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Posted by Categories: Christianity FAQs

Mark asks…

What is the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38?

In Verse 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Cee Harmon answers:

Hello Mark,

The Precious Holy Spirit Acts 2 (Amplified Bible) 38And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Philip and the Ethiopian —  The eunuch is baptized in the name of Christ, v. 36-38. It is probable that the eunuch had heard at Jerusalem of the doctrine of Christ, so that it was not altogether new to him. But, if he had, what could that do towards this speedy conquest that was made of his heart for Christ. It was a powerful working of the Spirit with and by Philip’s preaching that gained the point. Now here we have,

2. The fair declaration which Philip made him of the terms upon which he might have the privilege of baptism (v. 37): “If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest; that is, If thou believest this doctrine which I have preached to thee concerning Jesus, if thou receivest the record God has given concerning him, and set to thy seal that it is true.” He must believe with all his heart, for with the heart man believeth, not with the head only, by an assent to gospel truths in the understanding; but with the heart, by a consent of the will to gospel terms. “If thou do indeed believe with all thy heart, thou art by that united to Christ, and, if thou give proofs and evidences that thou dost so, thou mayest by baptism be joined to the church.” +++”Knowing the Person of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a part of the Holy Trinity with the Father and Son. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word (ruwach, pronounced roo’-akh) was used when talking about the Spirit. This word literally means WIND, even the wind associated with a BREATHE! In the New Testament the Greek word (pneuma, pronounced pnyoo’-mah) was used which means the BREATHE or a BREEZE! We can literally think of the Holy Spirit as the “Breathe of God!”

Most Christians today understand Jesus the Son, and God the Father as two very distinct Persons within the Godhead; however, there has been much confusion over the identity of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps some of this dates back to the King James translation of the Holy Bible where the word “Spirit” or “Ghost” was used instead of “Breathe” or “Wind” of God. In any case, many people throughout the ages have thought of the Holy Spirit more as a thing than a Person. Nothing could be further from the truth, and in fact as we begin to know the Person of the Holy Spirit we will want to have a closer relationship with Him just as we would the Father or Son.

Although the word Trinity is not mentioned in the Bible, we know God is three in one. There are three very distinct Person’s that make up the Godhead. They are all equal in every way.

They (The Father, Son and Holy Spirit) are all:

Omnipotent – All powerful. Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.

Omnipresent – At all places at once. Psalms 139:7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

Omniscient – All knowing. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.

Eternal – Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Equal – Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own power? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied unto men, but unto God.

 

Susan asks…

What happens when the Holy Spirit possesses a person?

If he or she believes in Christ, doesn’t the Holy Spirit act through believers with or without their knowing?

Cee Harmon answers:

Hi Susan,

That is a great question. The Holy Spirit comes to Indwell a person at the instant of salvation. Demons Possess people. The Holy Spirit gives us assurance of our salvation / He seals our salvation until such time as we are with Christ. He makes us a new person in Christ. Other people Should be able to notice a positive difference in our lives. Through Him, we understand Scripture better. He is our comforter, teacher, guide. He does Lots of things in the believer.

Be sure to check out this video by Pastor Benny Hinn.  In this video, he teaches on the person of the Holy Spirit.  This should help you get a better understanding:

Benny Hinn – Person of The Holy Spirit (1)

Person of The Holy Spirit: The Power of the God-Head Benny Hinn Ministries www.bennyhinn.org

 

Benny_Hinn

The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Comforter, and Helper! And He is with us forever.

 

BibleWisdoms

Go and make students from all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – Matt 27:19 #TheLordhasRisen

 

PastorTullian

The Holy Spirit’s ministry is not to make us stronger so we need Jesus less but to make us aware of our weakness so that we need Jesus more.

 

DrDaveJohnson

Five to six hundred baptized in the Holy Spirit in services in the Philippines. Read about it in our newsletter at www…http://t.co/9D56a6Pc

 

*Elevate Christian Network

About 

Cee Harmon is the founder of Elevate Christian Network and Elevate Your Potential Magazine. He enjoys helping people improve the quality of their lives - spirit, soul, and body.
 
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