THE HOLY SPIRIT (A Scriptural Portrait)
A wide divergence of thought is seen on doctrines of the Holy Spirit. What I will present reflects my thoughts on the matter and what I think is a Scriptural view. I have been clear and concise. The message is not much more than an introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. What I understand the Scripture to say is my test for Christian doctrine. That is what I endeavour to present here as in any of my messages.

Christ Died For Our Sins
Reaching forth...

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New Testament Churches are receiving from God special blessings as wondered about and looked for by Old Testament believers (Isa.35:7;42:23; 44:3;48:6; Ezek.11:19-20; Dan.12:8-9; Joe.2:28-29; Hab.2:3; Hag.2:5-9; Matt.13:17; Ac.1:4-8;2:16-18, 33,38-39; 2Cor.3:3-10; Gal.3:29; Eph.3:2-6; Heb. 12:18-24). This New Covenant or New Testament was looked forward to (Matt. 26:28; Lk. 22:19-20; 1Cor. 11:25-29; Col. 3:25; Heb. 9:14-22; 10:4-14; 13:20), same as the Crucifixion of Jesus was preached about with wonder, looked for, and heralded beforehand (Ps.22; Isa.53; Matt.13:17; Lk.24:45-49; Jn.1:29; Ac.1:8; 1Pet.1:10). In a more full sense special blessings will be manifest during the Millennium Kingdom yet to come.

One may be instructed in the Scriptures and understand much about them. They might even be committed to Jesus, doing many good works (Matt. 7:22-23; Gal.2:16; Eph.2:5,8-9; Heb.11:6). If they are not born again, they are lost, and cannot see the Kingdom of God, for it is within the believer, by the Holy Spirit.

First, the Kingdom shows Righteousness. The believer hungers and thirsts after it made sorrowful over his own sins. He knows freedom from the wrath of God after having seen himself as sinful deserving God's wrath.

Second, he realizes Peace with God by Receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. Indeed from olden time believers longed to be instructed by Him and understand about the Crucifixion, the pivotal event, whereby God showed His love to sinful men, making Peace with all who would believe. Moses gave the law warning of God's wrath, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. All have sinned (Rom.3: 20,23;6:23). The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Gal.3:24). Grace and truth came by Jesus (Jn.1:17).

Third, along with Righteousness and Peace, is Joy in the Holy Ghost. Having no confidence in the flesh (Phil.3:3), the believer looks for the precious promises of God and seeing Jesus when He comes (Rom.14:17). Now the believer walks by faith and not by sight (2Cor.5:7), as the Kingdom of God comes not with observation, but is within you (Luke 17:20-21; Eccl.9 :1-3).

The defeat of Satan came with the Crucifixion of Jesus, but the visible reign of Jesus will not be established till He comes back (Ps.72:11; Rev. 19: 11-20:3). Satan will not be bound and cast into the bottomless pit till then; and after that 1,000 years the Devil will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev.20:2-3,10).

When Jesus walked in the flesh on earth after His crucifixion and before His ascension, He said to those believers assembled together, Receive the Holy Ghost. He ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit came on that momentous day of Pentecost. I think that after Jesus was resurrected and before He ascended and before the Holy Spirit was sent with power on Pentecost, that those believers had received the Holy Spirit that they might fulfill the task they were called upon to do. He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (Jn. 20:22). Throughout the Old Testament there are examples of the Holy Spirit being with people that they might fulfill a particular work or special ministry. The nature of the Spirit coming on any was transitory and not enjoyed by many. Any having the Spirit in this way of being Filled for service was recognized as a special blessing. Commencing with the day of Pentecost after the Crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus the promise was for all believers.

There are none and never have been any regenerated apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. That is true of Old Testament believers and New Testament believers. As Jesus said, Ye must be born again. In that sense all that have been saved have had the work of the Holy Spirit in their life. One is born again by the Holy Spirit, that is, brought to a vital saving relationship with Christ. 

Being Filled with the Spirit for service was not for all, till Pentecost and is not the same as being Indwelt by the Spirit. The emphasis I will mention for this message is on service to Christ. He calls believers to serve Him. There is being Filled with the Spirit. Being Filled with the Spirit is to receive power for living and while witnessing of Jesus so those hearing them speak could understand and come to a knowledge of salvation in Christ and Him Crucified. This is where the believer sees to a greater proportion the kingdom of God that is within.

We are shown in Romans 14:17-19 that what we are to seek is not just a personal experience, but a serving of other people to their edification. The term edify means to build up, figuratively or literally. We know that Christ made peace through the blood of His cross for the purpose of reconciliation (Col. 1:20). The believer is given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21) and are themselves made the righteousness of God in Him. This looks beyond self and considers others (1Cor. 14:11-12). I hope the reader will give time to read Matthew 5:1-48 an on. What is your personal attitude toward sin and your ability to have that righteousness that is not only an outward show? I tell you here is where the poor in spirit and those that mourn are at. They see their inability and sinful nature. Here is where being Filled with the Spirit comes in. The particular events of that day of Pentecost are not repeated, but individual believers are yet filled with the Spirit to realize the power for service. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him (Rom. 8:9).

Romans 14:17-19
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

The open door given by Jesus is the reward of the faithful servant. They hate evil, and do good. Apart from grace, none would enter here. The eyes of Jesus shall try every man's work.

As those that have kept the Word go to the market, the door is opened for them to live and talk and shop as a Christian should. When they go to their place of business, the door is opened for them to conduct themselves according to the excellency of Christian behavior. When visiting distant cities where they are unknown, the door is opened for them to live and talk as a Christian. In the privacy of their homes, the door is opened for them to show their love for Jesus. While in the midst of those openly engaged in much evil, the door is opened for them to show forth the excellency of Christian character by their lives. When peace and prosperity come, the door is opened for them to be diligent to show forth faithfulness to the Lord. During the most difficult of life's experiences, the door is opened that they may display faithfulness in gratitude of God's benefits toward them. As the years advance, the door remains opened.

God has set before the faithful servant an open door effectually for service to the Lord, and no man can shut it. Jesus opens it, and no man can shut this door; Jesus shuts it, and no man can open it. The Word of God defines the standard for Christian behavior. Therein is the opening. No man adds to this or takes away from it.

As regards the standard set forth it is an open book, and no man can close it. As for adding to the Book, that is closed and no man can add to it. The Bible is the Lord's Book.

This is what I refer to as for service and for the testimony of Christ. This does not refer to any special manifestation of an experience as some might want and that those looking on would call you a barbarian for, but is manifest by service and increased awareness of Christ being concerned with the building up of others. The Spirit testifies of Christ and when a person is Filled with the Spirit the testimony of Christ and Him Crucified is the emphasis in what they have to say or in their thinking. The understanding is utilized and the service for Christ is made manifest to others in the scope of the service performed by the one Filled with the Spirit. Serving the Lord is not for a special group of believers but all are to serve Him looking for that place of ministry that is theirs. There is not to be any special ruling class that is thought of as the ones that are to minister. There is certainly a place for our assembling together but there is also most assuredly a place of service for all believers. We are to interact as this is what the assembling of ourselves together is about. Christianity is not a one man show designed for spectators. 

Being Filled with the Spirit is so we might receive power for living and witnessing and is not to be expected as some experience that leaves us with only an experience. We are to be witnesses, workers together and our love for one another is an identifying mark of disciples. Being counted a barbarian as in the sense of 1 Corinthians 14:11 is certainly not counted as having the approval of men as mentioned in Romans 14:18. Here is where being filled with the Holy Spirit comes in with service. 

The filling with the Spirit is not just for a private and personal experience. No manifestation of any special language or sounds is required and such an experience being sought leads one away from the Scriptural teaching and order called for in the Christian life. A person Filled with the Spirit will find a place of service. Personal comfort and exciting experiences are not what the filling of the Spirit is about. There is joy but it need not be manifest with an outward show.

There is an element of personal responsibility recognized from the study of Scripture. It is not denied salvation is of the Lord. One is not saved because their personal faith is better and another is not lost because their faith is not good enough. It is Christ that died on the Cross and that was to reconcile us to God, and there He made peace between God and man. Jesus saves. Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. It is not our keeping some formula of beliefs but it is Christ and Him Crucified whereby we are saved. Yet there is still the reward of reaping and sowing. Lord Jesus has said that in one place not many miracles were performed because of the unbelief of the ones living there. The problem was not the lack of ability of our Lord, but the unbelief of the people. In the New Testament we see the example of asking for increased faith, because of personal unbelief. With the apostle Paul, if we would be honest all would admit we have not yet arrived. We are to reach toward the mark. Forgetting what is past we are to ever look for a closer walk with our Lord till that day we are with Him. 

An experience is not the end of the matter we are to seek. Many seek an experience and with that miss the close walk with the Lord. To know Him, Christ and the power of His resurrection should be our goal and not just an experience that is transitory in nature. Our message of hope should not be for an experience that is transitory but of Christ and Him Crucified. Preaching another gospel is not what we are to do. Consider what is said here in this message. Some would make an experience such as baptism in water or speaking some strange sounds that cannot be understood as being salvation. We don't have to go through some experience to be saved. Christ is the one that experienced death for us that we might live, presenting ourselves a living sacrifice, acceptable to God and approved of men. What is our hope but Christ and Him Crucified?

We have a sure hope with Christ. There is no doubt that He that has begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus (Php. 1:6). We will see Him one day (1Cor. 13:12; Heb. 12:11-14; 1Jn. 3:2-3). It is said we will not be ashamed as we trust in Him, that is what He has said He will do. He has said He will save us and says He gives eternal life to as many as believe. This is not based on our works before or after we are believing but what we believe is that Christ died for our sins. That is the end of the matter and is a sure hope, a lively hope and he that believes shall not be ashamed for our Lord will do what He has said He will do. Repent and believe the Gospel.

There are two terms I have defined for the purpose of this message. The first is being Indwelt by the Spirit. This is when we come into a saving relationship with the Lord. The second term is being Filled with the Spirit. The definitions I will use are for the sake of aiding in the understanding this message. The first term, Indwelt by the Spirit, is a one time event and the moment you begin to believe in Christ you are Indwelt. This is permanent and cannot be lost. Being Filled with the Spirit can be lost but can also be repeated. Being Indwelt is a one time event and cannot be lost so will never be repeated. Being Filled with the Spirit for living should be thought of as the normal experience of a New Testament Christian. Being Filled with the Spirit can be repeated. The events of that eventful day of Pentecost are not repeated, but individual believers are brought to realize the power for service. As Paul taught, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). This is for our service to the Lord and is manifest in living a pure life (Rom. 6:22; 14:18; Php. 1;6; 2:13; 1Th. 4:7-8; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14; 13:21).

The promise of the Spirit, His being given fulfilled on Pentecost, the day the church was empowered, believers filled with the Spirit. The church was not founded then, but was empowered then. Jesus founded the church Himself.

John 6:37-39
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.)

As with the Old Testament saints being at times empowered for a specific task, here the believers were enabled for service. The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified, and on the day of Pentecost the church was put in the Holy Spirit.

John 20:22
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

As always has been the case, to be saved you must be born again, and that is for Old Testament and New Testament. Born of God, from above by the Spirit, the Spirit that dwelt with the Old Testament saints, and New Testament saints. And now from that day of Pentecost, with the command given tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49), the Spirit dwells within the saints. Now we are told, Be filled with the Spirit.

Luke 24:49
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.

John 14:17
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.

Acts 1:5-8
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
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 Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Notice the water did not immerse, but the baptism was in water, and with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit does not immerse the believers, but the immersion is in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has never baptized anyone. 

The following verses tell of baptism in the Spirit:

Matthew 3:11
11 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:

Mark 1:8
8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Luke 3:16
16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

John 1:33
33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:5
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 11:16
16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

The following is adapted from The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary:
Acts 1:8 shows the Holy Spirit to be a power, and an influence. But He is a Person, as the New Testament makes clear in detail:

A. He dwells with us # Joh 14:17
B. Teaches and brings to remembrance # Joh 14:26
C. Tells of Jesus # Joh 15:26
D. Convinces of sin # Joh 16:8
E. Guides, speaks, declares # Joh 16:13,15
F. Inspires the Scriptures and speaks through them # Ac 1:16; 2Pe 1:21
G. Spoke to Philip # Ac 8:29
H. Calls ministers # Ac 13:2
I. Sends out workers # Ac 13:4
J. Forbids certain actions # Ac 16:6,7
K. Intercedes # Ro 8:26
L. Etc.

He has the attributes of personality:

A. Will # 1Co 12:11
B. Mind # Ro 8:27
C. Thought, knowledge, words # 1Co 2:10-13
D. Love # Ro 15:30

The Holy Spirit can be treated as a person:

A. Lied to and tempted # Ac 5:3-4,9
B. Resisted # Ac 7:51
C. Grieved # Eph 4:30
D. Stifled and suppressed # 1Th 5:19
E. Outraged # Heb 10:29
F. Blasphemed against # Mt 12:31

The Holy Spirit is God; equated with the Father and the Son (Mt 28:19; 2Co 13:14). To have the Spirit of God is to have Christ (Ro 8:9-12; 1Jo 5:12; Joh 14:6) [End of adaptation from The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary; © 1967 Zondervan Publishing House; 21^st printing.]

This portrait of the Holy Spirit and His work is not much more than an introductory look. I hope you will consider what is said here and take the attitude of proving by the Scriptures what is written.

People Need Jesus
Reaching forth . . .
Here am I; send me.
Christ Died For Our Sins

Bob Krajcik
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