The Abundant Life Wellness Plan
Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Manual
CCS International
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Baptism into the Holy Spirit - Word Expose
It is God's desire that man be saved from eternal damnation in Hell. So He has employed all the power of
Heaven to open a sure way for us to escape the consequences of sin that we may go to Heaven. God sent His
only Son, Jesus, to die upon the cross so that the sin question might be dealt with, and the justice of Heaven
satisfied. Jesus arose from the dead to live as our Great High Priest, ever pleading our cause before God the
Father, thus ensuring the flow of God's grace toward sinful man.
Having established our salvation through His work on the cross, Jesus sent forth the Holy Spirit, the third
Person of the Trinity, to lead, guide and empower His disciples in their Christian walk.
God's desire now is that the Holy Spirit not only be with, but abide within, the child of God.
The purpose of this Study is to see, from God's Word, what is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and receive the
instruction necessary to appreciate the fullness of God's blessing through the Holy Spirit.
First a word of warning here before we proceed, especially to those who are sceptical or hold in question this
apparently strange phenomenon or Holy Spirit influence. For many folk, church tradition has made the
acceptance of this teaching difficult to receive. Also, the abuse or misuse of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit,
together with many erroneous practices, have caused many to neglect pursuing the Biblical teaching, and so
lose the God-intended, vital, influence of the Holy Spirit.
I pray that as you venture into this study, you will do so with an open mind and heart, desirous of
receiving GOD'S REVELATION concerning the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
To this end we have endeavoured to cover every aspect relating to the Holy Spirit in brief, supporting each
conviction with God's Word. In this way we close the door to the opinion of man and his natural thinking,
and thus, to any satanically inspired error.
To get a good background to this doctrine we recommend that you refer to the
“Introduction to the Doctrine of Baptisms” set out in Book 7.
From the notes of Book 7, the following points will be established:
1. The Meaning of Baptism
The literal meaning of the word baptise is to “cause something to be dipped or
Immersed”. John the Baptist, when preaching to the Pharisees and Sadducees, spoke these prophetic words
concerning Jesus and baptism. Matthew 3: 11
I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes
I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
Here he is pointing to an immersion or baptism that Jesus was to introduce, a “baptism in the Holy Ghost”.
2. More than One Baptism
There are four baptisms referred to in the Scripture. Each baptism indicates a step of progress in
appropriating God's promises to us in our Christian experience.
These baptisms are: -
1.) Baptism into the Body of Christ - salvation received.
2.) Baptism in Water - attitudes changed.
3.) Baptism of the Holy Ghost - power for service received.
4.) Baptism of Suffering - endurance of faith established and release of the Spirit
3. Essential Requirements
There are three essential requirements for any one baptism to be completed.
These are: -
a) The Baptiser - one to do the baptising.
b) The Candidate - one to be baptised.
c) The Element - that which the candidate is to be immersed into.
These requirements will be dealt with more thoroughly under a separate heading.
Before we deal with the doctrine of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, let us look briefly at what God's Word
says concerning the Person of the Holy Spirit.
THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Unfortunately many people err in viewing the Holy Spirit as a mere "influence". Thus the glorious potential
of the Person of the Holy Spirit is denied.
A wind is an influence, but is limited. The Holy Spirit is a PERSON, a BEING, He is GOD and GOD has no
limitations. So it is error to refer to the Holy Spirit as “it”. The Bible always speaks of the Holy Spirit using
the personal pronouns of “HIM” or “HE”. John 14: 17
Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth HIM not, neither knoweth
HIM: but ye know HIM for HE dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
As a personal Being, the Holy Spirit has personality and bears the name “Comforter”. He has a will (1 Cor
12: 11) and performs personal acts according to His will. He works, He searches (1 Cor 2: 10), He speaks
(Acts 13: 2), He teaches (John 14: 26), He glorifies Christ (John 16: 14).
Failure to believe that the Holy Spirit is a person has the potential of gross sin. Because He is a PERSON,
He can be influenced by personal treatment. I, therefore, ought to be careful of my conduct before “God the
Holy Spirit” lest I “grieve Him” or “resist Him” or “blaspheme Him”. Ephesians 4: 30
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of Redemption. Acts 7: 51
Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost, as your fathers did,
so do ye. Matthew 12: 31, 32
31. Wherefore I say unto you. All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the
blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
32. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever
speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him neither in this world, neither in the world to
come.
From the above notes we already have sufficient proof of the Deity of the Holy Spirit (that the Holy Spirit is
God). Should there yet be doubt, the following points may be considered: -
He is eternal - no beginning and no end (Hebrews 9: 14)
Omniscient - all-knowing (1 Corinthians 2: 10, 11)
Omnipotent - all-powerful (Luke 1: 35)
Omnipresent - always present everywhere (Ps. 139: 7-10)
He is often referred to in conjunction with God the Father and God the Son (Matt. 28: 19). Added to these
divine attributes is that the Bible calls the Holy Spirit "GOD" (Acts 5: 3 - 4).
Now let us examine a few of the Scriptures that we might learn of the character of the Person of the Holy
Spirit. By understanding His character we will be better equipped to anticipate and understand the influence
He brings as He exercises His ministry within our lives.
The Bible imparts this knowledge by giving the Holy Spirit various names or titles according to His varied
functions or characteristics.
TITLES GIVEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
1) THE HOLY SPIRIT (OR HOLY GHOST)
Holy Spirit: Ephesians 4: 30
And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of Redemption Holy Ghost: Acts
2: 38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2: 4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them
utterance
In His Name both “Holy” and “Spirit” tell us much about the character of the Third Person of the Trinity.
Let us keep in mind, as the above verses teach us, that “Spirit” and “Ghost” have one and the same meaning.
So if I read of God the Holy Spirit, or God the Holy Ghost, the reference in both cases is to the same Third
Person of the Godhead. "HOLY" in this title indicates the pure moral character of God that He represents
and teaches, and God’s Holy character will be seen in any work that He is part of. The Holy Spirit can never
be identified with any unholiness, and any function with an unholy or carnal emphasis must never be
attributed to the Holy Spirit.
The second part of His title, SPIRIT, highlights for us the make-up of His Being. He is a Spirit and,
therefore, is not limited to a shape or space. The knowledge of His presence is not dependent upon physical
evidence. Often, particularly in the Old Testament, the Holy Ghost is called the “Spirit of God”, clearly
linking the Holy Spirit with GOD.
As the wind is without shape and is not seen but its presence is known, so it is with the Holy Spirit.
2.) THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER Acts 1: 4-5
4. And Jesus being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from
Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5. For John truly baptised with water; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
While the presence of the Holy Spirit was known right from the beginning, His influence was restrained.
God reserved the full impact of His influence for the last days after Jesus had fulfilled His mission upon the
cross.
In the Old Testament days God promised to pour out the Holy Spirit in a different way (read Joel 2: 28 to
32). This was fulfilled in the New Testament days as recorded in Acts Chapter 2 (note verse 16). This is why
the Holy Spirit has this title, “The Promise of the Father”. He is the fulfilment of the Promise of the Father
(Luke 24: 49). Indeed He is a promise to all who believe, even to us who live long after the initial
outpouring on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2: 38, 39
38. Then said Peter unto them, Repent and be baptised every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call. Refer also: Acts 2: 14 - 18, and Joel 2: 28.
3.) COMFORTER John 14: 16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever.
John 14: 6
But the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 16: 7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away the Comforter
will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (See also John 15: 26)
The origin of this name is of interest. In the original Greek writings the Greek word that has been interpreted
as “Comforter” was “parakletos”. This word literally means “one who stands by and exhorts or encourages,
or one who stands by in defence in a court of Law”. So another name that can be used without changing the
meaning of this title is “Advocate”.
This ministry of advocate and Comforter is seen in action when the apostles were being persecuted for their
faith. The Holy Spirit gave them the words to speak. Jesus promised them that this is what the Holy Spirit
would do for them. Mark 13: 11
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither
do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye the speak,
but the Holy Ghost.
For all those who are children of God, the Holy Spirit has been promised so that He may perform His
ministry of Comforting as an Advocate, and doing all that is within His power to ensure the salvation of the
believer.
Remember, Jesus said in John 14: 17 that His plan was that the Comforter should not only be with them as
a personal Comforter. In His plan God purposed that the Comforter should be IN them, enabling the
disciples to both enjoy His comfort to the full and be a comfort by His indwelling power.
4.) THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH John 14: 16,17, 26.
16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him
not, neither knoweth him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in
my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said
unto you. John 15: 25
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.
John 16: 13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth, for he shall not speak of
himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
In the same passage of scripture referred to above Jesus said “I am the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life (John
14: 6). Truth is that quality everyone looks for. The present world is so filled with artificial and false
impressions that, to get to know what is truth or real, is hardly possible. In fact without God's help, sorting
out truth from error is impossible.
The Holy Spirit has come as God's presence to guide those who are searching after the truth to find it. The
main function of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the Lord Jesus to every searching soul. Jesus is the TRUTH. So,
to do His work, the Holy Spirit leads and guides people into truth, and so He is referred to in the Bible as the
“Spirit of Truth”.
Truth, at times, is cruel because it exposes the blatant facts of life. By exposing the truth one can be
guilty of bringing condemnation on those to whom he brings the truth. The truth shows us how guilty we
are. It is terrible having to live with the knowledge of being guilty of failure. But notice in the verses above
that the work of the Holy Spirit, being the “Spirit of Truth”, is coupled with His work of being “The
Comforter”, and the One Who shares with us the wonderful person of Jesus our Saviour, and not a
condemning judge. We also note from John 16: 13 that His method is gentle. Not forcing Himself against
the will of the individual, He gently GUIDES us to Jesus.
We do well to join in, with all our heart, to experience the words of the old hymn:-
Open my eyes, that I may see,
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me,
Place in my hands the wonderful key,
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit Divine. Open my ears, that I may hear,
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear,
And while the wave-notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see,
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit Divine.
THE OUTPOURING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Under the heading of “Titles Given to the Holy Spirit”, brief reference was made to the Holy Spirit as the
'Promise of the Father'. The outpouring of the Spirit was nothing more than the grand fulfilment of this long-
awaited promise. Jesus saw this promise as the avenue whereby thirsty souls would be enabled to come and
freely drink of the waters of life. They would not only be satisfied, but “out of their innermost being would
flow rivers of living water”. John 7: 37, 38, 39
37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come
unto me and drink.
38. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was
not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
This glorious outpouring, spoken of by Jesus, was also anticipated some 800 years earlier by the prophet
Joel when he said (in Joel 2: 28) “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit upon all
flesh”. The grace of God displayed in the Old Testament was indeed glorious and wonderful. But when
Jesus came, filled with grace and truth, the glory of the Old Testament faded somewhat into the background
only to sparkle with meaning when caught by rays of Jesus, the magnificent SON of Heaven, by the
revelation of the Holy Spirit.
The Old Testament experiences were glorious, and the visit of Jesus to our sinful earth was wonderful
beyond words. But there was yet found in God's heart a final set of graces to be poured out, that would
radiate the glories of Jesus Christ, God's love, over the entire world. Jesus understood and saw that glorious
day close at hand, and cried with triumph the words in John 7: 37, 38 above -“If any man thirst let him come
….”
What joy must have filled His heart, when, rising from the dead, and just before His ascension to His Father,
Jesus gave the disciples His final instruction to go and wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 24: 49
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be
endued with power from on high.
Acts 1: 4, 5, 8
4. And being assembled together with them commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem,
but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
5. For John truly baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
8. But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
According to God's divine wisdom and grace, He arranged that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would
follow the ascension of Jesus. So, until the work Jesus came to do have been completed, the coming of the
Holy Spirit was delayed. God's wisdom in this can be seen when we consider the function, or ministry of the
Holy Spirit. This could only be fully operative after Jesus had ascended back to Heaven. So Jesus looked
forward to the completion of His earthly ministry so that He could make way for the Holy Spirit to come.
Jesus considered it “expedient” for us that He goes, so that the Comforter could come.
John 14: 12, 16
12. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also, and greater
works than these shall he do, because I go unto my Father.
16. And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever.
John 16: 7, 8
7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter
will not come unto you, but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of Judgment.
Acts 2: 33
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy
Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Jesus knew His Father’s programme concerning the arrival of the Holy Spirit, so He instructed His disciples
to prepare for the Holy Spirit's arrival by waiting at Jerusalem, which they did (Acts 1: 4,5).
And as Jesus promised, “not many days hence” the Holy Spirit came down upon those who were waiting.
In the early Old Testament days, God already prepared for the future and established a feast among His
Hebrew people called the “Feast of Pentecost”, or “Feast of weeks”
(Exodus 34: 22). This feast took place 50 days after the sickle was first put to the barley grain, and marked
the completion of harvest time. This feast was marked with various rituals and offerings acknowledging God
Jehovah. It was on this day that God chose to pour out the Holy Spirit. Strange enough it also happens to fall
on the 50th day after the resurrection of Jesus (10 days after the ascension).
Acts 2: 1 - 13
1. And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place.
2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting.
3. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance.
5. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every
man heard them speak in his own language
7. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak
Galilaeans?
8. And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9. Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in
Pontus, and Asia.
10. Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews
and proselytes.
11. Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, what meaneth this?
13. Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine.
Thus a day was clearly marked when God poured out the Holy Spirit. From this time on God's desire has
been that His people not only have the Holy Spirit with them but in them. The whole group of 120 who were
waiting in Jerusalem as Jesus commanded, received an infilling of the Holy Spirit.
A strange sign accompanied this outpouring, which would be manifest over and over again as others
received God's promise of the Holy Spirit. As they were filled with the Holy Spirit, all the disciples “began
to speak with other tongues” (Acts 2: 4). They spoke in languages that they themselves had never learned.
The Holy Spirit gave them utterance, or the words to speak. The Scripture above tells us that there were
gathered people out of every nation under Heaven, and, each one heard the disciples speaking in his own
language.
Much amazement, questioning and excitement was stirred throughout the region. Very few understood what
had happened. The Apostle Peter stood up to explain to the onlookers the meaning of this great event. Of
course, the meaning and impact of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit had very little place for any who had
never received the Gospel, so Peter first preached Jesus to them. This Gospel message provoked the crowd
to respond to God's call upon their lives. Their immediate reaction was to ask Peter what God expected of
them (Acts 2: 37).
It is important to carefully note Peter's reply to them because, by this reply, we are assured that this mighty
outpouring was not reserved for that day, and those people, or for some other special select few. These
following verses show us that God has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to all, including us in this
generation.
Acts 2: 37-39
37. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the
apostles, men and brethren, What shall we do?
38. Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39. For the promise is unto you and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call.
TO WHOM DID THE HOLY SPIRIT COME?
As we have seen on that grand occasion of Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
was restricted to those 120 disciples who were gathered in the upper room at Jerusalem
(Acts 1: 15). But by no means was that the extent of God's intention for this outpouring.
Remember the prophecy of Joel (Chapter 2: 38), confirmed by the apostle Peter in Acts 2
verse 17, when God said "And it shall come to pass that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh… ". And
again in Acts 2: 39 quoted above, “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call”.
Have no doubt about this grate outpouring; God's desire is that ALL of His children partake of the
Pentecostal experience. Were some to be excluded, we would need some explanation of Acts 2:29. We
would also have to question a lot of God's Word including the experiences of many disciples recorded in the
Book of Acts.
On that same day of Pentecost, after Peter preached to the crowd gathered in response to the strange
experience of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, there were added to the church 3000 souls (Acts 2: 41).
Remember Peter's invitation to the crowd in verse 38 was “repent and be baptised … and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost”.
Verse 41 tells us they were baptised that same day!
One year later, after revival swept across Samaria following the preaching of the
Evangelist Phillip, the Apostles sent Peter and John to assist the work at Samaria. On arrival they prayed for
the new converts who had been baptised in water, and they too received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8: 14 - 17
14. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they
sent unto them Peter and John.
15. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.
16. For as yet he was fallen upon none of them, only they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus.
17. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
About the same time, in Acts Chapter 9, God was dealing with Saul of Tarsus who was to become the
mighty Apostle Paul. God stirred Ananias, one of His disciples, to go and minister to him, and verse 17
records that, included in His purpose, was that Paul might be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9: 17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the
Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me that thou mightest receive
thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Seven years later the Pentecostal fire continued to spread as one day, while Peter was preaching to some
Gentiles, the Holy Ghost fell on them and they were all filled.
Acts 10: 44, 45
44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45. And they of the circumcision, 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.
(Read also Acts 11: 15 - 17 and Acts 15: 8)
As the Apostle Paul spread the Gospel, he clearly included the Pentecostal experience as essential to the
Gospel he taught.
Twenty-five years after the Day of Pentecost, while on a mission to Ephesus, we find
Paul challenging the disciples he meets as to whether they had received the Holy Spirit.
Finding that they had not yet received, he instructed them from God's Word and prayed with them, and they
received the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19: 2
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.
Acts 19: 6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues,
and prophesied.
THIS BAPTISM IS RESERVED FOR GOD'S CHILDREN
Indeed the fullness of God the Holy Spirit is essential to every child of God. God promised this fullness to
all His children and assured us that if His children ask they shall receive (Luke 11: 33). In all the accounts
referred to above, the gift of the Holy Spirit was reserved for those called children of God, or believers, or
disciples of the Lord Jesus.
Only those that had received God's Word were eligible for this gift (Acts 2:14,15,17)
Those who had not accepted the Lordship of Jesus into their life were not part of God's Kingdom, and were
therefore considered by God to be “of the world”. Jesus taught, when telling his disciples of the Holy Spirit's
coming, that the world would not be able to receive the Holy Spirit.
Luke 11: 13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly
Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
John 14: 16, 17
16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
17. Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him,
but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
THE TEMPORARY VISITATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Although God the Holy Spirit always had a vital part to play in our world, right from the beginning of
creation, according to God's Divine order, His full influence had been restrained until the Day of Pentecost.
Since then He has been poured out freely upon all who seek after God. (Acts 2: 38) The outpouring of the
Holy Spirit stands as the sequel to God's grace shown to mankind through the work of Jesus upon the cross.
By the work of the cross and outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a door swung wide open to usher in the
'Dispensation of Grace'. The question now asked is - How long will this door remain open? The departure of
the Holy Spirit is dependent upon when God closes the door of grace. In a later study we will deal with the
coming event of the “Rapture”. At the Rapture, the Church, or all born again Christians, will be caught up to
meet with Jesus in the air. At this moment the door of grace will and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, as
presently experienced, will cease. The influence of the Holy Spirit is presently a great restraint upon the
floodwaters of sin, but only until He is removed. The time of His removal is parallel to the Rapture of the
Church, and this exact time is known only by the Father, though we do understand that according to God's
prophetic Word, this advent is 'IMMINENT”.
2 Thessalonians 2: 7
For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the
way.
Matthew 24: 36, 37
36. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37. But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Let us recall the words of Jesus to His disciples in Luke 24: 49 “Behold I send the
Promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye... until ye be endued with power”. Under the heading “The
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit” we also referred to the Promise as recorded in Joel 2: 28 when God would
“pour out His Spirit upon all flesh.” It is important to note that God asks no effort or charge to merit the
baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told His disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the promise. In Joel's
book God said “I will pour out my Spirit”. There's no effort required to get wet if you care to go and stand in
the rain!
It has been my experience to counsel many of God's children who had been robbed of the influence of the
Holy Spirit because they had not grasped fully this simple truth that the Holy Spirit is a GIFT, and has
been given. A feeling of unworthiness; not being good enough; not mature enough; too new in their
Christian faith; or not knowing enough of the Bible, are types of roots that hold believers from the glory of
this baptism.
Since when is it acceptable for a recipient to reject the love and grace of the giver of a GIFT with any of
these excuses? Unless, of course, he doesn't want the gift! A gift can never be a gift if it has to be paid for.
Consider carefully and allow it to dawn upon your soul that GOD HAS GIVEN THE GIFT OF THE
HOLY SPIRIT.
Acts 2: 38,39
38. Then Peter said unto them Repent, and be baptised very one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call.
Acts 10: 45
And they of the circumcision 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.
Indeed there are those who will readily accept these truths, but exclude themselves from the personal
participation in the GIFT of the Holy Spirit. They add that the gift was intended for the specially chosen of
God, but forget that, if they are saved, they have been chosen!
There is good news in Acts 2: 39; the gift is for the whosoever. None are excluded from the offer; all may
receive the gift. The same 'whosoever' referred to in John 3: 16 are entitled to enjoy God's gift of the Holy
Spirit.
John 3: 16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A GIFT INTENDED FOR ALL WHO BELIEVE.
Bear in mind that the giving of the Holy Spirit as a gift, is in the PAST TENSE. He is not to be given, but
has been poured out already. (He has been given). He is now present, just waiting for the desirous person to
reach out and receive Him.
In Acts Chapter 8 from verse 14, we see illustrated clearly that God is opposed to any thought of cost or
exchange for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Simon saw Peter and John praying for people to receive the Holy
Spirit. As they prayed these people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Simon also desired the gift and
ability to pass it on, and so offered Peter and John money for the Holy Spirit. The disciples were not
impressed and rebuked Simon very severely. Read their reply and understand that God holds the same view
today.
Acts 8: 20, 21, 22
20. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou has thought that the gift of God may
be purchased with money.
21. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be
forgiven thee.
Another important principle concerning a gift is that no one is obliged to receive the gift. The recipient has
the right to accept or reject the gift. There is no evidence anywhere of the Holy Spirit coming upon an
individual against his own desire, overpowering him and forcing him to speak in tongues or perform any
other function contrary to his own will.
If I desire the gift of the Holy Ghost, "I must ask", "I must receive", "I must speak". The Holy Spirit will
respond to that attitude and then will indeed overshadow thirsty souls and impart to them "the utterance"
which "they then will speak" out in simple faith. The candidate will do the speaking, in full control of
himself, using his vocal chords just as he would do were he praying an ordinary prayer. The only difference
will be his awareness of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the words spoken or uttered will be by the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10: 45, 46
45. Because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
CONDITIONS TO MEET BEFORE RECEIVING
While emphasizing that the Holy Spirit has been given as a gift, the above chapter cannot alter the truth that
the candidate who desires the Holy Spirit must be “sanctified” or “saved” and be a “repentant sinner”. He
must have yielded to the Lordship of Jesus as
His disciple. God cannot be accommodated within a sanctuary adorned with idols. Paul says in 1 Corinthians
6: 19 “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…” While speaking of great joy as
a result of the influence of the Holy Spirit, Paul also warns us of the responsibility to both prepare for, and to
maintain, the presence of the Holy Spirit. Notice his strong admonition.
1 Corinthians 3: 16, 17
16. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple
ye are
The conditions referred to here are the steps we take in our approach to receive the Holy Spirit, submitting
ourselves to the conditions laid down by God making us eligible to receive His gift. Our notes have proven
from God's Word that none are excluded from this offer. The opportunity is open to ALL. God has given the
Holy Spirit to all who obey Him (Acts 5: 32). Thus while it is necessary for the thirsty believer desiring the
baptism of the Holy Spirit to participate in effort to appropriate this baptism, the only qualification required
by God is to be “born again”. Having therefore received of the gift of salvation there is no need to delay, but
the new convert should rather seek immediately to receive the seal of his salvation, even the Holy Spirit of
Promise (Ephesians 1: 13).
A SEPARATE EXPERIENCE TO SALVATION
It should be quite clear now that Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit are two different experiences.
There are those who are confused over these experiences and thus feel they are one and the same. Others
feel that when you receive Christ as your Saviour you automatically receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
To discuss this thoroughly would require anther booklet. Simply put, God's Word indicates that when we
first respond to God's love to accept Christ as our Saviour, we receive Jesus into our hearts. It would be
correct to say we receive the Spirit of Christ, the life of Jesus making us a child of God. Jesus sent His
disciples to tarry in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came upon them to receive power to be witnesses to His
resurrection (Acts 1: 4 and 8). Further examples indicating that salvation is a separate experience from the
baptism of the Holy Ghost are: -
In Acts 9 Paul is converted, becomes a Christian by submitting to the Lord Jesus
Christ and later in the chapter is visited by Ananias who accepts him as a fellow believer and “brother”
(verse 17), and prays for him that he may receive the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 8 the people of Samaria receive the Word preached by Phillip, so Peter and John pray with them that
they may receive the Holy Spirit (verse 14, 15).
In Acts 19 Paul met up with believers whom he found had not received the Holy Spirit. So he prayed with
them and immediately they received this baptism (verse1-6).
Before salvation, the heart of man is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things
(Jeremiah 17: 9). Before God's Holy Spirit can come and abide within, there is the need for a cleansing and
renewing of the wicked heart. Paul tells us in 1 Corinth 5: 17 that, by Jesus, we become new creatures and
therefore possess a new heart from which the Holy Spirit may work. The Holy Spirit is only able to dwell
within a vessel that has yielded his body to the Lordship of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5: 17
Therefore if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold all things are
become new.
THE SIGN OF TONGUES
The sign of “speaking in tongues” chosen by God to indicate the baptism of the Holy
Spirit is strange, and according to human reasoning, foolish, especially when one recognizes that this sign is
related to the “power of God” occupying the human vessel.
Some understanding of God's reasoning will be gained when we see what He says concerning the potential
of the tongue.
James 3: 2 - 10
2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also
to bridle the whole body.
3. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned
about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor listeth.
5. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire
kindleth
6. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the
whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been
tamed of mankind.
8. But the tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9. Therewith bless we God, even the Father, and therewith curse we men, which are made after the
similitude of God.
10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
The tongue, though small, has great potential. It operates under the influence of the heart. Therefore the
prerequisite for the infilling of the Holy Spirit is a heart renewed by Jesus. With Jesus as Lord of our heart,
He can control our tongue. The final human surrender when receiving the Holy Spirit is yielding that little
tongue to come under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. By the power of the Holy Spirit our tongue
is tamed to speak inspired words necessary to give witness to the resurrection of Jesus.
Now we have a tongue ignited by the fire of God! Here again we see our all-wise God confounding the
wisdom of the wise by choosing the foolish things of the world and bringing low the might of the mighty by
weak things. (1 Corinthians 1: 27)
There is ample evidence in God's Word that the sign of tongues accompanies the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
The question is often asked, Is it not possible that the believer can be filled without the sign of tongues?
While there is no limitation to what God can do, He has given us His Word as our guide and thus will adhere
to His Word for our security and confidence. I would doubt an experience that does not have the Bible's
backing more easily than one supported by God's Word. If, in all the examples given in the Bible, God chose
the sign of tongues to be manifested when believers received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, then we ought
to continue with the same anticipation.
The tongues sign was not a “once-only-sign”. On the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit
first fell (Acts 2: 1- 4), the sign was tongues. A year later in
Samaria (Acts 8: 17, 18) after the mighty move of God through the evangelist Phillip, when the apostles
prayed for the new converts to receive the Holy Spirit, Simon saw “a sign” that indicated to him that the
believers had received the Holy Spirit. In Caesarea, seven years later, when Peter preached to Cornelius's
house, the Holy Spirit fell on all and they heard them speak with tongues (Acts 10: 44-48). And twenty-five
years after Pentecost, at Ephesus, the disciples in Acts 19: 1-6 indicated receiving the baptism with the sign
of tongues.
Acts 2: 4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them
utterance.
Acts 10: 45, 46
45. And they of the circumcision, 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.
46. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.
Acts 19: 6
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues,
and prophesied.
The “feeling” or “emotion” one might experience, while glorious, does not substitute the sign of tongues and
does not necessarily mean that the believer has been baptised. That emotional experience is merely the
individual's natural reaction to his awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit. We are all different, and that
is why we all react differently to different experiences, and responds differently to the Baptism of the Holy
Ghost.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST
From our notes it has been established that God has excluded none from the promise of the Holy Spirit,
provided they satisfy His requirements. In the chapter dealing with the introduction of Baptisms, an
explanation has been given summarising the three basic requirements for each baptism.
These are: -
A) The Baptiser
B) The Candidate
C) The Element
Under these headings we will discuss briefly the important factors related to each requirement.
a) The Baptiser
The Baptiser is the one who immerses or baptises the candidate. John the Baptist was a forerunner to the
ministry of Jesus. By the revelation of God, John saw the purpose of Jesus' ministry. God showed him the
highlights of Jesus' ministry. A dominant highlight that John anticipated from Jesus was the baptising with
the Holy Ghost, which was Jesus' responsibility.
The Holy Spirit baptised the repentant sinner into THE BODY OF JESUS, the fellow believer baptised the
obedient Christian in water but Jesus baptises the thirsty witness with the Holy Spirit - and He is always
waiting and ready to baptise the thirsty soul. John the Baptist said: -
John 1: 33
And I knew him not, but he that sent me to baptise with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou
shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is He which baptiseth with the Holy Ghost.
Matt 3: 11
I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes
I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
b) Candidate
The candidate is the “believer” who is “thirsty” or keen for more of God, and has decided to be a true
disciple of Jesus. He is not satisfied with salvation only, but his love for God drives him to desire to be of
effective service and an inspired witness.
In an earlier paragraph we discussed the conditions God requires from the individual before he qualifies for
the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
The candidate must be a “repentant” sinner (Acts 2: 38) walking in “obedience” to God (Acts 5: 32) and
thirsty for the rivers of living water to flow from his being to the glory of God. (John 7: 37- 9) Because of
Jesus' work on the cross, all are within reach of these qualities necessary for the candidate.
Acts 2: 38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 5: 32
And we are his witnesses of these things and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom
God hath given to them that obey him.
John 7: 37-39
37. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come
unto me, and drink.
38. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39. (But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive, for the Holy Ghost was
not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
c) The Element
With water baptism, water is the element, and with this baptism the Holy Ghost is the “element” or He into
Whom the candidate is immersed. Enough has already been written to assure us that God has poured out the
element of the Person of the Holy Ghost. By studying the foregoing notes, sufficient information will be
obtained to get to know the element and His influence upon one when immersed into Him.
Acts 11: 16
Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptised with water, but ye shall be
baptised with the Holy Ghost.
HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
Always the big question - “How do I receive”?
By reflecting on our notes thus far we can say with confidence that: -
The Holy Spirit has been given to the whosoever (Acts 2: 39)
Jesus is the Baptiser (John 1: 33)
The Holy Spirit is a GIFT (Acts 2: 38)
The Candidate must be thirsty for God (John 7: 37-39)
The Candidate must “believe” (Acts 2: 38)
The Candidate must be “obedient” (Acts 5: 32)
The Candidate must “ask” (Luke 11: 13)
The candidate must “receive” or “drink” (John 7: 37-39)
The Candidate must “speak” (Acts 2: 4)
An open invitation has been extended from Heaven to appropriate the gifts of God. Now God says in Psalm
81: 10 “Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it”.
From the above list we notice the extent of the part the candidate has to play. Jesus stands waiting to baptise
the candidate. It is the candidate's responsibility, to respond “actively” not wait “passively”.
In total faith the candidate must come to God asking with expectancy, remembering what Jesus said in Luke
11: 11-13 “If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone...? If ye then, being
evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the
Holy Ghost to them that ask Him.”? God wants me to receive, so I must believe and I must ask. A half-
hearted approach is not what God desires to see but rather a “thirsty” or deeply desirous heart, anxious for
the Holy Ghost.
It is the heart that has yielded in “obedience” to the Lordship of Jesus, free from rebellion that will know
God's grace to receive the Holy Ghost. I want the Holy Ghost; I am thirsty; I yield in obedience to Jesus; I
have been washed from all my sin thus I am ready to receive. Remember what Jesus said at the feast in John
7: 37 “If any man thirst let him COME unto ME and DRINK”.
With a heart filled with expectancy, praise and worship, the candidate comes to God and like a “thirsty” soul
begins to drink of, or receive in faith, God's gift. The sincere candidate will be very conscious of the
wonderful presence of Jesus to baptise his child.
All that is left for the candidate to do, is to respond to the Baptiser, allowing Him full control, yielding the
intellect and understanding, and using his vocal chords, his mouth, his tongue and lungs to SPEAK forth
those utterances that the Holy Ghost will impart to him as He, the Holy Ghost, overshadows and fills him.
As the candidate speaks out, the seal and sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost is established within his
heart. Some people break forth with great emotion, or much volume at this time, others respond in an
opposite fashion, with no apparent emotion and very quietly. Both parties have experienced the Baptism of
the Holy Ghost.
It is important however, to emphasise that in ALL cases there is the need for the audible utterance to be
manifest. It is not sufficient for the words to be repeated within the mind of the candidate. The utterance of
the Holy Spirit must be spoken out...
..."They heard them SPEAK with tongues." (Acts 10:46)
Let us keep in mind that as the candidate seeks this baptism there is no need for ardent pleading or begging,
because it is in God's heart to fill all his children and He has already given the Holy Spirit. FAITH must
operate all the way to accept this, and to respond accordingly. Even after being baptised many folk are
subject to the "darts of doubt" issued by the wicked one, yet faith conquers and holds fast that which God
has done.
From the order established in God's Word, especially in Acts 2: 38, we see that the candidate should firstly
“repent” then “be baptised in water”, then seek the “baptism of the Holy Ghost”.
While this is the order generally practiced, there was an occasion in Acts 10:46-48 when the Word of God
was received, the believers were baptised with the Holy Spirit and water baptism followed. The order to be
encouraged is that having repented, be baptised in water immediately and then seek the infilling of the Holy
Ghost.
YOUR CHECK LIST - JESUS YOUR - SCRIPTURE
* He baptises
* You Repent Acts 2: 38
* You Obey Acts 5: 32
* You Thirst John 7: 37
* You Ask Luke 11: 13
* You Receive Luke 11: 10
* You Speak Acts 10: 46
RESULT
* You are empowered to be a witness - Acts 1:8
Having received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, we will have missed the mark if we have been motivated
simply to have “the experience”. God's intention is that we receive the Holy Spirit that we might be
empowered to be of service to God, standing as mighty witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus by the power
of the Holy Spirit within. Those around us should know that Jesus is ALIVE.
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth
THE EFFECT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ON A BELIEVER'S LIFE
One of the final instructions Jesus gave His disciples in Luke 24: 49 before He ascended was, “but tarry ye
in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high”.
The word “endued” means “to be clothed with”. Here Jesus' promise was that the effect would be “to be
clothed with power from on high”. His words in Acts 1: 8 are similar when He said, “ye shall receive power
after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you”. The prime effect intended by God is that His disciples be
“empowered” to do the work that Jesus had come to do to meet man's desperate need, bringing low the
works of darkness and glorifying the Name of God.
When speaking of His imminent departure in John 14, Jesus said in verse 12, “He that believeth on Me, the
works that I do he shall do also, and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father”.
Jesus, knowing that the power His disciples would require, was to come by the outpouring of the Holy
Ghost, and that this outpouring would only take place after His ascension, said in John 16: 7 “Nevertheless I
tell you the truth.
It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you. But if I
depart, I will send him unto you”.
This power to serve God requires a knowledge of God's will, and thus an understanding of God's Word, that
our human intellect is not capable of producing. Thus by the power of the Holy Spirit, God has ordained that
His empowered servants receive spontaneous revelation and understanding of His Word applicable to the
circumstance that he would be ministering to. And the Holy Spirit brings to the remembrance of the
disciples the Word of God as necessary for the occasion.
John 14: 26
But the Comforter, which is he Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you - Because of this
influence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was able to say at the feast in John 7:
38 “He that believeth on Me... out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water”. He was making reference to
when the Holy Spirit would be poured out.
Much more may be added to these notes concerning the influence of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.
However, I see that the ultimate purpose and influence should be that by His renewing influence, the
disciple is able to give clear, convincing witness to the
Resurrection of Jesus and His vital life now within the disciple to fulfil the “Will of His Father”.
THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We have already dealt with this subject as we have discussed the person of the Holy
Spirit, especially under the heading “Titles Given to the Holy Spirit”. For us to obtain a further
understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit we firstly need Him to function in one of His key roles within
our life. It is His responsibility to illuminate the Word of God to our hearts, enabling us to understand and
accept the Word, and thus experience God’s recreation within our lives according to His Word. Right at the
beginning of time when God was creating the worlds in Genesis 1: 1 and 2, the Holy Spirit in unity with the
Godhead held this responsibility of performing God's Word in creation as He, “the Spirit of God”, moved
upon the face of the waters.
Today, by God's grace, the Holy Spirit works within the demolished, broken lives of man restoring the
damage done by Satan, as He imparts the Living Word, Jesus, so bringing to life the dead, and providing a
renewing that can only come by the Holy Ghost (Titus 3: 5). He constantly moves throughout the world
offering His renewing influence to all as
"He convinces and reproves all men of sin, righteousness and judgment to come" (John 16: 8-11).
The impartation of the truth entitles the Holy Spirit to have the title “Spirit of Truth”
(John 14: 17, John 15: 26, John 16: 13). However, never is this ministry of "truth"
simply to bring condemnation, but rather that by the truth He bears, He might reveal
Jesus. Hence "no man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinth12:3). Though the Holy Spirit
comes with cutting truth, He also comes with glad tidings of Jesus and His love. In whatever way the Holy
Spirit would function, His ultimate purpose would be to exalt the person of Jesus, and glorify His Name
(John 16: 14).
The Holy Spirit's entire witness and testimony today revolves around Jesus, and the purpose for which Jesus
came (John 15: 26-27, Acts 5: 30-32).
Jesus declared in John 16: 6 “I am he way, the TRUTH, and the life.” This then is the TRUTH he brings.
Such revelation of truth brings deliverance and salvation enabling the Holy Spirit to joyfully function as a
“Comforter” and "Advocate", warming he heart and soul of all those who respond to His guidance and
renewing.
(John 14: 16, 26; John l1; 17)
While we see His purpose is to administer comfort through Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes not merely to
announce the truth, but gently guide and lead into the truth He proclaims.
Not as a dictatorial figure, but as a dove He gently appears waiting for our response to His leadership (John
6: 13). We find the truths and revelations of the Holy Spirit sweet and ever effective and vital to our
fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit, knowing the frailty of the human mind, does not entrust His wealth to
such frailty, so secures His treasure in our spirit by taking the responsibility to bring to our remembrance all
things that He has made known concerning the truth, and that we have need of (John 14: 26).
Many are the benefits that God has poured out in His grace toward lost man. But much of these benefits are
abused and missed by depraved man. Had it not been for the Gift of the Holy Spirit, we would search for
them in vain. All that which has been “freely given us by God”, the Holy Spirit has come to reveal and to aid
us to appropriate (1 Corinthians 2: 12-13). He demonstrates the presence of God with power, confirming His
word that we might be persuaded to accept and respond to the glories offered to us by God (1 Corinthians
12: 1-11).
The revelation with which the Holy Spirit comes is no superficial or empty Church tradition, but rather He
comes with meaningful Divine depth; with eternal value drawn from the heart of God the Father, to impart
deep into the spirit of searching man. Things that are not able to be understood with the human mind, or
even have been known before; deep things of God, things freely given us and things to come, has the Holy
Spirit come to impart to us (1 Corinthians 2: 9-11; John 16:13). With such potential, such resources, what
Divine wisdom can be anticipated through the flow of the Holy Spirit within our lives? Joy and confidence
ought to be the portion of God's people. It is for this purpose that the Holy Spirit came to impart such
wisdom upon which it does us well to build our lives (1 Corinthians 2:1-10).
As we read the testimony of the disciples in the Book of Acts, we see that they gave testimony to the
resurrection of Jesus with great power and signs and wonders. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit this
characteristic can be anticipated in the lives of all who receive Him. The “power of the Holy Ghost” was
promised by Jesus, and will continue to be manifest in the lives of all who receive the Holy Ghost until Jesus
comes.
Now is the dispensation to live, not by the limitations of human intellect, power or might, but by the Spirit
of God (Zechariah 4: 6).
Gifts have been given by the Holy Spirit through which His power is manifest to the glory of God in Christ
Jesus
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the
same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the
word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles;
to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the
interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.
Well did Paul say in Romans 14: 17 that the Kingdom of God has been made Peace and Joy to us by the
Holy Ghost, and that by the power of the Holy Ghost we abound in hope (Romans 15: 13). The gentiles who
were not part of the household of God, now by the ministry of the Holy Ghost have an offering to offer that
has been sanctified by the Holy Ghost (Romans 15: 16).
Words could go on without end, but Paul wraps the subject up well in Romans 5: 5, when he says “And
hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us.”
So with this mine of wealth at our disposal, freely given us by God that we might know Him the only true
God, we say with Jude: -
Jude 20-25
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ, unto eternal life.
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His
glory with exceeding joy.
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
Amen.
BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Question 1.
Briefly set out the principles of Baptism and the four practical Christian steps that are established through
each baptism. Indicate your understanding of the word “baptism” with each baptism. (Not more than one
page).
Question 2.
Clearly establish from the Scriptures that the Holy Spirit is a “Person” and indicate from Scripture His
function in the world today.
Question 3.
Discuss three titles given to the Holy Spirit indicating the significance of these titles.
Question 4.
Expound fully from the Scriptures the meaning of Jesus' cry found in John 7 v 37, 38.
Question 5.
Clarify the meaning of Jesus' words, “He dwelleth with you and shall be in you” (John 14 v 17). In your
answer compare the difference between the Holy Spirit “with you” and the Holy Spirit “in you”.
Question 6.
Compare the “Baptism into the Body of Christ” and “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”. Refer to the signs
confirming each baptism and their influence and effect upon the individual.
Highlight the principles of 2 different experiences.
Question 7.
Answer fully the question - “To whom was the baptism of the Holy Spirit given?” Briefly indicate the
Scriptural qualification required for the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Question 8.
Discuss thoroughly why the word GIFT is used in Acts 2: 28-39.
Question 9.
Why would you say God chose the sign of “Tongues” to accompany this great gift of the Holy Spirit as the
Baptism of Power.
Question 10.
Discuss the three essential requirements for the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Support your comments with
scripture).
A Great Mystery of the Living Word
The revelation of Christ's Spirit abiding within me - Amen
He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17
God has made known what is the riches of the glory of this MYSTERY among the Gentiles; which is
Christ INSIDE you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
The Spirit of Christ is united with my spirit
The Word of God planted in my heart
The Incorruptible Seed dwell INSIDE my saved soul
The Truth reside in my mind
The Power of God operating in my inner bring
The Treasure of heaven abide INSIDE my earthen vessel
So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so
be that the Spirit of God dwell INSIDE you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none
of his. And if Christ be INSIDE you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of
righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell INSIDE you, he that
raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth
INSIDE you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live
after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall
live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received
the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father. Romans 8:8-15
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the GIFT of God, which is IN thee by the
putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but a Spirit of POWER, and of
LOVE, and of a sound MIND [the Mind of Christ]. Who hath saved us, and CALLED us with an HOLY
calling, not according to our works, but according to His own PURPOSE and grace, which was GIVEN
us in Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Timothy 1:6-9
A very important Question:
Are you daily LIVING in the reality of this revealed MYSTERY?
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