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QUESTION 55:
Does every Christian have the Holy Spirit or do they receive Him later?

ANSWER:
In the modern Charismatic Movement there are many different doctrines being taught about the Holy Spirit; however the answer is very clear in Romans 8:9, "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His." This is a clear answer to the question. There are many confused Christians about the Holy Spirit. Some believe because they can speak in tongues or prophesy they do not have the Spirit. The church at Corinth was charismatic. They came behind in no "charisma" (gift of grace) - 1 Corinthians 1:7. Paul had to remind them, "What know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost . . .1 Corinthians 6:19.

Every born again believed is:

• Born OF the Spirit, John 3:5.
  
• Sealed WITH the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13.
  
• Baptized IN the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12:13.
  

Jesus is building His church. John said He would baptize you IN the Spirit. The Spirit does not baptize anyone. He is what a believer is baptized into. John baptized IN water. Jesus baptizes IN the Spirit. - Luke 3:16. Once a person is saved they should then be filled with the Spirit.- Ephesians 5:18. The word "be filled" in this verse, means to be filled and filled again. This filling is for service. The baptism in the Spirit is at salvation. "Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto Me" Acts 1:8. This is the greatest need among God's people today.

If you are not saved, you need to trust the Saviour that loved you and gave Himself a ransom for all. - 1 Timothy 2:6. Christ died for the ungodly - Romans 5:6.

Have you accepted Him as your personal Saviour yet?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen