For those interested in the Holy Ghost Baptism as it was given in the early days of the New Testament church age, this scripture will be of interest.
John 3:7 Is quoted quite often saying that "Ye must be born again", but we often stop there. Verse 8 has some very interesting words to look at as the theme of being born again continues. It says, The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. A couple of things to note is, "Ye must", makes this a personal message to all who will read these scriptures. God's inspired word is directed to each individual who reads this passage. Verse 8 tells us that there is something here that applies to everyone that is born of the Spirit. That key phrase is found in this, (Thou hearest the sound thereof). We cannot see the wind, but we see the effects thereof. We can't see the wind but we hear the sound thereof, Something audible, sound waves entering the ear and giving a distinct, audible sound. We can't build a doctrine on just one scripture so let us look farther. Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven AS a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Here is the same "wind" and the same "sound". Verse :4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Verse 33 and having received of the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Again there is something to be seen and something to be heard. Acts 10 Cornelius was such a devote man tha angels were talking to him. Acts 11:14 tells us Cornelius was still unsaved at the time he was receiving angelic visitations. Verse 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. Verse 15 the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Verse 17 God gave them the like gift as he did unto us. How did they know this was true? Acts 10: 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Note "They heard" again the audible sound. Acts 19 Paul rebaptizes the desciples of John. Verse 6 the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues. The continuing audible sound. John 3:8 so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Was there a scriptural sound that accompanied your baptism of the Holy Ghost?
I know many will disagree and that is fine. This is just something to thing about and study till every man is fully persuaded in his own mind.
Snooky,
Very interesting. When we went through those verses I really never saw it that way. Thanks for the different angle. There are many other verses though that I could add to where you are coming from but in verse 8 did not interpret the noise to be the same noise as heard on the Day of Pentecost.
I believe the wind was an illustration. I do believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but IMHO I do not believe that John3:8 is giving reference to that. I simply believe that He is illustrating how we hear His voice but don't know where it is coming from.It's like the wind ,we see it's effects but don't know where it is coming from. I believe the noise in this verse is referring to His voice in our hearts. Again,just my opinion.
I've been thinking about this verse today. I feel that Snooky is closer than I first thought about this verse. It seems to be definatly speaking of spiritual regeneration. Like the wind blows where it will, God will work how, when,and where He chooses. Theres nothing that we or the forces of evil can do to resist God. And like you can hear the sound of the wind but can't tell where it came from or where it's going . .so is the nature of the work that God does to our spirits by His Holy Spirit. We can hear His word and feel His power but we don't fully understand the work He does in us or what He has us prepared for in this life or the next. And this is true of everyone that is born of the Spirit.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Snooky,
Very interesting. When we went through those verses I really never saw it that way. Thanks for the different angle. There are many other verses though that I could add to where you are coming from but in verse 8 did not interpret the noise to be the same noise as heard on the Day of Pentecost.
I believe the wind was an illustration. I do believe in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit but IMHO I do not believe that John3:8 is giving reference to that. I simply believe that He is illustrating how we hear His voice but don't know where it is coming from.It's like the wind ,we see it's effects but don't know where it is coming from. I believe the noise in this verse is referring to His voice in our hearts. Again,just my opinion.
Brother Chuck
Chuck, good thoughts! I see that verse about the same way you do.
An often ignored scripture.
