THE BAPTISM AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
CONTENTS AND PREFACES.
PART 1. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1. WHY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER DESIRES TO GIVE US THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
2. THE SCRIPTURES PROVE THAT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT TAKES PLACE
AFTER THE NEW BIRTH.
3. THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
HOW TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN A PENTECOSTAL FULLNESS FROM OUR LORD JESUS.
1. WE MUST SEEK OUT CHRIST AND THE FATHER IN FAITH.
2. WE MUST DETERMINE TO OBEY GOD AND LIVE A HOLY LIFE.
3. WE MUST THIRST AFTER CHRIST AND OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
4. WE MUST COME TO GOD WITH PRAISING HEARTS AND PRAISING LIPS.
5. WE MUST HAVE WISE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP.
6. WE MUST COME TO GOD WITH HUMILITY OF MIND AND SINCERITY OF HEART.
7. THE DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF CHRIST'S CHURCH AT JERUSALEM.
PART 2. THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
THREE GIFTS OF REVELATION AND INFORMATION.
1. THE GIFT OF A WORD OF WISDOM.
2. THE GIFT OF A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE.
3. THE GIFT OF DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS.
THREE GIFTS OF POWER AND DEMONSTRATION.
4. THE GIFT OF FAITH.
5. THE WORKINGS OF MIRACLES.
6. THE GIFT OF GIFTS OF HEALINGS.
THREE GIFTS OF INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
7. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY.
8. THE GIFT OF TONGUES.
9. THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.
PART 3. THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1. LOVE AND THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
2. THE RELATION BETWEEN OUR BORN-AGAIN SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
3. THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF REVELATION AND INSPIRATION.
4. THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF POWER AND DEMONSTRATION.
5. THE MINISTRY OF THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.
6. THE TESTS FOR PROPHETS AND THEIR PROPHECIES.
7. SATAN'S TEST OF OUR CHARACTER AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
8. SEEKING AND RECEIVING GUIDANCE FROM GOD.
APPENDIX. MORE STUDIES CONCERNING THE GIFTS OF THE
SPIRIT.
APPENDIX 1. THE GREEK WORDS GOD USES TO DESCRIBE HIS GIFTS.
APPENDIX 2. GOD'S PARABLES, PUZZLES, RIDDLES, AND DARK SAYINGS.
APPENDIX 3. THE MANIFESTATION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN CHURCH HISTORY.
APPENDIX 4. THE HEBREW WORDS FOR PROPHETS AND SEERS.
APPENDIX 5. THE COVENANANT NAMES OF YAHWEH AND THE NAME OF JESUS.
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
It is about ten years since I wrote my duplicated booklet on "The
Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit." This edition is greatly
enlarged by condensed material from some of my other books and material
from other sources, and so it gives a far more comprehensive and detailed
study of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. I realise that some
things in this book will be strong meat even for mature, godly Christians,
never mind Christian babes; I trust and pray that Divine grace will
preserve all readers of this book from spiritual indigestion!
My qualifications for writing this book are a love for God and His
Word, and over twenty years experience of His great grace and gracious
gifts. Both my mother and I have had local, national, and international
events revealed to us by the Lord, days, weeks and even years before
they have happened, and in later years I have experienced an almost
daily revelation of the needs and secrets of peoples hearts. I am not
trying to give the impression that I have arrived, I have still a great
deal to learn and experience, and I still feel that I am a very poor
reflection of our Lord's great grace and love. I am merely pointing
out that this book is written out of a personal experience of spiritual
gifts, as well as by observation of others who manifest spiritual gifts,
and through examination of the Scriptures. I have only quoted a few
personal experiences of spiritual gifts, as my aim has been to show
the Scriptural authority for spiritual gifts, and the ways to receive
them.
I would also like to state that I am not a Greek scholar, though I
wish that I were. I have used the comments of Greek scholars where I
have felt that they are helpful and necessary. I hope that this will
hinder no one and help many. I wish to acknowledge here, my gratitude
and debt to my tutors at Kenley Bible College, some of whom are now
with the Lord; George Newsholme, Elisha Thompson, Donald Gee, and particularly
C.L. Parker. I also recommend the fine books upon spiritual gifts by
H. Horton, H. Carter, Ivor Rossor, Dennis and Rita Bennet, and A Linford's
fine scholarly work, all of which are extremely helpful. I hope that
this book will be just as helpful and inspiring. I have not the least
desire to be arrogant, dogmatic, or contentious; indeed, I welcome any
criticism, comment, and correction. I have included a very liberal amount
of Scripture references to confirm and illustrate what I have said,
a study of these will give a good knowledge of the various subjects,
to those who desire to look them up. I pray that our heavenly Father
will use this book to enlighten and inspire His children, and that through
it many Christians will experience the rivers of living water promised
in Jn.7v37-39., by their Saviour.
W.H. Turner. Jan. 8th. 1975.
PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
More than twenty years have passed since I wrote the third edition
of my book on the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through the
grace of God I have learned many lessons during those years, some of
which will be profitable to the readers of this book, and so I have
written this new edition of my book with the hope that God may bless
it to hungry seeking hearts.
There is still considerable controversy over the gift of tongues in
the Church, and many Christians still feel that they do not need the
gift that Paul valued so much in his private prayer life, when he wrote
in 1Cor.14v18., "I thank my God, I speak in tongues more than you
all." Many Christian leaders still preach against, oppose, and
forbid the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their churches.
These leaders should remember our Lord's words in Lk.11v51,52., to the
Jewish theologians of His day, when they opposed Jesus and the Gifts
of the Holy Spirit, and hindered other people from experiencing them;
"Woe unto you lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge:
ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered."
Our Lord pronounced a woe upon these opponents, and warned them that
such hindrances and opposition would be meticulously searched out ("ekzeteo")
on judgement day. See Acts.7v51-60.
The wilful refusal of many Christian leaders and theologians to accept
the testimonies of the outstanding saints, martyrs and Christian leaders
of Church History, to the continuance of spiritual gifts after apostolic
times, is astonishing, and fills us with concern for their spiritual
state. To the honest mind the facts these outstanding saints and martyrs
give are indisputable; and prove beyond doubt that spiritual gifts were
experienced throughout Church History, and were not just confined to
apostolic times. John Wesley gives irrefutable proof that spiritual
gifts occurred throughout Church History in his 79 page treatise, "A
Letter To The Reverend Dr. Conyers Middleton." J Sidlow Baxter,
in his fine book, "Divine Healing Of The Body," proves, on
pages 29 to 105, that Divine healing occurred throughout the centuries.
Anyone who reads "The Scots Worthies: Their Lives and Testimonies,"
is impressed by the many miraculous manifestations of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit that occurred in the lives of these Christians. History
proves that spiritual gifts continued after apostolic times.
There is still a great deal of ignorance about the gifts of the Holy
Spirit in the Church, just as there was in Paul's day. The Corinthians
"came behind in no spiritual gift," "charismata,"
but they were still ignorant about the proper use of them, and the immense
blessing that they can be, particularly when they are manifested at
the higher levels of power and revelation. 1Cor.1v7. 12v1. I hope and
pray that this book will help to dispel some of that ignorance. I do
not write as one who feels that they have arrived concerning the subject
of spiritual gifts, I feel, like Paul, that we have never finished with
the learning process. Paul writes in 1Cor.13v11,12., that in this life
we are like babes in our knowledge and comprehension of spiritual realities,
compared with the full knowledge and experience that we will enjoy in
heaven. However, God has said that until we reach our home in heaven,
His spiritual gifts are essential equipment for His Church. There is
a great need for us to earnestly desire, seek, and find again the love,
life, power and spiritual gifts that were manifested in the early Church.
Let us follow after that same love, and desire those same spiritual
gifts. 1Cor.14v1. The yoke of Jesus is kind, and the ministries and
gifts that He gives to us take into account all we are, our talents,
personality, circumstances and desires. Jesus does not painfully squeeze
us into another person's yoke, He fits His gentle yoke to us, and
the Holy Spirit personally adapts His gifts to us, and His manifestations
through us in the way best suited to us. Let us never forget that Jesus
also said that His burden is light; He will never drive, overburden,
and overtax us, He is always kind, gentle and considerate. Let Jesus
fit the kind and gentle yoke of His spiritual gifts to you.
I finish this preface with the inspiring account of Charles G. Finney's
baptism in the Holy Spirit:-
"As I went in and shut the door after me, it seemed I met the
Lord Jesus Christ face to face... it seemed to me a reality, that He
stood before me, and I fell down at His feet and poured out my soul
to Him... I returned to the front office, and found that the fire that
I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and
was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of
the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the
thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any
recollection that I had ever heard the thing mentioned by any person
in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed
to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a
wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed, it seemed
to come in waves and waves of liquid love; for I could not express it
in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect
distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can
express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept
aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally
bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. (This could well
be speaking with tongues.) These waves came over me, and over me, one
after the other, until I recollect I cried out 'I shall die if these
waves continue to pass over me.' I said, 'Lord, I cannot bear any more;'
yet I had no fear of death....When I awoke in the morning the sun had
risen, and was pouring a clear light into my room. Words cannot express
the impression that this sunlight made upon me. Instantly the baptism
I had received the night before, returned upon me in the same manner.
I arose upon my knees in the bed and wept aloud with joy, and remained
for sometime, too much overwhelmed with the baptism of the Spirit to
do anything but pour out my soul to God."
May we all seek and receive a similar experience of God's wonderful
love and power. W. H. Turner. October 10th. 2000.
PART 1. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The Church is Christ's body and continues His ministry on earth.
When the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven, He fulfilled the promise in
Is.53v10., to continue the work that He had started, and "prolong
His days," and ministry through the Church. The Church is, therefore,
spoken of as "the body of Christ," that is, the means whereby
Christ acts upon earth. Eph.1v22,23. 5v29,30. 1Cor.12v27. God desires
every member of the body of Christ to be baptised in the Holy Spirit
and manifest His spiritual gifts. These gifts are intended to enrich
and empower the whole Church of Christ, not just a part of it. We should
not, therefore, seek the baptism and gifts of the Spirit, merely for
personal profit, but so that the whole body of Christ can be blessed
by them, through the demonstration of the power and love of God.
There are no redundant members of the body of Christ, every member
is essential, He has a work for all. God desires to manifest Himself
through every member of the body of Christ, "The manifestation
of the Spirit is given to everyone to profit all." 1Cor.12v7. Paul
states that God often blesses the least talented and less prominent
members of the local church with greater gifts than those members who
seem to be more important, so that all may realise their need of each
other. 1Cor.12v20-26. Eph.4v15,16. The fact that some dear souls are
less prominent in the Church does not mean that they are less spiritual
or godly than others who are more prominent. I have found that many
of these less prominent members of the body of Christ, often have a
deeper life of prayer, more love, and greater spiritual gifts, than
those who take a lead in preaching and teaching. It was the Lord Jesus
Himself who said that on judgement day, "Many that are first shall
be last; and the last shall be first." Mt.19v30. 20v16. Lk.13v30.
The Lord does not count our actions, He weighs them. 1Sam.2v3. Dan.5v27.
Is.26v7. It is the quality of our service that counts with God, not
the quantity; and our motives for serving God, not the manifestation
of His gifts through us, or our position of leadership. The fire will
try every man's work to test its quality. 1Cor.3v10-15. 13v1-13.
Human plans and ideas make void God's plans for His
Church.
It is common practice for almost all churches to make their plans,
and then ask the Lord to bless them: this is a tragedy, for plans based
on human ability and human endeavour can never meet this world's great
need. This reliance on human plans frustrates our Lord's beautiful plans
and desires. The solemn and appalling truth is that God seldom gets
His perfect will done on earth, He is nearly always asked to bless human
plans and ideas that He can take little pleasure in. Lk.19v41-48. Mt.23v37-39.
The Lord still wants to do the same lovely things that He did while
He was on earth, and nothing short of this will satisfy His great and
loving heart. Obedience to the Holy Spirit's leadings, will enable God
to get His will done on earth as it is in heaven. The Holy Spirit comes
as Lord and we should obey His orders; lack of obedience to Him will
cause failure, defeat, disappointment, depression and a feeling of frustration.
Josh.5v14. 2Sam.5v22-25. Amos.3v3. Acts.16v6-10. 2Cor.3v17. 1Sam.13v12-14.
15v22-35. 16v14-23. 1Jn.1v5-7. The only way that we will be able to
find the will of God and have the strength to perform it, is by earnestly
seeking God together in prayer. Christ longs to do the most wonderful
things through His Church, He is, however, limited by our spiritual
desire, faith, love and lack of prayer. If we have the faith, prayer,
and spiritual capacity to manifest all the gifts of the Spirit, on the
higher levels of power, then the Lord Jesus can do all the lovely things
that He desires. However, if there is only little desire for spiritual
gifts and little faith, we can, like Israel, limit our gracious almighty
Lord. Ps.78v41.
Spiritual gifts are the armoury of Divine love, and
should not be used in any other way.
No church can thrive, unless it is filled with the love of God, and
is subordinate to the Lordship and leadership of Christ. God is love,
therefore, every manifestation and activity of the Holy Spirit will
be the manifestation of Divine love. The motives of the Holy Spirit
in manifesting His gifts will always be perfect, and we should make
sure that our motives are the same as His. This can only take place
as we abide in Christ and earnestly seek His face together in prayer.
The gifts of the Spirit should never be used for financial profit, self
glory, self pleasing, or as weapons of antagonism, animosity, or bitterness
of spirit, for this can bring disaster. Numb.22v4-41. 31-8. Rev.2v14.
Judges.16v1-31. 2Kings.5v10-27. 1Tim.1v18-20. 2Tim.2v16-19. 3Jn.v.9-11.
Rev.2v20-23. The gifts of the Spirit are the armoury of love, and should
not be used in any other than a perfectly loving spirit. 1Cor.13v1-13.
The Lord Jesus has the most wonderful plans for His Church. It is up
to us to earnestly seek the Lord together, to find out what they are,
and then fulfil them.
We all have a lot to learn but, the Holy Spirit is our Friend and Teacher.
The Holy Spirit is certainly no stranger to us; He is responsible,
with the Father and Son, for our creation and redemption, and for our
human and spiritual natures. Gen.1v1,2,26-28. Is.57v16. He convicted
us of our sin and brought us to know Jesus as the Lamb of God and our
Saviour. Jn.1v29-34. 16v7-11. Through His gracious intervention in our
lives, we are rejoicing in the glorious Trinity, and the wonderful kingdom
and family to which they have called us. Rom.5v1,2. Eph.2v1-22. 2Cor.4v4-6,17,18.
Our spirit, that we had killed by persistent sin, was "born again,"
and "quickened" by the Holy Spirit, and we received the spirit
of adoption, and the right and authority to be called the sons of God
and the brethren of Christ. Rom.7v9-11. James.1v15-18. Eph.2v1-9. Jn.1v12.
3v1-21. 3v6-8. Heb.2v11,12. All who accept the atoning death of the
Lord Jesus, have the Holy Spirit as their very dear and close friend,
and receive His blessed ministrations, even if they have not experienced
His mighty baptism.
All Christians, particularly "babes in Christ," have a great
amount to learn about God and His ways; and the ministry of the Holy
Spirit is by far the most important of all the ministries that the Father
has set in the Church to educate and care for His family. The Holy Spirit,
who brought us to Christ, is with us to teach us about spiritual realities,
to illuminate God's Word, and to comfort, bless, counsel, intercede,
strengthen and assist in every possible way. Eph.4v8-13. 1Cor.3v1,2.
Heb.5v11-6v3. 1Pet.2v2. 1Jn.2v27. Jn.16v13. 14v26. Rom.8v26,27. All
Christians experience the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, even
if they have not experienced the baptism in the Spirit. However, the
Holy Spirit is not content merely to be with us, as blessed as this
may be, He longs to be in us, and desires to manifest His love and power
through us in an even greater way. The time when the Holy Spirit enters
the body of the Christian, and permanently submerges and infuses the
soul, spirit and body of the Christian, is called the baptism of the
Holy Spirit.
Immersion in the Spirit is a glorious reality, not
just a theological exercise.
In Lk.24v49., and Acts.1v4,5., Jesus called this baptism "the
promise of the Father," and instructed His disciples to tarry until
they received it. In Acts.2v38,39., Peter said that this baptism in
the Spirit was promised to every Christian. The Samaritans, Paul, Cornelius
and his friends, are stated to have received the Holy Spirit after the
initial outpouring on the day of Pentecost. Acts.2v1-16. 8v14-17. 9v17,18.
10v44-48. 19v1-6. The reception of the Holy Spirit is spoken of as a
"baptism" six times in the New Testament; four times in the
Gospels, by John the Baptist, and twice in Acts. Mt.3v11. Mk.1v8. Lk.3v16.
Jn.1v33. Acts.1v5. 11v16. The phrases "filled with the Holy Spirit,"
Acts.2v4. 9v17., "the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts2v38.
10v45. 5v32. Rom.5v5.; "received the Holy Spirit," Acts.10v47.
19v2. 8v14-21. 1Cor.2v12. Gal.3v2.; "the promise of the Spirit,"
Gal.3v14.; "the seal of the Spirit," Eph.1v13. 4v30.; are
all used to speak of the baptism in the Spirit. The words "anointing"
and "dwell in" are also used to speak of the result of the
baptism in the Spirit. 1Jn.2v20,27. 3v24. 4v13. Rom.8v9,23. 1Cor.6v19,20.
Jn.14v16,17. The phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit," is
used to speak of other operations of the Holy Spirit's work, as well
as the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Lk.1v15,41,67. Acts.2v4. 4v31,8.
13v9. In the Old Testament men and women of God were filled with the
Holy Spirit just to fulfil a mission; however, in Jn.7v35-37., we are
told that they were not baptised in the Holy Spirit, this is a New Testament
experience, given to the Church by our glorified Lord; God's New Testament
children receive the permanent filling of the Spirit, "He shall
abide with you forever." Jn.14v16,17.
Some think, and I feel correctly, that 1Cor.12v13., "For by one
Spirit we were all baptised into one body," is referring to water
baptism and not to the baptism in the Spirit, as O. M. Norlie translates
it, "And by one Spirit we have through baptism been made members
of one body." The Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration, the
baptism in water is the outward sign and ordinance of regeneration.
The second part of this verse, "were made to drink into one Spirit,"
clearly gives the picture of the baptism in the Spirit; for the Greek
word for "drink" is "potizo," which is used in the
Septuagint in Is.43v20., to speak of a wilderness flooded by abundant
waters. "Potizo," truly conveys the thought of Is.44v3., "I
will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and FLOODS upon the dry ground."
This Spirit-flooded life, is the Spirit-baptised life. In the Septuagint
(the Greek Old Testament), "potizo" is used to speak of the
abundance of water that brings abundant fruitfulness. In Gen.2v6., it
is used of the heavy dew that God used to water the ground before the
flood; in Gen.2v10., of the river that watered the garden of Eden into
abundant fruitfulness. In Gen.13v10,11., we read that before God destroyed
Sodom and Gomorrah, the land around them was "well watered,"
and like the garden of God; Lot greedily chose this area for himself,
and spiritually ruined his life. In Gen.21v19., it is used of the well
of water that God provided for Hagar in the desert; and in Gen.24v14,17,18,43,45,46.,
of the drink that Rebekah drew from the well for Abraham's servant,
Eliezer. This Spirit-flooded abundantly fruitful life, is the Spirit-baptised
life.
Immersed in the transforming, sanctifying and miracle-working
Holy Spirit.
The Greek word for baptism, "baptizo," is used for both baptism
in water and the baptism in the Spirit. The basic word of this Greek
root, "bapto," "to dip," only occurs three times
in the New Testament, Lk.16v24. Jn.13v26. and Rev.19v13. In Rev.19v13.,
"bapto" is used in its secondary sense, "to dye or stain."
It is also necessary to note both the primary and secondary meanings
of "baptizo." Though the primary meaning of "baptizo,"
is "to immerse," or "to submerge," its secondary
meaning, which is derived and developed from its primary meaning, can
refer to the influence which one thing exercises over another. "Baptizo,"
then, can speak, like "bapto," not only of an immersion, but
also of an impregnation and infusion of the element of immersion, as
in dyeing and staining. It speaks of a bringing into complete subjection
to an influence, and an imbibing of the virtues and nature of that influence.
We should also note that in many cases, though not in every case, the
same distinction occurs between "bapto" and "baptizo,"
as between their English equivalents, "to dip" and to "immerse;"
"dipping" speaking of a momentary or temporary covering, "immersion"
usually implying a prolonged or permanent covering. To be baptised with
the Holy Spirit and fire, should mean that our whole personality is
permanently influenced by, and deliberately submitted to, and stained
and dyed, by the transforming influence, presence, power, and sanctifying
purity of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to transfigure us into
Christ's likeness, and conform us to His image, as well as to empower
us. Rom.8v28,29. 12v1,2. 2Cor.3v17,18.
In the New Testament, "baptizo" is used in the sense of permanent
immersion and infusion, in regard to baptism for repentance and remission
of sins, baptism in the name of Trinity, or baptism into the body of
Christ, or baptism in the Holy Spirit. Mt.3v11. 28v19. Mk.1v4. Lk.3v16.
1Cor.12v13, These baptisms do not speak of a temporary dipping in an
element, they speak of a permanent immersion under the influence of
the thing suggested. Though "baptizo," "to immerse,"
is used in the weaker sense of "bapto," "to dip,"
in water baptism, (otherwise all who are baptised would be drowned);
the actual spiritual realities connected with baptism, abide and continue.
To be baptised unto repentance and remission of sins, means being brought
under the power and influence of repentance and remission of sins, not
for a moment, but for all time. To be baptised into Christ's death and
resurrection, is to be permanently identified with Christ in His death
and resurrection, not for a moment, but for ever. Rom.6v9-11. To be
baptised into the body of Christ, is the permanent placing of ourselves
under the influence and power of Christ and His body, the Church. To
be baptised into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is not
just a mere baptismal formula, it is to come under the power and influence
of the Trinity, not for a moment, but eternally and permanently.
Baptism, then, is more than an outward sign of allegiance to Christ,
it is the deliberate placing of oneself, under His influence and headship.
The important thing is not a baptismal formula, or even the actual baptism
in water; the essential thing is the total submission of our whole personality
to Christ; to be imbued, stained, impregnated and influenced, abidingly
and permanently, with the presence and power of our dear Lord Jesus,
and to experience all the benefits of His death and resurrection life.
In the same way, to be baptised with the Holy Spirit and fire, means
that our whole personality is deliberately submitted to, and permanently
influenced by the presence, power, and sanctifying purity of the Holy
Spirit. Our personality is still our own, but the Holy Spirit comes
to transfigure our lives by His presence, and to imbue us with His virtues,
abilities, life and love. 2Cor.3v18. However, I do not want to give
the impression that we cannot fall from a state of grace, we can, let
us be careful not to grieve or resist our gracious guest. 1Thes.5v19-22.
Eph.4v30.
1. WHY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER DESIRES TO GIVE US THE BAPTISM
IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1. Our heavenly Father loves to give.
God is love, He is perfectly unselfish and wholeheartedly generous.
1Jn.4v8-10. Our Father is the most bountiful giver, even to the ungrateful
and selfish; He is full of mercy and kindness. Lk.6v35,36. Ps.103. all.
107v8,15,21,31,43. Our God of love even gave His own dear Son for our
salvation, and with Him He freely gives us all things. Jn.3v16. Rom.8v31-39.
2. Our heavenly Father loves us so much.
We are so very precious to God, and He makes us the objects of His
wondrous love and affection. Jn.16v24,27. Our heavenly Father is much
more loving and kind than the very best earthly father. Mt.7v7-11. Lk.11v9-13.
It is an amazing fact that God loves us with the same tender love that
He loves His only begotten Son, Jn.17v23,26., and Jesus loves us on
this same incredible level of love. Jn.15v9. cf. 13v34. God's love is
always a "much more" love, it "surpasses human understanding"
and longs to do "exceedingly beyond and immeasurably more than
all our highest prayers or thoughts, or hopes and dreams." Lk.11v13.
Eph.3v14-21. Rejoice in His wonderful love, and claim and receive His
"exceeding great and precious promises" to you. 2Pet.1v1-4.
3. Our heavenly Father desires us to know Himself and
the Lord Jesus in a deeper way.
The Holy Spirit has come to reveal Christ and the Father to us. Jn.15v26.
16v12-15. Eph.1v15-23. 3v14-21. The apostles and other disciples were
full of joy and praise before Pentecost, because they had a glorious
fellowship with their risen Lord; however, the Saviour promised, and
they experienced, a new and greater revelation of Himself to their souls,
and a deeper appreciation of spiritual things, at their baptism in the
Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Beset as we are by the world, the flesh
and the Devil, earthly armour fails, we can only overcome by God's help,
the baptism in the Spirit is a Divine answer to our needs and the wickedness
around us. The revelation of God to the inner depths of the soul, is
the only thing that can bring spiritual victory and satisfy the deepest
longings of the soul. 2Cor.3v12-18.
4. Our heavenly Father wants to manifest Himself to
the Church and the World.
Though the disciples had the Lord Jesus with them, and many of them
had experienced His ministry through them to a remarkable degree, He
told them plainly that the baptism in the Spirit would give them a more
powerful ministry for Him. Acts.1v1-8. Paul said, in 1Cor.12v7., "The
manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for the common good;"
"manifestation" is "phanerosis," which means "a
making visible, a shining forth, an appearing, a making known in a definite
and tangible manner." Mk.4v22. 16v14. 1Cor.2v9,10. 2Cor.4v2. The
baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit are intended to bring an overwhelming
sense of the presence of God. God does not intend us to apprehend spiritual
things or the Holy Spirit's presence by blind faith alone, the healing
of the sick, the release of Satan's captives, make it plain that God
is in the midst of His people. 1Cor.14v23-25. Acts.8v5-14. Christ said
that people needed the evidence of signs and wonders to help them believe.
Jn.4v48. The Lord, therefore, did many signs and wonders, for the very
purpose of creating faith and saving the souls of His hearers, and He
sent out many preachers with miraculous ministries to do the same. Jn.5v19-25.
10v37,38. 11v15. Lk.9v1,2. 10v1-9. Mk.16v17,20. 1Cor.2v4. 2Cor.12v12.
Rom.15v18,19. Even the greatest miracles will fail to reach some people,
Christ said that many of Israel's religious leaders had seen and hated
Himself and the Father, they had rejected His gracious words and mighty
acts. Jn.15v22-26. Mt.11v20-24. Rejection of God when He is manifested
in great signs and wonders, is the final act of spiritual suicide. Mk.3v22-30.
This was the reason why the Lord refused to give some sensational sign
to the sceptics of Mt.12v38-42.; they did not need a sign, they already
had a multitude of them, they needed to genuinely repent of their sins
and accept Christ.
Spiritual decadence is always due to a lack of a vision of God and
His spiritual gifts and ministries. Judg.2v7-11. Prov.29v18. History
shows that as we get further away from God, we rely more and more upon
what we can do, and are less able to trust God for the miraculous manifestations
of His presence. When we do this, we shall find, as Israel did, that
our enemies are always stronger than we are. God does not glorify unsanctified
human endeavour, but He does delight to show His power to those who
trust Him, particularly if the odds are stacked against us, and we are
in great need; so He used Jonathan and his armour bearer, Gideon and
his 300, to defeat great armies, and David the shepherd boy to defeat
giant Goliath, and Christ's despised apostolic band to lay the foundation
of His Church. 1Cor.1v26-31. Eph.2v19,20.
2. THE SCRIPTURES SHOW THAT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT TAKES PLACE AFTER
THE NEW BIRTH.
The apostles were born again years before their baptism in the Spirit.
The apostles were converted before Pentecost; their names, like those
of the 70, were "written in heaven," Lk.10v20.; they were
"clean," Jn.15v2,3.; they were not of the world, and belonged
to God, Jn.17v6,9-16,23.; they had received Christ and were believers
in Him, and He owned them as His friends and brethren. Jn.1v12. 15v15.
17v8. Mt.12v48-50. At Pentecost these already born-again believers received
the baptism in the Spirit that had been promised to them. Acts.2v1-4.
We know from John.7v37-39., that the Holy Spirit was not given until
Jesus was glorified, and that the baptism in the Holy Spirit was not
available to the Church until the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the
day of Pentecost. However, the recorded outpouring of the Holy Spirit
in "The book of Acts" after the day of Pentecost, show that
Christians received the baptism in the Spirit after the new birth, not
at the new birth.
The Samaritans were baptised in the Spirit a considerable
time after their conversion.
At Samaria many accepted Philip's sign-attested ministry and became
joyful believers in Jesus; it was several, even many days later, that
Peter and John came to Samaria to lay hands on these born-again, and
water-baptised converts, that they might receive the baptism in the
Spirit. Acts.8v5-19. The Samaritans were full of faith and joy; but
they were not baptised in the Spirit until Peter and John prayed for
them. Joy, peace, sanctification, or love, cannot be looked upon as
a claim for being baptised in the Spirit; these are the even more important
"fruit of the Spirit," which are the result of abiding in
Christ and being led of the Spirit. Gal.5v16-25. To be a balanced Christian
we need both gifts and fruit, both "great grace and great power."
Acts.4v33.
Paul experienced his baptism in the Spirit a few days
after his conversion.
Paul became a Christian when he met the Lord Jesus on the Damascus
road. He owned Christ as Lord, saying, "Lord, what will thou have
me to do"? Ananias was able to call him "brother Saul,"
and was sent that Paul might receive his sight and be filled with the
Holy Spirit. This was three days after Paul's conversion. Acts.9v6,9,17.
The remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius
and his friends.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the house of Cornelius proves
that Christians can receive the baptism in the Spirit a few seconds
or minutes after believing in Christ as Saviour, and without having
previously been baptised in water, and without having the laying on
of hands. Acts.10v34-48. God gave Cornelius and his devout friends the
sign of the gift of tongues, to prove to bigoted Jews at Jerusalem,
and elsewhere, that God desired to save and forgive the despised Gentiles,
and had welcomed them into His Church. Acts.11v1-18.
The Ephesians received their baptism in the Spirit some time after their
conversion.
In Acts19v2., Paul asks the Ephesian Christians the question, "Having
believed, did ye receive the Spirit?" "Having believed,"
is the aorist participle, "pisteuosantes," which speaks of
an action, which takes place BEFORE the action of the leading verb,
"elabete," (the aorist of "lambano"), which means,
"did you receive?" So the believing took place before the
receiving.
F.F. Bruce states that the term "disciples" is a term that
was commonly used for Christians, and that if these disciples had been
disciples of John, Luke would have said so explicitly. It does not say
that they were disciples of John, who Paul had to lead to Jesus, it
says they were Christians who only knew the baptism of John. The disciples
at Ephesus were undoubtedly Christians whose knowledge of Christianity
was in a similar defective condition to the limited knowledge of the
"fervent" Apollos; before he was more accurately instructed
by Priscilla and Aquila. Acts18v24-28. Apollos was a Christian who was
"mighty in the Scriptures," "and was instructed in the
way of the Lord;" and "spake and taught diligently the way
of the Lord;" but he too only knew the baptism of John. It seems
that these Christians were converted through the ministry of Apollos.
This is confirmed by the fact that these two events are recorded together.
Acts.18v24 to 19v6. It was, then, a considerable time after their conversion,
that these Ephesian Christians received their baptism in the Holy Spirit.
Even if, as some say, these were disciples of John, who became Christians
when Paul spoke to them, it still follows that they were baptised in
the Spirit some time after their conversion; for it would take some
time to find a suitable place for baptism, and some time must also have
elapsed between their baptism in water and the laying on of the apostle's
hands for the baptism in the Spirit, even if it were only a matter of
minutes or hours. Their baptism in the Spirit occurred, therefore, some
time after their conversion, when the apostle Paul laid hands on them,
a point that Paul reminds the Ephesians of in Eph.1v13., "after
that ye had believed, (again "pisteuosantes") ye were sealed
with the Holy Spirit of promise."
3. THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
In Acts2v4. 10v45,46. 11v17. and 19v6., when Christians received the
baptism in the Spirit, they all spoke with tongues as the Spirit gave
them utterance. With the exception of the outpouring at Ephesus, we
do not read of any other manifestations of the gifts, and at Ephesus
they prophesied in addition to speaking in tongues. From humble housewives
to mighty apostles, the initial and conclusive evidence of their baptism
in the Spirit was speaking in tongues. The Holy Spirit did not give
various gifts as the evidence of the baptism, He gave the gifts of tongues
to all. Peter did not say that the household of Cornelius had received
the Holy Spirit because they had believed the Gospel message and had
accepted Christ, or were filled with joy, or were living sanctified
lives, desirable and essential as all these are. Peter said that they
were unmistakably filled with the Holy Spirit, because they had spoken
with tongues, like the 120 on the day of Pentecost. Acts.11v17,18. There
are two more instances in Acts, where it states that Christians received
the baptism in the Spirit. In the case of the Samaritans in Acts.8v14-20.;
even commentators who are not Pentecostal agree that what Simon saw
in v18, was the Samaritan Christians speaking with tongues. When we
read of Paul's baptism in the Spirit in Acts.9v17.; we know from 1Cor.14v5,18.,
that Paul spoke in tongues, and esteemed the gift of tongues very highly
in private prayer, for he thanked God that he spoke in tongues even
more than the verbose Corinthians, and desired every Christian to speak
in tongues, and this must have been the will of God, or Paul would not
have dared to say such a thing.
The baptism in the Spirit is an overwhelming experience to the prepared
heart; indeed, speaking with tongues by the Holy Spirit's direct inspiration,
is the only thing that enables us to express what Charles Finney called
the "unutterable gushings" of praise, adoration, and worship
of God, that fill the soul when one receives a mighty baptism in the
Spirit. The apostolic band did not quibble about the gift of tongues,
or God's choice of it as the initial evidence of their baptism in the
Spirit, they joyfully accepted it and rejoiced that the Holy Spirit
had lifted them above the limitations of their own vocabulary and spiritual
perception, and had given them the ability to pray and worship as they
ought. Let us take these New Testament Christians as the pattern of
our baptism in the Spirit, others, even the good and the best, may lead
us far astray.
Always seek an encounter with God, more than His gifts.
Here I want to give a very necessary warning! Remember, that though
the gift of tongues is a wonderful and lovely gift from God, when you
are seeking the baptism in the Spirit, you are seeking an encounter
with Jesus, not just seeking tongues. The gift of tongues is the outflow
of an encounter with Christ our baptising Lord, it is the effect of
the baptism in the Spirit, not the cause. We should not try to get Christians
to speak in tongues at any cost, so that they can be told, "You
have received your baptism." Our whole emphasis should be on an
encounter with Christ. In the New Testament the filling of the Spirit
preceded the speaking with tongues. The baptism in the Spirit does not
come through physical or soulish techniques, it comes through a living
communion with Christ. We should not be satisfied by how many "tongue
statistics" we can quote, but in how many Christians have received
a new revelation of Christ, which has come with transforming power at
their baptism in the Spirit. It does not satisfy the soul of the seeker,
if they speak in tongues without feeling a fullness of the Spirit, and
a heightened perception of the closeness and preciousness of God our
Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
If there is an absence of soul-searching, consecration, and a thirsting
after God in His Word and in prayer, Christians may well have an experience
that does not reach or satisfy the deep yearnings of the inner depths
of the soul, even though they may have spoken with tongues. This can
cause Christians to doubt their baptism and gifts, when Satan comes
to attack their experience. We should not be satisfied until Christians
have received a soul-satisfying baptism in the Spirit, that brings an
overwhelming experience of the nearness and preciousness of our dear
Lord Jesus and our heavenly Father.
God desires the baptism in the Spirit to be the gateway to the regular
manifestations of His gifts; He wants us to be the channels of Christ's
life, love, knowledge and power. It is only possible to convey this
life, love and power to others, when we have a deep personal experience
of them through the Holy Spirit's ministrations. Even our Lord, who
was "full of grace and truth," did no public signs or miracles
until He was empowered by the Holy Spirit at Jordan. Jn.1v14. 2v11.
3v34,35. 5v19,20. Lk.3v21,22. 4v1,14-23. God desires to give the baptism
in the Spirit to all Christians; "the promise is unto you, and
your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord
our God shall call;" and again, "how much more shall your
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." Acts.2v39.
Lk.11v13.
If we are seeking the baptism in the Spirit, and are finding difficulty
in receiving it, we should remember that we are God's dear children,
and that He loves us with a love that passeth knowledge. We must leave
our anxiety, perplexity, struggles and disappointment, in our Father's
tender care, and not allow ourselves to listen to the lies of Satan
and get dejected and depressed. We are safe in the arms of Jesus, and
in our heavenly Father's tender care; take heart struggling Christian,
you are tenderly loved by God. The Father, Son and Spirit are wholly
on your side. Jn.16v26,27. N.B. v12-15.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING THE BAPTISM IN THE
HOLY SPIRIT?
The unconverted cannot receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, He is
"the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive." Jn.14v16,17.
While it is true that Peter in Acts.2., used the promise of the Holy
Spirit as part of his message; we must remember that the majority of
his hearers were "devout men from every nation under heaven;"
we have to be careful not to cast our heavenly pearls before those who
cannot appreciate them. Mt.7v6. Acts.2v5,38,39. Peter clearly told these
devout Jews, that repentance and faith in Christ as Saviour, were the
essential pre-requisites for receiving the baptism in the Spirit. These
simple conditions make it possible for all truly converted Christians
to receive the baptism in the Spirit. However, we will find that real
spiritual effort and earnest seeking of God are required, if we are
to keep a real fullness of the Spirit and a God-glorifying life. Ps.24v1-6.
1Cor.9v24 to 10v15. The promises for retaining blessing in the Old Testament
were always conditional; see Gen.17v1-8. and Deut.28v1-68.; the New
Testament promises also carry with them a strong conditional "if."
Jn.15v6,7,10,14. Acts.8v37. Rom.8v17. 1Cor.15v1,2. 2Tim.2v11,12. Heb.3v6,14.
4v1,7. 10v26,38. Repentance starts, and carries us along the path of
spiritual safety and blessing. The careless, prayerless, and unconsecrated
Christian is always in grave spiritual danger. In the final reckoning,
the attitudes of heart and mind that bring spiritual victory and safety,
will also bring joy and blessing, for they are sustained by exactly
the same means of grace. Though we can never earn or merit blessing
from God, there are attitudes of mind and heart that will preserve us
from spiritual danger, and will open our hearts and lives to God, so
that He can bless us more freely.
We do not have to be perfect before we can experience the baptism and
gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Ps.68v18. and Eph.4v8., we are told that
God gives gifts and ministries to rebellious imperfect people, so that
we might be improved by them, and "that the Lord God might dwell
among them." This is why the faulty Corinthians "came behind
in no gift." 1Cor.1v7. No one would receive either baptism or gifts
of the Holy Spirit, if we needed to be perfect before we received them.
However, if a church lacks Christian love, it can, like the Corinthian
church, be anything but a happy place, or a good testimony for the Lord.
We should always seek the fruit of the Spirit as well as the gifts of
the Spirit, and the giver more than His gifts. The balanced Christian
is one who manifests both fruit and gifts of the Spirit. 1Cor.13.
HOW TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN A PENTECOSTAL FULLNESS FROM OUR LORD JESUS.
There are attitudes of heart and means of grace that will help us to
receive and retain a fullness of the Holy Spirit.
1. WE MUST SEEK OUT CHRIST AND THE FATHER IN FAITH.
When we seek the baptism in the Spirit and His gifts, we must "ask
in faith with no doubting," we must believe that God is "a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." We have every reason
to trust our unchangeable, good and gracious "Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change," from
whom, "every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift" proceeds.
The Trinity love us with a love that surpasses knowledge. James.1v5-7,16,17.
Eph.3v19. Heb.11v6. 6v13-20.
The strengthening grace of our Lord to us in our "faith
distress."
Paul states that our faith should grow, "from faith to faith."
Rom.1v17. However, our faith can at times be severely tested, as Abraham
found out, when, "with no grounds for hope, Abraham sustained by
hope, put faith in God." Abraham at 99 and Sarah at 90, both laughed
in unbelief at the long delayed promise of God, when old age made the
promise of a child seem ridiculous. They later embraced and received
the promise of God through the gracious faith-building acts of God.
A personal visit of the Lord caused them to be "strengthened in
faith," and receive the promise of God. Gen.15v4-6. 18v11-14. Rom.4v17-20.
God allows our faith to be tested, because faith grows through overcoming
the trials that test it. We should also take great comfort from the
fact that God not only takes great pleasure in our faith, He also delights
to encourage and sustain it. Jesus was never hard on people with genuine
doubts and problems; He treated Nathanael, Nicodemus, doubting Thomas,
and multitudes more, with great grace and love; Jesus always met a sincere
seeker's need. Jn.1v46-51. 3v1-21. 20v24-29. Mk.9v17-29. The risen Christ
restored the shattered faith of His apostles, and though He chided them
for their ignorance of the prophetic Scriptures, and their consequent
unbelief, He was very gracious to them, and encouraged them with a benediction
of peace. Jesus also restored their faith by "showing Himself alive
after His passion by many infallible proofs;" He "appeared
to them repeatedly over a period of 40 days talking with them about
the affairs of the kingdom of God." Acts.1v3. Lk.24v25-29,44,45.
Jn.20v1-31. 1Cor.15v3-8. We too can experience the strengthening grace
of our Lord in our times of trial and "faith distress."
The difference between "genuine doubts," and "an evil heart
of unbelief."
God never despises a genuine seeker who is harassed by doubts and fears.
There is a great difference between a "genuine doubter" with
"faith distress," and a person who has a spirit of scepticism
and "an evil heart of unbelief," who does not want to believe,
because of the demands that faith will make upon them. Heb.3v12-19.
This is why Jesus severely censured the people who were still full of
unbelief, and wilfully unrepentant, after seeing multitudes of signs
and wonders from God. Mt.11v20-24. 12v31-45. The honest doubter may
want to believe, but they may have real problems and difficulties that
keep them from a clear faith. Genuine doubts can give us real distress,
anguish and perplexity, for the very reason that faith and authentic
experience are so earnestly desired. This longing "faith distress"
will certainly lead to a positive and conclusive faith, and an abundant
and satisfying experience of God. Every seeking heart in God's gallery
of faith has known what it has meant to pray through from genuine doubts
to a certainty of faith, and from barrenness to a blessed and fruitful
experience. Even godly Enoch had a period of crisis before he started
to walk with God. Gen.5v21-24. Heb.11v5,6. Jude.v14,15.
The Christian's fight of faith.
All Christians will experience some kind of "fight of faith,"
and these trials of life and conflicts with the powers of darkness,
can be particularly expected when we are seeking a deeper walk with
God and a more effective ministry for God. We cannot avoid having battles
of faith, and the pressures on our faith and the gloomy doubts that
rise, are often not our own fault. There are the demanding pressures
of life that we cannot avoid, such as financial and health problems,
difficulties in our home and work circumstances, and the opposition
and unbelief of the world. 1Tim.6v12. Pressure and problems can be exacerbated
through false teaching and unscriptural tradition, and the lack of a
Spirit-anointed fellowship, for this leaves Christians without the essential
spiritual support they need, when they are attacked by the insinuations
and lies of the powers of darkness. However, God understands and sympathises
with us in all these pressures and difficulties, and our Saviour's intercession
and ministry are totally dedicated to us. He is the author of our faith,
and He will perfect and finish it; so let us cling to Him and seek Him
with all our hearts. Heb.12v2. Rom.8v26-39. We can surely believe that
the God who gave His Son for us, will with Him also freely give us all
things. Rom.8v32. Mt.11v27. 19v26. 21v22. 1Cor.3v21,22. Rev.21v5,7.
2. WE MUST DETERMINE TO OBEY GOD AND LIVE A HOLY LIFE.
Obedience, purity and holiness are essential companions of faith.
Wilful sin will not only hinder faith, it can end in apostasy. 1Cor.10v1-13.
Lk.8v13-15. Heb.3v6 to 4v16. 6v1-12. 10v26-29. 1Tim.1v19. 1Sam15v22,23.
Fellowship with God and other Christians is conditional upon us walking
in love and purity; spiritual darkness envelops Christians who are sinful,
disobedient and worldly. 1Jn.1v3-7. 2v3-17. 5v1-5,18,20. Careless worldly
living will result in a life filled with injurious thorns and briars
instead of the fruit of the Spirit, this ground is "nigh unto cursing."
Heb.6v6-9. Those who speak of easy blessing without moral effort, love,
and obedience are walking down the broad way to destruction. Mt.7v12-29.
Rom.6v1-23. 8v1-9. Lk.6v43-48. Jesus said that we must "dig deep,"
or our spiritual house will collapse in ruins, and we will "fall
away" from grace. Lk.6v46-49. 8v13. However, as we yield to the
Holy Spirit a glorious harvest will grow in our lives, that will bring
blessing to all who meet us. Gal.5v22,23.
God will never despise a broken and contrite heart.
Ps.51v17. Is.66v2.
A feeling of need, a brokenness of spirit and heart examination, will
always precede and accompany a genuine revival; however, these Christian
qualities should not be confused with a state of morbid introspection,
unbelieving anxious despair, or Satan inspired depression and dejection.
We should remember, that though our need is great, God is immeasurably
greater than our need, and He is wholly on our side. We should be honest
with ourselves and God, about any deficiencies of character that we
find in ourselves, but these should not drive us to despair, but to
the throne of grace, where our great Saviour and High Priest has a plenitude
of mercy and grace to meet our every need. Is.66v2. Mt.5v2-4. Heb.4v12-16.
The beauty of true holiness.
True holiness should not be confused with a negative morbid introspection,
or a "holier than thou" attitude, which God abhors. Is.65v5.
An affected devotion, or outward veneer of sanctity; is an empty and
loathsome imitation of true holiness; which is a warm, tender and sacrificial
quality of character.
Holiness does not merely mean, "to free from sin or evil;"
nor does it just mean purity, which means, "to love righteousness
and hate evil;" for though purity of life is an essential constituent
of true holiness, holiness goes even further than purity, it carries
the thought of service and devotion to God, as well as separation from
sin. The words "holiness" and "sanctification" are
translations of the same noun "hagiasmos," which occurs ten
times in the New Testament. Rom.6v19,22. 1Cor.1v30. 1Thes.4v3,4,7. 2Thes.2v13
Heb.12v14. 1Pet.1v2.. The verb "hagiazo," "to sanctify,"
and the adjective "hagios," "holy," occur many times
in the New Testament. "Hagiazo" is used twice, in Jn.10v36.
and 17v9., of our Lord being sanctified; this does not mean that Jesus
needed to be purified, for He had always lived a perfect life. In Jn.10v36.,
we read the Father dedicated Jesus and sent Him into the world to be
our Saviour, regardless of the pain that this would bring to His Father's
heart. In Jn.17v19., Jesus states that He sanctified Himself, so that
we might be sanctified; He is speaking of His amazing sacrificial dedication
to the task of being our Saviour and our High Priest. He was driven
by His great love for us, and for our salvation; to depths of physical,
emotional and spiritual suffering that we cannot conceive. Wonderful
love! This is true holiness.
Before any angels or men were created, the Trinity counted the enormous
cost of our creation and salvation and were willing to pay it out of
pure love for us. They have always been totally dedicated to their creation.
2Cor.8v9. Titus.1v2. Rev.13v8. The Seraphim, "Burning Ones,"
in Is.6v2,3., are probably the "Living Beings" of Rev.4v6-8.;
for both groups radiate Divine energy and life, have six wings, and
sing the same words. For untold millenniums they have been ceaselessly
crying "holy, holy, holy," they are astonished by God's dedicated
love for His creation. They do not rest, "anapausin," from
"anapauo," "to relax," as in Mt.11v29., from praising
God. They express amazed ceaseless adoration at the totally selfless
and sacrificial nature of God. Their continual, "holy, holy, holy,"
does not just state the fact of the purity of God, marvellous as this
may be; but the even more amazing total sacrificial devotion of God
to His creation. Is.6v3. Rev.4v8.
Sanctification starts at the Cross, and the Trinity
sanctifies us.
The Trinity work together for our sanctification. The Holy Spirit regenerates
us and cleans us up at the new birth, and endeavours to sanctify us.
Titus.3v5. 2Thes.2v13. 1Pet.1v2. All Christians are "called to
be saints," that is, "holy ones. Rom.1v7. 15v25,26,31. 16v2,15,16.
6v1,2. 2Cor.1v1. Eph.1v1. 3v8,18. Rev.5v8. 8v3,4. 15v3. etc. They are
saints in the respect that their faith in Christ has "set them
apart" from the world, and this should result in a very practical
and real holiness. Sanctification begins at the cross of Jesus, when
we repent of our sin and believe in Him as our Saviour. Holiness develops
and deepens as the believer grows in grace and is more and more drawn
into the ways and service of God. Eph.4v15. 1Pet.1v2,14-25. 2v2. 2Pet.3v18.
In Mal.3v1-3., we see Christ likened to a refiner of silver, these refiners
used to sit over a pot of molten silver and draw the scum off until
their faces were clearly mirrored in the silver, Christ desires to clean
us up until we reflect His beauty, love, and holiness to others. If
we do not let the Lord Jesus refine and beautify us now with His sacred
fire, then the fire will try and burn up our works at the judgement
seat of Christ. 1Cor.3v12-17. 2Cor.5v8-11. Failure to yield our lives
to the purifying presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit, can result
in a painful chastening from our loving heavenly Father, the aim of
which is to make us partakers of His holiness, and to save us from being
ashamed at Christ's coming. Heb.12v10. 1Cor.11v27-34. 1Jn.2v28. Under
the New Covenant there is a definite emphasis upon purity of life, and
a heart cleansed by the fire of God, and devotion to God. Lk.3v8,16,17.
Jn.1v33. Acts.2v3,4,38,39. 2Cor.3v18. 1Pet.1v13-18.
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