The Holy Spirit
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Bible teaches us that God is a spirit and He is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator (Elohim, Deuteronomy 6:4). In the Bible God is revealed as three “persons” who share the same essence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third “person” of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is a real and active part of the Trinity that has been and is active throughout both the Old (Hebraic) and New (Apostolic) Testaments. We can see this in Matthew 28:19 where Jesus tells the disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” This statement from Jesus acknowledges and makes very clear the Holy Spirit is an equal and active personality in the Trinity.
Most Christians don’t realize how involved the Holy Spirit is in everything that the YHWH does. We can see the Holy Spirit’s involvement throughout history from the very beginning of creation. Genesis 1:2 (“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”) makes clear the Holy Spirit’s participation in creation. As we look at the Hebraic Scriptures (Old Testament) we can see many other references to the Holy spirit. In Job 33:04 Job recognizes “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Zechariah 4:6 shows God empowers His people by the Holy Spirit. Joel 2:28-30 directly relates to Acts 2:16-19 where Peter and the other disciples speak in tongues immediately after being baptized (totally immersed in) the Holy Spirit. (See Appendix A for a more complete list of Scriptures.)
The following Scriptures make very clear the Holy Spirit is a personality, is not a creation of God but is an integral part of the Trinity existing throughout eternity.
Holy Spirit has a mind. Romans 8:26-27 Holy Spirit has emotions. Expresses love, Romans 15:30 Holy Spirit has knowledge. 1 Corinthians 2:11 Holy Spirit can be insulted and grieved. Hebrews 10:29 Holy Spirit speaks and teaches. 1 Timothy 4:1
These qualities show the Holy Spirit is not a non-personal entity but is a real and true personality that operates and moves in both spiritual and physical reality.
I think part of the reason Christians and others have a problem understanding the Holy Spirit is because we do not truly understand Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a personality the same as the Father and Son. He is not a ghost, emanation, non-personality “it”, or just an exerted energy of God, as Arius in his heresy would have us believe. The Holy Spirit has often been called the Holy Ghost. He is not a ghost as we understand ghost; “a disembodied soul; especially: the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world or to appear to the living in bodily likeness.” Again, the Holy Spirit is a real personality of the same essence as the Father and the Son.
I must put a caution here. God is a spirit and does not have gender. Although we refer to God as He we do so as a matter of convenience for us and our communication. Many people insist on seeing God as a he and others as a she. Neither are correct. Again, seeing God specifically as he or she is inappropriate and widely misses the mark.
2 Peter 1:20-21 “knowing this first-of-all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” This verse makes clear that the Holy Spirit has dealt with mankind since God first created man and through all of mankind’s time since he/she was created. In John 14:26 Jesus says the Holy Spirit is a help to us. The Holy Spirit is the One Who reveals who the Savior is and opens our minds to understand the Word of God. Flesh and blood cannot and does not bring meaning to the Scriptures. We cannot understand what we are reading unless the Holy Spirit teach us.
We cannot physically see the Holy Spirit, but we can see the effects of the Holy Spirit’s work in the world and in our lives. In John 3:8 Jesus uses the wind to explain the workings of the Holy Spirit. When the wind blows we see its effects. The leaves rustle and blow, the waves increase, and we can feel the wind on our faces. No one denies the wind or its effects on us. The Holy Spirit is similar. When the Holy Spirit moves we see the effects in the world and on people. Unfortunately, we often deny the person of the Holy Spirits despite seeing the Holy Spirit’s effects.
Immersion in the Holy Spirit.
The term baptize comes from the Greek word baptízō (βαπτίζω) – properly, "submerge" (Souter); hence, baptize, to immerse (literally, "dip under"). Over the years “baptize” has been changed to pour or sprinkle with total immersion becoming more and more disused and perhaps even looked at with some suspicion. The original meaning and method of baptism, total immersion, is important to understanding baptism, or total immersion, in the Holy Spirit. We are not just lightly touched by the Holy Spirit but totally immersed in the Holy Spirit.
A bit of background is in order here. The idea of baptism was not something new started by John the Baptist. The Jews had been practicing baptism as a part of their ritual for generations. When a Gentile converted to Judaism one of the things that took place was their total immersion in a baptismal pool (mikveh). The mikveh was also used by the Jews for ceremonial cleansings for Priests (in the Temple) before divine service and other reasons. A Jewish person being immersed would wade into the water totally naked and then crouch down below the surface. (Men and women were baptized in separate areas.) That way, no contact from the immerser prevented the water from reaching their whole body.
John’s baptism was different in that he said everyone needed to be baptized for the remission of sins. The reason John had people take a mikvah was to show that they had changed their minds (repented) about their need for a Savior and were taking a new direction regarding their salvation. No longer would they focus on keeping the Law but would look instead to the coming redeemer whose arrival John was announcing. This was an affront to the Jewish priests and leaders since they did not think they needed baptism for the remission of sins. Their idea of baptism was as a ritual only. (Much the same as it has become in our day.) John was, as the legitimate high priest, initiating Jesus who he had identified as "the Lamb of God" into the priesthood. He was not immersing Him for repentance for sin.
The baptism of, or immersion in, the Holy Spirit is a different work than receiving the Holy Spirit when a person is born again, accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. The difference between receiving the Holy Spirit at salvation can be compared to being sprinkled as opposed to being immersed. When a person is sprinkled people seeing them immediately after might or might not see they had been baptized. They were baptized but may not look any different, at least for a time. When a person is immersed people seeing them immediately know they had been baptized. It is very apparent.
Many years ago, an old preacher explained it this way. “When a person is saved it is like they signed up to join the army. Make no mistake, they are a part of the army but may not yet look like they are in the army. When a person is sanctified it is like they have gone to boot camp and put on the uniform. They not only are in the army they look like they are in the army. They have put off civilian way and clothes and are being trained. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is when the soldier is given a gun and can now kill the enemy on the hill. It is the power given to the soldier.” The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the power given to us through the Holy Spirit. (2 Timothy 2:3-4)
The Holy Spirit draws people to the Lord Jesus. Some accept the invitation some do not (Acts 7:51). John 3:5-8 makes clear that those who are born-again are born by the Holy Spirit. Water baptism signifies this new birth. Acts 1:5,18:24-25, 11:16-18, 19:01-06, and other Scriptures show that baptism in the Holy Spirit can only happen for those who are already are saved, born-again.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit then means being totally submerged, immersed in the Holy Spirit. The person who is baptized in the Holy Spirit has the Holy Spirit in and directing absolutely all parts of their life. This does NOT mean they will never make mistakes or sin but when they do, the Holy Spirit brings it to their attention and they will truly repent.
Being immersed in the Holy Spirit brings power and effectiveness to a Christian’s life and work for Christ. What is the power of godliness? It is the Holy Spirit flowing through a pure, obedient vessel. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (2 Corinthians 4:7) Christians baptized (immersed, submerged) in the Holy Spirit do not seek signs and wonders but the signs and wonders follow them. Christ made this point to the apostles in Luke 10:19-20 and John 14:12.
The Holy Spirit was not given just for the original disciples but is intended for all believers throughout time until the Lord returns. In Romans 11:29 Paul notes that the gifts and calls of God are without repentance. The gifts are not given and then taken away. In Luke 11:13 Jesus says that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. He did not put a time, culture or positional limit on who can or will ask. 1 Corinthians 13 has been used to support the idea that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are no longer necessary or important. In verse 10 Paul notes “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.“ That which is perfect will come when Christ returns. Until that time the gifts from the Holy Spirit are valid and useful. In Acts 10:44-49 and Acts 19:1-6 both document Gentiles also being baptized in the Holy Spirit indicating once more the baptism in the Holy Spirit was not just for a limited time or people.
The purpose for the baptism of the Holy Spirit is so that we can be more effective witnesses of Christ that others may accept His salvation and that we can live victorious and purposeful lives in Christ. (Acts 1:8). It provides an inner power that becomes an outward force to bring the reality of Jesus Christ to others.
The Holy Spirit (Part 2)
Operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives
The Holy Spirit is essential and important to the individual believer and to all of God’s church. From the time Mary was told she would have a child by the Holy Spirit through the beginning of Christ’s ministry and continuing through His death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit is there and an integral part of His life. Immediately before His ascension Jesus told His disciples not to leave Jerusalem but to wait until they were baptized with the Holy Spirit. In Luke 24:49 Christ told His disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until “…ye be endued with power from on high.” The word translated endued is ἐνδύσησθε which literally means to clothe. (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:28-38, 2:28-38; Matthew 3:11, 4:1; Luke 3:22, John 16:7-15; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-6)
The Holy Spirit is a guide for us, showing our own sin and giving us power to overcome the sin we are conscious of. The Holy Spirit can also show us things from which we need to be cleansed, unconscious sin: things of which we weren’t necessarily aware. The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth, The Helper and the Teacher, and the Holy Spirit can train you in righteousness and give you all the power you need to live a victorious life! The Holy Spirit is the One Who reveals who the Savior is and, because flesh and blood does not bring meaning to the Scriptures, opens our minds to understand the Word of God. “The Spirit is the author of the Scriptures.” We read in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and in 2 Peter 1:21 that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” We cannot understand what we are reading unless the Holy Spirit teach us.
One of the greatest aspects of being in relationship with the Holy Spirit is the intimacy, security and encouragement the Holy Spirit brings us. I have listed a few of the ways the Holy Spirit operates in our lives. The Holy Spirit should operate in absolutely every aspect of our lives, so this is not an exhaustive list.
Regeneration (Matthew 19:28; Titus 3:5)
The English word “regeneration” is the translation of palingenesia, from palin (again) and genesis (birth). It means a new birth, a new beginning, a new order. Regeneration is the radical spiritual change in which God brings an individual from a condition of spiritual defeat and death to a renewed condition of holiness and life. Regeneration goes down to the deepest depths of the inmost soul, transforming thoughts, affections, will, the entire inward man. Reformation is not the same as regeneration. (Titus 3:4-7)
Sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2)
Sanctification is a major ministry that the Holy Spirit has with each believer, but the Holy Spirit needs your full consent and cooperation and sometimes it can be a bit painful once God starts to take out the negative qualities He does not want to operate in your personality and at the same time, start imparting the good, godly, and saintly qualities that He will want you to have operating in your personality.
Sanctification is also losing the nature, the want to, to sin. This does not mean we will not sin but rather when we do sin we will truly repent of the sin. As Paul said: That which I would not do, I do and that which I would do, I do not. (Romans 7:19, paraphrased by JAS) We are not sanctified through the Holy Spirit because of our abilities. We can see this quite clearly in Psalm 119:9-12 “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.”
Teaches (Proverbs 16:16; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10)
The Holy Spirit teaches us God’s Word. Without the Holy Spirit we cannot begin to understand God’s Word. In John 14:26 Jesus tells us “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you.” In JOHN 16:13 Jesus said “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, HE WILL GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH …” These were said not only for the disciples in His day but also for disciples in all days. Proverbs 3:13, 16:16 and 20:15 emphasize the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding us to a more perfect knowledge of God’s Word and a more victorious life in Him.
Paul also showed the importance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in 1 Corinthians 2:10 “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”
Looking into the Word of God is not only important, it is critical. We cannot just hear or read what a person says or writes but must examine the matter to see if their words match the Scriptures. “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) This verse is referring to what Paul and Silas preached and taught. The result of the Berean’s searching and examining what was taught was many people being saved. That is the purpose of the Holy Spirit teaching us, so we can teach others: to bring people to Christ. There is a saying among the Jews “Learn, Do, Teach.” We must learn the Word, then do the Word, then teach the Word. (Deuteronomy 5:1)
The Holy Spirit not only teaches us God’s Word He brings the words of Jesus to our remembrance. (John 14:26) He also teaches us what to say when questioned about our beliefs and the hope that is in us. (Luke 12:12; 1 Peter 3:15) He also teaches us good sense. Psalm 119:66 “Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.” When we are totally immersed in the Holy Spirit, God can direct our minds, spirits and paths.
Comforter/Helper (John 14:16; Acts 9:31)
Perhaps one of the best known and most talked about activities of the Holy Spirit in our lives is that of comforting and helping. Many Scriptures assure us that the Holy Spirit comforts us, leads us and helps us. John 14:16 “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17the Spirit of truth.” John 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.” John 14:25-26 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” Acts 9:31 “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
John 16:7 (“Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”) tells us the Holy Spirit is an advocate for us and that Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to us. An advocate is one who pleads the cause of another. The Holy Spirit pleads our cause before God the Father. We are justified and sanctified before God because of the blood, death and resurrection of Yeshua, not because of any works or actions we have done. The Holy Spirit advocates for us our entire earthly lives. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and guides us to decisions and acts that lead to holiness and lead others to Christ.
Divine Power (Zechariah 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:5)
One thing people seem to miss is the divine power that the Holy Spirit brings to us. This power is not power we have on our own but comes from the Holy Spirit. It is the power of God. Zechariah 4:6 makes clear where the true power lies. “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Christ tells us in Luke 10:19-20 that we have authority over all the powers of the enemy (Satan), but we are not to rejoice in having and operating that power “but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” The priority is not the power we have by the Holy Spirit but that we are born again by Christ.
In Acts Jesus promises we will receive power when we have been baptized (totally immersed) in the Holy Spirit. This was said after Jesus died and resurrected. Jesus said this to those who were already believers showing that immersion in (baptism) the Holy Spirit is a work separate from new believer’s water baptism. In Luke 24:49 we see the same command and promise. If we are not born again by the blood of Jesus, He will not send the Holy Spirit to abide in us.
We can see from 1 Thessalonians 1:5, Hebrews 2:4 and many other Scriptures the power of the Holy Spirit was not just for the early church. In Mark 16:17-18 and Romans 11:29 God makes it very clear what He gives He does not take back. The gifts to His church were not just for a limited time but were given until the return of Christ, at which time they will no longer be needed. Christ said this in Mark and Paul reiterated it in Romans and 1 Corinthians 13:12. Zechariah 4:6, Mark 16:20, I Thessalonians 1:5 and Hebrews 2:4 are evidence that the Holy Spirit works with power from ancient times, through Jesus’ time and continued after Jesus death and resurrection.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives. (Psalm 1:1-3; Galatians 5:16-26}
Another critical activity of the Holy Spirit is producing fruit in our lives. Notice I said the Holy Spirit producing fruit in our lives, not that we produce the fruit. Max Lucado says producing fruit is not the most important thing, staying attached to the vine (Jesus) is primary. If we stay attached to Jesus, we will have fruit. This can also be seen in Psalms. Psalm 1:1-3 and Psalm 92:12-14. Both say the person who delights in the Lord and are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish and bear fruit even into old age.
Galatians 5:16-26 draws a very clear contrast between life of the person controlled by human fallen nature and the Spirit-filled, God controlled, Christian life. Paul starts with a simple, clear and succinct instruction “…16Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” He then tells us why walking in the Spirit is important. “17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” A person cannot walk in the Spirit and still fulfill the lusts of the flesh. The two are diametrically opposed. We see the same said in Romans 7:19-25. As Christ said, a person cannot serve both God and the world. (Matthew 6:24) If a person tries they will serve one or the other, not both.
If we are truly following the Holy Spirit’s guiding these fruits in Galatians 5 are what people should see in us. “22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Jesus is clear that a good tree has good fruit and a bad tree bad fruit. A bad tree cannot bear good fruit. (Matthew 7:17-19) Although a person may put on a show of good fruit it cannot and will not last. Their true nature will show. “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
The Holy Spirit (Part 3)
Gifts from the Holy Spirit
When we start to look at the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit given in 1 Corinthians 12 we should also realize and think about the fact there are nine fruits of the Holy Spirit also. These two go together.
One of the ways the Holy Spirit operates in our lives is through gifts given to us by Christ.
In Psalm 68:18 and Ephesians 4:8-10 we are told Christ ascended to Heaven, led captivity captive and gave gifts to men. In Matthew 7:11 and James 1:7 we are told God gives good gifts to His children. We also see in 1 Corinthians 7:7 that every person has their own gift and in 1 Timothy that we are not to neglect the gift that God has given.
1 Peter tells us the gifts God gives are for ministering “the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” The gifts are not for show or self- aggrandizement but are for leading people to Christ and ministering to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. We must never lose sight that the gifts are all about Christ, not us.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 “For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” (ESV)
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are how a Christian should act in a consistent manner every day. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are specific gifts to overcome Satan and his actions. Each gift is major power gift, and they are all direct, supernatural, miraculous manifestations direct from the Holy Spirit Himself. Any Christian through faith can receive these gifts, as the apostle Paul himself tells us not to be afraid to receive and use these specific gifts from the Lord. “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Baptism of Holy Spirit
There has been much discussion and even arguments about what is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Is it necessary for our time? Is it even scriptural for our time? Was it only for the first disciples? Has God’s church moved beyond needing the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Many of the disagreements and questions center around the gifts of the Holy Spirit Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12. This is especially true about speaking in tongues, healing and prophesy.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is given by Jesus to the person who has already believed in and yielded their life to Him. (John 3:1-10, 3:16-17) Jesus said it is better that He leave so He could send the Holy Spirit to them (those who believe in Him as the Messiah). (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) The Holy Spirit works in believers to bring people to Christ, witness to Christ, help people grow in Christ, help the Body of Christ support each other and overcome Satan and sin. God’s Word and Will are what are important. The Holy Spirit draws people to Christ and fills them when they accept Christ as Lord and Savior. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is greater power through the Holy Spirit. (John 14:12; Acts 1:8)
These scriptures, as well as others, were said to believers, those who were saved. They make clear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a work after salvation and one that includes a power that comes directly from God. John 14:12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” Not only is the Holy Spirit promised to the early disciples but, by Jesus’ words, to everyone who believes in Him. Jesus did not put any time or other limits on his words therefore baptism, immersion, in the Holy Spirit is available for all believers always, past, present and future.
There has been much discussion concerning when baptism of the Holy Spirit is given. One school of thought is it happens when a person accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Others say the baptism of the Holy Spirit was only for the early church. As noted above these are not consistent with Scripture. The third school of thought is that it is separate from initial salvation. That is not to say that the Holy Spirit does not deal with us when we are saved, the Holy Spirit does. The difference is turning our entire lives over to the total filling, power, wisdom and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Another discussion concerns the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our comforter but also gives us power. Jesus is quite clear that this is a greater power than what we received when we were saved. In Luke 24:49 Jesus tells the disciples (not just the twelve original apostles) “And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” In Acts 1:8 Jesus also tells the disciples “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” The scriptures make it clear that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is given to those already saved and brings with it power not given at salvation.
How does a person become baptized with, and know they have been baptized in, the Holy Spirit? These two questions are very important and can cause sharp disagreements between theologians and between peoples. To answer them we will look at Scripture.
To begin, there is no scripture that directly states in a clear and direct manner that anything in particular is evidence that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. There are scriptures that can lead us to see that speaking in tongues is often common to those baptized in the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:4-6 the disciples (not just apostles) were waiting for the baptism of the Holy Spirit per Jesus’ instructions. As they were waiting the Holy Spirit rested on each of them, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. We must remember these people were already believers.
We can look at the new Christians in Samaria, Acts 8:14-17 “…Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost" and Cornelius and his household, Acts 10:44-46 “…To Him [Jesus] give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision [Jews] which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”
We can also look at the disciples at Ephesus In Acts 19:1-6 "Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, 'Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?' And they said unto him, 'We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.' And he said unto them, 'Unto what then were ye baptized?' And they said, 'Unto John's baptism.' Then said Paul, 'John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.' When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied."
Again, there are no scriptures that specifically say speaking in tongues, or anything else, is a sign a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit. In Acts Paul is saved, then received the Holy Spirit but we are not told he spoke in tongues. While speaking in tongues is often mentioned as a sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit, it is not always mentioned nor defined as the initial or only evidence. (This is not the same as the gift of tongues talked about in 1 Corinthians 12 but may well be related to the prayer language Paul speaks of in Romans 8:26-27. The baptism with the Holy Spirit gives the Christian a new tongue with which to praise and pray to God. Speaking in tongues also helps Christians to build up their faith (Jude 20).
We must remember that faith is the key to all things with the Lord. In Mark 11:22-24 we are told to have faith in the Father and what we ask in prayer we will have. In Romans 8:28 Paul says “…. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” If we have faith and ask the God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, He will give the baptism.
The Holy Spirit (Part 4 )
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
The Scriptures are clear that God gives His people gifts. Some of these gifts only come with the baptism of the Holy Spirit. When gifts of the Holy Spirit are mentioned many Christians, theologians and others immediately think of 1 Corinthians 12 where Paul talks about nine gifts of the Spirit. Why did Paul talk about these nine specific gifts? To answer that we must look at the Corinthian church and what was happening at that church, but this is a subject for another study.
Before we discuss the nine gifts in 1 Corinthians we should first look at the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22. These fruits (Greek: καρπός, οῦ, ὁ, karpos, fruit, result, gain) are: “22But the fruit of the Spirit (results of the Holy Spirit) are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” The nine gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 are, the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues. “11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” The Christian’s part is to obey the Holy Spirit and do what He tells us to do.
(Greek for the word translated as gifts is: χάρισμα, ατος, τό, an undeserved favor. xarismata is the plural form and literally mean "grace-endowments." Why is this important? An endowment is a quality or ability possessed or inherited by someone. In the case of a financial endowment the original endowment stays, and the recipient only uses the money generated by the endowment. In a spiritual sense The Holy Spirit gives gifts to men that are not taken away and never used up.)
The fruits of the Holy Spirit are how a Christian should act in a consistent manner every day. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are specific gifts with power from God to overcome Satan and his actions. Each gift of the Holy Spirit is a major power gift, and they are all supernatural, miraculous manifestations direct from the Holy Spirit Himself. By faith any Christian can receive these any or several of the 9 gifts. The apostle Paul himself tells us not to be afraid to receive and use these gifts from the Lord. “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:11
Before God sent Moses into Egypt to deliver His people, He first equipped him with certain signs which he would manifest through the power of God to lead them from their bondage. Notice verse Exodus:17: "And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.'' Peter's statement regarding proof of Jesus' ministry is recorded in Acts 2:22: ''Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.'' Jesus was shown as approved of God by the manifestation of miracles, wonders, and signs.
Short summary for each gift in 1 Corinthians 123
Word of Wisdom
This is a wise utterance spoken through the operation of the Holy Spirit. It applies God’s Word and His wisdom through the Holy Spirit to a problem or situation. (Acts 6:10, 15:13-22) A word of wisdom will give you the ability to understand where, when and to how apply the knowledge that you have been given. This gift may often be used in combination with the Word of Knowledge.
Word of Knowledge
This is an utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit that reveals knowledge about people, circumstances and Bible truths. (Acts 5:110, 10:47-48; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25) The Word of Knowledge is the Holy Spirit transmitting His specific knowledge on something a person would have no ability or means to be able to know about with their own limited knowledge levels. This gift may often be used in combination with the Wisdom.
An example of this gift happened many years ago when I was asked to preach at a church a friend pastored. I had the sermon prepared and was ready to preach. During the song service the Holy Spirit led me to preach on Job instead of my prepared sermon. I listened to the Holy Spirit and preached on Job. Later one of the members told me that when she got home two army men were waiting for her. They told her that her husband had been killed in Viet Nam. She told me the message I preached that morning was exactly what she needed at that time to help her cope. There is no way I could know her husband had been killed but God knew and sent the sermon to help her.
Faith
This not saving faith, but a supernatural faith imparted by the Holy Spirit that enables the believer in Christ to believe God for the extraordinary and miraculous. The spiritual gift of faith is exhibited by one with a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer to effect miracles. It is often found in combination with other gifts such as healings and miracles. (Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 17:6)
Gifts of Healings
These are gifts given to restore physical health by supernatural means. (Matthew 4:23-25; Acts 3:68) Healing comes in many forms including spiritual and physical applications.
Working of Miracles
These are acts of supernatural power that alter the normal course of nature. The power comes God and manifests in believers through the operation of the Holy Spirit. Believer must remember the words of Jesus to His disciples in Luke 10:19-20, “19Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Prophecy
Prophesy is a special gift that enables a believer to bring a word or revelation directly from God under the impulse of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:2425, 29-31) Such prophesy will never disagree with God’s Word. Such prophesy should never be received as an infallible message. It must be tested by verifying it conforms to the Word of God. (1 John 4:1) (This is not the same as the ministry of prophet. Ephesians 4:11)
Discerning of Spirits
This is an ability to properly discern and judge prophesies and to distinguish if an utterance is from the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1) The person who has this gift may also be able to distinguish the kind of spirit operating in individuals, that is, if the spirit is of God or not and, if not, what kind of spirit it is. Jesus said many would come in His name and would deceive many (Matthew 24:45). The gift of discerning spirits is given to the Church to protect it from such deceivers.
Different kinds of Tongues
Speaking in tongues is a Holy Spirit inspired utterance whereby believers speak in a language they have never learned. (Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:14-15.) Speaking in tongues has two main purposes. The first is it enables communication directly between a person’s spirit and YHWH, (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4, 14, 15, 28.) The second is a prophesy or Word from YHWH or praise to YHWH via the Holy Spirit that neither the speaker nor the listeners understand. In this case there must be a person with the gift of Interpretation of tongues to make the message known so all may understand the message from God. (1 Corinthians 14:5-6, 13-17) Speaking in tongues is intended to bring people to a belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior and to bring believers closer to God.
Interpretation of Tongues
This is the Holy Spirit given ability to understand and communicate the meaning of an utterance spoken in tongues. The gift may be given to the one who speaks in tongues or to someone else. (1 Corinthians 14:6,13)
There are some important points we must remember when looking at the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
They are to be used for the good of others in the church – the instruction, encouragement and strengthening of other believers (1Corinthians 12:7; 14:1-19, 26-31; Ephesians 4:11-16). They are not intended for individual personal use but for use within the body (Romans 12:4-8; 1Corinthians 12:14-27; 14:16-19). The various gifts within the church exist to lead others to Christ and for the support, benefit and proper functioning of all the individuals who comprise the church (1Corinthians 14:5, 1Peter 4:10). Peter commands the use of the gifts within the church for the mutual benefit of those who comprise the church [note the phrases ‘each other’ and ‘one another’] results in praise to God (1Peter 4:10-11). They are to be used in an orderly and fitting way (1Corinthians 14:26-33, 40). How and when they are used is under the direction and control of the individual who is accountable to God for his/her use of their gifts [1Corinthians 14:26-33,40]. The verbal content expressed in their use will express genuine acknowledgement of the deity of Christ (1Corinthians 12:3). The possession of a specific gift should never be a cause of personal pride, boasting, individualism or isolationism (Romans 12:3; 1Corinthians 12:14-26). The possession of a gift does not provide an excuse for disobeying or trying to manipulate God’s commands (1Corinthians 13:1-8a; 1Peter 4:7-11)
In 1 Corinthians it is clear the possession of a gift does not automatically mean that gift will be used at all, or that that gift will be used appropriately in line with its God-given purpose and role. Indeed, it is obvious in the Corinthian passage that these gifts were capable of being used in a way that was far from the God’s intention. It is also clear in the Corinthian passage that there were counterfeit gifts (1Corinthians 12:1-3).
James 01:17 tells us “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” God does not give us junk, gifts that are not useful or gifts that are harmful. In Matthew 7:7-11 Jesus also said “….9Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? ……” God’s gifts to us are good. They are necessary for the well-being of His church and were given until that which is perfect, the return of Jesus, is come (1 Corinthians 13:10).
In addition to these nine gifts we can see another list in 1 Corinthians 12:28-31. This list includes apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. There is some overlap between this list, the list in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:11. Paul is not giving us a complete list of all the gifts God gives but is letting us know here are many gifts, but all are from God, for the believers and to lead others to Christ, to witness to God and praise Him for His works, holiness and righteousness.
First and Second Corinthians teach how a church and the gifts should operate. The list of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 would appear to be the gifts that were being used in a disorderly and confusing manner by the congregation in Corinth. These are also the gifts that deal directly and powerfully against Satan’s works. Finally, they are some of the most noticeable gifts. People see these gifts being used and sometimes give the person with the gift honor instead of honoring and praising God for giving the gift.
REFERENCES:
The Holy Bible (KJV, ESV, NKJV)
The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit; Torrey, R. A. (Reuben Archer).
Is the Holy Spirit Real?: Reconnecting With the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Bible and In Our Lives; Cook, Brady.
The God I Never Knew; Morris
Forgotten God, Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit; Chan, Francis
Jürgen Moltmann – Various writings.
Our Lost Legacy, John D. Garr Th.D., Golden Key Press, 1998
Christian Fruit – Jewish Root, John D. Garr Th.D., Golden Key Press
God and Israel, John D. Garr Th.D., Golden Key Press
Hebrew Scriptures
GENESIS
1:2; 6:3; 41:38
EXODUS
31:01-03; 35:31
11:17, 25-26, 29; 24:02-03
34:09
03:10; 06:34; 11:29; 13:24-25; 14:06, 09, 19; 15:14
10:06,10; 11:06; 16:07, 13-14; 19 ;20, 23
23:02
18:12
02:16; 06:08-12
12:18; 28:12
15:01; 20:14; 24:20
09:20, 30
33:04
39:03; 51:11; 104:30; 106:33; 139:07; 143:10
11:01-03; 28:11-22; 30:01-02; 32:13, 15; 34:16; 42:01; 44:03; 48:16; 61:01; 63:10 -14
02:02; 03:12, 14, 24; 08:03; 11:01, 05, 24; 36:26-27; 37:01, 14; 39:29; 43:05
02:23, 28-30
02:07; 03:08
02:05
04:06; 06:08; 07:12; 12:10
Appendix B
Matthew
1:18; 3:11,16; 4:1; 10:1, 19; 12:18, 28, 32; 28:19-20
Mark
1:8, 10-12; 3:29; 16:17-18
Luke
1:15, 41, 67; 2:25-27; 03:16-17, 22; 04:01; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49
John
01:32-33; 03:08; 14:12, 16; 15:18-19, 15:26; 16:07, 13-15; 20:22
Acts
01:04, 08; 02:01-04, 02:16-19, 02:32-33, 02:36-39; 03:19; 04:08, 31, 33; 05:32; 06:03, 10; 07:51; 08:12-18; 09:17-18; 10:05-06, 37, 43-48; 11:15-17; 13:04, 09-11; 14:22; 15:08, 28;
16:06; 18:25; 19:01-06; 20:22-23, 28; 21:05, 11; 28:1-10
Romans
02:11; 05:05; 08:09, 26-27
1 Corinthians
01:27-29; 02:04-05, 11, 13; 12:01-12, 28-30; 13:01-03, 08-10; 14:01-06, 10, 12-15, 18, 21-25,
27-32, 39-40
2 Corinthians
04:07; 13:14
Galatians
02:06; 03:02, 03, 05
Ephesians
01:17; 04:08, 11-13; 06:09, 18
1 Thessalonians
05:21
2 Thessalonians
02:13
2 Timothy
01:14; 03:05, 07
Hebrews
02:04
James
01:17
1 Peter
01:10-12, 22; 04:08
2 Peter
01:21
1 John
05:08
Jude
20
Revelation
19:10
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