Water Baptism Why & How Part 1 of 5

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme

“I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” John 3:5b

Scriptural Support of the ‘type’ of baptism Christians are to engage

Christians, not all but some, have spent eons discussing Baptism in all its varied aspects. Should it be done? Should it be by full immersion; or, by sprinkling of water? Should it be done at birth, at some age of early adolescence, or as an adult? Should it be mandatory before a believer is accepted as such? Must it be done to satisfy some requisite demand for membership in some church family or denomination? Should it be immediate so that should something happen to the believer they would be ‘saved’ and heaven bound? 

Lastly this: Can you be baptized, by proxy, for someone dead? This author does not wish to take on this millennials long debated question nor do I wish to call attention to any one group who actively performs such baptisms. It is only to provide yet another question about baptism. To that end, in my research I have found the following site to offer a discussion of the matter. I have no affiliation with this site it just came up in my search. I have looked over those others that also came up and this one seemed the best offering from a Christian perspective. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-does-paul-mean-by-baptism-for-the-dead/ 

Following is the answer as to how someone should be baptized. It also answers the question as to when: Matt 28:19,20 is the commission to his disciples that they should ‘go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’. First one must become a disciple. How? According to verse 20 by way of being taught. What? To obey everything Jesus commanded HIS disciples. Thus, baptism of infants is not an option. Second, an adolescent child must be able to understand what they have been taught sufficiently to comply with the obedience part and to understand on whose authority. Asking the child for evidence of an age appropriate understanding of a probative nature to ascertain the baptism would be based on ‘faith in Jesus’; an affirmative response should suffice for the one baptizing. As in all Christians regardless of age or length of time in life as a practicing Christian, each of us will always be learning, understanding, discerning and at times increasing in our appreciation of the responsibilities our knowledge and obedience will bring to our lives. We are not to be ‘perfect’ before baptism.

As to mandatory conformance to satisfy acceptance as a believer, again, reference to Jesus command in Matt 28 clearly identifies the making of disciples precedes the baptism of the same. Thus, if we were to bring in Paul’s words here further elucidate what ‘saves’ “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Rom 10:9-11 Clearly, being baptized to confirm one’s Christian standing to satisfy a church’s policy for membership is inappropriate. It is by belief Jesus is Lord, that GOD raised Jesus from the dead that saves. Thereafter, baptism is the process by which one publicly acknowledges that faith.

By the same token, if a person has in fact been saved by faith Jesus is Lord and was raised from the dead and then dies it affects the person’s eternity in no way if the Christian has not yet been baptized. However, baptism should be the goal of a new Christian as a public confession of Jesus as their Lord.

Is it ‘appropriate’ to demand a Christian be baptized in order to be a member of some specific Christian denomination? Good question. The answer is: has the Christian already been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? If so, then no. It is a pharisaic requirement and should give the Christian pause as to the policy. Definitely question why a former baptism isn’t acceptable and pray over whether you wish to comply. It is extra-Biblical and could be simply explained as a custom of that church body; it could be indicative of other extra-Biblical policies they have and may be questionable. It is up to the believer. It will not harm the believer to be baptized again so long as the baptism follows the parameters in Matt 28. In other words, it is a personal conscience issue. Before doing conformity to the request find out what other requirements need to be met before membership is conveyed. Does it require some sort of denunciation of other Christian church affiliation? Most who require baptism in their church have a statement of faith that includes the doctrinal points they believe. Review them and question any point you are not clear or comfortable with. 

Remember, you are already a member of the ‘church’ body of Christ by virtue of your faith in HIM and that HE died and was raised from the dead. Having a physical church to call your home to worship should not require you to believe and accept any point of doctrine you do not feel comfortable accepting after prayer and research. If it becomes an issue perhaps look around and see if another church would be a better home for you. Baptism is generally a doctrinal point supported by Christian churches but they do not all demand you be baptized by them to be a member.

Now to scriptural support for immersion baptism.  

By immersion

Matt 3:13-17

"13Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

          NOTE: The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped' (baptô) into boiling water and then 'baptised' (baptizô) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.  -- https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G907&t=NIV

1.      John 3:3-8

“’In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.’"

2.     John 3:23

"23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized."

3.     Acts 8:36-38

 ^"As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” ³⁸ And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." ß *Note please, first and foremost, baptism was immediately performed; second, the scripture says they ‘went down INTO the water’ not that the eunuch was sprinkled, or told it is not necessary to imitate Christ regarding baptism.

4.    Rom 6:3-6

"3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." ß THIS! This is the entire purpose and fully supports Jesus response to Nicodemus on the steps to being ‘born again’ to this new life.
"5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin"— ßNotice it is not baptism that washes away sin but is merely a step in a series of steps that lead to the point in verse 5.

5.     Col 2:12

"12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead."

6.    1 Cor 10:2

"They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea." [See Ex 14:21-22]

7.     1 Pet 3:20-21

"20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"   

Note: The Christian is not being fully immersed in water as a ‘bath’ to make the body clean but to symbolize the conforming of the Christian to their Lord’s example. Remember, Christ had no sin, thus HIS baptism was in part for example and by doing so the declaration was made to the public watching on that Jesus was GOD’s Son, the one HE approved!

8.    Matt 28: 19

¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

NOTE: This is the great commission assigned to all of Jesus’ followers from the moment he spoke it just before ascending to heaven and covers all time until the full end of the age. [Young’s Literal Translation]

*NOTES: It is a misconception to think that full water immersion washes away our sin. It is a ‘sign’ or ‘demonstration’ in our faith in Jesus Christ as the only means by which our sin is forgiven. It is an act of obedience [see theme scripture above], of imitation --- Jesus was fully immersed in a water baptism. Finally, baptism manifests an act of acceptance in the idea that one [perhaps you] is now on the road to living a fully Christian life with the help of The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. [Acts 10:43; 1 Cor 6:11] 

By other : Baptism in the Holy Spirit Part 2 to follow  † 

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

 Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

ASV -- American Standard Version

 DISCLAIMER: The thoughts published on this blog, in total, are the opinions, thoughts and considerations of the writer/author of every post published. It is assumed that research by the reader will lead the reader to their own conclusions. It is not the writer’s intent to make a judgment of anyone but to allow GOD’s Word to do what it does. “For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12 [NIV] 

Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit Baptism Why and How Part 2 of 5

Theme

 ^“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” – John 3:5

Christ, first fruits: Water AND Holy Spirit baptism

Historically, John, the cousin of Jesus, the one who baptized Jesus, set the stage for this Holy Spirit baptism as recorded at Mark 1:8: ““I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.” Additionally supported here: Luke 3:16, “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:” [see also John 1:33]

Based on Jesus’ example going forward from Pentecost:

Right before Jesus ascended to heaven, HE instructed HIS disciples ““But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  [Acts 1:8]

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Acts 2:1-4

 

Can you imagine being in that room? For the Apostles and disciples that very moment was the latest in utterly life changing miraculous events that accompanied their physical association with Jesus, the Christ, their Lord. The difference here: it is now the starting point of a completely different association with Jesus, one of Spirit. True to his words: “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵ For John baptized with^[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit.”” [Acts 1:4-5] Those who gathered in Jerusalem for the occasion of Pentecost did in fact become ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’. Being filled, in this verse, means ‘to fill’ and has this understanding of how this happens ‘what wholly takes possession of the mind is said to fill it .’ Strong’s word designation G4130 ‘pimplēmi’ .

Note: There was the ‘baptism with the Holy Spirit’ which happened in that room with the tongues of fire as a visible sign when they became ‘born again’ -- and there was a filling with the Holy Spirit. From then forward to now those baptized with water are also baptized with the Holy Spirit [in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit] and are born again. Otherwise, there can be no entrance into the Kingdom of God. [see Jesus words about this: John 3:5]

This Pentecostal event was fulfillment of an ancient prophecy found here: Joel 2:28-29 -- “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. ²⁹ Even on my servants, both men and women,  I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” 

Immediately after their Holy Spirit anointing/baptism, the Apostles and disciples found out many of the God-fearing Jews who were also in Jerusalem heard the noise and began to ask questions. The way they heard it was in their own language. The people even asked if the folks those gathered weren’t all Galileans? Yet, they each heard their own native language. These people naturally wanted to know what it meant. Peter began to spell it out for the crowds, teaching the crowds, catching them up on what had been happening prior to that moment and introduced them to the Gospel. As a result, ““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. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:38-39] The response: “Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.” [Acts 2:41] Thus, the beginning of a new era of ‘The Way’ later and through out all history to this very day also known as ‘Christians’. “After he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year they assembled with them in the congregation and taught quite a crowd, and it was first in Antioch that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.” [Acts 11:26]

The book of Acts has recorded some of the occasions of those who the Apostles Peter and Paul had a hand in baptizing with the Holy Spirit. Here are but a few verses. Remember the commission given to those disciples gathered with Jesus just before HIS ascension?: “¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matt 28:19-20] The following verses are written witness to their participation in the Gospel commission.

1.      Acts 8:14-17

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. ¹⁵ When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

1.      Acts 11:15-16

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with^[a] water, but you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?”

2.     Acts 19:1-6

“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” ³ So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. ⁴ Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”

3.     Gal 3:14

“He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit”

A BIG question:

Have you been baptized by water and Holy Spirit? If so, see part 3 to find out how we are filled with the Holy Spirit. † 

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

 Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

ASV -- American Standard Version

 DISCLAIMER: The thoughts published on this blog, in total, are the opinions, thoughts and considerations of the writer/author of every post published. It is assumed that research by the reader will lead the reader to their own conclusions. It is not the writer’s intent to make a judgment of anyone but to allow GOD’s Word to do what it does. “For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12 [NIV]

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Baptism in the Holy Spirit How to Receive Part 3 of 5

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme  ^“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” – John 3:5

Catching Up on the discussion:

If you haven’t checked them out yet, before you read this article please review Part One of this series: https://lightwritingmatters.blogspot.com/2019/04/water-baptism-why-how-part-1.html

And, Part Two of this series: https://lightwritingmatters.blogspot.com/2019/04/holy-spirit-baptism-why-and-how-part-2.html

How to receive the Holy Spirit Part 3

How does one receive the Holy Spirit? – 2 ways to receive the Holy Spirit = #1 below [Matt 28:19] and by the laying on of hands of a Spirit filled believer

*****************

 In article 1, we established this reality: Christians should be baptized. At baptism, when one is baptized it is in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also expressly stated the Christian is to be born of water and spirit. While there are disparate opinions on the ‘born of water’ statement, the fact is, Jesus himself was baptized by his cousin, John, in the Jordan river and was fully immersed. He rose out of the water and immediately received the Holy Spirit via the symbol of a dove descending on him and his FATHER in Heaven spoke in recognition of HIS son. So, water is a given -- whether or not it is directly what Jesus meant to Nicodemus in the words above.

In article 2 we discussed the Holy Spirit baptism. Again, there is a plethora of information on being baptized, filled, anointed, etc., with the Holy Spirit but the fact remains in the words of Jesus above we must be ‘born of the Spirit’ too. This happens primarily just as it did with Jesus, at the time of baptism. We likely will not see a dove descend upon us or literally hear approval by GOD but nonetheless we are baptized in the Spirit.

Continuing the discussion now: Part 3 explores the two ways that are mentioned in the Bible of being ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit.

Let’s consider the following:

 Jesus gives the great Christian commission at Matthew 28:19

1.      Matt 28: 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

Before Jesus gave the great commission, he granted receipt of the Holy Spirit upon some. [See #2 below] However, remember, he also instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem [after his ascension to Heaven] for Pentecost because it is then the Holy Spirit would be sent to them and from then on become the close personal representation to each believing Christian of Jesus Christ and the things he taught while he walked the earth.

2.     John 20:21-22 ^“21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

The following scriptures are references that are crucial for the Christian to firm up their faith and understanding of the role of their Christian faith.

3.     Rom 8:9-12 “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e] his Spirit who lives in you.”

4.    1 Cor 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

5.     1 Cor 12:13 “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

6.    Eph 1:13-14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

7.     Eph 5:18b-19a “Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.”

Laying of hands 

What is the laying on of hands? Please look up the scriptures below and read the context. There are unique circumstances for which some received the Holy Spirit. Those in #1 below, were new believers who’d only been baptized in the name of Jesus. The apostles placed their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 

In #2 below, it was Paul, who’d met Jesus while traveling to Damascus and he was instructed by Jesus to go to a certain place and see a certain man who would then pray over him and he’d be filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Is it something that might happen in today’s world? Yes, possibly. If someone was called but did not get baptized properly, or at all, thus they may be prayed over by a believer and be filled with the Holy Spirit. There are very remote areas of the world to which the Gospel has been preached, seeds planted in the commission of that work, fruitage brought forth from those seeds not in the traditional way but could lead to the need for the laying on of hands.

1.      Acts 8:17 “Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

2.     Acts 9:17 “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

In conclusion:

 There is an abundance of information that a person who becomes a believer, however the circumstances of his calling, needs at some point to be baptized. If Jesus, who was perfect, felt it correct to be water baptized, then of course, those who follow Jesus must emulate HIS example. There may be circumstances when a person is called, believes and knows he will never perish but have eternal life. [John 3:16] At the first opportunity they should be baptized so that they may receive a clean conscience and Holy Spirit.  †

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

 Bibles Designations

KJV – King James Version

NIV – New International Version

NWT – New World Translation

ASV -- American Standard Version

 DISCLAIMER: The thoughts published on this blog, in total, are the opinions, thoughts and considerations of the writer/author of every post published. It is assumed that research by the reader will lead the reader to their own conclusions. It is not the writer’s intent to make a judgment of anyone but to allow GOD’s Word to do what it does. “For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from GOD’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12 [NIV]

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Holy Spirit Gifts Part 4 of 5

©Lightwritingmatters 2015

Theme

 ^“Jesus answered, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” – John 14:16,17

Can you allow your thoughts to just hover over the scripture above? Jesus is sharing with us what the Holy Spirit will be for us and how HE will live WITH us and IN us.

First, check out what Jesus said up front: ‘I will ask the Father, and he will give you ANOTHER ADVOCATE to help you and be with you forever…’ What is an advocate in this sense? The Advocate is summoned or called to one’s side, or aid according to Strong’s Lexicon for the Greek word used “paraklētos”. The general services for the Advocate are as follows:

In general, the word signifies:

(1) a legal advocate, or counsel for defense,

(2) an intercessor,

(3) a helper, generally.

Second, vs 17 lays out a reality check:

          Who is the additional Advocate? SPIRIT of TRUTH

          Is this Advocate [like the first Advocate, Jesus Christ] fully acceptable to all at all times? Apparently not to the world in general.

          Why: Because the world neither sees this Advocate nor knows this Advocate.

          How do we know this Advocate? Because this Advocate is with us and IN us! Ever present.

Back Story:

John wrote the words in John 14 as he recalled the events of his life as an apostle of Jesus. At this time in John’s account Jesus is trying to specifically prepare them for the time when he would no longer be physically with them. In fact, later in the same chapter Jesus reiterates the nature of the Holy Spirit when HE arrives: “ 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.” John 14:26 ß Yet another set of benefits having the paraklētos is as a Comforter.  

Now that we understand the role of the Holy Spirit WITH us and IN us let’s review some of the benefits.

 The benefits of Holy Spirit Baptism

1.      John 16:6-15

“Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. ⁷ But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:⁹ about sin, because people do not believe in me; ¹⁰ about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;¹¹ and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. ¹² “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. ¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. ¹⁵ All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

This is a clear articulation of the reason for the Holy Spirit; it is clear articulation of the function of the Holy Spirit; it is clear articulation of the authority in which the Holy Spirit operates with and in the Christian.

2.     Rom 8:1-17

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. ⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. ⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. ¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

As you read through this you begin to understand the scope of benefits of Holy Spirit presence with and in our lives.

 through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death

those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires

the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you

But if Christ is in you, … the Spirit gives life because of righteousness

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father. 

          Finally, with the benefits comes responsibilities:

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

3.     Gal 5:16-18

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

          Paul points out the contrast between living life for one’s self [in the flesh] vs living life as spirit anointed.

You may be overwhelmed in your Spirit right now because the Holy Spirit has brought you some great knowledge. You have learned who HE is. You have learned HE is both with you and in you as a Christian. You have learned the benefits of your Spirit directed life. But if you thought this was a lot to take in check out what is next: The GIFTS of the Holy Spirit. You may feel just the Holy Spirit is an unimaginable and awesome gift in and of Himself. And rightly so. However, there are actual spiritual gifts bestowed upon you that you will be able to identify and may be manifest to others.

For now, if you are feeling overwhelmed, pause for a bit. Reflect, meditate, pray about what you have learned. Request spiritual illumination on what you have just read and learned from your advocate. Be comfortable with this before you continue into the Gifts of the Spirit for it is yet another revelation of wonderment.  †

©Lightwritingmatters 2015