THIS HOLY SPIRIT - 5

THE BAPTISM, INFILLING AND SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In Acts 2, we know how it was recorded that the disciples were gathered together according to the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ, of which at the end they received the Holy Spirit as promised.

The Holy Spirit's first entrance into the body of man was this day. He came fully on day of Pentecost. By this, we mean that the Holy Spirit had been on earth prior to that day. Remember how that Jesus Christ himself was full of the Holy Ghost, and how he said to his disciples "receive ye the Holy Ghost...", when he had not yet been crucified.

The Holy Spirit as we have discussed in previous lessons, is the third form God would take, to complete the whole plan of redemption - the eternal counsel. God became the Holy Spirit to perform certain assignments as regards the establishment of his Kingdom. So the aim of God giving us his spirit is in line with this.

Jesus Christ, being the firstborn among many brethren, was first to house the Holy Ghost. By "house" , we refer to the indwelling of the Spirit in the mortal body. The book of Acts says "he went about doing good" as a result. This refers to the contributions of Christ to the establishment of the Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is not for show, it is given for this purpose.

Concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit, that was what happened in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. It is the "coming" of the Holy Ghost with signs. Baptism means immersion, so it means the disciples were immersed in the Holy Ghost and they became one spirit with him. This is also a moment where one is exposed to the activation of the gifts of the spirit. One common gift during baptism is the gift of tongues. The day you are baptised in the Holy Ghost is not necessarily the day you receive the Holy Ghost. You receive the Holy Spirit at salvation, not at baptism. We will get this more clearer as we proceed.

The baptism of the Holy Ghost is important in the life of the believer. It is actually the baptism that applies strictly to believers, not water baptism. The baptism can be administered by another believer who is already baptized, or prayed for. It is not necessary that the believer is a pastor or preacher. The baptism of the Holy Spirit results into the gifts and constant fellowship of the Holy Spirit. It makes you more sensitive and yielded.

The Holy Spirit cannot be measured, as some have erroneously taught. In the OT, or we say before the death of Christ, people do receive the spirit with measure...people receive the spirit of God at different rates and volume. This "spirit of God" which is measured to them at those times is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit who is same as God, never dwelled in the OT prophets. The believers were first to receive the Holy Spirit. And they didn't receive it by measure. Jesus Christ being our first born was first to receive him.

John narrated and said "For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God GIVETH NOT THE SPIRIT BY MEASURE UNTO HIM.  The Father loveth the Son, and hath given ALL THINGS into his hand"

So when you see the "spirit of God" in the OT, they are with measure. You remember that God took this spirit (in Moses) and divided it among 70 elders of Israel. This is not the same as the Holy Spirit in us today. The Holy Spirit in us is for the adoption of sons. He is our connection back to the Godhead.

When exactly did a believer receive the Holy Spirit?

AT SALVATION!

Paul said "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"

The day you believe in the finished works of the cross is the day you got saved and it is the same day you received the Holy Spirit. You didn't only receive him, you were sealed by him. God sealed you as his own, you have been owned forever. The presence of the Holy Spirit in you is the evidence that you are of God. It is God's eternal signature on you. Whether you feel it or not, if you are saved, you have received the Holy Spirit.

You want Gifts? Then be baptized. How? Let someone administer that or you pray for it.

You want fruits? Then continue to fellowship with him. The fruits of the spirit is not your doing. Fruits grow automatically from trees, you don't force them out. Just water the trees. Your intimacy with the Holy Spirit is required for your great exploits in the Kingdom. Only those who have the Spirit are His and can live forever with him.

Remember, if you are saved, you already have the Holy Spirit and you have been Sealed by him forever and forever!

God bless you!