Baptism with
the Holy Spirit

WHAT BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IS

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God coming upon the believer, filling his mind with a real understanding of truth, and taking possession of his faculties, imparting to him gifts not otherwise his, but which qualify him for the service to which God has called him.

A number of suggestive phrases are used in the New Testament to describe one and the same experience:

• "Baptized with the Holy Spirit"
• "Filled with the Holy Ghost"
• "The Holy Ghost fell on them"
• "The gift of the Holy Ghost was poured out"
• "Receive the Holy Ghost"
• "The Holy Ghost came on them"
• "Gifts of the Holy Ghost"
• "I send the promise of my Father upon you"
• "Endued with power from on high"

Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 10:44-46 [44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Acts 11:15-17 [15] As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. [16] Then I remembered what the Lord had said: "John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." [17] So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?

Acts 19:1-6 [1] While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." [3] So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. [4] Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." [5] On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Hebrews 2:4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

1 Corinthians 12:4, 11, 13 [4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is a definite experience. A person can and should know whether he has received it or not.

Acts 19:1-2 [1] While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

Acts 8:15-16 [15] When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is not baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an operation of the Holy Spirit distinct from and subsequent and additional to His regenerating work.

Note: Torrey uses the term "regenerated" as a synonym for "saved."

Acts 1:5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Here was a company of regenerated men pronounced so by Christ Himself. And yet, Baptism with the Spirit lay for them some days in the future.

John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

John 13:10 Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

In this company of baptized believers were certainly some regenerated people but we read in the following:

Acts 8:15-16 [15] When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

They were already saved, but not yet baptized with the Holy Spirit. We see the same thing here:

Acts 19:1-2 [1] While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"

Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

A man may be regenerated by the Holy Spirit and still not be baptized with the Holy Spirit. In regeneration there is an impartation of life, and the one who receives it is saved; in the Baptism with the Holy Spirit there is an impartation of power and the one who receives it is fitted for service.

EVERY TRUE BELIEVER HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Romans 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

But not every believer has the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, though every believer, as we shall see, may have. The Baptism with the Holy Spirit may be received immediately after the new birth—as, e.g., in the household of Cornelius. In a normal state of the church every believer would have the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, as in the Church at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

In such a normal state of the church Baptism with the Holy Spirit would be received immediately upon repentance and baptism into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

But the doctrine of Baptism with the Holy Spirit has been so allowed to drop out of sight, and the church has had so little expectancy along this line for its young children, that a large portion of the church is in the position of the churches in Samaria and Ephesus, where someone has to come and call the attention of the mass of believers to their privilege in the Risen Christ and claim it for them.
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is an experience connected with and primarily for the purpose of service.

Acts 1:5, 8 [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4-14 [4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. [7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. [11] All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. [12] The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Baptism with the Spirit is not primarily intended to make believers happy nor holy, but to make them useful. In every passage in the Bible in which the results of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit are mentioned they are related to testimony and service. Baptism with the Holy Spirit has no direct reference to cleansing from sin. It has to do with gifts for service rather than with grace of character. The steps by which one ordinarily receives Baptism with the Holy Spirit are of such a character and Baptism with the Holy Spirit makes God so real that the Baptism is in most cases accompanied by a great moral uplift, or even a radical transformation, but Baptism with the Holy Spirit is not in itself either an eradication of the carnal nature or cleansing from an impure heart. It is the impartation of supernatural power or gifts in service, and sometimes one may have rare gifts by the Spirit's power and few graces.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 [1] If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Matthew 7:22-23 [22] Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

It is indeed the work of the Holy Spirit to cleanse from sin, and to empower one for and lead one into a life of victory over the world, the flesh and the Devil, but this is not Baptism with the Holy Spirit. It is, however, more fundamental and important. It is well to remember also that Jesus promised a two-fold baptism. "with the Holy Ghost and with fire." This can not be interpreted to mean two contrasted baptisms, one of blessing and the other of judgment. The Greek does not permit this interpretation. It is one two-fold baptism. Many seem to get only part of it, "the Holy Wind," but the "fire" is for us too, if we claim it. And fire searches, refines, consumes, illuminates, makes to glow, energizes, spreads. "Fire" is what many need today, and it is for us.
 

THE RESULTS OF BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The specific manifestations of Baptism with the Holy Spirit are not precisely the same in all persons.

1 Corinthians 12:4-10 [4] There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. [6] There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. [7] Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [8] To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [10] to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

"There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." The gifts vary with the different lines of service to which God has called different persons. The church is a body, and different parts of the body have different functions, and the Spirit imparts to the one who is baptized with the Spirit those gifts which fit him for the work to which the Spirit has called him. For example, many in the early church who were baptized with the Holy Spirit spoke with tongues, but not all.

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. ...

Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 12:27-30 [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. [28] And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

So today the Holy Spirit imparts to some gifts as an evangelist, to others as pastors and teachers. To others as "helps, governments", etc.
 

There will be some gift to each person baptized with the Holy Spirit.

See "The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit."
 

The Holy Spirit gives to each person individually as the Spirit chooses. The Holy Spirit is absolutely sovereign in deciding how—in what special gift, operation or power—Baptism with the Holy Spirit shall manifest itself.

It is not for us to pick out some place of service and then ask the Holy Spirit to qualify us for that service; it is not for us to select some gift and then ask the Holy Spirit to impart to us that gift. It is for us to simply put ourselves entirely at the disposal of the Holy Spirit to send us where He will, to select for us what kind of service He will, and to impart what gift He will. He is absolutely sovereign, and our position is that of unconditional surrender to Him. I am glad that this is so: that He, in His infinite wisdom and live, is to select the field, service and gifts and not I, in my shortsightedness and folly. It is because of a failure to recognize the absolute sovereignty of the Spirit that many fail of the blessing and meet with disappointment. They are trying to select the gift and so get none. Of course, it is scriptural, while recognizing and rejoicing in the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit, to "covet earnestly the best gifts."

1 Corinthians 12:31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit always imparts power in service.

Acts 1:5, 8 [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

The power may be of one kind in one person and of another kind in another person, but there will always be power—and the very power of God at that. As sure as anyone who reads these pages, who has not already received the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, seeks it in God's way, there will come into his service a power that was never there before—power for the very work God has for you to do. The results of that power may not be manifest at once in conversions.

Acts 7:55-60 [55] But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. [56] "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." [57] At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, [58] dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." [60] Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he [died].
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit imparts boldness in testimony and service.

Acts 4:29, 31 [29] Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit converts cowards into heroes.

Acts 4:8-12 [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. [11] He is "`the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' [12] Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit causes a person's primary focus to be on God and Christ and spiritual things.

Acts 2:4, 11 [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. [11] (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

Acts 4:31, 33 [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. [33] With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Acts 4:8-10 [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! [9] If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, [10] then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.

Acts 9:17, 20 [17] Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." [20] At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Acts 10:44-46 [44] While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. [45] The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. [46] For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Ephesians 5:18-19 [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. [19] Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

The man who is filled with the Holy Spirit will not be singing sentimental ballads, nor comic ditties, nor operatic airs while the power of the Holy Spirit is upon him. If the Holy Spirit should come upon one while listening to the most innocent of the world's songs he would not enjoy it. He would long to hear something about Christ.
 

THE NECESSITY OF BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary in every Christian for the service that Christ demands and expects of him.

Jesus Christ commanded the disciples not to enter upon the work to which He had Himself called them until baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Luke 24:48-49 [48] You are witnesses of these things. [49] I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.

Acts 1:4-5, 8 [4] On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. [5] For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

NOTE 1—They were rarely fitted for the work by experience, and by association with Himself, and by long training at His own hands, but the further preparation of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit was so all-essential that they must not move without it.

NOTE 2—There was apparently imperative need that something to be done at once. The whole world was perishing and they alone knew the saving truth. Nevertheless Jesus strictly charged them "wait." What a testimony to the all-importance of "the Baptism with the Holy Spirit" as a preparation for work that shall be acceptable to Christ.
 

Jesus Christ Himself, though the only begotten Son of God, did not enter upon His ministry until the Spirit of God had come upon Him, and He had thus been "anointed with the Holy Ghost and power."

Acts 10:37-38 [37] You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—[38] how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

Luke 3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Luke 4:1, 14, 17-19 [1] Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, [14] Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. [17] The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: [18] "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
 

When the apostles found believers in Christ they at once asked whether they had received the Holy Ghost, and, if not, they at once saw to it that they did.

Acts 8:14-16 [14] When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. [15] When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 19:1-2 [1] While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples [2] and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."
 

WHO RECEIVES THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Baptism with the Holy Spirit was not merely for the apostles, nor merely for those of the apostolic age, but for "all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" as well, i.e., it is for every believer in every age of the Church's history. If any believer in any age does not have the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, it is solely because he does not claim his privilege in Christ.

Acts 2:38-39 [38] Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."

The promise of these verses is "the "Baptism with the Holy Spirit" or "gift of the Holy Spirit."

Acts 1:4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

Acts 2:33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
 

THE REFILLING WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

The same disciple (Peter) is said to have been "filled with the Holy Spirit" on three different occasions.

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 4:8, 31 [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 4:31 [31] After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

It is not enough that one be filled with the Holy Spirit once. We need a new filling of the Holy Spirit for each new emergency of Christian service.
 

THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THE BAPTISM IS GIVEN

The fundamental conditions upon which the gift (or Baptism with the Holy Spirit) is bestowed are:

• Repentance

• faith in Jesus Christ as an all-sufficient Savior (apart from works of the law)

• baptism in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins

Note that God requires all three conditions.

Acts 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

Acts 15:8-9 [8] God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. [9] He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?
 

For those who believe in Jesus Christ the experimental reception of the Baptism with the Holy Spirit is sometimes conditioned on the believer's knowing that there is such a blessing and that it is for him now.

Acts 19:2, 6 [2] ... "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." [6] When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
 

God gives the Holy Ghost to those who obey Him.

Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.

Obedience means absolute surrender. This is really involved in true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It is one of the most fundamental conditions of entering into this blessing. It is the point at which thousands fall short today.
 

Baptism with the Holy Spirit is given to those who have already believed in Christ and been baptized with water in answer to definite prayer. But there may be much earnest praying and still the Holy Spirit may not come because the prayer is not in faith. The faith that receives the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, as every other blessing, is the faith that counts it as its own.

Acts 8:15-17 [15] When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Luke 11:13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

James 1:6-7 [6] But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

1 John 5:14-15 [14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.