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QUESTION 32:

QUESTION 32:
Some Christians say that every born-again believer has the Holy Spirit, while others say He must be received after. What does the Bible teach?

ANSWER:
The Bible is very clear on this matter. We need not look far to find the answer. Romans 8:9 says “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ (Holy Spirit) he is none of His.” This states clearly that if one does not have the Spirit he or she is not a born-again Christian. There are three important things said of the Holy Spirit and a person when they become born-again. First, they are said to be born OF the Spirit, John 3:5. Secondly, each believer is sealed WITH the Spirit, Ephesians 1:13. Third, each believer is baptized IN the Spirit, and so into the body of Christ, which is the church. The word “by” in Ephesians 1:13. is translated many times in the New Testament “in."

This thought is in keeping with John the Baptist's prophecy, Matthew 3:11, that He (Jesus) would baptize you “with” (same word “by and in,” in other places). Jesus is the Baptizer and the Spirit is the Person we are baptized “in,” so forming the church or body of Christ.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen