Spirit baptism and water baptism are two separate events. However, in either case, the Holy Spirit is at work, for it is the Spirit that leads to water baptism.
Water baptism is analogous to the wedding service; Spirit baptism is symbolic of the marriage consummation in which there is an intimate “knowing” between the bride and bridegroom.
Baptism means to be immersed in something. For example, the baptism of water is to be covered by water. With this line of thinking, the baptism of the Holy Spirit would mean to be submerged in the Spirit.
To be so covered is to be absorbed in the power of the Spirit. The apostle Paul uses the analogy of being filled with alcohol. He says instead of drinking that, be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5: 18). In other words, prefer the infilling influence of the Holy Spirit.
As for when the initial Spirit baptism takes place; well, that can happen at various times. Biblically, it happens before and after water baptism.
Before water baptism
Acts 9: 17, 18. Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit first.
Acts 10: 44-47. The Holy Spirit fell upon a group at a Roman centurion’s home. They believed, and it happened at conversion as the apostle Peter was speaking the gospel to them.
After water baptism
Acts 8: 14-17. The apostles Peter and John went to Samaria to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit to come upon those who had been water baptized.
Acts 19: 1-6. Paul, after coming across some disciples who had not even heard of the Holy Spirit, baptized them in the Spirit.
How is the Spirit baptism received?
From further reading of the above passages, there appears to be two ways that the Spirit baptism can be received: (1) prayer with laying on of hands, and (2) by faith.
If it’s desired to have the laying on of hands, this will work, but only if the one(s) doing the laying of hands is a believer who has received the Spirit baptism.
However, the laying on of hands is not a necessity. One can by faith simply claim the promise of the Spirit:
“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Gal. 3:14)
Or, simply asking in faith will suffice:
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit that ask Him.” (Luke 11: 13)
Is once enough?
In our Christian walk, you’ve heard or you will hear phrases like, “the old man must be crucified daily” or “the inward man is renewed day by day.” It’s all scriptural. And the best way to walk in these phrases is to be renewed with a fresh baptism of the Spirit on a daily basis.
This doesn’t mean, however, that the Spirit leaves at the end of the day and has to be called back the next day. The Spirit remains within, but He doesn’t force His power. To be baptized is to be infilled with the fullness of His presence. It has to be asked for, or claimed as a promise.
Results
Daily Spirit baptism will create a stronger thirst and hunger for the Word. It will draw one into an intimate relationship with Jesus, so that we may behold Him and become like Him in character.
Prayer communication will become a necessity. Spiritual gifts will be developed. Spiritual fruit will grow. There will be a noticeable transformation in lifestyle and activities, for the Spirit’s grace is more powerful than the power of sin.
Moreover, the Spirit is given to empower the believer to be a witness for Jesus while taking the gospel to the world.
If there is a desire and a decision to fully commit life to Jesus, these results will occur as victory in the Spirit.