I. Introduction
II. Faith and Believing
III. What is Repentance?
IV. The Why’s and Hows of Water Baptism
V. The Holy Ghost: What is it?
Introduction
Your first visit to an Apostolic Pentecostal church will undoubtedly be a unique experience for you. You may find it very different from the church services to which you are accustomed, and may not know just how to react to the informal worship and structure. The purpose of this booklet is to make your visit as enjoyable and pleasant as possible, and to answer any questions you may have about our doctrines or style of worship. As you read this booklet you will discover that everything we do is solidly rooted in the Bible, though much of it may appear to be very informal and relaxed on the surface.
What do the terms “Apostolic” and “Pentecostal” mean?
“Apostolic” means “like the Apostles.” We are apostolic because we believe strongly in following the teachings of the original apostles (specifically, the twelve disciples of Jesus, and Paul). The teachings of the apostles on how to be saved are found in the book of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. While the other books of the Bible are certainly inspired of God and are useful for teaching Christians how to live, it is only in the Book of Acts that we find a historical account of when, where, and how the apostles obeyed Jesus’ commands to preach to sinners. The seriousness of carefully following the preaching of the apostles is found in the words of the apostle Paul:
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we [the apostles] have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)
“Pentecostal” churches take their roots from the day of Pentecost as described in the second chapter of Acts. On that day, the one hundred and twenty disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit. By definition, a Pentecostal is someone who believes that the various supernatural manifestations of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, are still in operation in the church today. This will be discussed in much more detail in later chapters. For now, let’s move to Chapter One and see if we can answer some questions you may already have.
FAITH AND BELIEVING
I am basically a good person. Isn’t that enough?
It is essential that you believe in God. Just being a good person is not enough. Jesus declared that anyone who rejected Him would die in his sins:
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am {he}, ye shall die in your sins.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith {it is} impossible to please {him}: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and {that} he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Ok, I believe in God. I’m covered, right?
No. Even the devils believe in God:
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Millions of people believe in God or a “higher power,” yet according to the Bible they are lost. Even Muslims, who reject the deity of Jesus Christ, believe in God. It is important what you believe, not just that you believe. According to the scriptures, you must believe more than just that God exists or that Jesus died, was buried, and resurrected.
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
In other words, it isn’t enough even to worship God. You have to worship Him in truth.
John 12:48 He that rejected me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
When you stand before God, you will be judged by the Word, not just by whether or not you believe in God.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God: and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
I see that I have to believe more than just that God exists. What else do I have to believe?
1. You have to believe that Jesus is the “I AM” of the Old Testament:
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am {he}, ye shall die in your sins.
Notice that in the previous verse the word “he” is in braces ({}). This is because this word was added by the translators. In other words, the word “he” was not in the original words of Jesus. Jesus’ actual words were, “if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins.”
In Exodus 3:13-14, Moses asked God what His name was so that he could tell the children of Israel who had sent him. God replied that His divine name was “I AM.” When Jesus speaks in John 8:24, He is calling himself the “I AM” of the Old Testament. If we do not believe that Jesus was and is the “I AM” of Moses, we will die in our sins.
2. You have to believe on the name of Jesus Christ.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, {even} to them that believe on his name:
What does it mean to “believe on his name”? Since the name “Jesus” means “Yahweh is become salvation”, we must believe that Jesus is the Yahweh of the Old Testament, and that He has become salvation for us.
3. Believing “in Jesus” is the same as believing the Word, since He is the Word (John 1:1).
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Since John 1:1 tells us that God is one with His Word, it is impossible to truly believe in God without believing in His Word. If we reject any part of the Word, we are rejecting God, and are not true believers.
4. You must believe that God will reward you if you diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith {it is} impossible to please {him}: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and {that} he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
In other words, if are seeking to know God but you don’t come to Him in faith, you will never receive anything from Him.
5. You must believe in one God.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
If we do not believe in one God, we do not have an understanding that even the devils possess, since even they believe in one God.
All of the above shows us that believing is much more serious than most churches emphasize today. What we believe is our doctrine. Many religious leaders today tell us that doctrine is unimportant. What does the Bible have to say about this?
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture {is} given by inspiration of God, and {is} profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
If there is a sound doctrine, it makes sense that there are “unsound”, or “false” doctrines. We must be wary of these.
1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went in Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
John 9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
1 Timothy 4:13-16 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee,
The above verse teaches us that doctrine will save us. Obviously, contrary to what many teach, doctrine is extremely important.
2 Timothy 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreak er s, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come the knowledge of the truth.
We are warned of false teachings in the last days, having a form of godliness, but possessing no power.
How can we know what is truth and what is error, in a world filled with so many doctrines? The Bible warns us to teach and preach what the Apostles taught and preached:
Matthew 16:18-19 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Peter was given the keys to the kingdom of heaven; in other words, what he preached would open the door of heaven for the sinner. We can see what Peter preached to sinners on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and to Cornelius’ household in Acts 10 to find the plan of salvation in a nutshell.
Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
1 John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us: he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of truth, and the Spirit of error.
John clearly tells us how to know the truth from error. If we preach what the apostles preached, it is truth. If it contradicts what they preached, it is error.
1 John 4:7 But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Who delivered this doctrine? The apostles, of course.
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Who taught the Romans the doctrine they learned? The apostle Paul.
Many teach that the Gospel (the good news of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) is something that simply must be believed in order for someone to be saved. However, the scriptures teach plainly that it is not good enough to simply believe the gospel. We must obey the gospel:
1 Peter 4:17-18 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
So we can clearly see that belief alone does not save. Obedience is required.
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Jesus declared that many who call Him Lord would be rejected at the judgement:
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord,have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The following passage in Acts clearly reveals that the Holy Ghost does not come when we believe, but when we obey:
Acts 8:12-16 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
The Samaritans were clearly baptized believers, yet they did not have the Holy Ghost! This will be discussed more in Chapter 5, “The Holy Ghost: What is It?”
In addition to simple faith, what else is required for salvation? As we will see in the next section, repentance is necessary. Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal saviour is not enough. As a matter of fact, the phrase “accept Christ as your personal saviour” is not found in the Bible! Neither is the phrase “receive Christ into your heart”. What is important is changing your way of thinking through repentance so that God will accept you. God accepts us only when we obey Him!
Genesis 4:7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee {shall be} his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Jeremiah 14:10 Thus saith the Lord unto this people, Thus have they loved to wander, they have not refrained their feet, therefore the Lord doth not accept them; he will now remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
2 Corinthians 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
I hear a lot of talk about “repenting” and that I need to “repent.” What does this mean?
Repentance is simply the act of making a conscious decision to confess your past sins to God, and determining to no longer live a life of sin. It is a conscious decision to serve God.
Simply believing in the existence of God is not the same as serving Him. Many people believe in God, yet do not serve Him, and in many cases are very evil in their deeds. Repentance is the process of changing direction — a decision to live for God.
Jesus demanded repentance throughout His ministry:
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Matthew 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Jesus’ disciples preached repentance:
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
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 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
All men are commanded to repent:
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
My life is pretty miserable right now. I really could use a change. Will God hear me?
Yes, but only if your motives for repenting are pure. Many people repent because they feel sorry for themselves and want a “quick fix” to put their lives back in order. Perhaps they are going through financial difficulty or marital discord. Sometimes they repent because they are experiencing health problems. They turn to God in their hour of need, and all too often forget Him after the problem is resolved. This is not true repentance, but in fact can be deadly, as we see in the next verse:
2 Cor 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
This “sorrow of the world” is deadly because it lends a false sense of security to the sinner. The individual who has been to church, wept at the altar, and felt the presence of God is led to believe that he is “saved.” No permanent change in lifestyle occurs, and soon the person is right back in the same predicament as before, only this time convinced that he is “saved” and all is well. This can even turn some against God completely, since new prayers for deliverance from new problems seem to go unanswered. The real problem, of course, is not God, but the motivation behind the prayers and the desire for a partial solution.
I have never really prayed before. What do I have to say?
The exact words are not as important as the attitude of the heart. Repentance is not so much a prayer as it is a change in attitude. Simply tell God that you are sorry for your past sins and mean it. Purpose in your heart, and tell Him, that you will live for Him. The Bible promises us that He will hear and honor such a prayer, so you simply have to accept that promise:
Prov 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
How will I know that I have truly repented? Will God give me some kind of sign that He has heard me?
True repentance will be accompanied by a changed life. If you continue to live the way you did before, and commit the same sins as before, you have not repented. The “fruit” of repentance is also the “proof” of repentance. Once you have repented and mean it, you must simply accept by faith that God has forgiven you.
Bear in mind that believing and repentance are simply the beginning, not the end, of your complete conversion. The Bible commands (it does not recommend or suggest) us to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (this is discussed in the next chapter). When you have truly obeyed God in this manner, you are promised the gift of the Holy Ghost (discussed in chapter five).
THE WHYS AND HOWS OF
WATER BAPTISM
What is the purpose of baptism?
As you probably know, Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. This is what the Bible refers to as the “Gospel,” or the “good news” concerning Jesus Christ. We are commanded by the Bible to obey (not simply believe) the Gospel:
Romans 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
2 Thessalonians1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
If the gospel (which must be obeyed) is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, how do we obey it?
The plan of salvation was foreshadowed in the Old Testament tabernacle plan:
Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Hebrews 8:4-5 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle…
Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Hebrews 9:8-9 …the first tabernacle was…a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
Under the tabernacle plan, access to the presence of God was carefully planned. The first step was the brazen altar of sacrifice, where an animal was slain to atone for sins. The second step was the brazen laver of water, where the priests were required to wash, on penalty of death, before entering into the presence of God. The third and final step was actual entrance into the tabernacle itself where the Lord dwelled.
These three steps in approaching God are analogous to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to the plan of salvation found in the New Testament. There are three fundamental steps in God’s plan of salvation, just as there were three steps in the Old Testament approach to God and three steps in the gospel of Jesus Christ. These three steps are: 1) Repentance (death), whereby we “die” (the person we used to be is “killed” in a spiritual sense); 2) Baptism (burial), whereby we are “buried”; and 3) Receiving the Holy Ghost (resurrection), whereby we are “resurrected” as a new person. In the tabernacle plan, death was accomplished at the altar of sacrifice, burial at the brazen laver of water, and resurrection by entering into the presence of God in the tabernacle. We have already discussed repentance in the previous chapter, and will discuss the Holy Ghost in the next chapter.
In short, we “obey” the Gospel when we repent of our sins, are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and filled with the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Do I have to be baptized?
Consider the following verses:
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 3:5 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.
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 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Today some suggest that we can ignore the preceding verses and choose not to be baptized. However, it is the position of the Apostolic church that we do not have the right to take certain commands out of the Bible. We simply obey the commands. Your ultimate judge, should you choose to do otherwise, will be the Word itself:
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
No where in the scriptures is baptism “recommended” or “suggested.” No where do we find churches waiting months until a sufficient number of new converts is gathered to have a baptismal service. No, we find that believers were immediately baptized, sometimes in the late hours of the night or the early hours of the morning. In the Bible there was always a sense of urgency about baptism — in each reference quoted it is something that needs to be done right now.
Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Just as you would not wait weeks or months to bury a dead body, so you should not wait weeks or months to “bury” your “old nature” in baptism.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Is it important how I am baptized? Can I just be sprinkled?
There is no record in the Bible of anyone ever being sprinkled in baptism. Since we have already seen that baptism typifies burial, it hardly seems reasonable to sprinkle since that would be like sprinkling a few clods of dirt on a dead person. Everyone in the Bible who was baptized went down into the water. There is no valid reason for leaving the Bible way of doing things when being baptized.
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Are the words pronounced over a person in baptism important?
Let’s again look at the Bible record. Consider the following verses:
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 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
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 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Once more, we see that the Bible way is baptism in the name of Jesus. There is no record in the Bible of anyone ever being baptized in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, as is practiced in most churches today. As always, the only safe route is careful obedience to the Bible.
Why do so many churches baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, if this was never done in the Bible?
In Matthew 28:18-19, we find the following words, known as the Great Commission:
Matthew 28:18-19 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
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:
Notice that in verse 18 Jesus tells His disciples that all power belongs to Him. Then He starts verse 19 with the word “therefore.” As you already know, the word “therefore” means “because of this” (for example, “It is raining outside, therefore I will take my umbrella”). So the disciples are to obey the command of verse 19 because Jesus has all power. It is not because there are three Gods, or even three persons in some mysterious Trinity, but because Jesus alone has all power.
Now look carefully at verse 19. Jesus says, “…baptizing them in the name….” The word name here is singular, not plural; Jesus is speaking of only one name, not multiple names. So which name is He talking about? Furthermore, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles, not names. So Jesus is really saying, “Because I have all power, go and baptize in my name.” Jesus is the only name that fits the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Proof of this lies in the fact that Jesus’ disciples never once baptized using the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, but always used the name of Jesus. Had they understood Jesus to mean baptize using the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, surely they would never have disobeyed the direct command of the Lord.
Further proof that Jesus is referring to His own name in Matthew 28:19 is found in Luke’s version of the Great Commission:
Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke, in relaying the Great Commission in his own words, clearly understood that the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is Jesus, for he said, “…in his name.”
Some may try to downplay the importance of the name of Jesus, but it is critical to remember that the name of God has had great spiritual significance throughout history. One of the ten commandments forbid the Israelites from taking His name in vain. Hundreds of times throughout the Bible the sacredness of the name is emphasized. When Moses asked to see the glory of God, God honored his request by speaking His name in Moses’ presence. To the modern mind that does not recognize the sacredness of God’s name, this is puzzling. But to those of us who know the power in the name, it is easily understood.
THE HOLY GHOST: WHAT IS IT?
I hear a lot of talk about this thing called the Holy Ghost, or Holy Spirit. Just what exactly is it?
First, it is necessary to understand that God is a spirit, meaning He does not consist of flesh and bone like you and me. He is not a man, a person, or three persons (as is often taught):
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie…
Furthermore, there is only one “holy” spirit. There are many evil spirits in the world, but only one that is truly “holy”:
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
Notice that the word “Spirit” in this verse is capitalized, because the Spirit that is referred to is the Holy Spirit. The phrases “Holy Ghost” and “Holy Spirit” are interchangeable and mean exactly the same thing.
Since there is only one Spirit in this world that is holy, this Spirit must be the Spirit of God. When you see phrases in the Bible such as “Spirit of Christ,” “Spirit of God,” etc. these all refer to the exact same Spirit, the Holy Ghost.
Is the Holy Ghost something I can have, and if so, how do I receive it?
The Holy Ghost (God’s Spirit living inside of you) is promised to all who believe, repent, and obey God’s commands.
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?
Acts 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
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 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
The Holy Ghost is not something for which you have to beg, but is something that you simply must expect to receive after you have obeyed God’s commands to repent and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Do I have to receive the Holy Ghost to be saved? I believe in God. Isn’t that enough?
Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about this:
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
As we saw earlier, even the devils believe in God. This, however, obviously does not save them. What else does the Bible say about the Holy Ghost?
John 3:5 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.
Romans 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.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
1 Corinthians 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.
Without the Holy Spirit, you cannot enter into God’s kingdom and you do not belong to Christ.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
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;
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
It is the Holy Spirit that will resurrect us when Jesus returns to earth:
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
So the Word is clear: you must receive the Holy Ghost in order to enter the kingdom of God and to belong to Christ; in short, to be saved.
Is there any way I can know when I have received the Holy Ghost?
The Bible is clear in revealing to us that those who received the Holy Ghost knew when they had received it. There was a visible sign – even those standing around knew both when others had received it and even when they had not:
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.
These people in Acts 8 had already received the Word of God, believed, repented, received joy, and seen miracles. Yet none of them had the Holy Ghost, and they all knew it! So it is obvious that none of the aforementioned items (believing, etc.) in and of itself is proof that one has received the Holy Ghost. However, the Bible does give us clear signs:
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
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 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 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongue s, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
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.
Just as it is evident that there was some outward sign that allowed the Samaritans in Acts 8 to know when they did and did not have the Holy Ghost, it is equally evident that this sign is speaking in tongues.
Should I try to speak in tongues?
No. You are not seeking to speak in tongues; you are seeking the Holy Ghost. The tongues are simply the result of receiving the Holy Ghost, and the Spirit will cause you to speak. Simply repent of your sins, believe the promise of God, and begin praising Him. Remember, He delights in our praise, and your praise will be an open invitation for Him to take up residency within your heart. At this point you will begin speaking in tongues.
What if I do something stupid, silly, or can’t stop speaking in tongues?
God will never force you to do anything that you do not want to do. If you want to stop speaking in tongues, you can stop whenever you get ready. However, most find that once they receive the Holy Ghost, they want to continue speaking in tongues as long as they can.
As for acting silly, it is true that many act “drunk,” just as Jesus’ disciples did on the day of Pentecost, when they receive the Holy Ghost. Once again, however, this is always strictly voluntary. Many leap for joy from the excitement, some laugh, some dance. Imagine that someone walked up to you and handed you a check for a million dollars. Would you act silly? Probably. Could you stop? Of course, but who would want to? So it is when you receive the Holy Ghost.
©2004 Michael E. Crocker
Posted under Bible Studies
This post was written by admin on October 14, 2008
