Baptism of the Holy Spirit [Updated, Annotated]: How to Receive This Promised Gift

by Reuben A. Torrey

Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? – Acts 19:2


Scripture clearly separates being born again, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. These three are not lumped together as one in Scripture. Instead, they are presented as separate experiences for the Lord's people.


Today, however, few people know exactly what the Scriptures say regarding the Holy Spirit, and the consequence is men trying to do things in their own strength. Sadder still is how one group denies the power of the Holy Spirit, while another group pursues the things of the Spirit more than they pursue Christ Himself. Somewhere in the middle is the truth. This book takes a close look at Scripture to see what the Lord Himself tells us regarding His Holy Spirit and how it relates to us today.


Chapters included in this
What Is the Baptism with the Holy Spirit?
The Baptism with the Holy Spirit Is Necessary
How to Obtain the Baptism with the Holy Spirit
The Refilling with the Holy Spirit
How to Keep Spiritual Power


Original The Baptism with the Holy Spirit


About the Author
Reuben Archer Torrey traveled all over the world leading evangelistic tours, preaching to the unsaved. It is believed that more than one hundred thousand were saved under his preaching. Torrey married Clara Smith in 1879, with whom he had five children. In 1908, he helped start the Montrose Bible Conference in Pennsylvania, which continues today. He became dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now Biola University) in 1912, and was the pastor of the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles from 1915 to 1924. Torrey continued speaking all over the world and holding Bible conferences. He died in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 26, 1928.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Christian, Spirituality, Religion, Nonfiction

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 1972

About the author

Reuben Archer Torrey studied at Yale and in Germany before taking up a pastorate in the United States. As a gifted intellectual, administrator, and Bible teacher, he went on to pastor Moody Church in Chicago and became D.L. Moody's closest associate. In his later years, he traveled the world as an evangelist speaking to millions in Australia, New Zealand, India, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Japan, China, Hawaii, Germany, the United States, and Canada. Torrey edited the last two volumes of the monumental "The Fundamentals" and was instrumental in the founding of both Moody Bible Institute and BIOLA University.

Reviews

[Diamond Cowboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most excelent explanation of what the baptism of the Holy Spirit is, how it is obtained, and the use of it. It also explains to us the necessity of recieving it befor service.
I recommend this book to all.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on a quest to do a deep dive in the study of the Holy Spirit, the often-neglected third person of the Trinity. This isn’t an easy task, because the subject is massive and misunderstood. For Christians though, it is critical that we seek understanding of this promised “comforter”, “helper” and “teacher” who Jesus promised to bestow to all of us as we attempt to represent him on this planet. Torrey’s book is sound, as is Chan’s “Forgotten God”. Other authors who I trust on this subject are R.C. Sproul and Sinclair Ferguson, a contemporary Scottish apologist who is a brilliant theologian. (There are many of his sermons on YouTube ).

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torrey is always excellent, but I have mixed feelings about this volume. Not because of Torrey but because of the publisher. You see they seem to have decided the Bible Torrey used while writing the book was apparently not good enough for modern audiences. The problem comes when Torrey references words in the verses he is discussing but the new translation doesn't have those words. Case in point: Acts 1:8 newer version says "But ye shall receive the virtue of the Holy Spirit..." Virtue? That is supposed to be cleared, more understandable than the KJV? The KJV says "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you"
The word "Power" which the new version calls "virtue" is translated from the Greek word duvnamiß dunamis, doo'-nam-is; from «1410»; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):--ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
It is not virtue. It is power. Dunamis. From which the word "dynamite" is derived.
Even after the verse is quoted the text from Torrey says, "The baptism with the Holt Spirit imparts power - power for service." Virtue makes no sense. Using a different version makes no sense. I appreciate the effort to make Torrey's writings available for modern audiences. They can do that without changing the Bible version Torrey used.
Close to the end they have Jesus say, "I have clarified thee on earth." whereas the KJV has Jesus say, "I have glorified thee on the earth." Clarified? Really?
doxavzw doxazo, dox-ad'-zo; from «1391»; to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application):--(make) glorify(-ious), full of (have) glory, honour, magnify.

Notwithstanding this Bible version faux pas, the book is excellent. I recommend a version of this book that uses the original translation Torrey used but this is better than not reading it at all.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torrey does an excellent job of using Scripture to explain and champion the baptism and filling of the Holy Spirit.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

In clear and simple language Torrey teaches what the baptism with the Holy Spirit is and what it does, its necessity for the believer, how this experience can be obtained, the need for re-filling with the Holy Spirit, and how spiritual power can be lost. This classic work spans generations and theological perspectives and is as timely today as it was at the turn of the 20th century.

**

[Jack Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some awesome, refreshing ideas presented in this book. But they aren’t explored as deeply as could have been, concepts are merely skimmed over. There were still some very powerful bits in this! But I think it could’ve been much better.

[Virginia Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, Scripture-rooted exploration of what it means to live a Spirit-filled life beyond the moment of water baptism.

As someone already baptized, the book felt like a timely reminder that surrender, prayer, and obedience are ongoing invitations to deeper spiritual power, and closeness to the Lord!

“Therefore I say unto you that everything that you ask for pray, believe that you receive it, it shall come upon you,” - Mark 11:24 💌

“And if any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who gives abundantly to God and without reproach, and it shall be given . . . Ask in faith, not doubting anything,” - James 1:5-6 💌

[Dan Hamman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Source of Power for a soul winning Christian.

Torrey spells out the need for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but also the benefits of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Even though every born again Christian has the Holy Spirit living within them, they need to be empowered by Him to really fulfill God's purpose for their lives. Torrey takes the reader to that place where they can receive that empowering blessing from our loving Heavenly Father.

[Randy Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but powerful

This book makes the case that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for every believer and that this gift is available for every born again believer who asks for it. Easy to understand and based on scripture the author makes his case directly from the Bible. If you have questions about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit this book will provide answers. Short and easy to read.

[Sharon Hillam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been drawn to R. A. Torrey's writings, and after reading Baptism of the Holy Spirit, I'm even more a fan. Torrey is straightforward and biblically solid (in my view) in his presentation of this controversial topic. His understanding of what Scripture teaches is somewhat of a blend between mainline evangelical (e.g Baptist) and Charismatic/Pentecostal (minus tongues as evidence). Highly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of your denominational tradition.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part of another Torry book, as I understand, and I found it rather basic on the topic of baptism in the holy spirit. It covers things enough, but the examples are often anecdotes, and even if the bible interpretation sounds fair, I find them a bit too literal and harsh in a predefined biased way with little room for discussion or counterpoints - so it is not written in a very theological way.

[GLENN MAXWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great book by R. A. Torrey

How to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? The book is great. The information if applied to your life will help you to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and help you to know how to never lose that power, the power that you receive in the Holy Spirit.

[Nasser Jahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Due to this book's title, and the many modern-day misconceptions about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I was hesitant to read this book. But I must admit that this is a very biblically based description of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and one that would certainly help many who have turned away from the proper understanding of this truth and begun abusing it.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing, Reviving

If you need some exhortation to seek God anew, I recommend this work from R. A. Torrey. He lays the foundation as to why we should be seeking power from the Holy Spirits presence, and why we should never stop. His 7 ways we lose the old power is heart stirring. Highly recommended

[Sadi E Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baptism by the Holly Spirit

The author shows in a clear expression about the active power of God, how to be baptized, how to keep it active and how to recover in a time of lack of spirituality. The only way to be active in the ministry is thru a real connection to God by his Spirit.

This is a very useful book.

[Brian Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good content

This is a good overview of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I was reminded of key Scriptures from this reading. I also enjoyed being able to get a 30,000 ft view of the doctrine in one sitting while reading through this book.

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great explanation of the biblical basis for the Baptism of the Spirit and a practical guide on how to receive it. Super helpful to me as I dig deeper into this doctrine. I recommend it for anyone looking into tapping into the Spirit’s power!

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

You could read this book for free on google play books.
a short read about pneumatology. not that intense, and from the writing, maybe this is one of the rise of pentecostal, for no apologetics here according tongue etc.

[Samberine Everose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful words of enlightenment

This book compact with enlightening words about the Holy Spirit. It is a faith builder book based from the Holy Scripture, good to read for those who are seeking and hungry to know more about the Holy Spirit. Highly recommended for everyone.

[Bruce Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things that we can learn.

Very good book,would recomend to any body.Talks about things that can be overlooked. I enjoyed reading very much and think that most would get something from it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and learned so much from it. This book gives a very clear explanation on the baptism of the Holy Spirit with a great deal of scripture references to support it. Highly recommend.

[Denyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

I praise the Lord for this scripture reference of the Baptism of the Person of Holy Spirit truly we need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to live a productive Christian life or relationship . Praise God be clarity of the word of God

[Luis Olivo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond words!

The reading was well articulated and espoused great desire to be baptized by the Holy Spirit. If you're seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, this is the book to read.

[Mark Leberfinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome and powerful read

This spells out very clearly the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. R.A. Torrey was a fantastic preacher of the Gospel and received the power to do so through the Holy Spirit. It is definitely a promised gift and what a blessing it is.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good information

I really liked all the information here about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This book can answer questions about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I recommend this book to all believers.

[Caius Fabius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions? Find solid answers!

I was seeking answers to one of the most important questions that you can ask. Simply, and concisely, my questions were answered without confusion, right here, right now.

[Dostalik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening

This has opened my eyes regarding The Holy Spirit.
I have for the most part believed in the trinity and this has illuminated my awareness of the Holy Spirit, the 3rd part of the trinity.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic

[Matt "The Bibliognost" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scripturally rooted, and informative regarding a topic that is not widely spoken about or preached on, in religious (non-charismatic) circles.

[Brother Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to Tozer's "How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit". Great book; must read!