1:30
This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
1:31
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
1:32
And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
1:33
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
1:34
And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Although John was born 6 months before Jesus,John recognizes that Jesus was before the world began .Remember the first few verses. John was baptizing for the remission of sins but in verse 33 he says that Jesus baptizes with the Holy Ghost.we have 2 popular views here which I plan to leave alone. This is one of those areas that have caused a lot of controversy.
1. One popular view is that when a person is baptized by water that he also receives the Holy Spirit at that time.
2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost .Some take that quite literal," and ye shall receive the gift NOW!
2. There is also a popular view that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a separate baptism.
8:14
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
8:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
8:17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
There are verses that support both views. This argument has been gone on for centuries.
For you new folks who aren"t persuaded yet .Pray about this matter concerning the Holy Spirit.Luke 11:13 says
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Simply talk to God about the matter and consider Luke 11:13.
1. One popular view is that when a person is baptized by water that he also receives the Holy Spirit at that time.
2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost .Some take that quite literal," and ye shall receive the gift NOW!
2. There is also a popular view that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is a separate baptism.
8:14
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
8:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
8:17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
There are verses that support both views. This argument has been gone on for centuries.
For you new folks who aren"t persuaded yet .Pray about this matter concerning the Holy Spirit.Luke 11:13 says
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Simply talk to God about the matter and consider Luke 11:13.
Sincerely,
Chuck
Interesting post, Chuck. Have you considered this verse in relation to all this?
Romans 8:9 (KJV)
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Romans 8:9 (NIV)
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
Romans 8:9 (New American Standard)
However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.
Acts is a somewhat transitional book. Judaism was still looming large, and Christian converts were slowly being added. Somewhere in all this, there must be a clear understanding of the difference between the "baptism" of the Holy Spirit and the "filling" of the Holy Spirit. These are two different things. I hope you figure it all out. I wrestle with some of the same issues. Stay humble.
I enjoy the things you post a great deal! Keep it up.
St.John 1:30-34 Jesus, The H.G.Baptizer
