When does one receive the Holy Spirit: Upon believing or upon being water baptised?
Posted : 5 Jul, 2017 09:01 PM
The Bible clearly tells us that we receive the Holy Spirit the moment we receive Jesus Christ as our Saviour.​ Ephesians 1:13-14 t​ells us that the Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation for all those who believe: �Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession�to the praise of his glory.�​.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a gift of God and we are baptised with the Holy Spirit upon BELIEVING in Jesus (Acts 11:16-1​8). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the GIFT of REPENTANCE that leads to life (verse 18).
The promised Holy Sprit Jesus spoke of in Acts 1:4-8, is the ​​GIFT of GOD which is the GIFT of REPENTANCE​.​ The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is received the moment we believe in Christ, yet some believe that one doesn't receive the Holy Spirit or have Salvation until one is water baptised, or that some fallible and sinful-natured man should have to lay his hand on you/baptize you to receive the Holy Spirit.
I should start by saying that the ​​GIFT of GOD, the Holy Spirit is not given or contained by a preacher/pastor. The GIFT of REPENTANCE that leads to life, is given ONLY by God through REPENTANCE and BELIEVING on the name of Jesus Christ.
*SCRIPTURE NEVER CONTRADICTS SCRIPTURE*
1 Corinthians 1:14-17​
There are accounts in the Bible where believers were not water baptised. Paul could not have said that we all were baptised by one Spirit and all given one Spirit to drink if not all of the Corinthian believers possessed the Holy Spirit (since not all of them were water baptised).
"I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect."
*BUILDING PRECEPT UPON PRECEPT*
We ought to study the entire counsel of God and read the Scriptures' contexts (events, significance, etc.). Some tend to confuse narratives in the Bible for doctrines, or use their spiritual experiences to make sense of the Scriptures. So, let's take a look at the references in the Bible that speaks concerning the the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:4-5
"And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, �which,� He said, �you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.�" � Jesus was telling the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also tells us that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a promise of the Father which would be given after His ascention to heaven. We also know that the apostles were NOT in the act of being water baptised when they received the awaited Holy Spirit in Acts 2.
Luke 3:16
"John answered, saying to all, �I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." � Jesus, the coming One, was to baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire. John the Baptist was only to show the way of the coming One.
John 1:33
"I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, �Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.�" � John the Baptist was sent to baptise in water only to lead the way for the One who was to come, the One who baptises with the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 3:11
"11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." � John baptised with water for the forgiveness of sins, but Jesus baptises us with His Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 2:38
"Repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS OF SINS, and you shall recieve the gift of the Holy Spirit" � Peter was telling the men of Israel. Compare this verse with Acts 11:16-18 on when and how does one receive the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 11:16-18
"Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, �John indeed baptised with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.� 17 If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.�" � This was the very first time Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, just as the Jews believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
*SALVATION*
I​t may help if we also looked at all the references to Salvation in the Bible to understand when does one receive the Holy Spirit. Also, we could look up the Greek word "Baptised" for all verses​ ​on the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:8
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the ​GIFT OF GOD"​.
Ephesians 1:13-14
"Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession�to the praise of his glory."
The Greek word "baptised" in Mark 16:16
"Whoever believes and is bapti​s​ed will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.​"​ � Baptised here cannot possibly mean water baptised because it would then contradict what Ephesians 2:8 and Ephesians 1:13-14 tells us concerning salvation (Scripture never contradicts Scripture).
Rather, we should look up the Greek noun "Baptised" in Mark 16:16 and compare it to all other verses concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We may not understand Greek, but the Scriptures will never contradict itself, we just have to look at the WHOLE counsel of God and make sure our understanding/interpretation never contradicts other passages. Above all, we should ask God to have His Holy Spirit teach us in all truth, and open our eyes to the Scriptures.
*THE LAYING OF HANDS/IMPARTATION DOCTRINE*
Acts 8 & 19
These two passages on the laying of hands/impartation cannot be taken as a doctrine of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because it would then contradict all other verses concerning salvation and the baptism of Holy Spirit. Which can never be the case, of course; Scripture never contradicts Scripture. Rather, we ought to diligently study the FULL counsel of God to understand these passages.
The only reason why Peter had to lay hands for those particular groups to receive the Holy Spirit (read Acts 8 & 19) was because they were THE VERT FIRST Gentiles of Samaria and Corinth who were to believe at that time.
"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God" (Acts 10:44-46).​ � The Jews didn't think Gentiles could receive ​the same gift of the Holy Spirit as they did by BELIEVING (Acts 11:16-1​7), and God had revealed ​His impartiality​ ​through that sign.​
Please feel free to contribute your opinion/understanding of this topic
When does one receive the Holy Spirit: Upon believing or upon being water baptised?
Posted : 11 Jul, 2017 02:03 PM
***Excellent Bible study on the baptism of the Holy Spirit Narrow Gate***
**JESUS WILL GIVE COUNTLESS ETERNAL REWARDS AND TREASURES AND CROWNS IN HEAVEN TO ALL OF HIS SAINTS ACCORDING TO WHAT HE HAS DONE**!!
**SALVATION IS 100% FREE**
Titus 3:3,4: At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and **LOVE** of God our Savior appeared , He saved us, **NOT BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUS THINGS WE HAD DONE**, but because of **HIS MERCY**!!
John 1:12,13: To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, **NOR OF A HUMAN DECISION** or a husband's will but, **BORN OF GOD**!!
John 6:37,39,44,65: Jesus says, "**ALL** that the Father gives Me **WILL** come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will **NEVER** drive away... And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall **LOSE NONE** of all that He has given Me, but raise them up at the Last Day.... No one can come to Me **UNLESS** the Father who sent Me **DRAWS HIM**, and I will raise him up at the Last Day!!... No one can come to Me **UNLESS** the Father has **ENABLED THEM**!!"
Ephesians 2:8,9: For it is by **GRACE** you have been saved, through **FAITH**�and this **NOT FROM YOURSELVES**, it is the **GIFT OF GOD**�not by works. So that no one can boast. For we are **GOD'S WORKMANSHIP**, created in Christ Jesus to do **GOOD WORKS**, which God prepared in advance for us to do!
Romans 12:3: For by the **GRACE GIVEN ME** I say to every one of you. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourselves with sober judgment, in accordance with the **FAITH GOD HAS DISTRIBUTED TO EACH OF YOU**... We have different gifts, according to the **GRACE GIVEN TO EACH OF US**!!
John 15:16: Jesus says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit--fruit that will last!!
Romans 9:15,16,18: God says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy...Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.
But God's saints still preach God's Word and whosoever will to everyone; since only God knows the true motives of human hearts and who will fall away when tested.
Revelation 17:14: They will wage war against the **LAMB**, but the **LAMB** will triumph over them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with Him will be His **CALLED**, **CHOSEN** and **FAITHFUL** followers!
**SALVATION IS 100 % FREE BUT ETERNAL REWARDS ARE 100% EARNED**!!
Hebrews 11:1,6: Now faith {**A FREE GIFT OF GOD**} is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see....And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He *REWARDS** those who earnestly seek Him!!
Ephesians 6:8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will **REWARD** everyone for what ever good he does!
Revelation 22:12 Jesus says, �Behold I am coming soon! My **REWARD** is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done!�
Matthew 16:27: Jesus says, �The Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels and THEN He will **REWARD** each person according to what he has done!�
Hebrews 6:10-12: God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you have hoped for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience **INHERIT WHAT HAS BEEN PROMISED**!!
Daniel 12:3: Those who are impart wisdom {NIV} will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever!!
I Corinthians 3:7-9: So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who watered have one purpose, and each will be **REWARDED** according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers, you are God's field, God's building!
Colossians 3:17: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the **NAME OF THE LORD JESUS**, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!
John 15:5,8: Jesus says, "I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing... This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples!"
Matthew 13:23; Jesus says, "But the seed falling on the good soil refers to someone who hears the Word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown!"
I Corinthians 9:17,18: When I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! If I preach **VOLUNTARILY**, I have a **REWARD**; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward?? Just this: that in preaching the Gospel I may offer it **FREE OF CHARGE**, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it!
Psalm 19:8-11: The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, they are sweeter than honey from the comb. In keeping them there is **GREAT REWARD**!!
2 Corinthians 5:9,10: We make it our goal to please Him... for we must all appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil!
1 Corinthians 3:13-15: His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives , he will receive his **REWARD**. If it is burned up he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
2 John 1:8: Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you be **REWARDED FULLY**!
Colossians 3:23-25: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a **REWARD**. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Matthew 6:3,4,6: Jesus says, "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving my be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will **REWARD** you!!... When you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father who is unseen Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will **REWARD** you!!"
2 Peter 1:5-11: Make every effort to add to your faith {A Free Gift} goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness,**LOVE**. For it you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is near-sighted and blind, and has forgotten he has been cleansed of his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fail, and you will receive a **RICH WELCOME** into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Luke 6:35: Jesus says, "Love your enemies, do good to them and lend to them without expecting anything back {Matt 5:45 adds "Pray for those who persecute you!!"} Then your **REWARD WILL BE GREAT**, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked!"
Proverbs 25:21,22: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will **REWARD** you! This passage is also quoted in Romans 12:20 which adds: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!!
Matthew 19:29 Jesus says, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother for My sake will receive **A HUNDRED** times as much and will inherit eternal life!"
Revelation 2:17: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes.. I will give him a white stone with a **NEW NAME** written on it, known only to him who receives it!!"
Revelation 3:21: Jesus says, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to **SIT WITH ME** on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne!!"
**HOW TO WIN TREASURES IN HEAVEN**
I Timothy 6:18,19: Command them to do good deeds, and to be gracious and willing to share. In this way they will **LAY UP TREASURE** for themselves.. in the coming age!
Luke 12:33,34: Jesus says, "Sell your possessions and give to the poor, provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a **TREASURE IN HEAVEN** that will not be exhausted... For where your **TREASURE* is there **YOUR HEART** will be also!!"
Matthew 6:19-21: Jesus says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. but store up for yourselves **TREASURE IN HEAVEN**, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your **TREASURE is, there **YOUR HEART** will be also!!"
**HOW TO WIN HEAVENLY ETERNAL CROWNS**
I Corinthians 9:24-27: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes in to strict training. They do it to get a **CROWN** that will not last; but we do it to get a **CROWN THAT WILL LAST FOREVER**! Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize!
I Peter 5:2-4: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watch over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the **CROWN OF GLORY** that will **NEVER FADE AWAY**!!
Ephesians 4:7,11-16 To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.... It is He that gives some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be **PASTORS** and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ! Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work! {With the hope of countless eternal rewards and crowns for faithful and loving service!!}
And so God's Word confirms that these heavenly crowns **WILL LAST FOREVER** and **WILL NEVER FADE AWAY**!!
Revelation 3:11: Jesus says, �I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your **CROWN**!�
2 Timothy 4:7,8: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the **CROWN** of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day�and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing!
The **CROWN OF LIFE** for those who persevere under trials and persecution:
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the **CROWN OF LIFE** that God has promised to those who love Him!
Revelation 2:10 Jesus says, �Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the **CROWN OF LIFE!�
Matthew 5:11,12: Jesus says, �Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your **REWARD** in heaven!�
Hebrews 10:32-36: Remember those earlier days after you had received the Light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be **RICHLY REWARDED**. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, **YOU RECEIVE WHAT HE HAS PROMISED**!!!
When does one receive the Holy Spirit: Upon believing or upon being water baptised?
Posted : 19 Jul, 2017 06:14 PM
King Saul was baptized by the Holy Spirit. He was able to prophesy.
1Sa 10:10� And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.�
1Sa 10:11� And it came to pass, when all that knew him before time saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?�
The Holy Spirit left King Saul, and the Holy Spirit also departed from Samson. 1 Samuel 16:14 and Judges 16:20 .
Can a believer loses the Holy Spirit ? I believe so if that person doesn't continue to walk in the light.
When does one receive the Holy Spirit: Upon believing or upon being water baptised?
Posted : 25 Jul, 2017 03:32 PM
The Bible has much to say about the "Holy Spirit" and "One Spirit"...I Came across this site...It gives Scripture pertaining to some folks that had "Believed" and/or been "Baptised"...yet had NOT received the Holy Spirit...until....
