Did Paul believe that he would go to heaven? Is this what he meant when he said that he wanted to depart and be with Christ? Did Christ promise Peter heaven when He told him that he would follow Him later, even though He said that he could not come where He would go? What did Christ mean when He said: “Where I am you cannot come?” Did Christ promise His disciples a place in heaven when He told them that there were many mansions in His Father’s house, and that He would go to prepare a place for them? If you believe that heaven is the reward of the saints, then the answers in this sermon will shock and surprise you.
Play Video
Holy Spirit
You are teaching that the Holy Spirit is not a God being or a Person. What then, exactly, IS the Holy Spirit?
God’s Holy Spirit is foremost the POWER of God, emanating from both the Father and the Son. But it is also the MIND of God, including all the characteristics of God Himself. When God’s Holy Spirit dwells in us, we are to change, by replacing our human nature with the nature of God (1 Samuel 10:6; Romans 8:13), enabling us to follow God and to be obedient to Him (Numbers 14:24; Ezekiel 11:19-20; 36:27; 1 Peter 1:22).
Let us notice several Scriptures which describe in detail God’s characteristics, which are being conveyed to us through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Please consider that all of these characteristics are GOD’S–that is, when we read that God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Power, it is actually GOD’s Power that is emanating from God (both the Father and the Son) through the Holy Spirit:
— God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Power (Luke 4:14; Micah 3:8; Romans 15:13), of Love (Romans 5:5) and of a Sound Mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
— God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Wisdom (Exodus 28:3) and of the Revelation in the Knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:17; compare 1 Corinthians 2:10-16), as well as of Understanding, Counsel and Might, Knowledge and the Fear of God (Isaiah 11:2).
— God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Truth (John 15:26; 16:13).
— God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Faith (2 Corinthians 4:13).
— God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6) and of Peace (Romans 14:17).
— God’s Spirit is a Spirit of Grace and of Supplication or fervent prayer (Zechariah 12:10).
When God gives us His Holy Spirit, we are to bring forth the fruit of God’s Spirit, which is described as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Please note that it does not say, “fruits,” but “fruit”–when God’s Spirit dwells in us, we are to produce ALL of these characteristics, as they all–together–are THE FRUIT of God’s Spirit. This means that the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of those characteristics, producing ITS fruit in us. We are told that the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:9). With God’s Spirit within us, we will also bring forth justice in our lives (Isaiah 42:1). God’s Spirit within us gives us comfort (Acts 9:31) and hope (Romans 15:13).
God’s Spirit within us teaches us all things and brings to remembrance all things (John 14:26; 1 John 2:27). With God’s Spirit within us, we can worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24; Philippians 3:3).
God’s Spirit in us is not static. It must be used by us. God’s Holy Spirit is compared with living waters. As living waters flow, so God’s Holy Spirit within us must flow from us toward others–that is, others must be able to recognize the effects of God’s Spirit within us (John 4:10, 13-14; 7:37-39). As God’s Spirit is to flow through us and out of us toward others, it must be renewed on a regular basis (through regular prayer), so that we can be constantly filled with it (Psalm 51:10-11; Philippians 1:19; Ephesians 5:18; compare 2 Corinthians 4:16). Rather than quenching the Holy Spirit within us (1 Thessalonians 5:19), we must be led by and follow the lead of the Spirit (Romans 8:14; Luke 4:1).
In order to learn more about the Biblical truth that the Holy Spirit is NOT a person, and how we can receive God’s Holy Spirit, please read our free booklets, “Is God a Trinity?” and “Baptism–A Requirement for Salvation.”
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
Correction:
In the Q&A of our previous Update #253 (on Matthew 28:1), it was erroneously stated that during the crucifixion week, the annual Holy Day–the First Day of Unleavened Bread–fell on a Wednesday, beginning with sunset on Tuesday. This is incorrect. The annual Holy Day fell on a THURSDAY, BEGINNING with sunset on WEDNESDAY. The version of the Q&A, as posted on the Web, has been corrected.
In the Beginning – Part 3
When God created a physical garden for man–the Garden of
Eden or Paradise–, He made special trees and placed them in the midst of the
garden. These trees had special symbolic meaning. They were called the Tree of
Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. While God allowed man to
eat freely from the Tree of Life, He commanded man not to eat from the Tree of
the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Man disobeyed God, and disaster was the
consequence. What is the symbolic meaning of these two trees, and how do they
affect us today?
In the Beginning – Part 1
Correctly understood, only the Bible tells us how it all
began; why we live today in a world cut off from God; and what is going to
happen in the future. In order to find the answers to these questions, we must
go back to the very beginning. The first few chapters of the book of Genesis
tell us why we exist, and what is man’s ultimate potential. We are also taught
why man sins and comes short of the glory of God.
A Most Excellent Gift
One of the requirements of the Christian life – at its very core – is that of love. The day of Pentecost is a day that commemorates the giving of God’s Holy Spirit at the inception of the New Testament Church. The Holy Spirit has given us the unique knowledge and understanding of God’s way of life. With this vital and tremendous help, we can love God, our families, fellow church members and all other human beings.
Love of God – and fellow man – is a requirement of every true Christian and is – a most excellent gift.
The Watchers
Events of our future are already looming darkly on our horizon. Can we see, that is, are we watching for, what is ahead through the prophecies of God’s word? Who is ready for what is coming upon our world? Jesus Christ warns us of our time–the prophesied end of this age, and He explicitly and with all gravity tell us to watch and to be ready!
The Keys to Successful Prayers
The Bible is filled with instructions and principles about
prayer. We are told to pray to God the Father, but many in this world don’t pray
at all. It may be because of indifference or because they don’t know why they
should pray; what to pray for; how to pray; or when to pray. What about us in
the Church? Do we pray by following a strict regiment? Do we pray the same
prayer over and over again, thinking that we will be heard because of our many
words? Do we only pray at certain times? How can we be sure that our prayers are
heard on high?
prayer. We are told to pray to God the Father, but many in this world don’t pray
at all. It may be because of indifference or because they don’t know why they
should pray; what to pray for; how to pray; or when to pray. What about us in
the Church? Do we pray by following a strict regiment? Do we pray the same
prayer over and over again, thinking that we will be heard because of our many
words? Do we only pray at certain times? How can we be sure that our prayers are
heard on high?
Does John 20:22 teach that Christ's apostles received the Holy Spirit prior to Christ's ascension to heaven and the Feast of Pentecost?
In John 20:22, we read that Christ, after His resurrection, but before His ascension to heaven and the subsequent Day of Pentecost, breathed upon the disciples and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Some erroneously teach that on that occasion, Christ gave His disciples the Holy Spirit (compare Nelson Study Bible and the Ryrie Study Bible, comments to John 20). Others understand correctly that Christ did not give the Holy Spirit to His disciples at that time. The New Bible Commentary: Revised explains:
“The breathing upon them of the Spirit is understandable since the Greek ‘pneuma’ means both breath and spirit. This would appear to be in anticipation of Pentecost, although some specific assurance of the conveyance of the gift is clearly given here.”
The Bible makes it very clear that Christ’s early apostles and disciples received the Holy Spirit AFTER Christ’s ascension–on the Day of Pentecost, in 31 AD, as recorded in Acts 2. We read in Acts 2:1-4 that they were in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12; 2:5) and that they were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:16-18, Peter, in quoting from the writings of the prophet Joel, emphasizes that the Holy Spirit was poured on them on the Day of Pentecost. He also explains in verse 33: “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He [Jesus Christ] poured out this what you NOW see and hear.” They saw and heard a rushing wind, divided tongues as of fire, and the speaking with other tongues or languages.
After Christ’s resurrection, but before His ascension, Christ told His apostles and disciples: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem UNTIL you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). In Acts 1:4-5, 8, the risen Christ reiterated His promise: “And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, ‘which,’ He said, ‘you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you SHALL BE baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now… you SHALL receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem…'”
We read in Acts 1:9: “Now when He had spoken these things [promising them the receipt of the Holy Spirit IN THE FUTURE], while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” When Christ was taken up to heaven, His apostles and disciples had not yet received the Holy Spirit; but they were commanded to wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4) for the receipt of the Holy Spirit “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5). And as we saw, it was in Jerusalem, on the Day of Pentecost, when they received the Holy Spirit.
While still in the flesh, Christ had promised His disciples on several occasions that the Holy Spirit would be given to them in the future (compare John 14:17, 26; 16:13). That actual event, and the fulfillment of that promise, occurred when the New Testament Church came into existence–on the Day of Pentecost–not before then.
How, then, are we to understand John 20:22? We read, beginning in verse 21: “So Jesus [when He was resurrected, but before He had ascended to heaven, and before the Day of Pentecost] said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ (Verse 22) And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.'” Verse 23 continues to quote Christ’s words: ”If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.'”
Since the Holy Spirit was not given before the Day of Pentecost, Christ’s statement and action in John 20 was a reassurance that they would receive the Holy Spirit not long from then. Christ breathed upon them, showing them that it would be HE who would pour out, directly, the Holy Spirit on them, after He would receive it from the Father. And since the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of power and of discernment, they would receive the strength and ability to witness for Christ and preach the gospel, as well as recognize whether someone has repented and therefore has received forgiveness from God, or whether God did not forgive the person, due to a lack of repentance. Christ told His apostles that they would be able, because of the Holy Spirit within them, to discern God’s Will in the matter of forgiveness, and to communicate and implement God’s Will accordingly.
John 20:22 does not teach that Christ gave the Holy Spirit to His disciples at the time when He breathed on them. Rather, it was a reassurance to them that they would receive the Holy Spirit later–on the Day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
Are there any scriptures that show the Holy Spirit is symbolized with oil?
There are many passages that convey and support the understanding that oil is used biblically as a symbol for the Holy Spirit.
For instance, we read in Mark 6:13 that Christ had His disciples anoint sick people with oil, and they were healed. We know that Christ healed the sick with the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 8:43-46 — the Authorized Version has here, “virtue,” but the literal meaning is, “power,” compare New King James Bible. Compare, too, Mark 5:30; Luke 6:19).
Christ gave His disciples the same ability to heal sick people by the power of the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:18), which presence is symbolized by the anointing of the sick person with oil (James 5:14).
Another example for this symbolism is found in the famous parable with the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:3, 4, 8). They all fell asleep, and the oil of the five foolish virgins was going out — that is, they were loosing more and more of the power of the Holy Spirit within them.
1 John 2:27 speaks of our anointing abiding in us. This is a clear reference to the Holy Spirit that had been promised by Jesus Christ (John 14:16; 16:13). In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul admonishes Timothy to “stir up” — or to “re-kindle” — the gift of God, referring here to the Holy Spirit.
We also read that the Holy Spirit rested upon Christ (Isaiah 11:2). At the same time, we read that the Father anointed Christ with the “oil of gladness, more than” His “companions” (Hebrews 1:9) — as Christ had received the Holy Spirit not by measure (John 3:34, Authorized Version).
In addition, Samuel anointed Saul with oil (1 Samuel 10:1), and Saul received the Holy Spirit (verses 6-9). Later, Samuel anointed David with oil, and at that moment, David received the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13). In Psalm 89:20, it is emphasized that God had found His servant David, whom He anointed with His holy oil. (Compare also Psalm 23:5). As God’s servant, David would have obeyed God before his anointing to an extent. We are reminded of Acts 5:32, telling us that God gives His Holy Spirit only to those who are already obeying Him to a degree.
God also explains to us in Isaiah 61:3, that those who will be converted in the Millennium and receive the Holy Spirit, will receive “the oil of joy” — since the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of joy (Galatians 5:22; Acts 13:52).
In a more general sense, the Bible uses the word “oil” to symbolize God’s presence (We read in Genesis 28:18-19 that Jacob poured oil on the pillar stone, calling the name of the place “Bethel.” Jacob understood that God was present). “Oil” can also symbolize a consecration, or a special setting apart for a holy purpose. “Oil,” then, can refer to the Holy Spirit abiding in a person, or it can also refer to God’s presence, through His Spirit, to motivate, guide or lead a person, although the Holy Spirit might not reside in the person. When Moses was instructed by God to anoint Aaron and his sons into the office of priest, thereby using the “anointing oil” (Leviticus 8:2, 30; compare regarding the anointing oil, Exodus 30:22-33), they were set apart or consecrated for God’s holy purpose (But not many of Aaron’s descendants did actually have the Holy Spirit within them). In addition, God required the use of oil to symbolize His involvement in the consecration of the leadership of the nations of ancient Israel and Judah (although God’s Holy Spirit would only reside within a very few of the national kings at that time).
