Draft:On the indwelling and roles of the Holy Spirit

On the Indwelling and Roles of the Holy Spirit

Peter E W Lowrie (no stated affiliation)

Rev: 1.01

2024

Abstract

I prayerfully and by way of God’s Word seek God’s guidance on the topical elements of the questions, discourse and sometimes arguments surrounding the Christian notion of Salvation, Baptism and Indwelling of the Holy Spirit of God. During Jesus’ ministry he alerted his disciples of the “Helper” he was going to leave with them to, in part, lead them into all knowledge.

Throughout post resurrection history mankind has been subjected to multiple events including councils, synods, catechisms, creeds, divisions, wars, persecutions, massacres, inquisitions, revolts, crusades, reformations and counter-reformations where various groups and individuals sought to manifest control over others and establish themselves. In more recent times this has led to a plethora of denominations in various and diverse forms from hyper-progressive on one hand to ultra-orthodox on the other. Some practice what Martin Luther referred to as Scriptura Sola, Sola Scriptura (ie; Scripture alone) and others espouse Scripture and Tradition¹. A dizzying array has emerged and in varying ways error has grown; Roman Catholicism, eastern and western Orthodoxy, LDS, JW and ²LGBTQ+ being five glaring examples. Thus rather than addressing the subject normatively I seek empirical and analytical approaches relying on how Scripture defines and what people understand. In this manner I enter this work by way of hermeneutics but will not, in most instances, be bringing to bear quotes from published works authored by others.

Some questions in today’s Christian world include those surrounding the “Gifts of the Spirit”, whether these were meant only for the early Church or not and why so many Christian groups no longer experience answered prayer, miracles and spiritual vision (or vision/sighting of spiritual things otherwise referred to as discernment). I aim to provide a deep-dive into the topic in the hope of clearing up what, to some, are misunderstandings were error has crept into multitudes of modern denominations.

Bias Disclaimer

Due to experience I cannot claim to be without some bias on this topic. I seek to address that here so the reader knows of my predispositions and possible reasons why.

These events occurred following August 1977 when I first surrendered my life to God through Lord Jesus Christ. Four months later I received water baptism. Three months later at a youth camp I was asked had I received baptism in the Holy Spirit. I had not though I knew of the roles the Holy Spirit had in my conviction and salvation it’s movements and most of it’s meanings.

I was invited into a small room by the youth Pastor and his assistant. The Pastor laid his hand on my head and the assistant on my shoulder. We recited a prayer that included acknowledgement of God the Father and of Jesus Christ and I invited the Holy Spirit to reside within me. Momentarily I saw a cloud that appeared dense at it’s centre moving toward me from ahead and above. As it came right up to me it entered me physically between my forehead and chest pushing me backwards. As the cloud continued coming into me I began shaking. I looked down at my body and what I saw inside me was black but what appeared like sparkling water was moving down my body, arms and legs pushing the blackness out though the finger-tips and toes. I continued shaking for a minute or so thus ended the miraculous cathartic event. I spent the next several weeks, if not months in heightened spirituality and closeness with God.

A year or so later a woman asked me to pray on her for healing. So I complied. As I removed my hand from her head she exclaimed “oh” and I saw that in my hand I was holding a dark translucent cloud (a form of discernment) I said “will you look at that”. I shook my hand and it vanished. The woman reported a successful healing much to our mutual delight and glorification of God. For me there have been other manifestations of these spiritual/supernatural Gifts of the Holy Spirit including, prophesy, discernment, healing and tongues.

Every Scriptural reference to the Holy Spirit

In the Bible software called BibleTime I used the King James version and entered the search term “(Holy) AND (Spirit OR Ghost)”. There were 105 hits. In particular I’m looking for the term “Holy Spirit” or “Holy Ghost” where both those words are found contiguously.

Ps 51:11

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Is 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

Is 63:11

Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?

Matt 1:18

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Matt 1:20

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost

Matt 3:11

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

Matt 12:31

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."

Matt 12:32

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."

Matt 28:19

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Mark 1:8

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

Mark 3:29

“But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:"

Mark 12:36

"For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool."

Mark 13:11

"But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost."

Luke 1:15

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:41

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Luke 1:67

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

Luke 2:25

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Luke 2:26

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Luke 3:16

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:

Luke 3:22

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

Luke 4:1

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Luke 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?"

Luke 12:10

"And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."

Luke 12:12

"For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say."

John 1:33

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.

John 7:39

(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.)

John 14:16-17

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;" 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."

John 14:26

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

John 20:22

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

Acts 1:2

Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Acts 1:5

"For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

Acts 1:8

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Acts 1:16

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Acts 2:4

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

Acts 2:33

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 4:8

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

Acts 4:31

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 5:3

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Acts 6:3

Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Acts 6:5

And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Acts 7:51

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Acts 7:5

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Acts 8:15

Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

Acts 8:16

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 8:17

Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 8:18

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

Acts 8:19

Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:17

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:31

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

Acts 10:45

And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:47

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

Acts 11:15

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning

Acts 11:16

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."

Acts 11:24

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Acts 13:2

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Acts 13:4

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 13:9

Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 15:8

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

Acts 15:28

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;

Acts 16:6

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Acts 19:2

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:6

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 20:28

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Acts 21:11

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Acts 28:25

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Rom 5:5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Rom 9:1

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

Rom 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Rom 15:13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Rom 15:16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

1 Cor 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1 Cor 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Cor 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

2 Cor 6:6

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

2 Cor 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

Eph 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,

Eph 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 Thes 1:5

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

1 Thes 1:6

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

1 Thes 4:8

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

2 Tim 1:14

That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Heb 2:4

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

Heb 3:7

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

Heb 6:4

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Heb 9:8

The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

Heb 10:15

Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

1 Pet 1:2

Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

2 Pet 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

1 John 5:7

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

Jude 1:20

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Earliest references to an Indwelling (Holy) Spirit.

In Numbers 28:18 (And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him) we first encounter a description of a man, Moses’ son Joshua has the Holy Spirit within him. It is notable that “indwelling” described a man in whom is the spirit and that that description of spirit is not capitalised. Nor are the words capitalised in Psalm 51:11 but only in Isaiah 63:10 to we see Spirit capitalised, the word “holy” is not. The same is true for Isaiah 63:11.

So it was reported multiple times in Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy of the Spirit being “upon” numerous people, prophets and leaders and in Joshua 5:1 it was removed.

Recognition of the personification of the Holy Spirit does not begin until the New Testament starting with Matthew 1:18, thereafter this is found throughout the entire New Testament. An analysis of Scripture points to John 20:22 as the first mention of a form of Baptism in the Holy Spirit aka “Indwelling”.

How we come to know of the utility of God’s Holy Spirit

Without the Holy Spirit we cannot come to conviction over sin, understand God’s Word or the purpose behind the Logos or of the purpose and mission of the Word which is Lord Jesus Christ. Without the influence of the Holy Spirit none are able to utter “Jesus is Lord” or to fully recognise his deity. Thus God’s Holy Spirit is also an enabling influence that brings us to salvation, understanding, guidance, prophesy and beyond. By virtue of scripture at once there is a clear distinction between the influencing Holy Spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

There is a school of thought where the baptism of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts was attributable to the Apostolic era alone thus the gifts of the [Holy] Spirit were also for that period alone. There is little to no scriptural authority for such claims. There are published accounts³ of revivals going back from the thirteenth century up to today wherein Acts 8 &19 Holy Spirit baptisms were performed and Holy Spirit gifts were/are seen. Those who believe that upon repentance and baptism the Holy Spirit automatically enters the convert appear to be those that experience no supernatural occurrences in their walk with God. I do not think this makes them any less saved just that they are missing out on the fullness of the promises not otherwise scripturally prescribed. What I am sure about is that the Lord wants us to have an abiding saving experience with all it entails.

On Salvation

By way of the influence of the Holy Spirit we are brought to the moment of realisation that we are sinners and feel the overwhelming need to do something about it. Then for many in this recognition we say something like the sinners prayer and make the conscious decision to commit and to hand our lives over to God. We accept Jesus into our existence realising that we also need to do a 180, leaving the worldly existence to enter the Kingdom of God as a “born again” believer. As a brand new Christian we find a place of worship - an ecclesia, and join with other believers to learn the way of the Lord. This new journey is augmented by reading/studying the Bible, prayer and fellowship. Thus we join the Church of the Kingdom of God - Church of God.

What then follows is baptism in water⁴. This is symbolic of the death of the old self – going under the water (the old self put to death)and becoming resurrected as a new creature into the Kingdom of God coming out of the baptismal water. These are elements whereby we follow the example set by Jesus when he was baptised in the river Jordan by John. Coming out of the water has come to be recognised as another emulation originally ordained by Jesus when God raised him from the dead.

Above I describe two events however not always exclusive. For example the “sinners prayer” or conversion might occur immediately prior to water baptism or the water baptism might occur weeks or months following the initial step one took as described in the first paragraph of this section above. Just because we may have experienced water baptism months after our conversion does not mean that we are not saved or that our salvation wasn’t official until the water baptism ritual happened.

Modalities of expressions of the Holy Spirit

All four Gospel accounts relate to Johns⁵ prediction that Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit “overshadowed” Mary and “filled” Elisabeth as was also Zacharias “filled”. Simeon is described, while awaiting his consolation, that the Holy Spirit was “upon” him. Daniel prophesied by way of the Holy Spirit (2 Sam 23:2). It is not clear whether the Holy Spirit was upon him or that he was filled thereby. Clearly the influence of the Holy Spirit was involved with every book of the Bible, some kings and all prophets. So whereas the Angel told Zacharias that Jesus would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb he (the Holy Spirit) was also seen by onlookers to descend in a bodily shape upon the Lord in the form of a dove during Jesus’ baptism by John.

It turns out that the baptism of the Holy Spirit told in earlier terms is not the same experienced by the Apostles at Pentecost as Jesus had not yet been glorified (John 7:39). Does this mean there was another Holy Spirit? (John relates to the “Seven Spirits” of God (Rev 5:6 and 3:1)). However, I think not. The nature of the Spirits in the Revelation accounts is nowhere elaborated upon in Scripture. There is also a curious juxtapose of things Trinitarian herein including such things as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit along with Repentance/Salvation, Baptism (for remission) and invitation for indwelling of Holy Spirit (Baptism). I’m not even getting into Gematria ideas.

Even prior to Pentecost scripture relates to the Holy Spirit providing “commandments” to the Apostles (Acts 1:2). About 120 people were assembled in the upper room when the Holy Ghost became indwelling to the Apostles, waking eyes were seeing spiritual manifestations (a part of the gift of discernment) on them and they launched into “tongues” and “prophesies”. This event was preceded by the risen Jesus “breathing” the Holy Spirit onto/into some of the disciples. Jesus in Luke 11:13 relates asking the Father for his Holy Spirit. Prior to Pentecost the Apostles were commanded by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2). In many instances the influence of the Holy Spirit is seen to be doing things in the background; convicting people of their sinful nature, bringing souls to repentance, witnessing to us, praying in - with nary a mention of a prior indwelling. It becomes clear that receipt of the indwelling Holy Spirit comes about by way of a prayer of invitation, God does not force it upon us at conversion, at water baptism but in God’s excellently gentle manner waits for us to make a conscious choice to learn of and by way of invitation receive the indwelling baptism of his Holy Spirit. What does one lose by doing or testing this? Instead of being “stiff-necked” (Acts 7:51) in a belief they already possess the indwelling come to a realisation. Come to a Penticostal or Spirit Filled congregation and ask to be prayed upon (hands on as described) invitation for the indwelling baptism. You will be surprised to learn something new AND come to know the Lord on an even deeper level AND come to express or perform miracles and other prescribed spiritual/supernatural gifts (1 Cor 14:14 etc). One only need to overcome fears, doubts, uncertainties or obstinance.

Acts 2:38 and Acts 8:15 & 19:6 are at least three instances where confusion arises about the post-water baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit taking place. Why? Acts 2:38 seems to suggest that upon repentance and Baptism “ye shall receive” the Holy Ghost. The suggestion is that receiving the indwelling baptism of the Holy Spirit is automatic or forced upon the convert. But Peter in Acts 8 demonstrates and Paul shows in Acts 19 that may not be the case. In this interpretation Peter and Paul spell out the methodology distinguishing the act of repentance, the ritual of baptism in water followed by the act of hands-on (by way of) prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to dwell within being three separate events. Not all believers draw these distinctions which have given rise to:

A. A belief that the Gifts of the Spirit were meant for the founding Church alone⁶,

B. The paucity of miraculous⁷ events in some (but not all) Church groups, and

C. 2 Tim 3:15; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:

There are those who carry out an Acts ch 8 & 19 form of baptism in the Holy Spirit and those who do not. It has become my experience that the former generally do experience (supernatural) Gifts of the Spirit and the later do not. The latter claim an Acts 2:38 interpretation and the former do not. Does this mean that the Acts 2:38 Christians are somehow not really saved? Obviously not, of course they are saved, they are, after-all sealed by the Holy Ghost (2 Cor 1:22) in their salvation. However the evidence comes down on the side of the Acts 8 & 19 groups who experience supernatural events and the power of God aka item “C.” above who are both Godly and experiential to become more holy over time. But is it a rule? The conversion of the Eunuch and his receipt of the Holy Spirit along with the myriad descriptions herein say; No!. The scripture does not elucidate on what prayer was offered during the event however it would not surprise me if such prayer involved three elements; 1^st, repentance and salvation, 2^nd , the baptism sacrament and 3^rd invitation to God for the indwelling Holy Spirit.

We read in Scripture (Acts 2) that as we (they) receive the Holy Spirit recipients are reported to see tongues of fire, utter tongues of unlearned languages, prophesy (preach/witness) and otherwise physically express outwardly miraculous and supernatural things. As I speak to Christians who have experienced the Acts 8 & 19 baptism all report physically experiencing spiritual events such that what they experienced was powerful such that they are left in no doubt of the cathartic event. Thereafter many of the Holy Spirits Gifts are expressed by way of miracles, healing, exorcisms and prophesies. Starting with hands-on prayer; By the “Grace” of God and by the “authority” of Jesus Christ and by “power” of the Holy Spirit… Thereafter one or other of the Gifts are invoked along with commensurate expectation of a miracle taking place. Sadly these expressions seem not to be experienced by Christians who claim an Acts 2 version of events.

Descriptions of the Holy Spirit

Though not comprehensive: Comforter, spirit of truth (John 14:17), Helper (Rom 16:9), Commander (Acts -1:2), Power[ful] (Acts 10:38, Rom 15:13), Speaker (Acts 28:25, Mark 13:11, Heb 3:7), Sanctifier (Rom 15:16), Teacher (1 Cor 2:13), Sealer (Eph 1:13), Gift [giver] (Heb 2:4).

The Open Bibleⁱ commentaries relative to Automatic receipt of the Indwelling Holy Spirit.

In spite of scriptural evidence presented herein there is, among some scholars and authors that the Holy Spirit is forced into a convert upon the conversion experience/moment/choice:

Knowing the Will of God through submission to the [Holy] Spirit:⁸

Quote: The moment a repenting sinner receives Christ by faith into their heart the Holy Spirit immediately does five things for them:

a. [They] (the Holy Spirit) regenerates the believer. He gives him a new nature.⁹

b. [They] baptises the believer into the body of Christ.¹⁰

c. He (the Holy Spirit) indwells the believer.¹¹

d. He (the Holy Spirit) seals the believer.¹²

e. He (the Holy Spirit) fills the believer.¹³

Unquote.

Thus, it becomes obvious that error continues unabated leading many astray. In none of the examples quoted by The Open Bible do they quote the penultimate evidences in Acts 8 & 19. Why? I get the hunch that it brings to their argument – doubt. They don’t know how to account for the obvious dissenting scripture that renders the prior discussion defunct. So I agree with “a” and “c” however “b”, “d” and “e” are erroneous.

Conclusions

Many of today’s Christians claim the Holy Spirit as part of their salvation experience. That alone is not-so-bad however they seem not to experience miracles, worshipping God “in the Spirit” et al. This is because they do not understand the fullest implication thereof. In multiple parts of the epistles St. Paul elucidates the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Many Christians though, these days, denote the word manifestation in a negative light, like it’s something bad to be eschewed. St. Paul doesn’t seem to think so. So why is it portrayed in such a negative light? Is it due to negative connotations ascribed to the word itself? Probably.

Many Born Again Christians no not experience the fullness of their salvation experience because of faulty teaching in many modern Church groups. This includes multiple denominations Roman Catholic and Protestant alike. There are pockets of establishment congregations that accept the Act’s 8 and 19 notion of baptism into the Holy Spirit, they are however only pockets – not the majority. In this regard the Pentecostals and Evangelicals who ascribe to the Acts 8 & 19 version of events have embodied the fullness of the scriptural teachings wholeheartedly and regularly experience miracles and other Gift’s of the Holy Spirit notwithstanding in many instances going too far with it; The prosperity teachings, for example. On the other hand there are those, in most denominations that have not gone far enough.

St. Paul spoke of those being stiff-necked and also of the Bereans searching the scriptures daily. Can it be argued that despite the evidence there are those who pick-and-choose what scripture they accept and what they overlook or reject? Exactly! If one is a Bible believing Christian one must accept the entire scripture without exception. Following salvation, repeated repentance throughout life which is the nature of the believer and follower of God in obedience must bring one to the realisation that they do or do not have the Holy Spirit indwelling. Whereas we are sealed by the Holy Spirit upon the conversion moment and thereafter seeking God and a Holy existence without acknowledgement of the indwelling (aka Acts 8 & 19) we fail to exist in the fullness of God’s will that he will pour out his spirit upon all mankind. Mankind however must be willing. God forces himself upon nobody. It’s your choice. One must be willing following the act of salvation and immersion baptism to embrace the Acts 8 & 19 version of baptism (receiving of) God’s Holy Spirit indwelling. Acts 2 provides the what, Acts 8 & 19 the how. Are you now willing to accept the scriptural teaching in it’s fullness to accept and invite (by way of hands-on prayer) to receive the indwelling Holy Spirit so you too may become a Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19)?

Show me where/if I am wrong. Are you able to perform miracles? Are you able to worship God in angelic language (1 Cor 14.14)? I propose the answer is not because the Gifts of the Spirit were meant for the early church but because we do not embrace the fullness of the Indwelling Holy Spirit as fully described and endorsed in Scripture.

1Various religions have their Holy Scripture followed by “Traditions”. For example Judaism has the O.T. Bible followed by the Talmud, Kabalah and Zohar. Islam has the Koran followed by the Sunna or Hadith writings. Roman Catholicism has the Bible (and Apocrypha) followed by Liturgies, Missals, Synod and Bulls. Orthodoxy (and Roman Catholicism) have the Bible followed by doctrinal standards of Ecumenical Creeds, Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confessions and Canons of Dort among others.

2There is a growing list of “affirming” establishment churches (eg C. of E.) and openly homosexual groups claiming a mantle of Christianity.

3Great Revivals. Colin Whittaker.

4For those practising full immersion

5John the Baptist

6Cessationism

7Gifts of the Spirit

8Open Bible pp.684

9pp1077-John 3:5, 6.

Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

pp 1240-Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

10pp1168-1 Cor 12:13.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit

11pp1147-Rom 8:9.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his

pp1163-1 Cor 6:19.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

12pp1195-Eph 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,

4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

13pp1106-Acts 2:4,

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

4:8,

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel

7:55,

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

13:52.

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

i https://freegiftfromgod.com/2013/08/receiving-the-holy-spirit/

Great Revivals. Colin Whittaker. Marshals paperbacks. ISBN 0 551 01149 1

The Open Bible © 1983 Thomas Nelson, Inc

Baptism in the New Testament. Oscar Cullmann. SCM Press.

Provides examples of erroneous instruction including infant “christening”.