Is the Holy Ghost necessary, or is it just an added blessing for a person who is already saved?

We will begin this study by examining every relevant verse in the New Testament having anything to do with the Holy Ghost and salvation.

1. When John the Baptist prophesied of the coming baptism of the Holy Ghost, he did not say it was for some Christians only. He included everyone in his prophecy.

Our search takes us first to the book of Matthew. Let’s take a look at the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 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:

It would seem to make sense that if the Holy Ghost was intended for only a select few, but not all saved people, then John would not have made such a blanket statement. He would have said, “he shall baptize some of you with the Holy Ghost…”. However, John did not say this. He included all of his audience in his prophecy.

2. When Jesus warned his disciples of the persecution to come, He also told them that the Holy Ghost would speak through them. He did not make any exceptions for those who would be “saved” but would not have the Holy Ghost. He assumed that every Christian would have the Holy Ghost.

In Matthew 10:20, Jesus is speaking to his disciples. A pattern begins here that is carried throughout the New Testament: not once does any writer of any book ever speak to two different groups of Christians: those who have the Holy Ghost and those who do not. Every writer of every book assumes every Christian has the Holy Ghost.

In Matthew 10:20 and Mark 13:11, Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about what they will say when they are brought before governors and kings, because the Spirit will speak through them:

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:20)

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. (Mark 13:11)

Once again, Jesus treats the subject as automatic; every disciple will have the Holy Spirit. He makes no provision for those who are “saved” but do not have the Holy Ghost, because no such person exists.

Some may argue that there is a difference between the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of the Father. Does the Bible say so? Look at Ephesians 4:4:

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4)

Since there is only one Spirit, that Spirit must be the Holy Spirit. Matthew 10:20 and Mark 13:11 use the terms “Spirit of your Father” and “Holy Ghost” interchangeably, and the terms “Spirit of Christ” and “Spirit of God” are used interchangeably elsewhere in scripture, proving that they are indeed synonymous:

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 8:9)

Anywhere in the Bible where the Spirit is mentioned, whether it is the Spirit of Christ, God, or the Father, it is always the Holy Spirit. There is only one Spirit.

3. The Holy Ghost is given to those who sincerely ask for it, so it is inconceivable that someone could be “saved” without it.

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 11:13)

4. Without the Holy Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.

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. (John 3:5)

Some may argue that there is a difference between “receiving” the Holy Spirit, or being “born again,” and being “baptized” in or with the Spirit. However, not once does the Bible provide any record of any such distinction. Not once do we read of someone who “receives” the Spirit only to later be “filled” or “baptized” with the Spirit. When the Bible speaks of being “baptized” in or with the Spirit, it means exactly the same thing as being born again.

Someone may point out that John 20:22 states that Jesus breathed on his disciples, then told them to “receive ye the Holy Ghost”. However, in this passage Jesus is issuing a command to the disciples. They did not receive the Holy Ghost at this instant; otherwise it would have been completely unnecessary for them to go to Jerusalem to wait for the Holy Ghost.

5. Jesus prophesied of the coming of the Spirit of Truth, which would dwell in every Christian.

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 14:17)

Keep in mind that every occurrence of Spirit (capital letter S) in the Bible refers to the Holy Spirit, because there is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4). Therefore, John 14:17 must refer to the Holy Spirit, and all Biblical scholars agree on this. Note that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to all disciples, not a select few.

6. The Holy Ghost is our comforter and teacher. It is inconceivable that someone could be a Christian without this teacher, because it teaches us all truth. Without it, you cannot know truth.

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 14:26)

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 16:13)

It is not only the Spirit that teaches us truth, but it is the Spirit that empowers us to obey the truth. Without it, you are a slave to sin.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:22)

7. Jesus promised the baptism of the Holy Ghost to all of His disciples, not a select few.

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

8. Jesus identified the Holy Ghost as the source of spiritual power. Without it, you have no power.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

9. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was poured out to all those in the upper room. It was not selective; everyone received it. It is Biblical to expect everyone to receive it today.

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

10. The prophet Joel prophesied that the Spirit of the Lord (the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit) would be poured out on all flesh. It would not be a selective outpouring, but would be available to everyone.

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (Acts 2:17)

11. When Peter preached to the multitudes on the day of Pentecost, he said the Holy Ghost was for anyone who would repent and be baptized in Jesus name. Thus, we can only conclude that those who have not received it have not obeyed his command, and therefore are not Christians.

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 2:38)

If a person truly repents and is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, he or she is promised the Holy Ghost.

12. The Holy Ghost is promised to all who obey God. It is inconceivable that a person could be a Christian without obeying God, so all true Christians will have the Holy Ghost.

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 5:32)

Perhaps more than any other, this verse proves the necessity of the Holy Ghost. Only those who obey God will receive it, just as only those who obey Him will be saved. The Holy Ghost and salvation go hand in hand. How can someone possibly he is saved, yet admit that he has not obeyed God?

13. When Peter preached to Cornelius’ household in Acts 10, everyone who heard the Word received the Holy Ghost. It was not poured out selectively, once again proving it is for everyone.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10:44)

14. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. It is therefore impossible to have the love of God without the Holy Ghost.

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. (Romans 5:5)

Notice that in the preceding verse, Paul once again assumes that all of his audience has the Holy Ghost. There is no provision in this verse, or any other, for those who are saved but do not have the Holy Ghost, because salvation comes only through the Holy Ghost.

15. It is the Holy Ghost that takes away the condemnation of sin and makes us free from the law of sin and death. Thus, those who do not have the Holy Ghost are still bound in sin and condemnation.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)

16. Romans 8:9 clearly tells us that we do not belong to God if we do not have His Spirit.

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 8:9)

Of course, some will argue that the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Spirit are two different Spirits, but we have already proven from Ephesians 4:4 that there is not but one Spirit, and that the terms “Spirit of Christ,” “Spirit of the Father,” “Spirit of God,” and “Holy Spirit” are used interchangeably throughout the Bible (compare Matthew 10:20 with Mark 13:11).

All too often it is human nature to make the Bible more complicated than it need be. There are not several different mysterious “Spirits,” nor is there a difference in being “filled” with the Spirit and “baptized” with the Spirit. There is one Spirit (God), and either you have Him dwelling within you or you don’t. There are no other options. If He dwells in you, you are saved. If He does not, you are not saved.

17. It is the Holy Spirit that will resurrect us from the dead. Without it, you will not be part of the resurrection of the just.

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. (Romans 8:11)

18. Only those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. Therefore, if you do not have the Spirit, you are not a son of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

19. The Spirit is our witness that we are children of God. If we do not have the Holy Spirit, we are not children of God.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Romans 8:16)

20. Since the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, you cannot be part of the kingdom of God without the Holy Ghost.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17)

21. Our joy, peace, and hope comes from the Holy Ghost. Without it, we have no joy, peace, or hope.

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. (Romans 15:13)

22. When we submit ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, our offering is sanctified (made pure) by the Holy Ghost. If we do not have the Holy Ghost, we are unacceptable to God.

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. (Romans 15:16)

23. It is impossible to know the things of God without the Holy Spirit. Without it, you are wandering in darkness.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
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 Corinthians 2:11-13)

Notice once again that Paul assumes everyone in his audience has the Holy Ghost. No provision is made for those who might be saved but do not have the Holy Ghost, since this is an impossible condition.

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22)

We having the same spirit of faith… (2 Corinthians 4:13)

…God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 5:5)

For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received…(2 Corinthians 11:4)

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. (Galatians 5:5)

…walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? (2 Corinthians 12:18)

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:8)

That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (2 Timothy 1:14)

24. It is the Holy Ghost that makes us the temple (dwelling place) of God. If you do not have the Holy Ghost, you are not the temple of God, and thus are not saved.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

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 Corinthians 6:19)

We must continue to emphasize that Paul never writes to his audience as though some have the Holy Ghost and some do not. He always assumes everyone has the Spirit of God dwelling within them.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (Jude 1:20)

25. As Christians, we are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit, so if we do not have the Spirit we are not washed, sanctified, or justified.

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. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

26. No man can truly profess that Jesus is Lord of his life if he does not have the Holy Ghost, so if you do not have the Holy Ghost, Jesus is not Lord of your life.

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. (1 Corinthians 12:3)

27. We are baptized into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Thus, someone who does not have the Holy Spirit is not part of the body of Christ.

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. (1 Corinthians 12:13)

28. The Holy Spirit gives life, so anyone who does not have the Holy Spirit is spiritually dead.

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (2 Corinthians 3:6)

For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:8)

We are “quickened” (made alive) by the Spirit.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18)

29. The Holy Spirit gives us liberty. Without the Holy Spirit, you are still bound in sin.

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

30. We are changed into the image of God by the Holy Spirit. Without it, you can never hope to attain God’s image.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

31. Paul asks the Galatian church rhetorically how they received the Holy Ghost in chapter three verse two, and answers “by the hearing of faith,” confirming that true faith accompanied by repentance will always result in the Holy Ghost:

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:2)

32. We begin our walk with God in the Spirit (receiving the Holy Ghost). Until you receive the Holy Spirit, you have not truly begun your walk with God. You may be making an effort to come to Him through repentance and water baptism, but your walk has not yet started.

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Galatians 3:3)

33. It is the Spirit of God that makes us sons of God. Without it, we are not spiritual sons of God.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)

34. Those who are led by the Spirit are no longer under the Law. Thus it requires the Spirit to free us from the law of sin and death.

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (Galatians 5:18)

35. It is the Holy Spirit that seals us, or identifies us as a child of God.

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, (Ephesians 1:13)

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

36. It is only through the death of Jesus Christ and by the Holy Spirit that we have access to God.

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)

37. It is only by the Holy Spirit that we become a habitation (dwelling place) of God. If you do not have the Holy Spirit, God does not dwell within you.

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)

38. Paul understood that his salvation and sanctification (holiness) come through the prayers of the saints and the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit in your life, you have no salvation.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (Philippians 1:19)

In other words, Paul’s salvation was through the supply of the Spirit. Since there is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), he must be referring to the Holy Spirit.

…God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

Salvation comes through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. It is impossible to be saved or sanctified (made holy) without the Holy Ghost.

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; (Titus 3:5)

We are saved by the washing of regeneration (baptism - washing) and renewing the Holy Ghost. Since it is impossible to renew something you have never had, this verse proves the Holy Ghost is necessary for salvation.

14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (Hebrews 10:15)

The Holy Ghost is a witness that we are sanctified (made holy), once again proving that it is impossible to be sanctified without it. This holiness (sanctification) is not our holiness or good works, but His presence in us. It is only through God’s Spirit dwelling in us that we can ever be holy in His sight.

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2)

39. If the Spirit does not dwell you, God does not dwell in you. It is that simple. There is nothing mysterious about it; either God lives in you or he does not. If He does, you are saved; if He does not, you are lost. You can no more be “saved” without the Holy Ghost than a man could be “full” without food in his belly. By definition, salvation is having God dwell in you.

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (1 John 3:24)

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:13)

©2004 Michael E. Crocker

Posted under Bible Studies