of the Holy Ghost) of the Spirit(1 Cor. 12:4-11), [f] greater desire to pray(Acts 2:41-42; 3;1; 4;23-31; 6:4; 10:9; Rom. 8:26), [g] a deeper love and understanding of the Bible(John 16:13; Acts 2:42), and [h] increased awareness of God as our Father(Acts 1:4; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6).
8. According to the Word, there are several conditions by which baptism in the Spirit is given. [1] We must accept Jesus as Savior and turn from sin(Acts 2:38-40; 8:12-17), [2] we must surrender our wills to Him(Acts 5:32), [3] we must reject that which offends God(2 Tim. 2:21), [4] we must desire to be filled(John 7:37-39; Matt. 5:6; 6:33), [5] we should pray for it(Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14; 2:1-4; 4:31; 8:15, 17), [6] we should expect it(Mark 11;24; Acts 1:4-5).
9. Baptism in the Spirit must be sustained by prayer(Acts 4:31), witness(Acts 4:31,33), worship(Eph. 5:18-19), and a sanctified life. However powerful the first infilling of the Spirit into a believer's life may have been, if it does not find expression in a life of prayer, witness, and holiness, the experience will soon fade.
10. This baptism brings about the consecration of the believer unto God's work. Thus, the baptism in the Spirit brings the believer into a relationship that is to be renewed(Acts 4:31) and maintained(Eph. 5:18).