Introduction to the Holy Spirit PDF

Introduction One of the greatest problems in the church world today is that people refuse to look at scriptures in their ordinary, everyday, common sense, this-is-what-it- says context. They prefer instead to read a verse of scripture and apply some kind of analysis to it that say...

Introduction One of the greatest problems in the church world today is that people refuse to look at scriptures in their ordinary, everyday, common sense, this-is-what-it- says context. They prefer instead to read a verse of scripture and apply some kind of analysis to it that says, “Even though that is what the scripture says, this is what it really means.” In other words, too many people try to make the scriptures fit their doctrine rather than make their doctrine fit the scriptures. Their attitude is, “Since we don’t have it, nobody has it.” But that is simply not the truth. The only thing those people don’t have is the faith to believe and the willingness to obey the Word of God. They have the promise that God gave to all believers, but not the faith to receive the promise. If we examine the scriptures with an open heart and accept the scriptures for what they say, rather than trying to add to, subtract from or twist them to fit our prejudices, the great truths of the Bible will be revealed. If we search the scriptures, we see that the “Holy Ghost” or “Holy Spirit” is mentioned about one hundred ninety-three times in the New Testament. In the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is mentioned over fifty times. This should awaken us to the fact that the Holy Spirit should be prominent in the New Testament Churches. 1 Since the book of Acts is our pattern for the New Testament Church, we should give a great deal of attention and consideration to the words and examples given in it. The New Testament Church started on the Day of Pentecost. It started with the outpouring of God’s Spirit, which was the beginning of the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh in the last days. With this great outpouring began the Church Age, or Dispensation of Grace. But this dispensation could also be called the Dispensation of the Ministration of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6-8). If we but understood the plan of God that He gave us, we would understand the importance of the Holy Ghost in our Churches today. God manifested himself in the Old Testament as the Father. He was the Father of Creation (Genesis 1:1; Malachi 2:10) and it is from Him whom we have wandered and strayed and sinned against. In the New Testament age, He manifested Himself as the Son in order to bring about our redemption (I Tim. 3:16; John 1:14, 1 John 3:5). Now, after His death, burial and resurrection, He manifests Himself as the Holy Spirit (John 14:20; Acts 1:1; Romans 8:9). The totality of this truth is presented to us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, “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.” Notice, the Bible says that it is the same God which worketh all in all. We need to understand that there is but ONE GOD, and He does all things. 2 We can therefore understand the benediction given in 2 Corinthians 13:14 when we understand the different operations and administrations of God: x The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ refers to His willingness to die for us. x The love of God refers to His willingness to offer us a plan of redemption. x The communion of the Holy Ghost refers to his dwelling with us and in us. x Be with you all refers to the magnitude of opportunity and privilege to anyone that believes in Him and His words. It is the purpose of Christ to give us His Spirit and it is the necessity of men to receive His Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is therefore both a promise and a necessity, just as salvation is both a promise and a necessity. It is our hope that this examination of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit will help lead you and guide you into deeper understanding of the Bible and a fuller and richer life in Jesus Christ. 3  Chapter One: The Spirit Promised The first step in this discussion is to examine the scriptures and see if we can identify those persons to whom the Holy Ghost baptism was promised. Read these two Old Testament prophecies: In Ezekiel 36:26- 27 we are told: “A new heart will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them…” Although this verse of scripture is actually referring to the people of Israel, Bible scholars agree that this verse also has its prophetic impact upon the New Testament Church. The Gentiles who were to be grafted in, or adopted, are now made partakers of the promises given to Israel. But let us also consider this scripture from Joel 2:28- 29: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon 4  the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” Now, if we are very honest with ourselves, we find that God promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Can we not take that verse of scripture exactly in context and say to ourselves that “all” really does mean “all”? Indeed, should we not take that scripture exactly as it is written? Do we have to try to find a way to “explain” what the word “all” means? All scholars admit that the plan of salvation is for all men. We know that the promise given to Abraham concerned “all” the world (Gen.22:18), “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” We know that God intended to provide a means of salvation for the whole world (John 3:16), “…God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” And we know that the Lord, (2 Peter. 3:9) “… is not willing that any should perish…” These and many other scriptures show that God is interested in the redemption of all mankind. So, if he promised to pour out His Spirit on all flesh, why should we seek to limit that promise or receive it out of context? All means All! In the New Testament, we are told exactly when the promise that Joel recorded came to pass. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost, quoted Joel 2:28-32 to show that the 5 Holy Ghost was being poured out as God had said He would do (Acts 2:17-21). Acts 2:17-21 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. And then in verses 38 and 39, Peter extended and elaborated on that promise. He said, “Repent, and be baptized 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. 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.” Now does it really seem fair to say that this wonderful promise was for the 12 apostles on the Day of Pentecost and for Cornelius’ household only? Does it seem logical to restrict this promise only to “the people in the Bible”? Or is it more contextually logical to believe the scriptures and say it is for “all”, “even as many as the Lord our God shall call”? Which viewpoint is actually closer to what the scriptures says? 6 We learn from the context of Ephesians 2:17-18 that “afar off” refers to the Gentiles. But we also learn from Acts 2:39 that the “promise” is given to, “… ALL that are afar off…” In other words, the promise is given to all Gentiles, not just the household of ‘Cornelius as a representative of all Gentiles. “For the promise is to … all that are afar off…” See that? The promise given in Ezekiel is given to the house of Israel. The prophecy in Joel says “all flesh.” Peter says to “all”. In light of these scriptures we can believe that all flesh, or all people may receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Concerning the outpouring of God’s Spirit, we are told exactly when the prophecies of the Old Testament came to pass. It began on the Day of Pentecost and was to continue during the period of the “last days”. But let’s begin with an examination of the New Testament prophecies and promises that led up to the Day of Pentecost. John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11) told the crowds that came to hear him that, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier that I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” The question here is, ‘To whom did John make this promise?” There are many who would claim that this promise was just for the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. But who do the scriptures say John was talking to? In Matthew 3:5 the answer is given, “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan…” 7 A parallel passage, Luke 3:16, tells us even more explicitly who John was talking to, “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier that cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” So, we are told then that this promise was made to all that John addressed. In light of these clearly stated scriptures and teachings, how then can anyone deny the extent of the promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost? There were just too many people there for John to be addressing only twelve. Now, if this verse of scripture were to stand alone, it might be possible, though highly unlikely, that one could be convinced that the promise was only to twelve men. But, let’s see what Jesus had to say about the Holy Ghost in other scriptures. Jesus tells us five main things about the Holy Spirit: first, in Luke 11:13, He tells us that we must ask for the Holy Spirit: “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?” Secondly, in John 3:3,5, He tells us the importance of Holy Spirit baptism: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” This is an important passage and one that has an interesting footnote that can be attached to it. The word translated “again” in the Greek is “anothen” which is 8 better translated as “from above” adding more credibility to the language. (See Strong’s Concordance Greek word 509 anothen) So that verse could read, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Whether the verse is translated “again” or “from above” does not alter the teachings of the Lord and the witness of the complete Bible, but almost any concordance or Greek dictionary will show this meaning and give an added perspective to exactly what the Lord is saying to Nicodemus. When Nicodemus asks how can a man be born again, the Lord goes on to say in verse 5, “Verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” This is one of the most misunderstood and misquoted scriptures in the modern Church world today. There are some who claim that the “water” here refers to the Word of God and “the Spirit” refers to Spirit baptism. There are others who believe that “water” refers to the natural birth of a man while “Spirit” refers to Spirit baptism. Then there are others who believe that “water” refers to water baptism while “Spirit” refers to the Word of God. (Confusing, isn’t it?) However, a brief look at the Scriptures will show that these interpretations are not correct. Those who believe that “water” refers to the Word of God generally cite 1 Peter 1:23 as proof of this interpretation, which says, 9  “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” And James 1:18, which says, “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.” However, these two verses do not dispel the necessity of water in the New Birth, these verses provide additional information toward this doctrine. When two verses discuss a similar topic, we are not to let one verse cancel out another verse; instead, we are to harmonize the two verses. For example, Acts 2:38 tells us that baptism is for the remission of sins. Romans 6:4 tells us that baptism is a burial symbolic of the Lord’s death. Shall we then conclude that baptism is not for remission of sins? No, we understand that both are correct. Since we know that “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God, “then we can understand that hearing the Gospel is essential to the New Birth. In fact, Ephesians 1:13 tells us, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise…” Here, Paul gives us these steps: Hear the Word…trust…believe…Receive the Holy Ghost. Now, does that mean that Acts 2:38 and Romans 6:1-4 should be ignored? No, they must be harmonized in proper order. The people who believe that “water” in John 3:5 refers to the natural birth need simply to call any doctor and 10 inquire about the natural birth process. The “water" of the natural birth is not actually water. It is an amniotic fluid consisting of a salt and saline solution. That alone should answer that objection. However, as further evidence, let us look closely at the words of Jesus in these passages (John 3:3, 5), “Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto the, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.” Notice Jesus said a man must be born of water and Spirit. Obviously, the Lord did not mean that a man must first be born and then when older be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom because if a person was not born to begin with, he would not be seeking the kingdom…would he? Also, Jesus said a man must be born again with these two elements, water and Spirit. Just as the natural birth requires “water”, blood and air as well as the fleshly body of the baby, so does the New Birth require the man (person) to be born of water, air (Spirit) and blood (1 John 5:8), “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.” These, then, are the elements of the New Birth. Thirdly, there are those who try to deny the necessity of the Holy Spirit in the New Birth and try to say that “water” is water but “Spirit” is the Word of God. But the Bible says that the “sword of the Spirit” is the word of 11 God (Ephesians 6:17). So, these people would have you born of water and the sword of the Spirit, not born of water and the Spirit. They are actually saying that one receives the word of God not the Holy Spirit. They must then believe in the Father, Son and the Word, rather than the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But we know that the true believers are the temples of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells within them (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19). Therefore, we can reject that un-Biblical doctrine. Also, if the Lord had indeed meant “water” to mean water and “Spirit” to mean Spirit in this passage, what would He have had to say to express His thoughts? How else could he have said “water and Spirit” and meant “water and Spirit” so that these Bible critics would have understood them? In answer to Nicodemus, a very sincere, inquiring man the Lord gave a very direct answer. It was an answer that could be understood and was not veiled in symbolism and typology. Peter, on the Day of Pentecost gave a similar answer when the question was asked, (Acts 2:37-38) “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized 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…” Isn’t it more logical to take the whole scripture in context rather than try to split the meaning of the verse right in the middle? The Lord told Nicodemus that a man must be born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:5), 12  “John 3:5 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Jesus told the Jews in the Temple (John 7:37), “If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spoke 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.” There are some people who would contend that this is not referring to the baptism of the Holy Ghost that would occur on the Day of Pentecost, but this must be a reference to that forthcoming event. We know that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb (Luke 1”15); Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:41); Zecharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied (Luke 1:67) as well as many other Old Testament and New Testament saints. And yet, this verse says that the Holy Ghost was not yet given, “because Jesus was not yet glorified.” Therefore, it must be a reference to an event that had not yet happened, and was to happen after His death; the outpouring of God’s Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. And fourth, this same verse of scripture tells us that believers should receive the Holy Ghost. Notice again, that in this scripture, the Lord is not talking to the apostles, but extends the promise of the Holy Spirit to all believers. 13 This is also one of the strongest scriptural proofs that Holy Spirit baptism is for all believers. Look again at John 7:38 that begins “He that believeth…” and compare that verse to these next verses which use the same phrase: x Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved... x John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned… x John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. x John 6:35 He that believeth…shall never thirst… x John 11:25 He that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. x 1Peter 2:6 He that believeth on him shall not be confounded... x 1 John 5:5 He that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God... John 6:40 proves these other verses mean all people. “And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Notice the two words “everyone” and “believeth” in this verse. Beyond a shadow of any doubt the Word of God says that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is for all who believe. All seven of the above scriptures are almost universally accepted by Bible scholars and preachers 14 to include any and all people who will believe on Jesus Christ, as the \scriptures (the Bible) hath said. And yet, despite the fact that the exact wording is used in John 7:38, scholars and preachers will deny the application for the modern Church today. This lack of consistency is a major problem in the Church today. Look up the phrase “he that believeth” in a concordance, or the phrase “he that…” for many other examples of the universal application of this scripture. This proves that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was intended for all believers. Those who refuse to accept the truth, or refuse to believe the truth, can only do one thing to cover their unbelief, and that is preach against it. Let us, however, stand firm on the Word of God and believe the promises that He gave to His people. Jesus also gave this same promise to another. Read John 4:14. The Lord told the woman at the well, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give shall be a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Notice again, the Lord was not talking to the apostles. The promise is to whosoever. Surely verses of scripture as clearly stated as these require no interpretation or editing to be explained and understood. These verses speak for themselves. Surely, the simplicity of the Bible message can be seen throughout verses such as these. The message is not mysteriously hidden. And yet, there are those who are still skeptical, still unbelievers and still lost. Once again, doesn’t the clearly stated, unabridged, unedited Word of God tell us that there are promises 15 given to “He that believeth”? This is one of those promises. Why then should there be such a controversy over this today? Because just like the Pharisees of old, there are preachers that prefer the traditions and praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:43). Many times, the argument is given that we no longer need the baptism of the Holy Ghost because we have the written testimony of the writers of the New Testament to confirm the Word. One of the main scriptures used to support that argument comes from John 20:31, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” However, is this then the only provision for salvation? Absolutely not. We must still hear preaching (1Cor. 1:21); we must have faith (Hebrews 11:6); we must believe and be baptized in water (Mk. 16:16); we must repent and confess (Acts 2:38); we must attend Church (Heb. 10:25); in fact, there are many other things that are required of us. But, look again at the verses. John wrote these things that we might believe that Jesus is the Son of God. But Jesus tells us that (John 7:37) “If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (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.” 16 This refutes any claims about not needing the baptism of the Holy Ghost anymore because we now have the written word. John said that he wrote his Gospel so that people reading it could believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus said that those who believe, as the scriptures say, should receive the Holy Ghost. And fifthly, the Lord said that it is as the Holy Spirit that He will abide with us forever. John 14:16-21, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever; 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. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” These verses tell us that Jesus will manifest Himself to his people, and that they will be in Him (1 Corinthians 12:13) “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” AND He in them. (Col. 1:27). “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the 17  Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” That is why Paul wrote (Romans 8:9), “Now ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. But if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” Going one step further: Not only do we have the clearly stated Word of God that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is available to all (Joel 2:28; Eze.36:27) and can be received by any that believe (John 7:38 and Galatians 3:14), we also have the examples of the Churches mentioned in the New Testament to lead us. If you search the scriptures, you discover these Churches had received the baptism of the Holy Ghost: x Acts 2:38, 41 The Jerusalem Church: This was the beginning of the Last Days x Romans 8:9 The Roman Church: Without the Spirit of Christ…none of His. x 1 Cor 12:13 The Corinthian Church: By one Spirit baptized into the body. x 1 Cor 6:19 They were the Temples of the Holy Ghost. x Gal.3:2,14 The Galatian Church: received the Holy Ghost by faith. x Eph. 4:30 The Ephesian Church: Grieve not the Holy spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 18  x 1 Thes. 5:19 Thessalonian Church: Quench not the Spirit and despise not prophesying. x James 2:26 The Universal Church: The body without Spirit is dead With the clear evidence that these New Testament Churches were Holy Spirit filled Churches, how can anybody claim that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is not for us today? If it took the baptism of the Holy Ghost to start the New Testament Church, doesn’t it seem logical that it would take the baptism of the Holy Ghost to add to the New Testament Church? Oh, there are some who would try to tell us that the early Church needed the Holy Ghost baptism because the Bible had not yet been written, but the modern Church no longer needs the Holy Ghost baptism because we have the completed Bible. While this may sound logical to some, it contradicts too many other scriptures. The Lord told his apostles (Matt. 28:20), “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” And we are told in Acts 1:4, “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. For John baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” And so we see that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was both a promise and a command. 19 To believe that a watered down, slightly changed message can be preached today would also contradict what the Apostle Paul told his congregations. Paul told the Galatians (1:8-9), “…Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any may preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.’ Now, the question is, did Paul preach that the Galatians should receive the Holy Spirit? He must have: Galatians 3:2-3 “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” Paul told the Corinthian Church, (1 Cor. 12:13) “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” There are some that would try to tell us that the Spirit is the agent, or the administrator, and the body is what we are baptized into, but that is not what this verse means. There is no other supporting verse of scripture, not Old Testament prophecy or New Testament explanation that tells us that the Holy Spirit will baptize us. We have verses of scripture that talk about being baptized in the Holy Spirit, or with the Holy Spirit, but not one that says that the Holy Spirit is the one doing the baptizing. We are told in the Bible that Jesus will 20 baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33; Matthew 3:11) and we are told that God gives the Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 11:17) but no scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is the administrator of any kind of baptism. One must be aware of and beware of this kind of arguing. It is possible to prove almost any doctrine if one takes liberties by adding words to the scriptures or interpreting them independently of any supporting scriptures. In a parallel passage (Galatians 3:27-28) Paul says again, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Notice how Paul begins his sermon in chapter 3. In vs. 2 he asks, “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” And, although Paul began the letter by saying that if anyone, even an angel from Heaven preach any other ‘Gospel than that which he preached and they received, let him be accursed. And yet, there are people today that preach that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is either no longer available or is not essential to salvation. However, it is important to understand that the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31 and Heb. 8:6) is binding until the return of the Lord; the New (Testament) Covenant is as equally binding on the people today as it was in the first century, and it contains all of the same provisions. In fact, Jude tells us, vs.3, 21  “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” The phrase “once delivered” in the Greek refers to once, and for all time.” Jude thought that this Gospel was permanent. The writer of the Hebrews letter felt the New Covenant was to be a permanent covenant (Hebrews 13:20), “Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…” The messages preached, written and delivered by the Lord and His apostles in the first century was once and for all time delivered to the saints. That message is not subject to change. The words and examples of the Lord and the apostles and of the churches should be sufficient to convince an open hearted, honest Bible student of this. The argument that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was essential until the full revelation of God was given has no support in scripture either. Paul told Timothy that (2 Tim. 3:17), “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 22 James wrote (1:25), “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty…” The word “perfect” in both of these scriptures comes from the Greek word that means “complete” and not “without error” as some interpret it. Notice that these verses of scripture tell us that man was thoroughly furnished unto all good works and that the scriptures were “complete” even before all of the books were written and canonized. This shows the absurdity of the doctrine that says, “We no longer need Holy Ghost baptism because we now have the Bible.” The early Church had enough of the Bible to be saved, be furnished to all good works and get to Heaven. What more did they need? They needed the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We have seen that the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the New Testament Churches received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and the Lord Himself provides another example as we examine the beginning of His ministry. In Matthew 3:13-17 and Luke 3:21-22 we are given these accounts of Jesus’ baptism: “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him… And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water; and , lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy 23  Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him…” The first thing that Jesus did when he began His ministry was to pray, be baptized and be anointed by the Holy Spirit. One reason for the anointing was that it was to be a sign to John the Baptist (John 1:33). Another was to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1 which he repeated in the temple (Luke 4:18), ”The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” But, in this, as in all things, the Lord set the example to his followers that He wanted them to follow. Consider the prayer of the Lord in his final hours (John 17:18), “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” It is significant to note that even though the apostles had been with Jesus for over three years, He instructed them to tarry and to wait for the Holy Ghost before they were to go out to preach. And, although there are some deeper considerations and implications of this account of Jesus being baptized in water and being anointed with the Holy Spirit, that would be outside the scope of this work. Compare this account with the instructions given by the Lord to Nicodemus (John 3:5-7), 24  “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God…” With the instructions given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. It is important to understand that Peter has just finished the first sermon preached after the resurrection of the Lord, and Peter, who had the keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19) was now telling the condition and the promise that was offered under the New Covenant. When the crowd cried out… (Acts 2:37-38) “Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized 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.” With the words Paul told Titus, (Titus 3:5) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Notice the two elements mentioned in all of the verses: water and the Spirit. These two “elements” must be present in the born again experience that the Lord said was necessary to enter the kingdom of God. Without these two elements, a man could not enter the kingdom of God. The Lord began his ministry with these two elements; He told Nicodemus that these two elements were needed for salvation; Peter said that these two elements were necessary for salvation; Paul said that these two elements were necessary for salvation. The testimony of the Lord and apostles all agree; There 25 must be water and Spirit. Why then would modern day preachers argue this point? Also, we are further told in 1 John 5:8-9, “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, the water and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.” Notice that we need to receive the witness that God gives. It is by the death (blood), burial (water baptism) and the Resurrection (Spirit) that we become Christians, and have the promise of eternal life. Also, please note that these agree in one. It is the blood, water and Spirit that compose the New Birth of the born again experience that is essential to enter the Kingdom of God. We are told in Acts 5:32, “And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.” Try to grasp what Peter is saying in this verse. The apostles and disciples were witnesses of Jesus Christ; witnesses of His death, burial and resurrection, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey Him. It is by receiving the Holy Spirit that we too become His witnesses. Read 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.” 26 Also, let us look at the last instructions the Lord gave His disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20, the Lord said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and , lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Who is the “them” that is referred to? All nations. What were they to teach? They were to teach all nations to observe all things that Christ had commanded them. Did the Lord command the disciples to tarry until they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost? Yes, He did. Were the apostles and disciples to teach the world to observe the same things? Yes. We then should follow the Apostolic teaching and example in this, as in all other things. Also, this commission is given to preach to “all nations” and they would “…receive power” to do so. Was this commission limited to just the people and nations of the apostles’ day and time, or was that a commission given to the New Testament Church? If this was a commission given to the New Testament Church then we still have the promise of receiving power to be His witnesses. If the commission was just for the people of the apostles’ day, then salvation is obviously not offered to us today. A final argument that is often presented by critics and opponents of this doctrine is that the Holy Ghost is not essential for salvation because the disciples were already saved when they received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost. And that is true. 27 But remember, a will goes into effect after the death of a testator according to Hebrews 9:17, “For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.” Jesus had the power to forgive sins while He walked on the earth to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), but in the will (New Testament) that went into effect after His death, we are told to receive the Holy Spirit and warned of the consequences if we have not the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9). How then shall we conclude? We conclude that the promise is explicit and not subject to doubt or controversy. We conclude then that the baptism of the Holy Ghost… 1. Was promised to all: Eze. 36:27; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:38-39 2. Can be sought: Luke 11:13 3. Should be received by believers: John 7:37 4. Must have to enter Kingdom of God: John 3:5 This should be clearly understood by all serious and open-minded students of the Bible and seekers of God’s will. These clearly stated scriptures should take precedence over man’s feeble attempt to justify or explain their own doctrine that negates God’s Word. It is a puzzle that there are those who are willing to take the “doctrine of men” over clearly stated scriptures. It is 28 amazing that men would rather explain away scripture that attempt to correct their own misunderstanding. As for me, I stand with Paul, and ask, “Have ye received the Holy Ghost, since ye believed?” Scripture References - The Promise of the Holy Ghost Eze. 36:26-27 God will put His Spirit you. Joel 2:28-29 God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. Matt. 3:11 Jesus will baptize with Holy Ghost Luke 11:13 Father will give Spirit to them that ask John 3:3-8 Jesus said man must be born of water and Spirit John 7:37-39 Jesus said believe on Him and should receive the Holy Spirit. John 14:16-21 Jesus would not leave us comfortless; He will come to us Acts 1:8 Will receive power to witness. Acts 2:38-39 Repent…be baptized…receive the Holy Spirit; promise is to all. Acts 5:32 Holy Spirit given to them that obey God. 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19 You are the temple of the Holy Spirit Gal. 3:14 Holy Spirit received by faith. Titus 3:5 Saved by water and Spirit 29 1 John 5:8-9 Men should receive testimony of God Romans 8: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” 30