What Do We Know About the Holy Spirit?

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

Let's talk about the matter of the Holy Spirit or should I say Separate (special) Breath from God that was promised by Jesus.

In the book of John, Jesus says the following to his 12:

‘Now, I’m going to ask the Father and He will give you another helper that will be with you through the age; the Spirit of Truth. The world won’t receive it, because they can’t see it or understand it… but you’ll recognize it, because it will stay with you and in you........‘I told you these things while I was with you, 26 but the Advocate, the Holy Breath that the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of everything that I told you. 27 So, I leave you peace… I give you my peace, and I’m not giving it to you the way the world offers it.‘Don’t allow your hearts to be disturbed [and cause you to] act cowardly, 28 because you heard me say that I’m going away and I will also return. If you loved me, you would cry out in joy that I’m going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. 29 ‘Now, I’ve told you all of this before it happens, so that when it does happen, you can believe.

This text marks the initial promise of the HS given by Jesus to those He would leave in the world after his resurrection. The fulfillment of what Jesus promised above came at Pentecost, most would agree. Notice in Acts 2 who received the Holy Breath at Pentecost, it was Jesus' disciples, not everyone.
Now just to be clear. God can give this SPECIAL BREATH (Holy Spirit) to anyone He choses at anytime He desires. I am not saying God doesn't or hasn't given it to anyone since the Bible times, but what I am saying is that the special gift of Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus to a select group in His discourse in the book of John and we should not look at this promise as if He were speaking to us. Notice how the 'who' Jesus was addressing is identified in chapter 15:26-16:4

26 ‘So, when the [One Who] Calls (that I’m going to send you from the Father) arrives (the Spirit of Truth that comes from the Father), that [one] will testify about me. 27 And you are also to testify, because you’ve been with me since the earliest [days].’
1 ‘Now, I’m telling you these things so you won’t be stumbled; 2 for they’re going to expel you from the synagogues… in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing a service to God… 3 but they’ll do these things because they didn’t know either the Father or me. 4 ‘I’ve told you these things, so that when their time comes, you’ll remember that I told them to you.

 

[Scotth1960]

Let's talk about the matter of the Holy Spirit or should I say Separate (special) Breath from God that was promised by Jesus.

In the book of John, Jesus says the following to his 12:



This text marks the initial promise of the HS given by Jesus to those He would leave in the world after his resurrection. The fulfillment of what Jesus promised above came at Pentecost, most would agree. Notice in Acts 2 who received the Holy Breath at Pentecost, it was Jesus' disciples, not everyone.
Now just to be clear. God can give this SPECIAL BREATH (Holy Spirit) to anyone He choses at anytime He desires. I am not saying God doesn't or hasn't given it to anyone since the Bible times, but what I am saying is that the special gift of Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus to a select group in His discourse in the book of John and we should not look at this promise as if He were speaking to us. Notice how the 'who' Jesus was addressing is identified in chapter 15:26-16:4

Dear "TRUTH over TRADITION", According to St. John 15:26, the Holy Spirit proceedeth from the Father. See: Saint Photios. (1987). The Mystagogy of the Holy Spirit. Joseph P. Farrell, trans. Brookline, MA: Holy Cross Orthodox Press.
In Erie PA Scott R. Harrington

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

After reading 2 Corinthians 5, I had to ask myself this question: How does one know they are "IN" Christ? Verse 5 seems to imply that those who are have been given a sample or deposit of God's Spirit which acts as a seal according to Ephesians 1:13-14 that was given in advance as a token of the inheritance which saints will receive, and which has been reserved for saints, for the glory of his praise. We see that the saints in the NT, especially in Corinthians who were sealed had powers that came along with the portion of God's Spirit that was given to them. Just an observation, but since I don't have those powers and abilities I am led to believe that i do not have the Spirit in me.
I used to believe that the HS was in me, but now, I actually do not think that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I wish I was, BUT no real evidence exists to say that I am, so for me to say that I was would be no more than wishful thinking. So, my fellow christians, share your stories with me as it pertains to this issue.

Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you?
If so, how do you know?

Is it more than a feeling cause if it's only a feeling then that really means nothing because feelings can come and go and are usually dictated by our hearts which according to Jeremiah are "deceitful above all things"?

Does being full of the Spirit mean that one should be able to do miraculous works? I think so, but you all tell me what you know or THINK you know.

 

[Alabaster]

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available for everyone who has received Jesus Christ.

Peter was speaking to a large crowd of people--Jews and Gentiles alike when he said:

Acts 2:38-39 NLT
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

I personally am persuaded that if a person was truly filled with the SPIRIT OF THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE there would be something remarkable, special, and observable about them that revealed this. The guys in the Bible that were full of the Spirit worked miracles, foretold the future, spoke in and understood languages they had never learned, and had an ora about themselves.

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available for everyone who has received Jesus Christ.

Peter was speaking yo a large crowd of people--Jews and Gentiles alike when he said:

Acts 2:38-39 NLT
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.â€

Other than Pentacost and for the household of Cornelius (1st recorded Gentile convert), the Spirit was only given by the laying on of the apostle's hands.

 

[Alabaster]

Other than Pentacost and for the household of Cornelius (1st recorded Gentile convert), the Spirit was only given by the laying on of the apostle's hands.

He is still imparted that way, by the laying on of hands. He also comes and floods a person's being by the simple asking of a fervent heart.

 

[Bob Carabbio]

"Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you?"

Yes. I'm a Christian, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life is what makes me one.

"If so, how do you know?"

By Faith, of course, but also experimentally through his nudgings, conviction of sin, guidance, and the progressive change in my Life that He works.

"Is it more than a feeling"

Answered above.

"Does being full of the Spirit mean that one should be able to do miraculous works?"

Being "Filled with the Spirit" indicates a state where the Holy Spirit is the one who's driving the motivation - whether it's ministry, councilling, Evangelization - whatever. Christians tend NOT to be "Filled with the Spirit 7/24/365" - but are always Indwelled by the Spirit. It's really the same in the Old Testament - where the Spirit would "COME UPON" a person to execute a powerful ministry - i.e. Judges 6:

34 But the spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

Or 1 Chr 12:

18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.

Or Acts 13:

9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10 And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

(a demonstration if the gifts of the "Word of Knowledge"/ "Discerning of Spirits")

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

He is still imparted that way, by the laying on of hands. He also comes and floods a person's being by the simple asking of a fervent heart.

What apostle lives today that can lay his hands on someone in order for that person to receive holy breath? And what scripture supports your claim that asking of a fervent heart guarantees one will receive the spirit?

 

[Strangelove]

Interesting thread. So what do we know about the Holy Spirit?

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?

1:13 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,

4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath
also given unto us his holy Spirit.

1) HS belongs to God. It's His.
2) If we ask Him we get HS. He will give HS to us.
3) We have to believe in Christ to get HS
4) HS seals us.

2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak
with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2:17 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:

2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in
those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

5) HS can facilitate miracles. For example to enable the Apostles in Acts to utter many unlearned foreign languages at the same time.

I think problems arise when some Christians start to be dogmatic with what the HS is expected to DO to them. Especially the issue of performing miracles and 'speaking in tongues'. Even more problems arise when there is confusion regarding what 'tongues' really means.

How do we know we have the HS? Is it that we suddenly have special powers? I dont think so. From the evidence available....we know we have received the Holy Spirit if we TRULY believe. Do we see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Repentance, peace, spiritual joy, comfort in Christ.

But then again some people can be sure they are saved and have the HS but only the book of the Lamb can really confirm it so....

.....dunno.

Doc.​

 

[francisdesales]

After reading 2 Corinthians 5, I had to ask myself this question: How does one know they are "IN" Christ? Verse 5 seems to imply that those who are have been given a sample or deposit of God's Spirit which acts as a seal according to Ephesians 1:13-14 that was given in advance as a token of the inheritance which saints will receive, and which has been reserved for saints, for the glory of his praise. We see that the saints in the NT, especially in Corinthians who were sealed had powers that came along with the portion of God's Spirit that was given to them. Just an observation, but since I don't have those powers and abilities I am led to believe that i do not have the Spirit in me.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians (and the Romans) about the gifts of the Spirit. Some of them are indeed "miraculous", but others are not - such as teaching and preaching. Discerning God's work and will. One shouldn't relegate the Work of the Holy Spirit to only the seemingly miraculous works. John wrote that we know we have the Spirit of Christ within us when we obey the commandments. Acts of the Apostles (ch 5, I believe) says the same thing. Obeying God is PROOF that the Holy Spirit abides in us.

I used to believe that the HS was in me, but now, I actually do not think that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I wish I was, BUT no real evidence exists to say that I am, so for me to say that I was would be no more than wishful thinking. So, my fellow christians, share your stories with me as it pertains to this issue.

It is a common doubt that satan attacks us with - "Where is the Spirit of God working in your life"? "Where are your miracles, your works of God"?

The work of God may seem "mundane" to some Christians. The greatest of saints realized this truth. It is found (God's work) in the most simplest things. Humility and obedience in our everyday lives - that is not so easy, friend. St. Teresa of Liseaux was a nun for a very short time, (died in her 20's) but her writings on this strikes a chord in the heart of the Church that recognizes what she discovered as truth - and calls her a Doctor of the Church! Simply loving God and others, wherever He places us - even sweeping floors - is a great work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Obeying our boss with humility for the sake of Christ (as His disciple, Who also was humble and obedient) is NOT easy sometimes. We expect "bigger things" - but in reality, the majority of Christ's life was this life. Hidden - obedient and humble to God's will. Having trusting faith in Him.

It takes prayerful discernment to determine what God wants in our lives. However, during those times of concern and questioning, we have been given assurance that Jesus abides in those who obey His Command to Love others. When we do that, we can be assured that the Spirit of Christ is working within us, since the Church (those faithful to the call) is the residence of the Spirit of God.

Regards

 

[elijah23]

I believe the “Holy Spirit†is a name we give God when he is talking directly to us.

 

[francisdesales]

After reading 2 Corinthians 5, I had to ask myself this question: How does one know they are "IN" Christ? Verse 5 seems to imply that those who are have been given a sample or deposit of God's Spirit which acts as a seal according to Ephesians 1:13-14 that was given in advance as a token of the inheritance which saints will receive, and which has been reserved for saints, for the glory of his praise. We see that the saints in the NT, especially in Corinthians who were sealed had powers that came along with the portion of God's Spirit that was given to them. Just an observation, but since I don't have those powers and abilities I am led to believe that i do not have the Spirit in me.
I used to believe that the HS was in me, but now, I actually do not think that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. I wish I was, BUT no real evidence exists to say that I am, so for me to say that I was would be no more than wishful thinking. So, my fellow christians, share your stories with me as it pertains to this issue.

Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you?
If so, how do you know?

Is it more than a feeling cause if it's only a feeling then that really means nothing because feelings can come and go and are usually dictated by our hearts which according to Jeremiah are "deceitful above all things"?

Does being full of the Spirit mean that one should be able to do miraculous works? I think so, but you all tell me what you know or THINK you know.

Sir,

While reading 1 Peter:4 just now, I came across another proof that the Holy Spirit rests upon us. Consult 1 Peter 4:14.

If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye ; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

Do not fear, He has not abandoned us...

Regards

 

[Alabaster]

I believe the “Holy Spirit†is a name we give God when he is talking directly to us.

That is false. Holy Spirit is a Person belonging to the Trinity.

 

[Alabaster]

What apostle lives today that can lay his hands on someone in order for that person to receive holy breath? And what scripture supports your claim that asking of a fervent heart guarantees one will receive the spirit?

As the Apostles laid hands on people, so they would do the same. We can all lay hands on each other as the Lord leads.

Luke 11:13 NLT
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.

 

[elijah23]

That is false. Holy Spirit is a Person belonging to the Trinity.

I believe in one God who has three responsibilities—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—like a man who also has three responsibilities—husband, father, and son.

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

Interesting thread. So what do we know about the Holy Spirit?​

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?​

1:13 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,​

4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath
also given unto us his holy Spirit.​

1) HS belongs to God. It's His.
2) If we ask Him we get HS. He will give HS to us.
3) We have to believe in Christ to get HS
4) HS seals us.​

2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak
with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.​

2:17 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:​

2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in
those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:​

5) HS can facilitate miracles. For example to enable the Apostles in Acts to utter many unlearned foreign languages at the same time.​

I think problems arise when some Christians start to be dogmatic with what the HS is expected to DO to them. Especially the issue of performing miracles and 'speaking in tongues'. Even more problems arise when there is confusion regarding what 'tongues' really means.​

How do we know we have the HS? Is it that we suddenly have special powers? I dont think so. From the evidence available....we know we have received the Holy Spirit if we TRULY believe. Do we see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Repentance, peace, spiritual joy, comfort in Christ.​

But then again some people can be sure they are saved and have the HS but only the book of the Lamb can really confirm it so....​

.....dunno.​

Doc.​

Good post, but one thing I will say about those promises about the HS made in scripture is that using "we" and "us" may or MAY NOT be appropriate. In the context of the quotes you listed, such promises seems to be given to the apostles and disciples of the 1st century as opposed to all christians of all times.

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

Sir,

While reading 1 Peter:4 just now, I came across another proof that the Holy Spirit rests upon us. Consult 1 Peter 4:14.

If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye ; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.

Do not fear, He has not abandoned us...

Regards

I do not wish to lead anyone to conclude that the spirit has abandoned us, but i do wish to rightly divide the word to make sure that the spirit has been promised to us. In order to do this, it is imperitive that we recognize that when we see the words "us" and "we" in scripture, that the writings were those words are found were directed at people who lived 2000 years ago and do not necessarily point to the us of today.
The text from Peter you quoted does not tell us that being reproached form the name of Christ is proof that we have the Spirit, but rather that because those saints who were at that time being reproached already had the spirit resting upon them, were blessed despite their trials.

 

[TRUTH over TRADITION]

I believe in one God who has three responsibilities—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—like a man who also has three responsibilities—husband, father, and son.

How is it possible to be a son if you have no father? If you were from everlasting to everlasting, who could possibly be your father? If you are a son, that means you must have a progenitor (father) who made you, therefore in the case of the father son dynamic, the father would be the authority, the creator, the god, and the son would be subject to, created by, and under the authority of the father and therefore NOT the God.

 

[francisdesales]

I do not wish to lead anyone to conclude that the spirit has abandoned us, but i do wish to rightly divide the word to make sure that the spirit has been promised to us. In order to do this, it is imperitive that we recognize that when we see the words "us" and "we" in scripture, that the writings were those words are found were directed at people who lived 2000 years ago and do not necessarily point to the us of today.
The text from Peter you quoted does not tell us that being reproached form the name of Christ is proof that we have the Spirit, but rather that because those saints who were at that time being reproached already had the spirit resting upon them, were blessed despite their trials.

What has changed, from God's point of view (since Peter says God provides for the blessing in the given situation) that Christians TODAY are not being blessed when they heroically witness to God in their lives while being persecuted??? Is God now a respecter of persons from the first century, whle refusing a blessing to people undergoing the same trials now? Just as the OT Scriptures were written for the ancient Christians, so, too, were the NT Scritpures written for us. That is why they are revered by the Church and not just some dusty old historical records from 2000 years ago.

Regards