The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit Promised

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." Luke 24:49

Study Text: Joel 2:21-32

The Most Holy Place -- A Type

It was a joyous occasion indeed when the High Priest, once yearly, entered the Tabernacle to atone for sin. He passed through the outer court where he washed in the basin, typical of our salvation. He then passed through the Holy Place where were the candlesticks, the table and the shewbread, typical of our sanctification. Then he entered the Most Holy Place. The sins of the people were behind him and the fire of Jehovah burned on the altar before him. If he was prepared, the offering would be accepted; if he wasn't, he would be consumed and the people's sins would not be forgiven. Notice the Holy Spirit, as typified in the Most Holy Place.

In His Old Testament Separation from the People

In the tabernacle, there were two chambers and a thick veil separating the people from the height of divine favor as revealed in the Most Holy Place. It was not a chamber for "whosoever will." Only their designated spiritual head, the High Priest, could enter it. In the Old Testament the masses of the people knew nothing of that spirit in Moses, or that power in Samson, or that fire in Ezekiel's bones. They worshiped through human mediators; they did what their priests told them. It was as though a dim glass covered their eyes and the eternal blessedness of God in "whomsoever will," had not been realized. Instead of the Spirit's going into the congregation to find individual lost sheep, the congregation collectively went to Him through the High Priest. To those of us living on this side of the Cross, it was a dark period indeed.

In the Approval of Him by the People

Surrounding the people's desire for perfection in Godhead was a mass of ritual, many ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. - Hebrews 9:1. On the Day of Atonement, the congregation gathered en masse--individual atonement was not permitted. The sacrifices must be prepared according to exact specifications and error could not be allowed. The garments of the High Priest must be proper, for they were patterned after things heavenly. - Hebrews 9:23. It all revealed an exactness of detail which foreshadowed that perfect sacrifice and perfect Spirit where one day to be given were. When they were come, ordinance and ritual would be removed, the worldly sanctuary would be replaced by temples in the bodies of all men (1 Corinthians 3:16), and "whosoever will" could come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

In the Effects of Him on the People

The entrance of the High Priest into the Most Holy Place was the high point each year of Jewish worship. The sins of over 2,000,000 people were about to be forgiven. Their minds were at a spiritual climax; their hopes were centered on the efficacy of the blood in the High Priest's hands. The acceptance of that sacrifice marked the spiritual peak to which the people could rise, and the joy which they felt in those moments was alpine. The offering of the sacrifice was marked by a great feast, and following the festivities, they could go home with intense happiness, knowing their sins were forgiven.

JOEL SPOKE OF HIM

The Prophet spoke from the standpoint of existing Judean conditions. The good effects of Jehoshaphat’s reign disappeared in the apostasy of his son who married Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel of Israel. Judah plunged into iniquity which continued until Hezidiah. With this state of things, it is obvious that he cried to a people who were hardened to sin.

He vividly described the calamitous famine which had devastated Judah. The locusts had eaten everything. Conditions were so bad that the offerings on the altar were suspended, and added to the locusts was a long drought. Joel used prevailing hardships to portray the judgments of the Lord. Many times in her history Judah had been brought back to God through severe punishments and Joel used the plague and drought to call them to a state of prayer, fasting and penitence. Like the stretto of a grand symphony, as he speaks, he seems to be lifted up into another spiritual realm; and not only does he see a day when their fields would again be productive, but through the eyes of a true prophet, he views the day of the Spirit and declares:

The Latter Day Rain

The prophet's prayer was answered by Jehovah. Relating first to their material blessings, their fields would become green and their harvests would be bountiful. But they were to realize more than that. The God would shower their fields with water would also fill their souls with rain. He would manifest Himself perfectly in judgment by the terrible signs which precede and accompany the day of the Lord.

The fulfillment of Joel's prophecy that was manifested in the initial outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost stretched into the first century and broke in periodic intervals during the Middle Ages and the Reformation until He was poured out again the its latter rain fullness near the close of the Nineteenth Century. For more than 90 years the outpouring of the Pentecostal power has been the most phenomenal development in Christendom. It was for some years confined to the various Pentecostal groups, but in recent years it has leaped the barriers of denominational lines and many of he oldest and largest churches are receiving the Spirit in His fullness, accompanied by the significant signs of speaking with tongues, healing the sick and other miraculous manifestations of power that has always been a by-product of the Pentecostal experience.

The Spirit as the Producer of Prophets or Preachers

A study of the word "prophet" in Greek and "preacher" in Latin reveals that their meanings are essentially identical. Thus we recognize that the advent of the Spirit upon "whosoever will" is a gift accompanied by marked mental and psychological changes. The Holy Spirit chooses from the young and the old men who will preach the Word. The desire of the Godhead is to find those who will strive be obedient to the Pauline command, "Be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."

As the Giver of New Ambitions (Dreams and Visions)

While the idea of the Holy Spirit's giving dreams and visions of the glories of the Kingdom of God is not to be minimized, it is also true that when one receives the Holy Spirit, his ideals, desires and philosophies are changed. He is given new goals, new ambitions, new dreams and visions of that which he wishes to accomplish in the power of the Spirit. These blessings are to be poured out regardless of age, sex, or social status. The only distinction mentioned is the implied "whosoever will." Thus it is with the Holy Spirit as with the Son of God, of whom the Apostle says, "There is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision, barbarian, bond or free; but Christ is all, and in all." The gift of the Spirit is as wide as the world in its offer, and without national distinction. There isn't a single case in the Old Testament of a slave's receiving the gift of prophecy, but these dreams and visions are for whosoever meets the standards--even servants and handmaids.

THE FATHER PROMISED HIM

(Luke 24:49)

It was not an accident on the part of the Godhead, but rather one that had been planned from eternity. Jesus had first made this announcement on Passover evening (John 14:16-26), but it was not fulfilled until the Day of Pentecost. These words from Luke were probably spoken on the day of His ascension and indicate anew the importance of their tarrying and receiving the Spirit, who would:

Be the Perfecter of Holiness in the Church

The grand design of the scheme of redemption is to perfect holiness in the hearts and lives of God's people. As the humble servant Eleazer went into Mesopotamia to find a suitable bride for his lord, Isaac, so the Holy Spirit works in the world today. He is ever teaching men the things of Christ; ever filling their hearts with more love, ever lifting their souls to the heights of His Holiness--"without which no man shall see the Lord."

As the Presenter of the Church to Christ

The church was once like an exposed infant on the day of its birth "in loathing of its person" (Ezekiel 16). If this were not true, it wouldn't have needed a Redeemer. It is His death which secures our ultimate holiness. Through it we are reconciled to God and made custodians of the Holy Spirit. We are redeemed from the curse of the Law that "we might receive the promise of the Spirit." Until the great day when the church is removed, the Holy Spirit will ever be busy purifying and keeping. All dross will be purged; all sin will be abolished and it will possess spotless glory. The elect of the church will be the bride of Christ.

JESUS SENT HIM

"I send the Promise of My Father"

He told them. From Christ's newly given, divinely imparted life shall proceed, as from the innermost depths of His consciousness, illimitable supplies of refreshment. Each soul will be like a rock smitten in the thirsty land, from which crystal rivers of life-giving grace will flow. All of the many Old Testament references fall short of this remarkable expression. This river is health given; one flowing for the healing of the nations and the "baptizing" of "whosoever will," everywhere.

As the Comforter Who Dwells in Us

(John 15:26)

This Spirit proceeds eternally from the Father and His witness will be that of the Father Himself. He possess, communicates, and applies the truth; for He is the Spirit of truth. The Comforter is not at a distance from us, rather He is always in those who would receive Him. "He dwells with you, and shall be in you." said the Christ.

As the Giver of Power for Witnessing

(Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit is God Himself; thus He possesses the omnipotence of the Godhead. He is the Christian's strength. The word "witness" actually comes from the Latin "martyr," thus all of us are to be martyrs at heart, sent out into the world to reach and win souls. We are to be so endued with this Power that the Holy Spirit becomes our obsession. The greatest opportunity of a Christian is to be a powerful witness; one with the martyr spirit.

The Holy Spirit Given

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:4

STUDY TEXT: Acts 2:1-11

SACRIFICES AND RITUALS NO MORE

From the time God slew the first animals in Eden to give Adam and Eve clothing, until the time He gave His only Son, thousands of years later, millions of animals were offered for sin. In the period from Sinai to Christ alone it is estimated that at least a million were slain. If that blood over the millenniums had be efficacious, would they have ceased to be sacrificed? The high priest some 500 to 1,000 times went behind the veil with the sacrifice, but it was annually necessary for him to do it. When the fullness of the time was come, however, God sent His Son. He was the all-sufficient sacrifice slain before the foundation of the world, a Lamb led to the slaughter.

The Veil Was Rent from Top to Bottom

No longer was it worship by law; grace was established. No longer was it worship by human mediators; Christ, the eternal High Priest, was Intercessor. No longer would the people be separated from the Holy Place; there were no barriers left; the separating veil was rent. The Most Holy Place was open to all. Behold the altar, the Shekinah fire, the budding rod, the manna, the angels. This is the new and better way. All obstacles are removed; there is no secrecy, for there is no veil.

The Blood of Christ Was Offered in Heaven

The New Testament everywhere sets forth Christ as the perfect sacrifice. He is the worthy One. The Jews couldn't outwit Him; Herod couldn't stop Him; Pilate couldn't take His life. He sad His life was His own, He would lay it down, and on the third day take it up again. Thrones were His toys, and kingdoms His playthings. Heaven was His throne and the earth was His footstool. The grave was the only pillow on which He could rest His head, while His eternal Spirit, with His eternal blood in a vial, soared up to that tabernacle not made with hands; to that mountain of myrrh and that hill of frankincense. There He met the demands of divine justice; there He was accepted; there the price for sin was paid; there He became a ransom for many. On the third day, He took up His body again from its pillow of the grave, and arose, holding in His hands the keys of hell and death. Because He lives, we shall live also. Christ gave Himself for us. Can we do less for Him?

All May Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace

If the new dispensation is ruled from a throne of grace, the old must have been ruled from the throne of law. But now God has no pleasure in sacrifices and offerings. He calls men to His grace. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me." No one is excluded. Though he be as ignorant as a Barbarian, or as lacking in knowledge as a Scythian, the lowest class of the Barbarians, yet he can come and drink of the waters of life freely. With grace there is no respecting of persons. To the rich, grace says, "Ye sold yourselves for naught, and you will be redeemed without money." To the poor, grace say, "Ye that have no money, come buy and eat, yea, buy wine and milk without money and without price." To come into the Most Holy Place and enjoy its satisfying rewards, is one of the greatest gifts of history. Let us therefore boldly approach the throne of grace.

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

Its Historical Significance

The word "Pentecost" is a Greek one, meaning the fiftieth day. From the Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Israel was commanded to number seven Sabbaths, which would make the seventh Sabbath the forty-ninth day, and on the morrow after the seventh Sabbath, Israel was commanded to observe the Feast of Weeks, or Feast of Harvest, which would be on the fiftieth day. It was also a First-Fruit Feast. The Feast of Unleavened Bread pointed to the resurrection of Christ, and the First-Fruit Feast, fifty days later, pointed to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. On the day of the First-Fruits (fiftieth day) and at the hour that the Priest offered the two loaves, according to the law (ninth hour), the Holy Ghost fell on the hundred and twenty and there were all filled with the Spirit. As the Feast of Harvest was one of celebrating harvested first-fruits, so the Church celebrates that grand outpouring as the climactic beginning of the first-fruits of the Christian Church. That day shows the first sheaves of the Christian harvest, for the first-fruits of the Christian reaping were there ingathered (Acts 2:41).

On the fiftieth day, centuries before, the Law was established. On this fiftieth day, Grace was enthroned. It is said that more Jews attended the Feast of Harvest, or Pentecost, than any other. Multitudes of them, of all nations, were present for the Holy Spirit's descent, and their presence forecasts an even greater day when that great congregation, "which no man can number, out of every nation, kindred, people and tongue" shall stand before the throne of the risen Christ, and witness His eternal enthronement as "King of kings and Lord of lords."

The Phenomenon Which Accompanied His Advent

(Acts 2:2)

Every word of the verse is suggestive. It happened "suddenly." There was a "sound." It came from Heaven. It was not an ordinary occurrence. Human ears had not previously been graced with this noise. It was "heavenly," suggestive of the plain to which the believer's mind had been lifted, for only properly tuned minds hear heavenly sounds. It was "mighty"--suggestive, not of commonplace power, but rather of regal omnipotence. It was "as wind"; not the cool, gentle breeze of twilight; but rather that rushing, conquering, mighty wind of the Godhead. That wind is mysterious, going wherever it will. One can hear and feel it, but never see it. As we can know the wind is blowing by the senses of sound and feeling, so we can know the Spirit is moving, by using the same senses.

The Phenomenon Which Accompanied Him

It was fire; fire in cloven tongues. Is this in itself suggestive of a new era? Could it be that the Shekinah fire of the Most Holy Place moved from the tabernacle altar to the heads and then to the hearts of the believers? Does it further say that "whosoever will" can enter a new and spiritual Holy of Holies? Do these fiery tongues look back to Isaiah's having a live coal placed on his tongue by an angel? Is it the initiation of an era when Shekinah fire, by controlling human tongues, will save the world by the foolishness of preaching? God's ministers will not speak coldly, as with tongues of ice; nor learnedly as with tongues of gold; nor arrogantly, as with tongues of brass; but earnestly, as with tongues of fire. He, the Author of the Word, would set the truth on fire, and men by the thousands would be saved. Was not its glory like that of the fire which burned in the bush, or that sat on Mt. Sinai, or that hovered over the Tabernacle, or that filled Solomon's Temple? Is it not the direct fulfillment of Christ's promise, "He dwells with you and shall be in you"?

But there was more than fire. There was a 'filling." Their cups were made to run over The river was flowing from their hearts. It plowed new channels with its rushing splendor. Cutting its way into 3,000 souls, they, who just fifty days before had crucified the Christ, found themselves saying, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Could it be that Peter's words to the multitude, "Him ye have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain," suggest that many of the converts played active roles in His crucifixion? If it be true, does it not beautifully illustrate Christ's "love your enemies" philosophy and His power "to save to the uttermost them that believe," even if it includes those who killed Him? Within one hundred and fifty years after this outpouring the Christian church had permeated the whole Roman Empire to such an extend that if the Christians had abandoned the cities, they would have become howling deserts. This triumphant march was simply in accordance with Christ's promise. The world saw that Christians loved one another, and the world was consequently converted.

HIS EFFECT ON THE GATHERED JEWS

The fifteen countries stated remind us of the Babel dispersion. They had been scattered because of their sins, but the eternal mercy of God is revealed in making this punishment a pathway for the Gospel. These Jews and proselytes would return from Jerusalem to their native lands, telling their kindred of this day. The heathen would hear, from the lips of their own people, the "wonderful works of God." That this mighty congregation represented the entire world is very fitting. This Feast of First-Fruits had been designated, from eternity, for the blessing of the nations with this outpouring.

They Were All "Amazed"

The speech was about the wonderful works of God. It is estimated that 1,000,000 Jews had gathered about Jerusalem for the Feast, and few of them, if any, had expected anything extraordinary. The speakers were ignorant and unlearned. High society hadn't cradled them; learned men hadn't educated them; possibly none of them had met Gamaliel; but they were eloquently speaking of the wonderful works of God. A basin of water, without heat, is solid and brittle; warmed, it flows; further heated it mounts to the sky. So was it with their speech. There was a time when these disciples' attitude was "Send the multitude away." There was a time when they could preach in groups of two's, and they rejoiced because, "even the devils were subject to them," but now their souls were filled with the Holy Ghost and they were so endued with the divine nature that their words mounted higher and higher until they were heavenly eloquent in all their utterances. Their souls poured forth, without discrepancies, the wonderful works of God. There is little wonder the multitude was amazed.

The Multitude Was "In Doubt"

The wording suggests that the condition was a state of being. One can travel "to" a city, then he goes "into" it, then he is "in" it. So is it with unbelief. Doubt is a unique state of mind. One goes into it because of a series of events which, to him, defy logic. After reaching this state, one is said to be "in doubt." Such was the case with those Jews and proselytes. To hear uneducated men speak their language defied logic; it was unreasonable; and their minds moved "in" a state of doubt. "From where did these men get their wisdom? How did they know that about which they spoke? Surely they must be full of new wine." So multitude asked:

"What Meaneth This?"

Peter didn't have a tongue which was rich like gold, or sweet like honey; he possessed no soothing speech to allay the prejudices and captivate the passions of so diverse a multitude. His lips had been ordinary; his words were uttered in rugged Galilean. He began in the only way he knew, tracing their history and quoting Scripture. The murmuring subsides; the mob becomes a congregation; his words begin to rush like streams of fire. That fire burns away prejudice; it encamps about the people's hearts. Now it touches the quick and burns in their very souls. One might think that in that throng there was but one min (that of the preacher). That one mind permeated thousands of beings; pricked thousands of hearts; humbled thousands of souls. Here a head bows; there starts a groan; yonder rises a deep sigh. At length, from the midst of the crowd, a brave soul who could stand no more cried, "What shall we do?"

HOW TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST

Repent

The call of the Gospel is universal, and everywhere it says first, "repent," or "wash your hands ye sinners." Of necessity it is a first step. There must be a changing of the mind, a drastic altering of course; a crisis experience, in which one turns fro sin to righteousness. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again." Until this experience is realized, human nature is perverted; the inner man is alienated from God. But of those who hear the Gospel and repent, He says, "He that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."

Be Baptized

The wording here suggests more than that outward sign of water baptism. Jesus when speaking to Peter about his death asked him, "Can ye drink of the cup that I drink of and be baptized with the baptism wherewith I am baptized?" The Bible teaches that His death not only paid for the sins which we commit; His sacrifice also provided for the crucifixion of the Ademic sin nature, the drive or propensity to evil. "The old man is crucified with him," Paul said, and Jesus spoke of His crucifixion as a baptism. Thus we realize that Peter is also stating the necessity of a crisis experience of heart purity, or sanctification, as a prerequisite to receiving the Holy Spirit. To turn from sin to heart purity and holiness is one of the most blessed and honorable experiences to which a believer can come.

And Ye Shall Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost

He is for all people. He makes the church of Jesus Christ to be a universal union of believers. For those whose sins are forgiven, whose hearts are pure; whose minds are obsessed by Christ; whose souls are presented as living sacrifices to Him; the reception of the Triune Godhead into the temple with be a natural and rewarding experience.

The Personality, Universality and Work of the Holy Spirit

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." John 14:16

STUDY TEXT: John 14:16; John 16:7-15; Ephesians 4:30; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 5:3 and Matthew 12:31-32

THE HOLY SPIRIT, A PERSON

References to the Holy Spirit should never be neuter. He is not an "it," and all Scripture relative to Him in that gender are about the baptism or His original outpouring. There are no Scriptures referring to Him, as an "it."

His Is a Comforter, Who Abides with You Forever

(John 14:16)

Comforter comes from the Greek word, paraclete, meaning "one called alongside to help." Christ certainly is a personality and the same word is used of Him in 1 John 2:1, thus we know the Holy Spirit is also a personality.

He Has Personal Reactions

1. He may be lied to.-Acts 5:3

2. He may be blasphemed and sinned against. -Matthew 12:31-32

3. He can be grieved.-Ephesians 4:30

He Is Christ's Successor

(John 14:16 and 26)

None but a person can take a person's place.

Personal Pronouns Are Used About Him

(John 16:13-15)

He Does the Work of a Person

1. He convicts of sin. - John 16:8

2. He fills with power. -Acts 1:8

3. He reveals truth. -John 16:13-15

4. He gives the soul its spiritual new birth. -John 3:3,6,8

5. He gives spiritual gifts. - 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

6. He will resurrect our bodies. -Romans 8:11

He Is an Equal Part of the Godhead

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." Matthew 28:19

1. The Holy Spirit is omniscient. - 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

2. He is omnipotent. - Luke 1:35

3. He is omnipresent. - Psalm 139:7-10

4. He is eternal. - Hebrews 9:14

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WORLD

There is a sense in which the entirety of creation may be ascribed to the Spirit. "By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath (or spirit) of his mouth" (Psalm 33:6). The creation of man is ascribed to the Spirit. Job said, "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty have given me life" (Job 33:4). In the Genesis account of Creation, the Spirit is seen actively engaged in the work of creation, for "the Spirit of God moved" (Genesis 1:2). The power of the Spirit is revealed in the preservation of nature, Isaiah said, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it" (Isaiah 40:7). The Holy Spirit reveals Himself in the warm sunshine, in the precious lily, in the beautiful rose, in the fragrant daffodil. He comes in Spring and Summer glory, bringing life and beauty, and He come in the biting Winter wind, leaving death in His wake.

The Holy Spirit is universal in His relation to men. "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness because I go unto my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged" (John 16:8,11). He deals with sin belonging to man; of righteousness, belonging to Christ, and of judgment, belonging to the devil. Jesus said, "The Spirit of truth...shall testify of me" (John 15:26). Peter said, "And we are his witnesses of those things; and so is the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him" (Acts 5:32). The Holy Spirit is ever bearing witness of Christ and His finished work to the men in a sinful world.

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH

In Dealing with Individuals (Whosoever Will)

The responsibility of the Holy Spirit is to regenerate the dad conscience of the lost soul (Hebrews 10:22 and 9:14). Jesus made it very clear when in the night he told Nicodemus that he must be born again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit (John 3). The individual must see himself as a prodigal in a far country and return home. Then the Holy Spirit removes the claims of sin, issues the papers of pardon from the throne of God and on Christ's behalf, and then He escorts the believer away from the judgment seat and the sin curse into complete freedom and full citizenship in the kingdom of God.

From spiritual deadness, He gives birth to life. This work of the Spirit is definite and was provided for by Christ on the cross. Paul said that without this work we are none of His (Romans 8:9). It is the Spirit which bears witness with our spirit that we are the sons of God.

In Cleansing from Inherited Sin

It could easily be said, in terms of chemistry, that the blood is the cleansing agent, that the Holy Spirit is the catalyst which brings about the reaction, and the soul of man is that on which the precious blood of Christ reacts.

The blood plus the Holy Spirit (catalyst), plus the soul, yields sanctified man. It is further evident that the degree of our faith and the degree of our willingness determine the degree to which we receive the enduement with power.-Matthew 9:29 and Romans 12:3. When one receives Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, he receives "all the fullness of God" potentially, but actually he receives on that which his faith appropriates. It further follows that one must know light before he can walk in it. The work of sanctification is provided only for the children of God, this it is called their "inheritance" (Acts 26:18).

For this is the "will of God, even your sanctification," and only family members have a right to the "will" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The work of sanctification is for the members of Christ's body--His church (Ephesians 5:25-27). It is the positive removal of sin by that grand crisis experience.

In the Enduement with Power from on High

In the wording of our Discipline, "the Pentecostal baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is obtainable by a definite act of appropriating faith on the part of the fully cleansed believer (Acts 1:5; 8; 2:38-39). "Since the Bible teaches that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and that the temple of God is holy, which temple ye (believers) are (1 Corinthians 3:16-17), we do not believe that God will fill an unclean vessel or temple with His Holy Spirit. In other words, we believe, because the Bible teaches and requires it, that a person, in order to receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost, must have a clean heart and life as a prerequisite for this great blessing. Remember, the blood of cleansing must first be applied, then the oil, which is a type of the Holy Spirit (Leviticus 14:14-17). Moreover, we believe that in order to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit's power and possession, one must continue to live a clean and consecrated life, free from sin, strife, worldliness, and pride, and must avoid attitudes and actions which tend to "grieve" or "quench" the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:29-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

The Evidence of His Presence

We believe that the "initial" (or first) evidence of the reception of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (John 15:26-27; Acts 2:1-4; 8:17; 10:44-46; 19:6; 1 Corinthians 12:7). We do not believe this is the only evidence of the Spirit's baptism, but that it is the initial evidence, just as it occurred in the repeated accounts of the Spirit's outpouring in the Acts of the Apostles. But there will be other evidences spelled out in our lives--the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), power to witness for Christ, power to endure the testings of faith and the oppositions of the world. We believe that the initial evidence of speaking with tongues is for everyone who receives the Pentecostal baptism with the Holy Spirit and we distinguish between this initial manifestation and the gift of tongues, which is not given to every Spirit filled believer.

The Baptism, A Gift

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is not a work of grace in our hearts, rather through grace, it is the receiving of the promised gift by individuals in the church. There are three gifts for the individual in this connection: 1. The gift of the Father (John 3:16), which is Jesus, the Redeemer of the lost world. 2. The gift of Christ Himself to sanctify and cleanse the church (Ephesians 5:25). 3. The gift of the Holy Ghost coming from the Father and the Son to dwell in the cleansed temple of the sanctified believer. The Scriptures set forth three baptisms which have one aim. 1. The baptism of water unto repentance (Matthew 3:11). 2. The baptism of blood unto death done by Christ Himself for us as individuals (Romans 6:1-6). In it the "old man" is crucified and we die with Christ unto sin once for all time, and remain dead to sin by remaining under that baptism of His blood. 3. The baptism with the Holy Spirit as received in the upper room. These baptism are a part of the normal experience which the love of God expects all men to receive.

The Gifts of the Spirit

We believe in the gifts of the Spirit as forth by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14; we believe that they are 'set in the church' by the Spirit; that He retains custody and control of the said gifts or 'enablements,' distributing and operating them 'severally as he wills' and we desire that our people may so live under the control of the Holy Spirit that these gifts may be manifested or used through consecrated individuals in the worship services where, when and as they are needed; but all to the glory of God and the edifying of the body of Christ and in accordance with the directions and decorum set forth in the chapters referred to above.