The Holy Ghost
"The promise is for you, your children, and for all who are far off."
Acts 2:39
The Holy Ghost is God's gift to the world. However, there are questions. For instance, what is it, how do you get it, how do you know that you've received it, and do you need it? This Bible study will answer those questions and possibly more, so keep reading and enjoy!
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Not "a Holy Spirit", but "The Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit refers directly to God Almighty! The Spirit of God created everything {Genesis 1:2}. In the New Testament, the apostle John recorded the words of Jesus, who said, "God is a Spirit" {John 4:24}. The apostle Paul stated, "By one Spirit we are all baptized into one body…" {1 Corinthians 12:13}. There are not three spirits or individuals but only ONE SPIRIT. That one Spirit uses the heavens as His throne and the earth as His footstool {Isaiah 66:1}. Paul plainly states, "The Lord is that Spirit" {2 Corinthians 3:17}.
The Holy Spirit is holy. Many people know that God is love {1 John 4:16}; however, the Lord told Israel, "Ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy" {Leviticus 11:45}. The Greek word for holy is Hagios, meaning set apart, consecrated, clean, and pure for God's use alone. The Greek word for ghost is "pneuma," meaning wind or breath, an invisible yet powerful essence, the spirit of a departed one.
The New Testament church understood that the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost are the same entity – invisible yet tangible. However, from the time of creation until the day of Pentecost – recorded in Acts chapter two- the Holy Spirit's purpose was to empower specific individuals – not all - to speak for God or accomplish particular exploits. The New Testament records how the Spirit became flesh {John 1:14}, was God with us {Matthew 1:23}, provides salvation through His name {Luke 24:47}, and lives in us, "This mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" Colossians 1:27.
THE HOLY GHOST
The Old Testament prophet Joel spoke about the Holy Ghost that was to come, "It shall come to pass - I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh" {Joel 2:28}. John the Baptist preached that the Messiah would "Baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire" {Matthew 3:11}. Yet, neither saw God's Spirit poured out. Still, the Holy Spirit empowered both to prepare the hearts of many to receive the messenger and His heavenly gift.
JESUS and THE HOLY GHOST
The Lord Jesus came for two reasons: 1) to redeem humanity from the bondage of sin. 2) To fill and empower each believer with the Holy Spirit.
Only Jesus could give the Holy Spirit to others: "The same is he, which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost" {John 1:33}. John 7:39 tells us that Jesus would give the Holy Spirit after He was glorified, resurrected, and ascended. Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Ghost {Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4}.
Jesus considered the Holy Ghost necessary to be saved and go to heaven. Jesus told Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader, "A man cannot see - nor enter - into the kingdom of God except he is born of the water and the spirit" {John 3:3-5}. Jesus came to provide salvation, show us how to live in the power and ability of the Holy Ghost, and make the Holy Ghost available to whosoever will. For instance, John wrote, "As many as received him, to them he gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" {John 1:12} and "Without me, you can do nothing" {John 15:5}. However, there is no record of anyone ever receiving the Holy Ghost from Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry!
WHO IS THE HOLY GHOST?
In John chapter fourteen, Jesus taught the disciples about the Holy Ghost. He said, "The Spirit of truth - you know him; for he dwelleth with, and shall be in you - I will come to you - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name."
We know that there is only One Spirit. Jesus identified "Him" as the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, and the Comforter. Furthermore, it would be named Jesus Christ. Consider the following verses and their descriptions of the Holy Ghost:
- Fire: Matthew 3:11
- Wind: John 3:6, 8 & John 20:22
- Rivers of Living Water: John 7:38
- The Gift: Acts 2:38
- Christ in You: Colossians 1:27
Ironically, some teach that only a select few can have the Holy Ghost. Still, others think that the Holy Ghost is no longer available. Some feel that receiving the Holy Ghost is nothing more than a spare tire on the vehicle of salvation.
What does the Bible say? "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" {Romans 8:9}, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call" {Acts2:39}.
RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST
When we repent and ask God to forgive us, He will. When you feel the burden and weight of guilt lift from your spirit, joy comes to your soul. Some people will weep with love towards the Lord, while others may smile and laugh; others will raise their hands in praise to the Lord. When those actions start, it's not long before one receives the gift of the Holy Ghost for the first time!
The Bible describes what happens, "They spake with other tongues" {Acts 2:4}, "They heard them speak with tongues" {Acts 10:45 & 11:15}, and "They spoke with tongues" {Acts 19:5}. Without question, at least Biblically, the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking with other tongues. No person can teach another how to speak in tongues. Nor can one person give another the Holy Ghost.
Those filled with the Holy Ghost will start to produce the "fruit of the Spirit" {Galatians 5:22-24}, and at times operate in the "gifts of the Spirit" {1 Corinthians 12:4}. We can build our faith by praying in the Holy Ghost {Jude 1:20}.
Have you received the Holy Ghost? Do you want greater faith? Do you desire peace in your life and family? Do you have enduring and lasting joy? Romans 14:17 tells us, "The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." You can get it if you want it because Jesus wants to see you with it!
