The Reception of the Holy Spirit

[Robert Pate]

Not everyone that professes to be a Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. This can only mean one thing; they are a counterfeits.

The Holy Spirit is God's mark of ownership. It is only granted to those that have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ as their only means of salvation.

Paul wrote to the Galatians that were trying to be justified by the works of the law. "This only would I learn of you; did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law (Because you did something) or by the hearing of faith? (Hearing and believing the Gospel) Galatians 3:2.

How various religions believe that they have received the Holy Spirit.

Catholicism: By the works of the law.

Calvinism: By the works of the law.

Christianity: By the hearing of faith.

Judaism: By the works of the law.

If it isn't by hearing and believing the Gospel, it is by the works of the law. Unfortunately, the Holy Spirit is only given to those that hear and believe the Gospel, according to Paul.

On the day of Pentecost 8,000 Jews heard and believed Peter's Gospel and were saved, Acts 2:41 also Acts 4:4. They all received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was this miraculous event that gave birth to the New Testament church, Acts 2:45-47. After Pentecost the apostles went everywhere preaching Christ and his Gospel.

 

[for_his_glory]

People need to learn the difference between John's baptism that was only for repentance preparing the way of the Lord and the Baptism of Christ for the Spiritual rebirth an receiving of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Vinny37]

Though Judaism, like Islam, is a different religion, and falls below the top-level of revelation, I would define Catholicism and Calvinism, as emphases within the same religion, Christianity: all denominations have warts (1 Cor.1:12). There is plenty of welcoming-faith within both emphases, though both contain some Churchians who are not Christians. From Jhn.1:12, I’d equate theistic believing with welcome: all who welcome God’s son as Jesus, are welcomed into his family, receiving the spirit. On the day of Pentecost, c.3,000 ethnic Jews heard and welcomed messiah.

I’d argue that they received the spirit in a conversionary way (spirit conversion), and also received the spirit is a pentecostal way (spirit baptism), and that both ways are still available. I would argue that the church began with Mary, the first believer in Jesus as messiah/‌resurrected, but that the church went public at Pentecost—not its birthday but its flotation, so to speak. After Pentecost, apostles and other Christians preached the gospel, starting in Jerusalem, some perhaps being a little too clingy to their huddle (Ac.8:1).

 

[Mungo]

Not everyone that professes to be a Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. This can only mean one thing; they are a counterfeits.

The Holy Spirit is God's mark of ownership. It is only granted to those that have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ as their only means of salvation.

Paul wrote to the Galatians that were trying to be justified by the works of the law. "This only would I learn of you; did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law (Because you did something) or by the hearing of faith? (Hearing and believing the Gospel) Galatians 3:2.

How various religions believe that they have received the Holy Spirit.

Catholicism: By the works of the law.

Calvinism: By the works of the law.

Christianity: By the hearing of faith.

Judaism: By the works of the law.

If it isn't by hearing and believing the Gospel, it is by the works of the law. Unfortunately, the Holy Spirit is only given to those that hear and believe the Gospel, according to Paul.

On the day of Pentecost 8,000 Jews heard and believed Peter's Gospel and were saved, Acts 2:41 also Acts 4:4. They all received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was this miraculous event that gave birth to the New Testament church, Acts 2:45-47. After Pentecost the apostles went everywhere preaching Christ and his Gospel.

Catholicism does NOT teach that we receive the Holy Spirit by works of the law.

'Works of the law' are what you do, but what you do is not necessarily 'works of the law'.

On the day of Pentecost 8,000 Jews were saved because the believed and were baptised (in water) just as Jesus promised. He who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mk 16:16).
Believe Jesus!

 

[Robert Pate]

Though Judaism, like Islam, is a different religion, and falls below the top-level of revelation, I would define Catholicism and Calvinism, as emphases within the same religion, Christianity: all denominations have warts (1 Cor.1:12). There is plenty of welcoming-faith within both emphases, though both contain some Churchians who are not Christians. From Jhn.1:12, I’d equate theistic believing with welcome: all who welcome God’s son as Jesus, are welcomed into his family, receiving the spirit. On the day of Pentecost, c.3,000 ethnic Jews heard and welcomed messiah.

I’d argue that they received the spirit in a conversionary way (spirit conversion), and also received the spirit is a pentecostal way (spirit baptism), and that both ways are still available. I would argue that the church began with Mary, the first believer in Jesus as messiah/‌resurrected, but that the church went public at Pentecost—not its birthday but its flotation, so to speak. After Pentecost, apostles and other Christians preached the gospel, starting in Jerusalem, some perhaps being a little too clingy to their huddle (Ac.8:1).

Actually, it was 8,000 that were converted to Christ on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4.

Just because someone believes in Jesus does not mean that they are Christians. Satan also believes that Jesus is the Christ and trembles with fear. A Christian is someone that believes Jesus has dealt with their sins and that because of his work they have been justified. Evidence of their faith is that they don't need laws, rules or religion. The lost are trying to justify themselves by works, laws and religion.

 

[Robert Pate]

People need to learn the difference between John's baptism that was only for repentance preparing the way of the Lord and the Baptism of Christ for the Spiritual rebirth an receiving of the Holy Spirit.

Water Baptism is nothing more than a person's public profession of faith in Christ.

Spiritual baptism is the results of believing the Gospel, Galatians 3:2. When one believes the Gospel and trusts in Christ for their salvation they are born again by the Holy Spirit, 1 Peter 1:23.

 

[Mungo]

Actually, it was 8,000 that were converted to Christ on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4.

I don't consider Catholics or Calvinist to be Christians. What they believe is not compatible with the Gospel and justification by faith. Just because someone believes in Jesus does not mean that they are Christians. Satan also believes that Jesus is the Christ and trembles with fear. A Christian is someone that believes Jesus has dealt with their sins and that because of his work they have been justified. Evidence of their faith is that they don't need laws, rules or religion. The lost are trying to justify themselves by works, laws and religion.

How dare you suggest I'm not a christian.
Catholics are just as much christians as you - but more charitable.
Your insult has been reported.

 

[Mungo]

Water Baptism is nothing more than a person's public profession of faith in Christ.

That is not what Jesus said
He who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mk 16:16).
Believe Jesus!

Peter said baptism [in water] save us now (1Pet3:21)

Nowhere does scripture say that baptism is nothing more than a person's public profession of faith in Christ.

 

[Mungo]

If you believed in Jesus, then you would not need Catholicism. Catholics believe that they are saved by what they do. A work of the law. Paul said, "By the deeds of the law (what you do) no flesh will be justified in his sight" Romans 3:20. Baptism does not save, because it is a work of the law. Baptism is nothing more than a public profession of one's faith in Christ.

Baptism is not a work of the law.
Paul regards works of the law (meaning OT law) is trying to earn salvation (Rom 4:4)
Salvation is a free gift of God.

 

[Robert Pate]

Baptism is not a work of the law.
Paul regards works of the law (meaning OT law) is trying to earn salvation (Rom 4:4)
Salvation is a free gift of God.

A work of the law is any religious thing that one does. This is why salvation is by faith alone.

 

[Mungo]

If you were a Christian, you would embrace Christ and his Gospel as your only means of salvation. Instead, you have embraced the great whore church spoken of in Revelation 17:1.

This is just trolling and and flaming. It has been reported as such.

 

[Mungo]

A work of the law is any religious thing that one does. This is why salvation is by faith alone.

That is your personal definition. It's not a biblical one.

 

[for_his_glory]

How various religions believe that they have received the Holy Spirit.

Catholicism: By the works of the law.

Calvinism: By the works of the law.

Christianity: By the hearing of faith.

Judaism: By the works of the law.

Please show us the resource proof for these four accusations within the doctrine of each of these you have posted.

 

[for_his_glory]

Water Baptism is nothing more than a person's public profession of faith in Christ.

Spiritual baptism is the results of believing the Gospel, Galatians 3:2. When one believes the Gospel and trusts in Christ for their salvation they are born again by the Holy Spirit, 1 Peter 1:23.

Like I said, people need to learn the difference between John's baptism for repentance and the Baptism of Christ for the Spiritual rebirth and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

 

[for_his_glory]

That is not what Jesus said
He who believes and is baptized will be saved (Mk 16:16).
Believe Jesus!

Peter said baptism [in water] save us now (1Pet3:21)

Nowhere does scripture say that baptism is nothing more than a person's public profession of faith in Christ.

Lev 16:23 And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there:
Lev 16:24 And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people.

The Mikveh (meaning a collection of water) in the OT was a bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion. Several biblical regulations specify that full immersion in water is required to regain ritual purity after ritually impure incidents have occured. In Priestly law, the ultimate purpose of ritual purification was to protect God's sanctuary, the tabernacle, from contamination, Leviticus chapter 15.

The Mikveh, being a shadow of John's baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, (IE. Baptism of Christ) was for purification, not for remission of sin, like that of what Esaias prophecied saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight, Isaiah 40:3. In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins, Matthew 3:1-6. John said, I indeed baptize 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 baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire, Matthew 3:11.


Ephesians 2:8 Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus and not by works, which would make water baptism a work towards repentance. John said I must decrease and Jesus increase. John's water baptism was only for repentance as being prepared for the coming of the Lord as the water represented the washing away of sin, or as John put it "prepare ye the way of the Lord". It is not clear in scripture that Jesus ever baptized anyone in water even though He first came to John's water baptism as a fulfillment of prophecy as He had to identify with humanity even though He had no sin. This was the beginning of Christ ministry as the Holy Spirit fell down on Him that day as God gave Him full power and authority here on earth and there after Jesus went about teaching what God gave Him to speak and do. It was not Jesus who the Pharisees heard that He baptized more than John did, John 4:1-3, but His disciples baptizing others in water for remission of sin after the death of John the Baptist as all together they would have baptized others in water for the remission of sin then John could at one time. Jesus could not baptize anyone in the Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost after He ascended up to the Father and the Father sent down the indwelling Holy Spirit, Acts 2.

John 3:5 never mentions the word baptize, but says only by being born of water and spirit, which means water as living water, word of God, that no one can enter into the kingdom of God unless they are Spiritually renewed (born again) by the hearing of the word, which is Christ Jesus and by the Holy Spirit that came on them in the OT and indwells us in the NT. Many do read into the passage a preconceived idea or theology, but baptism is never mentioned in this verse. God's word is living water as described in John 4:4-26; 7:37-39; 12:44-50; Ephesians 5:26; 1 John 5:5-8; Jeremiah 17:13; Zechariah 14:8, 9; Rev 21:6-8; Ezekiel 47:22.

If salvation came by actual immersion in water Jesus clearly could have simply stated, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is baptized by being immersed in water and born of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Further, if Jesus had made such a statement, He would have contradicted numerous other Bible passages that make it clear that salvation is by faith (John 3:16; John 3:36; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5).

There is the case of the thief on the cross who repented, the women who was to be stoned for adultery, the women at the well, death bed confessions and even those who are incapacitated that can not be immersed in water. Does this mean they are not saved or born again, no. It means that no dirty river water is going to save anyone, but that it is only a symbol of repentance like that of John the baptist who called those to repent first. There is nothing wrong with being dunked in water, but know that it is only an outward appearance to others of what has already taken place Spiritually within you when you repented, accepted Jesus and was indwelled with the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is not mentioned in John chapter three so why do so many believe we are to be dunked in dirty river water as the water can not bring about Gods salvation, but only by faith do we believe as it comes by Gods grace, Ephesians 2:1-10, as we hear the gospel (word/living water) preached to us.

This is what the Jerusalem Bible says:
John 3:3 "I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born from above, he can not see the kingdom of God."
John 3:5-7 "I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he can not enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh,(sin nature) what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised when I say you must be born from above.

One needs to hear the word of God, as word being living water, in order to know they have to be born again of the Spirit in order to see and enter the kingdom of God.

John's baptism was literal, but yet symbolic for cleansing after one repented of their sin. Notice in Mark 1:8 I have baptized you with (actual) water, but he (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. (Not water, but baptize you with the Holy Spirit after you have repented and made clean again through the washing of the word as you become a new creation in Christ.

Jesus never baptized anyone in literal water that we know of and also instructed the Disciples to wait upon the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Acts chapter 1, and then commissioned them to go out preaching the Gospel (word/living water) and to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:16-20.

Being born from above means being born from the heavenly word of God, not dirty river water. When Jesus was baptized by John it was for the fulfillment of Messiah come as the Holy Spirit fell down on Him. Jesus had no need of being baptized in water for repentance or the remission of sin, but had to associate with humanity in order to fulfill prophecy.

 

[Tenchi]

Not everyone that professes to be a Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. This can only mean one thing; they are a counterfeits.

Do you know how to discern if the Spirit is in you (let alone the next person)? The Bible outlines several clear indicators of the Spirit dwelling within a person, baptizing them into Jesus Christ and giving them new, spiritual life in him.

1.) The Spirit convicts the born-again person (and the world) of righteousness, judgment and sin (John 16:8; Revelation 2&3).
2.) The Spirit strengthens the born-again person in times of temptation and trial (Ephesians 3:16; Romans 8:13; Philippians 2:13; Acts 1:8).
3.) The Spirit illuminates the mind of the child of God to divine truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; John 16:13; 14:26).
4.) The Spirit comforts the person in whom he dwells (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
5.) The Spirit transforms the born-again person, producing the fruit of his nature in them, making them increasingly holy in their desires, thinking and conduct (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 2:13; Romans 15:13; 2 Timothy 1:7).

As the Holy Spirit acts upon the born-again person, they obtain the "witness of the Spirit with their spirit" that they are, indeed, genuinely a redeemed child of God (Romans 8:16). This is not just a feeling, an "inner impression" that one is saved, but the clear evidence of the Spirit's presence within through the things listed above (and others unmentioned).

Many counterfeit the Spirit's work, confusing a mere guilty conscience, for example, with the Spirit's conviction. Or they call fleshly self-effort in keeping God's commands, holiness. Or they say that mere accumulation of information about the Christian faith is the illuminating work of the Spirit. Or they hold that the comfort of the Spirit is a feeling, an emotional "warm fuzzy," not the unshakeable peace and rest born of a mind and heart controlled and directed by the Spirit into a deeply settled confidence in God. And so on.

The work of the Spirit, however, is unmistakable, impossible to truly counterfeit - especially for those who know what to look for - and provides certain proof that he has made of the born-again believer a temple, his dwelling place forevermore. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Hebrews 13:5)

 

[for_his_glory]

Do you know how to discern if the Spirit is in you (let alone the next person)? The Bible outlines several clear indicators of the Spirit dwelling within a person, baptizing them into Jesus Christ and giving them new, spiritual life in him.

1.) The Spirit convicts the born-again person (and the world) of righteousness, judgment and sin (John 16:8; Revelation 2&3).
2.) The Spirit strengthens the born-again person in times of temptation and trial (Ephesians 3:16; Romans 8:13; Philippians 2:13; Acts 1:8).
3.) The Spirit illuminates the mind of the child of God to divine truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; John 16:13; 14:26).
4.) The Spirit comforts the person in whom he dwells (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
5.) The Spirit transforms the born-again person, producing the fruit of his nature in them, making them increasingly holy in their desires, thinking and conduct (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 2:13; Romans 15:13; 2 Timothy 1:7).

As the Holy Spirit acts upon the born-again person, they obtain the "witness of the Spirit with their spirit" that they are, indeed, genuinely a redeemed child of God (Romans 8:16). This is not just a feeling, an "inner impression" that one is saved, but the clear evidence of the Spirit's presence within through the things listed above (and others unmentioned).

Many counterfeit the Spirit's work, confusing a mere guilty conscience, for example, with the Spirit's conviction. Or they call fleshly self-effort in keeping God's commands, holiness. Or they say that mere accumulation of information about the Christian faith is the illuminating work of the Spirit. Or they hold that the comfort of the Spirit is a feeling, an emotional "warm fuzzy," not the unshakeable peace and rest born of a mind and heart controlled and directed by the Spirit into a deeply settled confidence in God. And so on.

The work of the Spirit, however, is unmistakable, impossible to truly counterfeit - especially for those who know what to look for - and provides certain proof that he has made of the born-again believer a temple, his dwelling place forevermore. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Hebrews 13:5)

Great post thank you for sharing this.

 

[GodsGrace]

Not everyone that professes to be a Christian is indwelt with the Holy Spirit. This can only mean one thing; they are a counterfeits.

The Holy Spirit is God's mark of ownership. It is only granted to those that have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ as their only means of salvation.

Paul wrote to the Galatians that were trying to be justified by the works of the law. "This only would I learn of you; did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law (Because you did something) or by the hearing of faith? (Hearing and believing the Gospel) Galatians 3:2.

How various religions believe that they have received the Holy Spirit.

Catholicism: By the works of the law.

Calvinism: By the works of the law.

Christianity: By the hearing of faith.

Judaism: By the works of the law.

If it isn't by hearing and believing the Gospel, it is by the works of the law. Unfortunately, the Holy Spirit is only given to those that hear and believe the Gospel, according to Paul.

On the day of Pentecost 8,000 Jews heard and believed Peter's Gospel and were saved, Acts 2:41 also Acts 4:4. They all received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was this miraculous event that gave birth to the New Testament church, Acts 2:45-47. After Pentecost the apostles went everywhere preaching Christ and his Gospel.

Hi RP
Catholics believe they have received the Holy Spirit through baptism. If they've been baptized as infants, they must accept their baptism and live by faith in God as adults.

Calvinists believe they've received the Holy Spirit by their continuing to believe and by their acts of charity, or good works.

Christians by their actual faith.
The Assy of God by speaking in tongues.

Jews,,,I don't know. Probably living a good life and following some rules.

 

[GodsGrace]

Do you know how to discern if the Spirit is in you (let alone the next person)? The Bible outlines several clear indicators of the Spirit dwelling within a person, baptizing them into Jesus Christ and giving them new, spiritual life in him.

1.) The Spirit convicts the born-again person (and the world) of righteousness, judgment and sin (John 16:8; Revelation 2&3).
2.) The Spirit strengthens the born-again person in times of temptation and trial (Ephesians 3:16; Romans 8:13; Philippians 2:13; Acts 1:8).
3.) The Spirit illuminates the mind of the child of God to divine truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-16; John 16:13; 14:26).
4.) The Spirit comforts the person in whom he dwells (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
5.) The Spirit transforms the born-again person, producing the fruit of his nature in them, making them increasingly holy in their desires, thinking and conduct (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; Philippians 2:13; Romans 15:13; 2 Timothy 1:7).

As the Holy Spirit acts upon the born-again person, they obtain the "witness of the Spirit with their spirit" that they are, indeed, genuinely a redeemed child of God (Romans 8:16). This is not just a feeling, an "inner impression" that one is saved, but the clear evidence of the Spirit's presence within through the things listed above (and others unmentioned).

Many counterfeit the Spirit's work, confusing a mere guilty conscience, for example, with the Spirit's conviction. Or they call fleshly self-effort in keeping God's commands, holiness. Or they say that mere accumulation of information about the Christian faith is the illuminating work of the Spirit. Or they hold that the comfort of the Spirit is a feeling, an emotional "warm fuzzy," not the unshakeable peace and rest born of a mind and heart controlled and directed by the Spirit into a deeply settled confidence in God. And so on.

The work of the Spirit, however, is unmistakable, impossible to truly counterfeit - especially for those who know what to look for - and provides certain proof that he has made of the born-again believer a temple, his dwelling place forevermore. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Hebrews 13:5)

Great post. :nod

The Holy Spirit does indeed have a specific work.

I'd say that a good sign of having received the Holy Spirit is a transformed life.

 

[Hopeful]

People need to learn the difference between John's baptism that was only for repentance preparing the way of the Lord and the Baptism of Christ for the Spiritual rebirth an receiving of the Holy Spirit.

By "baptism of Christ" do you mean the gift of the Holy Spirit, (baptism of the Holy Spirit), or the baptism of John done in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of past sins?
Or is it some other baptism?