WHO IS THE HOLY GHOST?
1Jo 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
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INTRODUCTION
I think one of the great tragedies of our time is the lack of teaching on basic Bible doctrines. In an hour that the fireball, topical preacher (which I am and love) is pushed to the fore-front and the simple teaching of God’s Word is pushed to the back burner many people remain shallow or even totally ignorant in the most fundamental truths of Holy Scripture. Pneumatology, which embodies the study and doctrines which concern the Holy Ghost, is an example of this. Because of this gross ignorance the Holy Ghost has been misrepresented and even attacked. Men have tried to make Him less than God, or even do away with Him completely, calling Him an “it”. Many believe He is merely the breath or power of God. Others have reduced Him to nothing more than speaking in tongues. The object of this series of lessons is to increase your knowledge of who the Holy Ghost is and what it means to be baptized in Him.
I think you will find that there is very little personal interpretation given in these lessons. I will at times need to rightly divide some things, but for the most part, I am going to inundate you with verse after verse, so you will see that the truths presented here are clearly taught in the Bible. After all, the Bible is all that matters anyway. I will at times use certain theological words and terms that most of you couldn’t care less about it, but you need to remember that there will be a few that do. I will always define the words and terms I use so you’ll know what I’m talking about. These lessons contain something for everyone. Some portions may be too elementary for you, others portions may fly over your head, but, again, remember that you’re not the only one listening to this. The bottom line is if you love the Word of God and desire to learn, there will much meat and much milk at your disposal here, so everyone should leave these lessons with a greater knowledge of who the Holy Ghost is.
In this first lesson, I want to ask and answer a few simple questions. First, who is the Holy Ghost? And secondly, what does He do?
I. THE PERSONHOOD OF THE HOLY GHOST.
Someone was recently asked: “What is the Holy Ghost?” They answered: “The Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost.” The person asking the question said: “No, it’s not! The Holy Ghost is speaking in tongues!” Anytime someone tells you the Holy Ghost is not the Holy Ghost, be careful, there’s a problem there. That’s just like saying: “That Lamborghini isn’t a Lambhorghini, it’s a lug-nut with stuff attached to it!” That’s not the most logical thinking I’ve ever heard.
The question shouldn’t be “what” is the Holy Ghost, but “Who” is the Holy Ghost?
First of all, the Spirit of God is a person, a self-aware agent, not a“thing”. In many instances, the Bible refers to the Holy Ghost as “He”, “Him”, or “His” (personal pronouns that demonstrate personhood or individualism). For example:
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come. (emphasis added)
A. THE HOLY GHOST IS DISTINCT FROM THE FATHER AND SON.
The Holy Ghost is spoken of as being distinct, or recognizably different, from Jesus at least two-hundred times. In other words, the Holy Ghost is not the Father and the Holy Ghost is not the Son; the Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost (contrary to some people’s belief)! Only twice can Christ be even remotely identified with the Holy Ghost (2Co 3:17, Ro 8:9-11) and both of these passages are easily explained. So, the bottom line is there is one Father; one Son; and one Spirit.
SPIRIT OF CHRIST
And you may be wondering who the Spirit of Christ is then? Well, anytime the Bible mentions the Spirit of Christ (Ro 8:9, 1Pe 1:11) it is simply another reference to the Holy Ghost. It is just as accurate to call the Holy Ghost the “Spirit of Christ” as it is to call Him the “Spirit of God”. The reason is clearly laid out in the doctrine of the filioque “fil-i-o-que” (the dual-procession of the Spirit from the Father and Son). Since the Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son (Joh 15:26,16:7), He is referred to as both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. Let me cross reference two passages to prove this:
1Pe 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
11 Searching what, or what manner of time THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by THE HOLY GHOST.
Please, note that 1Pe 1:11 states that it was the Spirit of Christ that spoke through the prophets, yet 2Pe 1:21 says it was the Holy Ghost. Just know that, according to Ephesians 4:4, there is but one Spirit which can only mean the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Eternal Spirit, etc. are all the one and selfsame Spirit. They are all names used to the describe the same Holy Spirit.
SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD
You may say, “That’s not right Brother Lamb. The Bible says there are seven Spirits of God.” And that’s true. It does say that . Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, and 5:6 all refer to the seven Spirits of God, but what do they mean? I must confess, that is a very interesting subject which harbors much enigma. But we know that the Word of God doesn’t contradict itself and Ephesians 4:4 states: There is one ... Spirit;
If the Bible says there is one Spirit, there can’t be seven. So, when the Bible refers to the seven Spirits of God, we must dig a little deeper.
There are basically two understandings of these passages. The ancient Jews, who believed the throne of God looked similar to the throne of an earthly king, supposed that there were seven ministering angels before the throne of God, as there were seven ministers attendant around the throne of a Persian king. We find ample proof of this in the Apocrypha, particularly in the book of Tobit, 12:15: I am Raphael, one of the SEVEN HOLY ANGELS which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One. (The Apocrypha is a collection of ancient religious books that some believe to be inspired–I do not.)
The most common explanation of the Bible’s references to the seven Spirits of God is that they are a reference to the seven-fold ministry of the Spirit found in:
Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
1 — the Spirit of the Lord;
2 — the Spirit of wisdom;
3 — the Spirit of understanding;
4 — the Spirit of counsel;
5 — the Spirit of might;
6 — the Spirit of knowledge;
7 — and the Spirit of the fear of the LORD.
I believe this to be the more accurate conclusion, especially when we compare Isaiah 11:2 with:
Re 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Here, the seven Spirits of God are said to be the seven eyes and the seven horns of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). This should illustrate that the seven Spirits are not actual entities. The horn is symbolic of power and the eyes are symbolic of illumination or knowledge. The number seven symbolizes perfection! So, the seven Spirits of God also signify the perfect knowledge and almighty stature of our God which goes forth into all the earth. If you have a different understanding of these verses ... great. But I’d like for you to help me justify it with Paul’s statement of there being only one Spirit. Thank you ahead of time.
So, there is but one Holy Ghost and He is distinct from the Father and Son. The following are a few verses that further demonstrate the Holy Ghost’s distinction from the Father and Son.
Isa 48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
Mt 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Ac 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Let us look at one more:
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
In this passage, Jesus is referring to the Holy Ghost being sent to the Church after His resurrection. Please, notice that He is said to speak only those things that He hears. Who is He hearing from? Himself? Hardly! The Holy Ghost speaks those things the Father tells Him to speak. This shows a clear cut distinction between the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
****THE GLORIFICATION OF JESUS CHRIST****
And this brings us to what I feel to be the most important part of this entire lesson. The Father sent the Holy Ghost to the church and is said to speak certain things to Him. But why did the Father send Him and what does He say to Him? At this time I want to show you the primary purpose that the Holy Ghost is upon this earth to serve.
HE TESTIFIES OF JESUS
Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, HE SHALL TESTIFY OF ME: (emphasis mine)
HE GLORIFIES JESUS
Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 HE SHALL GLORIFY ME: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (emphasis mine)
Even the baptism in the Holy Ghost, which I will deal with in my next lesson, is designed for this same purpose.
Ac 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The endowment of authority that comes with the baptism in the Holy Ghost is designed to bring an insatiable thirst for the lost and power to achieve the conversion of souls. In fact, if one does not have power and a thirst for souls I must tell you that you are not baptized in the Holy Ghost. I just read it to you: ye shall receive power ... and ye shall be witnesses unto me.
LORD OF THE HARVEST
Mt 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Who is the Lord of the Harvest?
Ac 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the HOLY GHOST said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the HOLY GHOST, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (emphasis added)
Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the HOLY GHOST hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (emphasis added)
It is the Holy Ghost that functions in the role of Lord of the Harvest! It is He that works the fields looking for a bride for the Son!
ABRAHAM, ISAAC, AND JACOB
We find this beautifully illustrated in the 24th chapter of Genesis.
Abraham told his servant to go and find his son Isaac a wife. The servant went as he was told. He sat down on a well and put a fleece out before God. A beautiful young lady came by and fulfilled the fleece perfectly. The servant went home to meet her father. The father gave the servant permission to take his daughter. The servant took her back home and she married Isaac.
This is exactly what the Holy Ghost does. The Father has sent Him to sweep over this wicked world looking for a new prospective bride for His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! Whosoever will yield to the request of the Spirit and give their hearts to the Son they are given gifts unspeakable!
In John 16:13, Jesus said the Holy Ghost didn’t come to speak of Himself; He came to speak of Jesus. Any movement or spirit that doesn’t exalt Christ highly above everything else is not of God; it is of the devil. The Holy Ghost does not glorify Himself; He glorifies Jesus Christ! That is the primary purpose the Father has sent Him!
B. THE PERSONHOOD OF THE HOLY GHOST.
1. HE HAS A MENTAL FACULTY AND SPEAKS.
I think you would agree, for something to speak it must have the capacity to reason, and for something to have the capacity to reason, it must have a mental faculty. I want to submit some verses that demonstrate the Holy Ghost speaking.
Ac 1:16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which THE HOLY GHOST by the mouth of David SPAKE before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. (emphasis added)
Ac 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip,...
Ac 13:2 ... the Holy Ghost said,...
Ac 21:11 ...Thus saith the Holy Ghost,...
2. HE PERSONALLY HAS POWER.
Ro 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST. (emphasis added)
If the Holy Ghost is nothing more than the power or force of God, wouldn’t this passage be literally referring to the power of the power? Let’s look at:
Zec 4:6 ... This is the word of the LORD ... saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Here, the Spirit is spoken of independently from God’s power and might, offering us clear cut proof that the Spirit is much more than the Father in Action, He is the third person of heaven’s holy Trinity!
3. HE HAS A WILL.
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL. (emphasis added)
Does a force or action have a will? To possess a will is to have volition; or the capability of conscious choice, decision, and intention. Ego, intellect, and personality are required for will to exist! Only a person can be attributed these attributes.
4. HE CAN BE GRIEVED.
Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
The word grieve means to distress; or to be sad. You cannot distress someone’s force, or breath (though their’s might distress you)!
5. HE CAN BE VEXED.
Isa 63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.
The word vexed means to bring displeasure, grief, hurt, or make sorry! Again, you can’t cause someone’s breath or force to be displeased or hurt! Only a person can feel these types of emotions!
6. HE CAN BE RESISTED.
Ac 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
7. HIS COMPASSION TESTED.
Mic 2:7a O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD STRAITENED? (emphasis added)
8. HE CAN BE TEMPTED AND LIED TO.
Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (emphasis added)
Ac 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to TEMPT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. (emphasis added)
Can you lie to a mere force or action? Can you lie to the wind? Of course not! You can only lie to a person!
II. THE DIVINITY OF THE HOLY GHOST.
And not only is the Holy Ghost a distinct person, or self-aware agent, the Holy Ghost is God. He is not God the Father. He is not God the Son. He is God the Holy Ghost.
It is not my intention to teach on the Trinity in these lessons, but I do want to make a couple of points that perhaps can bring some clarity to the tri-unity of God. There are three distinct persons, or self-aware agents, in the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). The Bible says those three self-aware agents are one.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
The Bible says that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one, but, as I have already brought to your attention, they are not the SAME one. In order for the Holy Ghost to be one with the Father, He must be God just as the Father is God. For those who have never been exposed to solid Bible teaching, this can be confusing.
The Word God can mean one of two things. First, it is a name we use for God the Father. Secondly, the word is used to describe what God is. You and I consist of flesh, blood, and bones, but God is divine spirit. When I say the Holy Ghost is God, I’m not referring to the first definition of God, I’m referring to the second definition, divine spirit. The Holy Ghost is not the Father, but He is God because He is divine spirit just as the Father is.
A. HE IS CALLED GOD.
Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to LIE TO THE HOLY GHOST, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? THOU HAST NOT LIED UNTO MEN, BUT UNTO GOD. (emphasis added)
This is clear! The Holy Ghost is called God!
1. HE IS CALLED JEHOVAH.
Ex 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD (Jehovah), saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? (parentheses added)
Heb 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
The Holy Ghost is called Jehovah and only God is Jehovah!
2. HE IS CO-EQUAL WITH THE FATHER AND SON.
Mt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
If the Holy Ghost were not God, it would be blasphemy for Christ to incorporate Him into the baptismal formula. Only a divine person can be co-equal with another divine person. This verse clearly demonstrates that the Spirit is as much God as the Father and Son!
Let’s look at another verse equally listing the Holy Ghost with the Father and Son.
2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
This next passage of Scripture further demonstrates the Spirit’s equality with the Father and Son by listing Him first.
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
The Holy Ghost is co-equal to the Father and Son!
3. HE RECEIVED PRAYER.
Mt 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Who is the Lord of the Harvest?
Ac 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the HOLY GHOST said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the HOLY GHOST, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (emphasis added)
Ac 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the HOLY GHOST hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (emphasis added)
It is the Holy Ghost that functions in the role of Lord of the Harvest! It is He that works the fields looking for a bride for the Son (Ge 24)!
Let us look at 2 Thessalonians 3:5 where the Holy Ghost is called “Lord”:
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
I believe Matthew 9:38 gives us express permission to pray to the Holy Ghost, the Lord of the Harvest, to send laborers into the harvest! Only God can receive prayers!
4. HE IS CREATOR.
Ge 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the face of the waters. (emphasis added)
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.
The Bible says the Spirit has power to create and only God is Creator, therefore the Holy Ghost is God!
5. HE IS ETERNAL.
Heb 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? (emphasis added)
Only God is eternal, yet the Bible teaches us that the Holy Ghost is eternal!
6. HE IS OMNISCIENT.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Paul tells us that the Holy Ghost knows the deep things of God, which indicates He is omniscient. The word omniscient means “knowing everything”. He knows everything that can be known and there is not anything that He does not know.
7. HE IS OMNIPRESENT.
Ps 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
David recognized that there was no place that the Spirit was not, which indicates the Spirit is omnipresent! The word omnipresent means at all places at the same time. God the Holy Ghost is at all places at the same time and has always been at all places at the same time.
8. HE IS OMNIPOTENT.
Lu 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Ro 15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
In Luke 1:35 we find that it was the Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary when Jesus was conceived in her womb. In Romans we find that it didn’t matter where the Apostle Paul was, it was the Spirit of God that empowered him. This indicates that the Holy Ghost is omnipotent! The word omnipotent means having all or unlimited power.
9. HE RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD.
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but QUICKENED BY THE SPIRIT: (emphasis added)
10. HE INSPIRED THE WORD OF GOD.
2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
11. HE IS OUR SOURCE OF WISDOM.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
12. HE INSTRUCTS PREACHERS WHERE TO PREACH.
Ac 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
13. HE INSTRUCTS PREACHERS WHERE “NOT” TO PREACH.
Ac 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
14. HE INSTRUCTS PREACHERS ON WHAT TO PREACH.
1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
15. HE SPOKE IN AND THROUGH THE PROPHETS AND PREACHERS.
1Pe 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
16. HE TESTIFIES OF AND GLORIFIES CHRIST.
Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
17. HE SANCTIFIES.
Ro 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
18. HE TEACHES.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
19. HE COMFORTS THE SAINTS.
Ac 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
20. HE BEARS RECORD IN HEAVEN .
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Here, the Holy Ghost is to said to bear record. To “bear record” is to bear witness or testify. It is a legal procedure that requires judgement and mental capacity. Please notice that the Father is also mentioned alongside the Holy Ghost as being a witness in heaven, thus proving this verse is not a reference to the Father in action.
21. HE DWELLS IN SAINTS AND WITH SAINTS.
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
First of all, in 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul said that the Spirit of God dwells in us. If the Oneness adherent’s method of interpretation is correct, if those that believe the Holy Ghost is nothing more than speaking in tongues is correct, God doesn’t really abide in our lives--only His power or action or tongues. Secondly, Paul tells us plainly that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us! Is this not a clear equating of the Spirit to God? If we are the temple of God and it is the Spirit that is said to dwell in us, the Spirit must be God and, therefore, possesses personhood!
22. HE CONVICTS SINNERS OF THEIR SINS.
Joh 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
23. HE REGENERATES (OR GIVES NEW LIFE TO) BELIEVING SINNERS.
Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
24. HE BAPTIZES NEW BELIEVERS INTO THE BODY OF CHRIST.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
25. HE GUARANTEES THE ETERNAL INHERITANCE OF BELIEVERS.
Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
26. HE HELPS US PRAY.
Ro 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27. HE HELPS US LOVE GOD.
Ro 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
When we have come to the extremity of our love for God, the Holy Ghost will deepen and heighten it for us!
That will conclude this lesson. As you can now clearly see, the Holy Ghost is more than tongues and and the breath of God! He is distinct from the Father and the Son. May God bless you!
Pastor David Lamb
..really amazing to learn about the HOLY GHOST. He is simply wonderful.
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