We are told in Galatians 3:14 and Ephesians 1:13 that Christ died on the cross that believers might receive the Holy Spirit by faith. “After that ye believed” in Ephesians 1:13 is the Greek participle (pisteusantes) and should be translated “believing.” ‘‘Believing, ye received the Holy Spirit.”
Note the questions in Galatians 3:2 and 3: “ . . Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you foolish? having begun in the Spirit are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
The Holy Spirit, like eternal life, salvation and God’s righteousness, is God’s free gift to any believing sinner who will receive God’s grace and God’s Son.
It is sad, but true, that there are many really saved people who say that they do not know if they have, or have not, received the Holy Spirit. Some Christians misinterpret the question of Paul in Acts 19:2, “believing, received ye the Holy Spirit” and doubt whether the Holy Spirit is given to any who do not obey Luke 24:49, and tarry for the Holy Spirit. “Since ye believed” in Acts 19:2, is also from the Greek “pisteusantes”, “believing:”
In this age and dispensation of grace Ephesians 2:8 to 10 is altogether true, salvation is by grace without works, religious or otherwise, without praying or agonizing. Also we should believe Ephesians 1:3 and 1:19 and 20. Note these statements: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ.” “And what is the exceeding greatness of HIS POWER TO USWARD who believe, according to the working of His mighty power; “Which He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies.”
If the believer, saved by grace, is blessed with ALL spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, and the MIGHTY POWER OR GOD is his, because he is a believer, then with ALL blessings, why seek a second blessing? If too the believer is provided with ALL POWER and all grace (II Corinthians 9:8), why seek for more? Let us not seek a second blessing until we exhaust the ALL blessings. God’s way is: “Be it unto you according to your faith.”
Unlimited spiritual resources are on deposit for the believer who is in Christ. All believers are in Christ, So, spiritually, the believer in Christ is a multimillionaire and can never exhaust his riches and blessings and power and grace in Christ. Christ’s riches are the believer’s riches.
In this age of grace believers do not receive the Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit baptism on the installment plan. A Christian is a “Christ one” - one anointed and sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption, (II Corinthians 1:21 to 23) (Ephesians 1:14 - 4:30).
There are no short cuts to the Spirit - filled life. Walk in the Spirit is God’s instruction. (Galatians 5:24 and 25 - Romans 8:4).
What is necessary for the development of the physical man? Good Food - Good Water - Good Air - Good Exercise - Good Rest.
What is necessary for the believer who would be filled with the Holy Spirit? Regular and systematic Holy Spirit Bible Study. Much Prayer. Do not pray or tarry or agonize for more of the Holy Spirit Who is a Person, but that the Holy Spirit may have more of you as you obey Romans 8:4. Real Holy Spirit worship. Remember Mary and Martha. Mary chose the better part. Worship first and then service - (I Thessalonians 1:19 and 10). Assembling with other saints for public worship. Walking in the good works of Ephesians 2:10. Witnessing, walking and waiting for God’s Son from heaven, as we walk in the Spirit and manifest the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16 to 26).
You cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit by responding to altar calls, or second blessings calls, unless that response means obedience to God’s spiritual laws. Development from childhood to manhood, whether physical or spiritual, is gradual and unceasing obedience to certain laws or rules.
How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4
(A 10 Minute Video)
Posted By Cecil and
Connie Spivey
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