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Questions:
Is the Holy Spirit our mediator or is Christ?
Should Christians want to be baptized with the Holy Spirit or seek it as others say?
What does the expression mean in Acts 11:16?
What does the expression “baptism with Spirit” mean in 1 Corinthians 12:13?
Some Christians say the supernatural gifts of the Spirit died out after the first century of Christianity. Others disagree. Are the spiritual gifts still around today?
The Sanctifier
Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit the same thing as the filling of the Holy Spirit?
How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Old testament times differ from that of New Testament times?
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and “of fire”?
What is the “filling of the Spirit”?
Doesn’t everybody have the Holy Spirit within them?
Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit activities in the Old Testament
In Galatians 5, Paul makes the statement "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." It sounds so simple, but what does it actually mean?
Scripture says that Christ stated the unforgivable sin as being blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Can you expand on that, and how should I pray for someone committing that sin?
Is there a difference between the Holy Spirit being with someone and in someone?
Is the Holy Spirit our mediator or is Christ?
Christ is the only mediator; the Holy Spirit is only an intercessor. Christ alone died for our sins (Heb. 1:1–), making reconciliation with God possible (2 Cor. 5:19). The Holy Spirit did not die for our sins; He prays to the Father on our behalf, based on the redeeming work of Christ. Further, the intercession of the Holy Spirit is not in heaven, as Christ’ work is (1 John 2:1–). Rather, it is in us. The indwelling Spirit pleads in us to the Father on the grounds of the mediating work of the Son.
Should Christians want to be baptized with the Holy Spirit or seek it as others say?
When the expression “baptize with the Holy Spirit” occurs in the Gospels (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; and John 1:33), it describes the future historical event of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. In the first of the Acts references, Acts 1:5, the expression, now in the passive voice, also refers to this event: “In a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” In later Scriptures, however, it is viewed (as far as believers are concerned) as something that has already occurred (Acts 11:16; 1 Cor. 12:13; cf. Gal 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12). In these instances, therefore, “baptism with the Holy Spirit” does not mean an experience that believers must go through after conversion but refers to a historic event that occurred at Pentecost – an event that, like the resurrection of Christ, is not repeatable.
What does the expression mean in Acts 11:16?
Peter is in Jerusalem, telling the Christians in Judea what had happened at the house of Cornelius in Caesarea a few days before. What happened in Caesarea was indeed a “baptism with the Spirit,” but it was not an experience distinct from and subsequent to conversion, it was simultaneous with conversion. The meaning of the Spirit’s baptism of Cornelius is described in verse 18:”So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” It meant the bestowal of the Spirit for salvation on people who previously were not Christian believers.
What does the expression “baptism with Spirit” mean in 1 Corinthians 12:13?
Here the word en is rendered “by” in most versions: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body…and were all given the one Spirit to drink.” The first half of this verse tells us that all Christians have been Spirit-baptized. Spirit-baptism here is the act of God hereby we made one with Christ. You do not need to seek such a baptism as a post-conversion experience, Paul is telling us here; if you are in Christ, you have already been Spirit-baptized!
Some Christians say the supernatural gifts of the Spirit died out after the first century of Christianity. Others disagree. Are the spiritual gifts still around today?
Certain Christians, whom we respect — but respectfully disagree with, believe the gifts of the Spirit, such as prophecy and tongues, discontinued after the first century. These gifts, they say, were supernatural “signs” of God’s power, which were necessary for evangelism because the canon of Scripture had not yet been completed. Once the final disclosure of God’s word was given to John in Revelation, these gifts quickly faded away.
They often cite 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul says, “...But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” In other words, these gifts will cease when “that which is perfect is come” which some interpret as the completion of the canon of Scripture.
The context of this passage clearly relates “that which is perfect” refers to the Second Coming of Christ. When Christ returns, we will no longer need spiritual gifts because then, of course, we will be in completeness and will live in perfection. There simply is no Scripture that I know of which clearly states the gifts of the Spirit would cease after the first century.
I think it’s also noteworthy to point out that history repudiates the notion that the supernatural gifts ceased with the closing of the canon of Scripture at the end of the Apostolic age. For example, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Irenaeus, Ambrose, and others actually mention the use of supernatural gifts like tongues and prophecy long after the first century. And, of course, the Reformers also believed that the gifts of the Spirit were in perpetuity, not to mention many church leaders who are still alive today. To claim that spiritual gifts are no longer operative is, in my opinion, to fly in the face of both historical and contemporary evidence.
Scripture tells us that the “gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). God has not changed His mind concerning spiritual gifts. We would do well to abide by Paul’s instruction to “eagerly desire” spiritual gifts and to “not forbid speaking in tongues (1 Cor. 12; 1 Tim. 4:14). But remember, this is a peripheral issue over which we don’t want to divide from other Christians.
The Sanctifier
God calls every person to mirror and reflect His holy character: “As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our problem is that in ourselves we are not holy; we are unholy. Yet the Bible refers to us as “saints.” The term saint means “one who is holy.” Since holiness is not found in ourselves, we must be made holy. The One who works to make us holy, to conform us to the image of Christ, is the Holy Spirit. As the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is no more holy than the Father and the Son. Yet we do not speak of the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit. That the Spirit of God is called the Holy Spirit is not so much because of His person (which is indeed holy) but because of His work, to make us holy.
It is the special work of the Holy Spirit to make us saints. He consecrates us. The Holy Spirit fulfills the role of the sanctifier. To be sanctified is to be made holy, or righteous. Sanctification is a process that begins the moment we become Christians. The process continues until death when the believer is made finally, fully, and forevermore righteous.
The Reformed faith is distinctive in its emphasis on the working of the Holy Spirit alone in regeneration. We do not assist the Holy Spirit in our rebirth. We reject outright any notion of cooperative effort in the rebirth of the believer. Sanctification, however, is a different matter. Our sanctification is a cooperative venture. We must work with the Holy Spirit to grow in sanctification. The apostle Paul expressed this idea in his letter to the church at Phillipi:
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)
The call to cooperation is one that involves work. We are to work in earnest. To work with fear and trembling does not suggest a spirit of terror but of reverence coupled with effort. We are consoled by the knowledge that we are not left to do this work alone or by our own efforts. God is working within us to accomplish our sanctification.
The Holy Spirit indwells the believer, working to bring about a more righteous life and heart. We must be careful, however, not to confuse the indwelling Spirit with any deification of the individual. The Spirit is in the believer and works with the believer, but does not become the believer. The Spirit works to produce sanctified human beings, not deified creatures. When the Spirit indwells us, He does not become human and we do not become gods. The Holy Spirit does not destroy our personal identities as human beings. In our sanctification we are to become godlike in character, but not in being.
Is the baptism of the Holy Spirit the same thing as the filling of the Holy Spirit?
These are two separate ministries of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a one-time event that takes place at the moment of conversion (1 Corinthians 12:13). If baptism did not happen at the moment of conversion, there would be some believers who, even though saved, didn’t belong to the body of Christ. It is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that joins a believer to the body of Christ.
By contrast, the filling of the Holy Spirit is not a onetime event. In fact, God desires that the filling be a continual and ongoing, experience for us. In Ephesian 5:18 we are instructed, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” The word filled in this verse is a present–tense imperative in the Greek.
The present tense means that it should be a perpetual, ongoing experience. The imperative means it is a command from God. Being “filled” with the Spirit is not presented as a simple option but is a divine imperative for Christians.
Being “filled” with the Spirit involves being controlled by the Spirit. Instead of being controlled by wine and the things of this world, we are to be under the control of the Spirit.
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How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Old testament times differ from that of New testament times?
All who believe the gospel message receive God’s Spirit (or, are indwelt by God’s Spirit), including Old Testament saints. The apostle Paul’s point in Galatians 3:5-14 is that God gives His Spirit through the gospel, which Abraham previously believed. From Stephen’s address it is apparent that the Holy Spirit was active in the Old Testament (acts 7:51) and Christ’s words to Nicodemus indicate that regeneration by God’s Spirit was necessary prior to His death (john 3:3-8; see also 1 Cor. 2:14-15). In fact, John the Baptist even received the Spirit’s filling while in Elizabeth’s womb (Luke 1:13-15), clearly before Christ’s resurrection to Pentecost.
Because receiving God’s Spirit is synonymous with being baptized by God’s Spirit, all believers, whether before or after Christ, have been baptized by God’s Spirit. In Scripture there is no difference between being given God’s Spirit and being baptized by God’s Spirit. In Galatians 3:5-7 Paul taught that the Holy Spirit is provided for individuals through faith in God’s promise. From Ephesians 1:13-14 it is clear that everyone who believes is given God’s Spirit. And, in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 it is clear that the Spirit baptized the Corinthians into Christ’s body. Therefore, these verses all relate to the Holy Spirit’s activity in bringing people into Christ’s body, regardless of the particular wording used. Therefore, just as all New testament believers have been baptized with God’s Spirit, so all Old testament believers were baptized with God’s Spirit.
Being filled with God’s Spirit for particular acts of service occurs after people are initially baptized with God’s Spirit. From the New Testament it is clear that Paul was filled with God’s Spirit when he spoke to Elymus, an evil magician (Acts 13:8-10). Before this time, however Paul already had God’s Spirit. In addition, Christians, who have already been baptized by God’s Spirit (Ephe. 2:4-6, 18), are commanded to be filled with God’s Spirit (5:18). In the Old Testament, God said He would give His Spirit to Israel’s elders (num. 11:16-17), and David asked that God keep His Spirit upon him (Psalm 51:11). It appears that these Old testament examples concern receiving empowerment by God’s Spirit, which would normally indicate that they were previously indwelt by God’s Spirit. Therefore, all of these instances concern individuals who are already indwelt by God’s Spirit, and are filled for particular works of service.
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and “of fire”?
As John the Baptist preached in the Judean wilderness, he declared, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who … will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt. 3:11; cf. Luke 3:16).
Throughout Scripture, fire often represents judgment (Gen. 19:24; 2 Kings 1:10; Amos 1:4–7; Matt. 7:19; 2 Thess. 1:8; James 5:3), including everlasting punishment (Matt. 18:8; Jude 7). But it can also have a positive, purifying effect on God’s people (Isa. 1:25; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2–3; 1 Cor. 3:13–15; 1 Peter 1:7; Rev. 3:18).
In the context of John’s preaching, it is natural to associate the baptism of fire with judgment (cf. Matt. 3:10, 12; Luke 3:9, 17). On the other hand, John is first of all addressing believers—those who are receiving his water-baptism. So some think of the fiery tongues at Pentecost as the fulfillment of his prediction. But the grammatical construction in Greek (the use of one preposition to govern two objects) is most naturally taken as referring to only one baptism that involves both blessing and judgment (cf. esp. Isa. 4:4). Pentecost may well represent the first fruits of purgation for believers, but the baptism is not complete until all people experience final judgment.
What is the “filling of the Spirit”?
The filling is obtained through confession of sin, yieldedness to God, and appropriation of God’s provision for walking by the Spirit.
In Galatians 5, Paul makes the statement "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." It sounds so simple, but what does it actually mean?
Whenever you see spirit and flesh set side by side in a passage (“the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” or “the spirit wars against the flesh,” as Paul says here), we’re talking about, not the warfare between the physical body of man and his internal, mental, or spiritual inclinations, but rather the conflict that every Christian experiences between his old nature—his fallen nature, which is corrupt and is filled with desires that are not pleasing to God—and the new nature within him that has been brought to pass by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
Now, life becomes complicated once we are renewed by the Holy Spirit (when we become a Christian); now we have two principles at war within ourselves: the old inclinations and the new inclinations. The old inclination is against God, and the new inclination is to obey God and to do that which is pleasing to him. In this Galatians passage, Paul discusses the ongoing battle that all Christians experience. He admonishes us at one point and says, “Follow the new principle; follow the new spirit, not the old pattern that was characteristic of your original state of fallenness.” He’s not saying that your physical body is at war with your soul, but that your natural inclinations are at war with the transformation toward which the Holy Spirit is constantly moving you as a child of God. And that does involve a decision and an act of the will.
Doesn’t everybody have the Holy Spirit within them?
There is a certain sense in which very human being already has the Holy Spirit. Not in the redemptive sense – the sense in which Christians normally speak about having the Holy Spirit – but in the sense that they are alive. The Bible tells us that the power for life itself is grounded in the Holy Spirit. Paul said to those philosophers at Mars Hill, “In him we live and move and have our being. “ In the history of Christian theology it’s been a virtually universal idea that the life principle in the world is the Holy Spirit, and no one can even be alive without at least having the life source of God, the Holy Spirit. But that’s not the redemptive sense in which we talk about having the Spirit by conversion or regeneration or being indwelt with the Holy Spirit or baptized in the Holy Spirit – these are distinguishable works of God the Holy Spirit.
Scripture says that Christ stated the unforgivable sin as being blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Can you expand on that, and how should I pray for someone committing that sin?
There’s a lot of confusion over the sin that Jesus says cannot be forgiven either in this world or in the world to come. Some people think that the unforgivable sin is murder because the Old Testament gives us such strong sanctions against murder and says that if a person has committed murder, even if he repents, he is still to be executed. Others believe that it’s adultery because adultery violates the union of two people. As gross as these sins may be, they don’t fit the description here because we see that King David, for example, who is guilty of both adultery and murder, is forgiven.
Jesus is clear. He does identify it. He says that the sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? First of all, let’s understand that blasphemy is a sin that can only be done with words. It’s a sin that you commit with your mouth or with your pen—it’s a verbal sin. It has to do with saying something against the Holy Spirit. You remember that the religious leaders—the clergy, the Pharisees, and the Sadducees—were the ones who were constantly being hostile toward Jesus and stirring up a conspiracy to do him in. They plotted to kill Jesus, and they were constantly attacking him and charging him with this and that. On one occasion they said that Jesus was casting out Satan by the power of Satan. It’s almost as if Jesus said, “Hold it right there, guys. I’ve been patient with you, I’ve been tolerant with you, I’ve been long-suffering, but you are coming perilously close now to making an accusation against me that’s going to wipe you out now and forever.” He said that any sin against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but if you blaspheme against the Holy Spirit (to ascribe the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, or to equate them), you’ve had it. Notice also that when Jesus is on the cross, he prays for those very men who have put him there: “Father, forgive them—” Why? “—for they know not what they have done.” And on the Day of Pentecost when Peter gave his ripsnorting sermon, he talks about those who killed Jesus, that they would not have done it had they known. After the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit raised Jesus up and declared him to be the Christ with power. If you read the book of Hebrews, you’ll see that the distinction between blaspheming Christ and blaspheming the Holy Spirit falls away.
As for those who have committed “the sin unto death,” the Bible says that we are not required to pray for those people. We are to pray for people who are committing any other sin, but if we see a person committing the sin unto death, we are not required to pray for them. The Bible doesn’t say we are not allowed to pray for them, but we’re not required to, and that would apply to this sin.
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Is there a difference between the Holy Spirit being with someone and in someone?
Too many people make far too much out of the difference in the preposition. The Bible is not precise enough to give us a whole doctrine that is to be developed on the basis of “with” and “in”.
The Holy Spirit can be said to be with a person who is not regenerate; that is, he’s not born of the Spirit, but the Spirit can work with that person or not be in that person’s presence for a season – just as he used Cyrus in the Old Testament, who presumably not a believer. The Holy Spirit can come and assist people in a common grace way in many forms and functions in this world without indwelling them as part of his permanent residency.
When we talk about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we’re talking about his actually coming into the very being of a Christian in a salvific way that is a result of spiritual rebirth.
However – and this may confuse everybody – in a certain sense the Holy Spirit is in everybody. The Holy Spirit is not only the Spirit of God dwelling in us for the purpose of sanctification and redemption, but the Holy Spirit is also ultimately the power source of all life. Without a certain participation on the power of the Spirit of God, nothing in this world would exist. The world hangs together through the power of the Spirit of God. If God were to withdraw his Holy Spirit totally, everything would die – believers and unbelievers alike.
Insofar as the Holy Spirit is the power supply or the source of life itself, he’s in everybody. We’re making a distinction here between creation and redemption. He’s not working in people who are unregenerate in a spiritual way to bring about their sanctification and their consequent ultimate redemption; these activities happen only in those who he has regenerated. This is the basic difference.
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Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
It's quite natural for Christians to think of The Holy Spirit as a "New Testament" manifestation. Wonderful events such as The Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus Christ "like a dove" after His Baptism in the Jordan River by John The Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), and the spectacular coming of The Holy Spirit upon over 3,000 gathered believers at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41) make it easy to overlook that The Holy Spirit, the very Power and Essence of Almighty God, has always existed. While it was made more generally available to the converted in the New Testament, many people in the Old Testament were empowered with The Holy Spirit to enable them to fulfill necessary roles in Bible History.
In the books of Judges, Samuel, and Kings, the Holy Spirit comes upon significant individuals, almost as an energizing power, temporarily equipping leaders for physical prowess and military victory. Four judges are so characterized (Othniel—Judg. 3:10; Gideon—6:34; Jephthah—11:29; Samson—14:19; cf. Amasai—1 Chron. 12:18). This supernatural power combines with inspiration for verbal utterances in the earliest form of prophecy, usually assumed to have been somewhat uncontrollable or “ecstatic” (cf. Saul’s “ravings” in 1 Sam. 19:20–23 with 10:6, 10; 11:6; for David, see 2 Sam. 23:2). With the advent of the monarchy, the presence of the Spirit functions as divine authentication of the legitimate king. When Saul no longer remains God’s choice for the throne, the Spirit leaves him and comes upon David instead (1 Sam. 16:13–14). First Samuel 16:13 further suggests that David retained the Spirit as a permanent possession, apparently unlike others in the Old Testament. In 1 Chronicles 28:12, the Spirit reveals to David the blueprint for the temple. During the time of the divided kingdom, the Spirit is inspired and empowered prophets, guiding individuals to specific places where they proclaim messages of salvation or judgment from God to appointed audiences (Elijah—1 Kings 18:12; 2 Kings 2:16; Micaiah—1 Kings 22:24; Azariah—2 Chron. 15:1; Jahaziel—2 Chron. 20:14; Zechariah son of Jehoiada—2 Chron. 24:20).
In the Psalms, the Spirit is called “Holy” (Ps. 51:11) and “good” (143:10). The first of these texts demonstrates a characteristic fear in Old Testament times; even David in his unique situation did not have the assurance of God’s abiding presence that would later characterize the New Testament age. The second text reflects the belief in the Spirit’s role in personal and moral guidance. Psalm 139:7 (“Where can I go from your Spirit?”) is embedded in a key passage on the omnipresence of God.
The writing prophets preserve many of the older insights about the Spirit but for the first time begin to disclose the coming of a new era in the Spirit’s ministry. God’s people can look forward to restoration from exile and to a new covenant in which the Spirit will empower all his followers in the creation of a new spiritual community.
Isaiah develops this theme in several texts. God will bring a new spirit of judgment and of fire (4:4)—perhaps the inspiration for John the Baptist in Matthew 3:11. The Spirit will rest on the messianic “branch” with wisdom, power, knowledge, and holiness (11:2; cf. 42:1 and 61:1, in which the Spirit similarly anoints the Suffering Servant). He will be poured out corporately on all of God’s people to bring about justice, righteousness, and peace (32:15; 34:16), including their descendants forever (44:3; 59:21). Isaiah 63:10–11 contains the only other Old Testament use of “Holy Spirit,” harking back to God’s guidance of Moses and the wilderness wanderers. Isaiah also recognizes the Spirit as the inspiration for his own prophecy (48:16; 59:21).
For Ezekiel, the most characteristic activity of the Spirit is “lifting” him up, sometimes literally from prostration (2:2; 3:24), many times transporting him to new locations (3:12–14; 11:1; 37:1; 43:5), including those seen only in visions (8:3; 11:24). In 11:5, he is explicitly said to be the source of Ezekiel’s prophecy. In 36:27, the future eschatological restoration again appears. God will give Israel a new spirit: He will put his spirit in them and move them to obey the law and receive the fulfillment of all of his promises. Again we see a corporate presence of the Spirit not previously encountered (cf. also 37:14; 39:29).
Perhaps the most important prophetic text on the Spirit is Joel 2:28–32, which Peter quotes at Pentecost (Acts 2:17–21). Here the prophet envisages a day in which God will pour out his Spirit on individuals irrespective of gender, age, social status, or ethnicity, particularly bestowing the gift of prophecy on many of his choice. Other themes recur too. Micah 3:8 affirms the prophecy’s origination in the Spirit. Haggai 2:5 and Zechariah 4:6 connect the Spirit’s presence with the empowerment for rebuilding the temple. In Zechariah 6:8 the execution of God’s will brings his Spirit rest.
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The Holy Spirit activities in the Old Testament
Note how active the Holy Spirit was in the Old Testament. Those who disagree, have go to be blind to alot of scripture (or ignorant of it).
The Holy Spirit is active in the world of the Old Testament at large
The Holy Spirit Was The Giver of Life:
For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4)
When you send your Spirit, new life is born to replenish all the living of the earth.( Psalms 104:30)
I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I am the LORD. You will see that I have done everything just as I promised. I, the LORD, have spoken!" (Ezekiel 37:14)
The Holy Spirit Was The Sustainer of Life
Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, they will live no more than 120 years." (Genesis 6:3)
Surely it is God's Spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. (Job 32:8)
If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust. (Job 34:14-15)
The Holy Spirit was active in Israel’s history
The Holy Spirit Accomplished God’s will in the world
...until at last the Spirit is poured down upon us from heaven. Then the wilderness will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will become a lush and fertile forest. (Isaiah 32:15)
Search the book of the LORD, and see what he will do. He will not miss a single detail. Not one of these birds and animals will be missing, and none will lack a mate, for the LORD has promised this. His Spirit will make it all come true. (Isaiah 34:16)
Then he said to me, "This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
The Holy Spirit Aroused and energized the Judges
The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel's judge. He went to war against King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram, and the LORD gave Othniel victory over him. (Judges 3:10)
Then the Spirit of the LORD took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram's horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him. (Judges 6:34)
At that time the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he went throughout the land of Gilead and Manasseh, including Mizpah in Gilead, and led an army against the Ammonites. (Judges 11:29)
When her son was born, they named him Samson. And the LORD blessed him as he grew up. And in Mahaneh-dan, which is located between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol, the Spirit of the LORD began to take hold of him. (Judges 13:24, 25)
The Holy Spirit Brought a spirit of repentance
Do not banish me from your presence,and don't take your Holy Spirit from me.(Pslams 51:11)
Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them (Isaiah 63:10-11)
The Holy Spirit Brought Messages from God
When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him and he uttered his oracle: "The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly” (Numbers 24:2-3)
"The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. “ (2 Samuel 23:2)
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:14-15)
Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.' " (2 Chronicles 24:20)
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say: "This is what the LORD says: That is what you are saying, O house of Israel, but I know what is going through your mind. (Ezekiel 11:5)
They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry. (Zechariah 7:12)
The Holy Spirit Brought the Abiding Presence of God
So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; (Numbers 27:18 NAS)
"Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man. "It shall be when these signs come to you, do for yourself what the occasion requires, for God is with you. (1 Samuel 10:6,7 NAS)
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13 NAS)
"As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the LORD: "My Spirit which is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your offspring, nor from the mouth of your offspring's offspring," says the LORD, "from now and forever." (Isaiah 59:21 NAS)
'As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!' (Haggai 2:5 NAS)
The Holy Spirit brought the Power of God
The Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. (Judges 14:6)
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father's house. (Judges 14:19)
When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. (Judges 15:14)
Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man…….When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. ( 1 Samuel 10:6 & 10)
Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul mightily when he heard these words, and he became very angry. He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, "Whoever does not come out after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen " Then the dread of the LORD fell on the people, and they came out as one man. (1 Samuel 11:6–7)
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13)
On the other hand I am filled with power--With the Spirit of the LORD-- And with justice and courage To make known to Jacob his rebellious act, Even to Israel his sin. Micah 3:8
The Holy Spirit gave Guidance
"It will come about when I leave you that the Spirit of the LORD will carry you where I do not know; so when I come and tell Ahab and he cannot find you, he will kill me, although I your servant have feared the LORD from my youth. (1 Kings 18:12)
Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. (Psalms 143:10)
Come near to Me, listen to this: From the first I have not spoken in secret, From the time it took place, I was there And now the Lord GOD has sent Me, and His Spirit." (Isaiah 48:16)
As the cattle which go down into the valley, The Spirit of the LORD gave them rest So You led Your people, To make for Yourself a glorious name. (Isaiah 63:14)
The Holy Spirit Imparted Knowledge
and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- (Exodus 35:31)
He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the LORD and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things. (1 Chronicles 28:12)
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD – (Isaiah 11:2)
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The Holy Spirit Imparted Wisdom and Skill
So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?" Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. (Genesis 41:38 & 39)
and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. (Exodus 31:3-5)
and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- (Exodus 35:31)
Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:9)
There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king, I say—appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means." So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, "Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. (Daniel 5:11-14)
The Holy Spirit Inspired People to Prophesy
When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him and he uttered his oracle: "The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, (Number 24:2,3)
"The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.(2 Samuel 23:2)
Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: "We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you." So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands. (1 Chronicles 12:18)
The Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. (2 Chronicles 2:15:1, 2)
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:14-15)
Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, "This is what God says: 'Why do you disobey the LORD's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.' " (2 Chronicles 24:20)
For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples.( Nehemiah 9:30)
They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry. (Zechariah 7:12)
The Holy Spirit Moved People to Action
When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger. He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, "This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel." Then the terror of the LORD fell on the people, and they turned out as one man.(1 Samuel 11:6-7)
As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. (Ezekiel 2:2)
The Spirit then lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness and in the anger of my spirit, with the strong hand of the LORD upon me. (Ezekiel 3:14)
The Holy Spirit Produced Ecstatic Experiences
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again. However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. A young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!" But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!" Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp. (Numbers 11:25-29)
Word came to Saul: "David is in Naioth at Ramah"; so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men and they also prophesied. Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, "Where are Samuel and David?" "Over in Naioth at Ramah," they said. So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. (1 Samuel 19:19-23)
He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance to the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood. (Ezekiel 8:3)
The Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the exiles in Babylonia in the vision given by the Spirit of God. Then the vision I had seen went up from me,(Ezekiel 11:24)
"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. (Joel 2:28)
The Holy Spirit Produced Miraculous Event
He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. "Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?" he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, "The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha." And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. "Look," they said, "we your servants have fifty able men. Let them go and look for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has picked him up and set him down on some mountain or in some valley." "No," Elisha replied, "do not send them." (2 Kings 2:13-16)
He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance to the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood. (Ezekiel 8:3)
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. There at the entrance to the gate were twenty-five men, and I saw among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people. (Ezekiel 11:1)
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. (Ezekiel 43:5) |
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