"Now if any man have not the Spirit of
Christ, he is none of His" (Romans 8:9)
THE MEANS BY WHICH WE ARE SAVED
The Bible records in detail the experience which
completely changed the lives of those who accepted the gospel preached by the
disciples of Christ. Men from very humble backgrounds began to preach boldly
and effectively concerning the resurrection of Christ, and miracles of healing
appeared in their ministry. In effect they continued the ministry which Jesus
Himself began, in order to relieve the suffering of mankind.
The experience which wrought this change was called
the baptism or infilling with the Holy Spirit. This 'fire from heaven'
empowered the early Church, and Jesus promised it to all (John 7:37-39). This
was Salvation! The living water of Salvation! Yet in this modern age when whole
nations are nominally 'Christian' and there are 'churches' on every other
street corner we hear practically nothing of the work of the Holy Spirit, and
we witness a corresponding absence of any demonstration of God's power.
WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Over many centuries the nation of Israel was unable
to keep God's law or realise the spirit of it. When Jesus was crucified many of
His disciples apparently deserted Him. After the resurrection they could not
recommence working the miracles they had worked during His natural life. The
indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit then becomes the source of God's power
for service as in Bible days. Through the Spirit we actually experience the
person of Jesus Christ (Read Ephesians 3:16-19 & John 16:13-14).
In fact our Lord made it quite clear that to
receive both Him and the Father one must receive the Holy Spirit (John 13:20,
14:23).
RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT
We do not receive the Holy Spirit in stages or over
extended periods of time, as some would have us believe. We either have or have
not received the Holy Spirit (See Acts 19:1-6). We do not necessarily receive
the Holy Spirit when we believe on Christ (See Ephesians 1:13 & Acts 19).
Nor do we necessarily receive the Holy Spirit when we are baptised (See Acts
8:16). This is a completely separate experience for those seeking salvation
(Acts 2:38).
What the New Testament does record is that when
people received the Holy Spirit they began at the same moment to speak in new
languages. On one occasion, the words were identified by foreigners as being
words of praise to God (Acts 2:8, 10:46). Peter and the Apostles saw this
amazing sign as proof that people had received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33,
10:45-47). This was the sign to unbelievers (I Corinthians 14:22).
This God-given ability stands today as the only
Bible evidence that the Spirit of God has entered into a man or woman. Although
many have testified to other experiences it is only when the earnest seeker
speaks in tongues that we can say with scriptural authority that he has
received the Holy Spirit. From that point he is called to walk in the spirit
and bring forth the fruits of his experience.
The apostate 'Churches' have opposed this wonderful
salvation experience for centuries. Cold powerless tradition has replaced the
personal presence of the Lord.
All over the world men and women are being filled
with the Holy Spirit with the Bible evidence of speaking in a new language.
Jesus said "these signs shall follow them that believe ... they shall speak
with new tongues" (Mark 16:17 KJV).
HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
Firstly, repentance is required.
Secondly, be baptised by full immersion in water.
Thirdly, ask and expect to receive the Holy Spirit.
You will speak in tongues. You will be born again.
There are absolutely no other requirements, save
these, which are born of simple faith (Luke 11:11-13). We don't have to attain
to some standard of goodness or obey written laws (Galatians 3:2). Nor do we
need a course of religious instruction. God is limited only by the degree of
trust we have in Him. We must understand that this is the way we commence our
walk as a Bible believer - it is not a reward for previous service or faith.
A WARNING
Jesus said: "Except a man be born of water and of
the Spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God." (John 3:5 KJV). The
baptism with the Holy Spirit is not an "optional extra" in the Word of God.
Rather it is God's seal or pledge that we are saved (Ephesians 1:13-14).
It is the condition of admittance into the Body of
Christ (I Corinthians 12:13). If we let Him, the Spirit keeps us saved (II
Thessalonians 2:13). The Bible therefore offers no assurance for those who
choose to remain outside this freely-offered experience. We pray that these
words will bring this vital experience of Christ into the lives of all who read
them, for you too can prove them true.
We are also warned that "no other Gospel" is to be
preached (Galatians 1:8). To preach less than the Holy Spirit Baptism for
salvation is disaster.
THERE IS NO SALVATION OUTSIDE OF THE RECEIVING OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT.
CHECK FOR YOURSELF
Matthew 3:11 The Holy Spirit Promised
Mark 16:15-20 Signs of Power
John 3:3-8 Born of the Spirit
John 7:37-39 Rivers of Life
John 14:16-26 The Comforter
John 16:13 To lead into Truth
Acts 1:4-8 Promise of power
Acts 2:1-18 The first outpouring
Acts 8:12-19 Samaria
Acts 10:44-48 House of Cornelius
Acts 11:15 Peter's testimony
Acts 19:1-6 At Ephesus
Ephesians 4:30 The seal of God
Hebrews 2:3-4 God's Warning.
