DOCTRINE QUESTION 100:

QUESTION 100:
Who is the HOLY GHOST? How is he imparted, how is he received?

ANSWER:
The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person of the Triune Godhead. Where He is spoken of in the Bible the pronouns and characteristics convey personality and not just an influence or power. He can be grieved, (Ephesians 4:30), lied to, (Acts 5:3). This all speaks of personality. He is the Executor of the will of God for this present age.

He was imparted to believers on the Day of Pentecost and has been in the world ever since. He indwells the Church, the body of Christ, (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Holy Spirit was imparted to some in the New Testament by the laying on of the hands, (Acts 19:6). They also received spiritual gifts in the same manner, (1 Timothy 4:14). These cases were during a transition period and the completion of the New Testament. This is not to say that this is the manner now of imparting the Spirit. Neither does spiritual gifts come by the laying on of hands.

He is received by faith. Galatians 3:14, "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3:2, "...Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith." Every true child of God has the Spirit dwelling within; otherwise, they are not Christians. Romans 8:9, "...Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." All born again believers have been Born OF the Spirit, (John 3:5), sealed WITH the Spirit, (Ephesians 1:13) and baptized IN the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13).

What about your dear reader? Does the Spirit witness with your spirit that you are a child of God? (Romans 8:16). If you have never repented of your sins and turned in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ then you have not the Spirit, and, you are not saved. There is no salvation otherwise. "Except ye repent, ye shall likewise perish." Luke 13:3. "Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen