Tag: Life

His Holy Spirit – Part 3

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1Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who had also given unto us his holy Spirit. 

The Old Testament saints and disciples of Christ had salvation (Ps. 51:12); the redemption (Ps. 31:5); grace (Ps. 84:11); physical healing (Ex. 15:26); names written in heaven (Ex. 32:32-33; Luke 10:20); the new birth (Gal. 4:28-30); conversion (Ps. 19:7); righteousness (Rom. 4:1-25); the gospel (Gal. 3:6-14; Heb. 4:2); justification (Rom. 4:1-25); holiness; (Acts 3:21; 2Pet. 1:21); pure hearts (Ps. 24:4); sanctification (Ex. 29:42-44; 31:13; Ezek. 20:2; John 15:3); and many other spiritual blessings before Pentecost (John 7:37-39; Acts 2:33).

Therefore, one should not take any of these blessings as evidence of a Spirit baptism. From all this, we gather that the Spirit baptism is the fullness of God in the lives of believers, not the Spirit by measure as in Old Testament times (John 3:34; 7:37-39; Acts 10:38; Isa. 61:1; Rom. 15:29; Eph. 3:19).

Different measures of the Spirit: the Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25); the Mosaic portion divided into 71 portions (Num. 11:16-17, 11:25-29); the Elijah portion (2Kin. 2:9); a double portion (2Kin. 2:9-10); the Elijah portion on John the Baptist (Luke 1:15-17); the earnest of the Spirit (2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; 1Jn. 4:13; Php. 1:19); the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38); the Spirit baptism or baptismal measure (Matt. 3:11; 20:22-23; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21; 8:15-24; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; 19:1-7; Gal. 3:14); the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29); the rivers of living water (John 7:37-39); and the full anointing of the Spirit and enduement of power from on high (Luke 24:49; John 14:12-15).

His Holy Spirit – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who had also given unto us his holy Spirit. 

The Old Testament saints were filled with the Holy Spirit, but not baptized with the spirit – this only came to pass at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13); they had, however, many experiences and blessings, as we see as follows: They were filled (Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:31; Deut. 34:9; Mic. 3:8) and had the Spirit in them (Gen. 41:38; Num. 27:18; Dan. 4:8-9, 18; 5:11-14; 6:3); within [in union with] them (Ps. 51:10-11; Isa. 63:10-14; Ezek. 11:19); into them (Ezek. 2:2; 3:24; Acts 3:21); and upon them (Num. 11:17-29; Jdg. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6, 19; 15:14). He moved many (Jdg. 13:25; Acts 3:21; 2Pet. 1:21), but none were baptized in the Spirit. John the Baptist and others were filled with the Spirit, but not baptized (Luke 1:15-17, 41, 67; 2:25-38). Mary was filled about 35 years before she was baptized with the Spirit at Pentecost (Luke 1:45-56; Acts 1:13-15; 2:1-4). Jesus was filled about 30 years before He was baptized with the Spirit (Isa. 50:4-5; Luke 2:40-52; Matt. 3:16-17). The disciples were filled and had the Spirit in them 3 years before they were baptized with the Spirit (Matt. 10:1-8, 20; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4, 33).

The Old Testament saints had gifts [purpose always God’s glory] and the fruit [sign of salvation] of the Spirit (1Kin. 3:12; 17:1 – 2Kin. 13:25; Acts 3:21; Heb. 11:1-40); different measures of the Spirit (Num. 11:16-25; 2Kin. 2:9; Luke 1:17) but not the Spirit baptism or the Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; 7:37-39). The disciples had gifts and great power years before the Spirit baptism (Matt. 10:1-8, 16-20; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:1-42), but were told to get the Spirit baptism before starting their ministry (Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; 14:12; Acts 1:4-8).

To be continued…

His Holy Spirit – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who had also given unto us his holy Spirit. 

‘He therefore that despises not man, but God.’ The principle stated here is expressed in various ways in Scripture. God considers certain sins as direct sins against Him: murder (Gen. 9:6), despising the least child or believer (4:8; Matt. 18:10; Luke 10:16;), any mistreatment of a human being (Matt. 25:31-46), or rejection of Jesus and the gospel (John 12:48). If this could be emphasized more there would be less malice, envy, jealousy, and strife among Christians and even among sinners.

‘Given unto us his holy Spirit.’ Every believer has the Holy Spirit in a measure when born again (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:6). In fact, “if any man have not the Spirit” he does not belong to Christ (Rom. 8:9). This Spirit of sonship or even some gift of the Spirit may be received without having the Spirit baptism or the fullness of the Spirit.

The difference between a filling and a baptism or the Spirit by measure and without measure may be illustrated by a glass and a pitcher of water. To the extent the water is poured into the glass it is filled, but not baptized. By burying the glass in the fullness of the water it is both filled and baptized. Taking the glass out of the fullness of the water it is no longer baptized. So it is with believers. To the extent one is filled with the Spirit he has that measure of power and can do things according to the degree of anointing he has. If he is merely filled and has the Spirit by measure he is limited in spiritual power. If he has the Spirit in all fullness there is no limitation. He can do the works of Christ and the apostles as long as it is always to God’s glory and not to the greatness of the individual (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:17-18; John 14:12; Acts 2:43; 3:6; 5:16; Rom. 15:18-19, 29).

A filling always comes with a baptism, but a baptism does not always come with a filling. At Pentecost, they were both filled and baptized (Acts 1:4-8; 2:4), and many fillings kept coming to them to replenish the Spirit and power they had received (Acts 4:8, 31; 13:52). One must continue to live and walk in the Spirit and be filled with all the fullness of God to maintain that baptismal fullness (Eph. 3:16-20; 5:18; Gal. 5:16-26).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 5

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1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Seven personal agents are used in sanctifying: God (Gen. 2:3; Lev. 21:15, 23; 22:9; John 10:36; 1Thess. 5:23; Jude 1:1). Jesus Christ (1Cor. 1:30; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14; 13:12). Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:16; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2). Moses (Ex. 19:10, 14; 40:13; Lev. 8:10-15, 30; 21:8; Num. 7:1). Joshua (Jos. 7:13). Priests (1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 30:24; Ex. 19:22). Laymen (Lev. 11:44; 20:7).

Man is the agent in sanctification 85 times; God 23 times; Christ 10 times; and the Holy Spirit 4 times. Man has as much to do with sanctification as God, for he is the one who decides to sanctify himself to God. Man and God work together in the setting apart process. Men are spoken of as being sanctified 75 times; material things are said to be sanctified 40 times; and God is referred to as being sanctified 14 times (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:12-13; 27:14; Isa. 5:16; 8:13; 29:23; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22, 25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27).

Fifteen commands to sanctify: Let priests sanctify themselves (Ex. 19:22; 1Chron. 15:14; 2Chron. 29:15, 34; 30:3, 5, 15, 24; 31:18). Sanctify them (Ex. 19:10; 28:41; 29:33; 30:29; Lev. 8:11; 21:23). Sanctify him (Lev. 8:12; 21:8, 15). Sanctify yourselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7; Num. 11:18; Jos. 3:5; 1Sam. 16:5; 1Chron. 15:12; 2Chron. 29:5). Sanctify the people (Ex. 19:14; Jos. 7:13). Sanctify Aaron and his garments (Lev. 8:30). Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn (Ex. 13:2). Sanctify it (mountain, Ex. 19:23). Sanctify the breast (of the wave offering, Ex. 29:27). Sanctify the altar (Ex. 29:36-37; 40:10). Sanctify the Lord of Hosts (Isa. 8:13). Sanctify the Holy One of Jacob (Isa. 29:23). Sanctify a fast (Joel 1:14; 2:15). Sanctify the congregation (Joel 2:18). Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (1Pet. 3:15). Not only are there commands for people to sanctify God, but complaints because they did not do so (Deut. 32:51; Num. 27:14).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 4

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1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart (continues): [8] The same people were sanctified many times so sanctification cannot be limited to one act (Ex. 19:14, 22; 28:41; 29:33, 44; 30:29; Lev. 8:30). [9] People have sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7). Did they take an old man out of themselves? [10] The same people that sanctified themselves (Lev. 11:44; 20:7) were also sanctified by Moses (Ex. 19:10-14) and by God (Ex. 29:43-44; 31:13; Lev. 20:8; 21:8, 15, 23; 22:9, 16). Which ones took the old man out? [11] All the firstborns of Israel were sanctified at birth (Ex. 13:2; Num. 8:17). If the old man was taken out at this time, then none of them had an old man after that. [12] Sanctified disciples (John 13:10; 15:3) were further sanctified in the same sense that the sanctified Christ (John 10:36) further sanctified Himself (John 17:17-19). [13] The seventh day was sanctified without sin and cleaning being involved (Gen. 2:3-4).

However, if sin and filth are involved in a person or a material thing to be set apart unto God, then such must be dealt with to make it presentable to God.

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 3

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1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

Sin is not necessarily involved in sanctification, because the word means ‘setting apart’. God has sanctified both people and material things, and even immaterial things. If sin is not involved in the person or thing set apart, then no sin is cleansed in the process of setting apart: [1] Material things have been sanctified without taking an old man (refers to satan) out of them: (1) Bread (1Sam. 21:5); (2) The tabernacle and its furniture (Ex. 29:43-30:29; Lev. 8:10-15); (3) Priests’ garments (Lev. 8:30); (4) Houses and lands (Lev. 27:9-29); (5) Meat (1Tim. 4:3-5); (6) Solomon’s temple and furniture (2Chron. 7:16-20; 29:17-19); (7) Gates (Neh. 3:1); (8) Mt. Sinai (Ex. 19:23); (9) The offerings (Ex. 29:27); (10) Herod’s temple (Matt. 23:17). [2] Holy persons have been sanctified who never had an old man in them: (1) God the Father (Lev. 10:3; Num. 20:13; Isa. 5:16; Ezek. 20:41; 28:22-25; 36:23; 38:16; 39:27; 1Pet. 3:15); (2) Christ (John 10:36; 17:17-19). [3] God’s name has been repeatedly sanctified without taking an old man out of it (Isa. 29:23; Ezek. 36:23). [4] Babies have been sanctified from birth before sinning (Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:15-17; Gal. 1:15) and one never did have an old man in Him (Luke 1:35; John 10:36). [5] Heathen soldiers and husbands have been sanctified who never were followers of Christ (Isa. 13:3, 17; 1Cor. 7:14). [6] Believers sanctify God and never take an old man out of Him (1Pet. 3:15). [7] Christ sanctified Himself though He never had an old man in Him (John 17:19).

To be continued…

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

1Thessalonians 4:1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

There are fourteen requirements of the will of God in sanctification (4:3-18) – (continues): Do not despise men (4:8). Love one another (4:9; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Increase in love (4:10; 3:12). Study to be quiet (4:11; 2Tim. 2:15). Be diligent in business (4:11). Work with your hands (4:11; 1Cor. 4:12; Eph. 4:28; 2Thess. 3:10). Walk honestly before men (4:12). Have a bright hope (4:13-17). Comfort one another (4:18). ‘Sanctification’ [Greek: hagiasmos] consecration. Translated “holiness” (4:7; Rom. 6:19, 22; 1Tim. 2:15; Heb. 12:14) and “sanctification” (4:3-4; 1Cor. 1:30; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Pet. 1:2).

The doctrine of sanctification – a separation unto God FROM a profane, secular, and carnal use TO a sacred, religious, and spiritual use. The words “sanctify” and “sanctified” are used 132 times; “sanctification” 5 times (New Testament only); and “sanctifieth” 4 times (New Testament only) – 141 times total in Scripture: 110 times in the Old Testament and only 31 times in the New Testament A study of the various passages shows that to sanctify means to set apart from other uses to God’s particular use, not to cleanse from sin or rid of carnal nature (sometimes called “the old man” or Adamic nature). Even Christ, the Sinless One, was sanctified (John 10:36; 17:19). Where humans are concerned one begins to be sanctified when he begins to consecrate his life to God, and the process is continued as he continues in his dedication (1Cor. 1:30; 6:11; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 3:8-10; 5:1-4, 18).

The Will of God… Sanctification – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 4: 1-7 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received of us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God had not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 

‘Ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more.’ Paul constantly desired their perfection in Christ (2:7, 11-12; 3:10, 13; 4:1-7; 5:12-23).

‘This is the will of God.’ It is always the will of God that we, first of all, serve Him as His representatives on earth (1Pet 2:21-23) so that others can be saved through the example we set in our daily lives as His followers. Where we live, work, who we marry etc. has nothing to do with His will, except that we are to follow His commandments with regards to living a holy (separated from worldly people, 1Jn. 2:15-17) life in righteousness and obedience (Jas. 1:22-26).

There are fourteen requirements of the will of God in sanctification (4:3-18): Abstain from fornication or all kinds of sexual sins (4:3; Matt. 5:32). Know how to possess the vessel in sanctification and honour (4:4). Not in the lust of concupiscence or strong sexual desire (4:5; Col. 3:5). Here it means excessive sexual lust like that of the Gentiles who knew no bounds. That no man defrauds his brother by seducing his wife to corrupt her and break up a home (4:6). This still refers to sexual sins and not to cheating, for it is dealing with sexual uncleanness down to 1Thessalonians 4:7. Every type of perversion was practised among the heathen. Their gods, their rulers, and their teachers were examples of impurity. They had no system of ethics that forbade these practices. The Christian religion forbade them as worthy of death and hell and this has preserved the world from complete ruin to this day. Walk in holiness, not in the uncleanness of sexual perversion (4:7; Rom, 1:24).

To be continued…

Unblameable in Holiness Before God – Part 2

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1Thessalonians 3:12-13 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life are given in Scripture – no amount of ‘grace-only’ preaching will change the facts of the Word (continued): Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22).

‘Unblameable’ [Greek: amemptos] Blameless before God (Php. 3:6; Luke 1:6; Heb. 8:7).

‘At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.’ This could not refer to the event of Zechariah 14:5 and Jude 1:14 when the saints will accompany Christ to earth, for they are not then presented before the Father. By this time they will have been with God for at least seven years. This then refers to the coming of Jesus with the saints back to heaven after He meets them in the air (4:16-17; John 13:1-3).

Unblameable in Holiness Before God – Part 1

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1Thessalonians 3:12-13 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. 

‘To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.’ This is the 3rd New Testament prophecy in 1 Thessalonians (3:13) and it is unfulfilled. This refers to the rapture when Christ meets the saints in the air (4:16) and takes them to heaven where they are presented before God the Father and established in eternal and unblameable holiness by God. Up to this point salvation and eternal life are given to men on condition (John 6:27). In the rapture men receive unforfeitable life for the first time as a harvest of life of sowing to the Spirit and to fulfil the promises of eternal life in the next life (Matt. 7:13-14; 18:8-9; 19:28-29; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 18:29-30; Rom. 2:7; 6:21-23; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Tim. 1:16; 4:8; 6:12, 19; Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13; 3:7; 1Jn. 2:25; Jude 1:20-24; Dan. 12:2).

Twenty-three conditions of eternal life are given in Scripture – no amount of ‘grace-only’ preaching will change the facts of the Word: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls through living according to His example (John 4:35-38; 1Pet. 2:21-23). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12).

To be continued…