Those who have truly experienced salvation confirm their conversion by being baptised in water by immersion Biblically in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this way, one confirms and acknowledges the New Testament covenant towards God. Then the answer which God gives to the one who believes is by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is a supernatural experience received by the true believers since the Day of Pentecost. Volumes could be written on this theme. In this exposition, we can only touch briefly a few important points. First of all, we must acknowledge the promises which were given ahead of time about receiving the Holy Spirit. For instance, Peter on the day of Pentecost, by the Holy Spirit stated that the prophecy of Joel was being fulfilled.

No one can produce or influence this experience. It is a totally supernatural act received by those who find grace in the sight of God. The apostle Peter stated, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:16-17). The terminology, “in the last days” refers to the last two thousands years as one day with the Lord is like a thousand years (2 Pet. 3:8). This corresponds to the Gentile Dispensation.

This experience is supernatural and therefore is accompanied by the supernatural which is in no way connected to any ability, gifts, or natural talents. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the nine spiritual gifts are placed into the Body of Christ as shown in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. The same Holy Spirit working within the church also brings forth the nine fruits of the Spirit in the life of those who have received that experience (Gal. 5:22-23). Where the Spirit of God truly is, there will also be the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit by which the life and being of Jesus Christ is manifested through the believer. We cannot go into detail about the using of the gifts. However as with the fivefold ministry they are also placed into the church for the building up of the Body of Christ.

In the Old Testament, God promised to pour out His Spirit and in the New Testament we are told that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the One Who baptises with the Holy Ghost and fire (Mt. 3:11). Luke records this announcement given by John the Baptist with the following words, “I indeed baptise you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose; he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Lk. 3:16). The terminology “baptise” was used for both baptisms, one in water and one in the Spirit. We are baptised into the Body of Christ and sealed by the same Holy Spirit. As John baptised by immersion in water, so the believers were to be immersed into the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

All pertaining to the plan of salvation is centred in Christ. He is the main point in the plan of salvation and in Him God made the new beginning. He is the first-born, upon Whom the Spirit came in order that the same Spirit can come upon all who are in the same category of the first-born. “Now when all the people were baptised, it came to pass, that Jesus, also, being baptised, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape of a dove upon him …” (Lk. 3:21-22). Jesus, the Son of Man, as He prayed, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit came down visibly in the shape of a dove. The Spirit of God moved over the face of the water at the very beginning (Gen. 1). The Spirit of God has actually no shape but can manifest Himself and appear in any form He chooses.

The symbol of the dove is easily understood as well as the symbol of the lamb. The Son of God has not the shape of a lamb, but He walked upright like all human beings. By this symbol, the divine significance was shown forth in view of the redemption. The sacrificial lamb is the meekest among all the animals and the dove has no gall and it purifies itself from within. Long ago Noah let out the dove from the ark to find a place of rest. The Spirit of God is symbolised in a dove as He came down upon the Lamb of God to rest upon Him. God can manifest Himself in various forms and still remain the same, for ever the same.

God is not an old man with a long beard as many would imagine. The prophet Daniel saw Him like this as the Ancient of days in con-nection with judgment (7:9-14). Because He is not subjected to the timely process, He cannot grow older. Only when He shows Himself as Judge with His authority and dignity is He revealed as Daniel saw Him. One can read the same description in Revelation, chapter 1, when John saw the Son of Man in the same appearance as the prophet Daniel had seen the Ancient of days. “His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were like a flame of fire” (Rev. 1:14).

It is overwhelming to see the various ways that God has revealed Himself. The Spirit of God came down upon the prophets in the Old Testament, anointing and inspiring them. Of John the Baptist it is recorded that he was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb (Lk. 1:15). Of Simeon we are told that the Holy Spirit was upon him (Lk. 2:25-26). About Zacharias we read, “… he was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Lk. 1:67). Already before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus had given to the apostles commandments through the Holy Spirit (Acts. 1:2).

The Holy Spirit works in many ways. He speaks, He reveals, He predicts, He teaches, and so on. The Son of God Who was begotten by the Holy Spirit was also Son of Man. At the beginning of His ministry, He received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all the redeemed who are born of the same Spirit do receive the Holy Spirit as they are placed to be the sons and daughters of God. There the Son of God was set forth into His ministry but here the sons and daughters of God are positionally placed.

The prophets of old were anointed and inspired, but they were born into this world like all the rest of the people. The new divine generation which originates with Jesus Christ is of a heavenly origin (1 Cor. 15:47). On earth we are just guests and pilgrims, our citizenship is on high. In many places the prophets foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit. Also the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of the coming of the Comforter. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father …” (Jn. 15:26).

In the Nicene creed, it is stated, “… the One Who proceeds from the Father and the Son …” (F. Hauss, Väter der Christenheit, pg. 40). The Word of God gives a very clear testimony about this. As the Son was the visible manifestation of God in the flesh coming forth from God as Immanuel, so the Holy Spirit proceedeth from God. In both cases, reference is made to proceeding from the same being, because God is the source — the origin. The terminology, “Honour be to God the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit …” is invented later as it is not found in the Holy Scriptures.

Not one time do we find recorded in God’s holy Word that the Holy Spirit is being worshipped. Even the Son did not accept any glory. He said, “I receive not honour from men.” (Jn. 5:41). When He was spoken to, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?,” Jesus said unto him: “Why callest thou me good? None is good, except one, that is, God.”
(Lk. 18:18-19). In the last verse of the last chapter to the Romans, the apostle Paul set forth the right way of worship. “To God, only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 16:27).

When the Spirit of God begins to deal with a person, three main things would take place as recorded in John 16:7-11. “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

These three things are not left to our discretion. If the Spirit comes, He first will open the eyes of the sinner to know what sin is, “… of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” It was the unbelief of our first parents which led to their disobedience and the transgression. It is the sin of unbelief — not the many sins which result because of unbelief, but the one sin of unbelief — that keeps us separated from God. Two Bible references will make this plain. The Lord said, “I said, therefore, unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins …” and also, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but is passed from death unto life.” (Jn. 8:24; Jn. 5:24).

As soon as the Spirit of God deals with a person, He starts with the original root of evil — unbelief towards God and His Word. The apostle John writes, “… he that believeth not God hath made him a liar …” (1 Jn. 5:10b). If someone does not believe God and so does not receive what He did in Jesus Christ, it makes Him a liar. In such a case, that person stands on the territory of the adversary, agrees with him and exchanges the lie for the truth. This cannot be tolerated by God.

Firstly, the Holy Spirit convinces the sinner of the sin of unbelief and leads him to repentance. Then the second step of justification follows which leads him into God’s righteousness. Thirdly, the knowledge that the prince of this world is judged — that God has pronounced the verdict upon Satan, is given by the same Holy Spirit. According to John 12, when judgment was executed over Satan, the Voice of God was heard like a mighty thunder. “The people, therefore, that stood by and heard it, said that it thundered; others said, An angel spoke to him. Jesus answered, and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out …” (Jn. 12:29-31). Satan from whom all sin originates is already judged. The head of the Serpent is bruised.

On the day of Pentecost, the believers who were cleansed and sanctified in the truth were filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyone can read what happened there. It was the climax of the divine plan of salvation — after the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to heaven, the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit took place that all who were there might not forget but remember the impact of this event. It just happened in the God ordained way. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2). Not that which was heard and commonly recognised but that which later repeated itself with the true believers is the most important thing: “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” (vs. 3). At no other time was it recorded that a mighty sound like a storm came from heaven, but every time when the believers were baptised with the Holy Ghost and fire, the results were similar to that on the Day of Pentecost, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (vs. 4).

On the Day of Pentecost, a twofold supernatural miracle took place. One was that the believers spoke in other languages by the Spirit while the other was that those of many nations who had come to Jerusalem understood what was being said in their own language. “And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? …” (vs. 7-8). On the Day of Pentecost, the gift of interpretation was not needed. The Spirit did the translation work. Those who spoke and those who listened were under the same anointing. Later the gift of interpretation is mentioned amongst the nine spiritual gifts. Normally it is like this, two or at the most three, would speak in whatever language the Spirit chooses, and one would then give the interpretation (1 Cor. 14:27-28).

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord had already predicted this great event, “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest by which ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear.” (Isa. 28:11-12). Even when the Holy Spirit speaks through human lips in a supernatural way, it is sometimes not received. On that notable day, there were two groups in the congregation: “And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others, mocking, said, These men are full of new wine.” (Acts 2:12).

Peter was not discouraged by this. He acted according to the commission and presented the things concerning the plan of salvation. In his speech he reached the climax and testified, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:32-33). The same Spirit of God Who descended upon the Son of God also came down upon all the redeemed sons and daughters of God. Since that notable day, the same experience is being shared with all of God’s people. God always has His plan which never changes.

From the countless promises in the Scriptures, only one is called the promise of the Father. At the end of the forty days after His resurrection, our Lord taught His disciples the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and what He gave them was a commandment and not just a good suggestion: “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard from me. For John truly baptised with water; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5).

At that moment, eventhe apostles had not fully understood that God was not only concerned with Israel but also with all nations. “… they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” (vs. 6-7). After these words, the resurrected Lord completed His commission, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (vs. 8).

The receiving of the Holy Spirit is also essential as the equipment for the ministry — for the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. True witnesses of Jesus Christ have to experience Him in His resurrection power and they are also to be endued with the authority of the Holy Spirit. During the times of the apostles and also later, those who believed had the same experience. This experience belongs to those who believe. When Paul met a group of disciples in Ephesus, he straightway asked them, “Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2).

Some teach that one automatically receives the Holy Spirit when being converted without really having had this experience. Paul was asking very plainly, if those disciples had received the Holy Spirit after they had believed. The answer was, “No. We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what, then, were ye baptised? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:3-6). Those who believed were baptised in water and with the Holy Spirit.

Philip experienced a mighty revival in Samaria and then came there the apostles Peter and John, “who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:15). Evangelists of the 20th century have big crusades, stir the masses, take a big offering, and depart. They do not preach about the Biblical baptism, and what they describe as the move of the Spirit is only emotional and lasts only a short while. They just create a certain atmosphere and, sadly, that is as far as they can go.

God worked with Peter and Cornelius in a supernatural way at the same time, and brought the man of God into a house of a God fearing centurion. When Peter had reached the climax in his sermon, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were present. “And they of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 10:45). The baptism in water and in the Spirit is well documented in the early church and the successive order can be different.

It is noteworthy what Peter said referring to this event when speaking to the assembly in Jerusalem, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” (Acts 11:15). In all the points concerning our spiritual life, we must go back to the beginning, to the original blue print. Today things are not as clear as they were then. The same or similar formulations are being used, but the same experiences do not always follow.

It is a special evidence which accompanies the working of the Holy Spirit. He is a Comforter, a Teacher, Who leads into all the truth, etc. The Lord said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Nevertheless, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” (Jn. 16:12-15).

Whatever belongs to God, Christ has already redeemed, and therefore, it belongs to Him. And all who are His receive His Spirit, therefore, it is written, “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Rom. 8:9). The Spirit of truth teaches us all the things contained in God’s Word. He reveals all the connections and grants the understanding of the will and plan of God. All of God’s children are submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom 8:14). The Spirit of God always leads according to the Word of God.

Also in view of the first resurrection — the changing of our mortal bodies, we need the power of the Holy Spirit, without which no transformation is possible. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also give life to your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Rom 8:11). The word “if” is commonly used. If … then, if not …? Here the significance of that word is plainly shown. If the Spirit dwells in us, it will happen. If He does not dwell in us, it cannot happen — the mortal bodies will not be changed. The apostle Paul emphasised this thought as follows, “For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. … Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. … And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:19-23).

The multitude of the first-born have the first fruits of the Spirit — the Seal of God and the assurance, that not only their soul is redeemed, but also their mortal bodies will be changed at the return of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is also described as a seal and also as the anointing. “Now he who establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God, Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22). Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One (Acts 3:19-21; Acts 10:38). The word “Christ” in itself means the “anointed”, therefore, all believers who are anointed with the Holy Spirit were called “Christians”. Whosoever has not received the Holy Spirit in this Biblical way, is not anointed and sealed by the same and will find it hard to convince someone to be a real Christian.

In all the realms, there are two different seeds, and therefore one can always find the imitation and the real. Our Lord did not warn about false Jesuses, but of false Christs who are falsely anointed ones and are referred to as false prophets who would appear in the last days. That is to say, that the anointing is also found amongst those who are part of the antichrist system, as they are against the Word in certain main points, and therefore, in reality against Christ. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Mt. 24:24). God pours out His Spirit like a mighty rain upon all flesh. The emphasis in this case is not put on the rain, but rather on the seed which is placed in the ground of the heart. “… for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Mt. 5:45). There are anointed ones in the end time who do not compare with God’s Word. Such were already at the end of the first Christian century. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1 Jn. 2:19).

In Matthew 7:21-23, our Lord describes this group which used His name to do great things, but never submitted themselves and never became part of God’s plan, and therefore, they are not recognised by Him. Whether He thought of the great TV preachers, Charismatic movements, the miracle working evangelists and the various movements of this day, who do not submit themselves under the Word and respect Christ as the head, God alone knows. They use His name wherever necessary, but that is all.

“For the earth, which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs first for them by whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God; but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is near unto cursing, whose end is to be burned.” (Heb. 6:7-8). Just claiming a pentecostal experience is not sufficient. It must be the same seed of God’s Word upon which the Holy Spirit can fall and bring forth the true fruit of the Spirit as in the believers at the beginning. Jesus, our Lord, never said, “You will know them by their gifts”, but, “… by their fruits ye shall know them.” Experiences and gifts can be in both the groups, they can be real or they can be imitated, but the true fruits of the Spirit will only be found in the real godly seed which is sealed by His Spirit. The anointing is upon many but the sealing is only with the first-born and chosen ones. They are always comparing with the Word of God.

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul writes, “In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14). This certainly is not a religious ceremony done by a clergyman, but rather a supernatural experience coming from God. We are admonished with these words, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30).

Those who have truly experienced salvation confirm their conversion by being baptised in water by immersion Biblically in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this way, one confirms and acknowledges the New Testament covenant towards God. Then the answer which God gives to the one who believes is by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is a supernatural experience received by the true believers since the Day of Pentecost. Volumes could be written on this theme. In this exposition, we can only touch briefly a few important points. First of all, we must acknowledge the promises which were given ahead of time about receiving the Holy Spirit. For instance, Peter on the day of Pentecost, by the Holy Spirit stated that the prophecy of Joel was being fulfilled.

No one can produce or influence this experience. It is a totally supernatural act received by those who find grace in the sight of God. The apostle Peter stated, “But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:16-17). The terminology, “in the last days” refers to the last two thousands years as one day with the Lord is like a thousand years (2 Pet. 3:8). This corresponds to the Gentile Dispensation.

This experience is supernatural and therefore is accompanied by the supernatural which is in no way connected to any ability, gifts, or natural talents. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the nine spiritual gifts are placed into the Body of Christ as shown in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. The same Holy Spirit working within the church also brings forth the nine fruits of the Spirit in the life of those who have received that experience (Gal. 5:22-23). Where the Spirit of God truly is, there will also be the gifts and the fruits of the Spirit by which the life and being of Jesus Christ is manifested through the believer. We cannot go into detail about the using of the gifts. However as with the fivefold ministry they are also placed into the church for the building up of the Body of Christ.

In the Old Testament, God promised to pour out His Spirit and in the New Testament we are told that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the One Who baptises with the Holy Ghost and fire (Mt. 3:11). Luke records this announcement given by John the Baptist with the following words, “I indeed baptise you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose; he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Lk. 3:16). The terminology “baptise” was used for both baptisms, one in water and one in the Spirit. We are baptised into the Body of Christ and sealed by the same Holy Spirit. As John baptised by immersion in water, so the believers were to be immersed into the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

All pertaining to the plan of salvation is centred in Christ. He is the main point in the plan of salvation and in Him God made the new beginning. He is the first-born, upon Whom the Spirit came in order that the same Spirit can come upon all who are in the same category of the first-born. “Now when all the people were baptised, it came to pass, that Jesus, also, being baptised, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape of a dove upon him …” (Lk. 3:21-22). Jesus, the Son of Man, as He prayed, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit came down visibly in the shape of a dove. The Spirit of God moved over the face of the water at the very beginning (Gen. 1). The Spirit of God has actually no shape but can manifest Himself and appear in any form He chooses.

The symbol of the dove is easily understood as well as the symbol of the lamb. The Son of God has not the shape of a lamb, but He walked upright like all human beings. By this symbol, the divine significance was shown forth in view of the redemption. The sacrificial lamb is the meekest among all the animals and the dove has no gall and it purifies itself from within. Long ago Noah let out the dove from the ark to find a place of rest. The Spirit of God is symbolised in a dove as He came down upon the Lamb of God to rest upon Him. God can manifest Himself in various forms and still remain the same, for ever the same.

God is not an old man with a long beard as many would imagine. The prophet Daniel saw Him like this as the Ancient of days in con-nection with judgment (7:9-14). Because He is not subjected to the timely process, He cannot grow older. Only when He shows Himself as Judge with His authority and dignity is He revealed as Daniel saw Him. One can read the same description in Revelation, chapter 1, when John saw the Son of Man in the same appearance as the prophet Daniel had seen the Ancient of days. “His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were like a flame of fire” (Rev. 1:14).

It is overwhelming to see the various ways that God has revealed Himself. The Spirit of God came down upon the prophets in the Old Testament, anointing and inspiring them. Of John the Baptist it is recorded that he was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb (Lk. 1:15). Of Simeon we are told that the Holy Spirit was upon him (Lk. 2:25-26). About Zacharias we read, “… he was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Lk. 1:67). Already before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus had given to the apostles commandments through the Holy Spirit (Acts. 1:2).

The Holy Spirit works in many ways. He speaks, He reveals, He predicts, He teaches, and so on. The Son of God Who was begotten by the Holy Spirit was also Son of Man. At the beginning of His ministry, He received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all the redeemed who are born of the same Spirit do receive the Holy Spirit as they are placed to be the sons and daughters of God. There the Son of God was set forth into His ministry but here the sons and daughters of God are positionally placed.

The prophets of old were anointed and inspired, but they were born into this world like all the rest of the people. The new divine generation which originates with Jesus Christ is of a heavenly origin (1 Cor. 15:47). On earth we are just guests and pilgrims, our citizenship is on high. In many places the prophets foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit. Also the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of the coming of the Comforter. “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father …” (Jn. 15:26).

In the Nicene creed, it is stated, “… the One Who proceeds from the Father and the Son …” (F. Hauss, Väter der Christenheit, pg. 40). The Word of God gives a very clear testimony about this. As the Son was the visible manifestation of God in the flesh coming forth from God as Immanuel, so the Holy Spirit proceedeth from God. In both cases, reference is made to proceeding from the same being, because God is the source — the origin. The terminology, “Honour be to God the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit …” is invented later as it is not found in the Holy Scriptures.

Not one time do we find recorded in God’s holy Word that the Holy Spirit is being worshipped. Even the Son did not accept any glory. He said, “I receive not honour from men.” (Jn. 5:41). When He was spoken to, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?,” Jesus said unto him: “Why callest thou me good? None is good, except one, that is, God.”
(Lk. 18:18-19). In the last verse of the last chapter to the Romans, the apostle Paul set forth the right way of worship. “To God, only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” (Rom. 16:27).

When the Spirit of God begins to deal with a person, three main things would take place as recorded in John 16:7-11. “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

These three things are not left to our discretion. If the Spirit comes, He first will open the eyes of the sinner to know what sin is, “… of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” It was the unbelief of our first parents which led to their disobedience and the transgression. It is the sin of unbelief — not the many sins which result because of unbelief, but the one sin of unbelief — that keeps us separated from God. Two Bible references will make this plain. The Lord said, “I said, therefore, unto you, that ye shall die in your sins; for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins …” and also, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but is passed from death unto life.” (Jn. 8:24; Jn. 5:24).

As soon as the Spirit of God deals with a person, He starts with the original root of evil — unbelief towards God and His Word. The apostle John writes, “… he that believeth not God hath made him a liar …” (1 Jn. 5:10b). If someone does not believe God and so does not receive what He did in Jesus Christ, it makes Him a liar. In such a case, that person stands on the territory of the adversary, agrees with him and exchanges the lie for the truth. This cannot be tolerated by God.

Firstly, the Holy Spirit convinces the sinner of the sin of unbelief and leads him to repentance. Then the second step of justification follows which leads him into God’s righteousness. Thirdly, the knowledge that the prince of this world is judged — that God has pronounced the verdict upon Satan, is given by the same Holy Spirit. According to John 12, when judgment was executed over Satan, the Voice of God was heard like a mighty thunder. “The people, therefore, that stood by and heard it, said that it thundered; others said, An angel spoke to him. Jesus answered, and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out …” (Jn. 12:29-31). Satan from whom all sin originates is already judged. The head of the Serpent is bruised.

On the day of Pentecost, the believers who were cleansed and sanctified in the truth were filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyone can read what happened there. It was the climax of the divine plan of salvation — after the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to heaven, the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit took place that all who were there might not forget but remember the impact of this event. It just happened in the God ordained way. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2). Not that which was heard and commonly recognised but that which later repeated itself with the true believers is the most important thing: “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” (vs. 3). At no other time was it recorded that a mighty sound like a storm came from heaven, but every time when the believers were baptised with the Holy Ghost and fire, the results were similar to that on the Day of Pentecost, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (vs. 4).

On the Day of Pentecost, a twofold supernatural miracle took place. One was that the believers spoke in other languages by the Spirit while the other was that those of many nations who had come to Jerusalem understood what was being said in their own language. “And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these who speak Galilæans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? …” (vs. 7-8). On the Day of Pentecost, the gift of interpretation was not needed. The Spirit did the translation work. Those who spoke and those who listened were under the same anointing. Later the gift of interpretation is mentioned amongst the nine spiritual gifts. Normally it is like this, two or at the most three, would speak in whatever language the Spirit chooses, and one would then give the interpretation (1 Cor. 14:27-28).

Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord had already predicted this great event, “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest by which ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing; yet they would not hear.” (Isa. 28:11-12). Even when the Holy Spirit speaks through human lips in a supernatural way, it is sometimes not received. On that notable day, there were two groups in the congregation: “And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others, mocking, said, These men are full of new wine.” (Acts 2:12).

Peter was not discouraged by this. He acted according to the commission and presented the things concerning the plan of salvation. In his speech he reached the climax and testified, “This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:32-33). The same Spirit of God Who descended upon the Son of God also came down upon all the redeemed sons and daughters of God. Since that notable day, the same experience is being shared with all of God’s people. God always has His plan which never changes.

From the countless promises in the Scriptures, only one is called the promise of the Father. At the end of the forty days after His resurrection, our Lord taught His disciples the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God and what He gave them was a commandment and not just a good suggestion: “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard from me. For John truly baptised with water; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5).

At that moment, even  the apostles had not fully understood that God was not only concerned with Israel but also with all nations. “… they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” (vs. 6-7). After these words, the resurrected Lord completed His commission, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (vs. 8).

The receiving of the Holy Spirit is also essential as the equipment for the ministry — for the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the world. True witnesses of Jesus Christ have to experience Him in His resurrection power and they are also to be endued with the authority of the Holy Spirit. During the times of the apostles and also later, those who believed had the same experience. This experience belongs to those who believe. When Paul met a group of disciples in Ephesus, he straightway asked them, “Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2).

Some teach that one automatically receives the Holy Spirit when being converted without really having had this experience. Paul was asking very plainly, if those disciples had received the Holy Spirit after they had believed. The answer was, “No. We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what, then, were ye baptised? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.” (Acts 19:3-6). Those who believed were baptised in water and with the Holy Spirit.

Philip experienced a mighty revival in Samaria and then came there the apostles Peter and John, “who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:15). Evangelists of the 20th century have big crusades, stir the masses, take a big offering, and depart. They do not preach about the Biblical baptism, and what they describe as the move of the Spirit is only emotional and lasts only a short while. They just create a certain atmosphere and, sadly, that is as far as they can go.

God worked with Peter and Cornelius in a supernatural way at the same time, and brought the man of God into a house of a God fearing centurion. When Peter had reached the climax in his sermon, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were present. “And they of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 10:45). The baptism in water and in the Spirit is well documented in the early church and the successive order can be different.

It is noteworthy what Peter said referring to this event when speaking to the assembly in Jerusalem, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning.” (Acts 11:15). In all the points concerning our spiritual life, we must go back to the beginning, to the original blue print. Today things are not as clear as they were then. The same or similar formulations are being used, but the same experiences do not always follow.

It is a special evidence which accompanies the working of the Holy Spirit. He is a Comforter, a Teacher, Who leads into all the truth, etc. The Lord said, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Nevertheless, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine; therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” (Jn. 16:12-15).

Whatever belongs to God, Christ has already redeemed, and therefore, it belongs to Him. And all who are His receive His Spirit, therefore, it is written, “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” (Rom. 8:9). The Spirit of truth teaches us all the things contained in God’s Word. He reveals all the connections and grants the understanding of the will and plan of God. All of God’s children are submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom 8:14). The Spirit of God always leads according to the Word of God.

Also in view of the first resurrection — the changing of our mortal bodies, we need the power of the Holy Spirit, without which no transformation is possible. “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also give life to your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Rom 8:11). The word “if” is commonly used. If … then, if not …? Here the significance of that word is plainly shown. If the Spirit dwells in us, it will happen. If He does not dwell in us, it cannot happen — the mortal bodies will not be changed. The apostle Paul emphasised this thought as follows, “For the earnest expectation of the creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. … Because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. … And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:19-23).

The multitude of the first-born have the first fruits of the Spirit — the Seal of God and the assurance, that not only their soul is redeemed, but also their mortal bodies will be changed at the return of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is also described as a seal and also as the anointing. “Now he who establisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God, Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22). Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One (Acts 3:19-21; Acts 10:38). The word “Christ” in itself means the “anointed”, therefore, all believers who are anointed with the Holy Spirit were called “Christians”. Whosoever has not received the Holy Spirit in this Biblical way, is not anointed and sealed by the same and will find it hard to convince someone to be a real Christian.

In all the realms, there are two different seeds, and therefore one can always find the imitation and the real. Our Lord did not warn about false Jesuses, but of false Christs who are falsely anointed ones and are referred to as false prophets who would appear in the last days. That is to say, that the anointing is also found amongst those who are part of the antichrist system, as they are against the Word in certain main points, and therefore, in reality against Christ. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Mt. 24:24). God pours out His Spirit like a mighty rain upon all flesh. The emphasis in this case is not put on the rain, but rather on the seed which is placed in the ground of the heart. “… for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Mt. 5:45). There are anointed ones in the end time who do not compare with God’s Word. Such were already at the end of the first Christian century. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1 Jn. 2:19).

In Matthew 7:21-23, our Lord describes this group which used His name to do great things, but never submitted themselves and never became part of God’s plan, and therefore, they are not recognised by Him. Whether He thought of the great TV preachers, Charismatic movements, the miracle working evangelists and the various movements of this day, who do not submit themselves under the Word and respect Christ as the head, God alone knows. They use His name wherever necessary, but that is all.

“For the earth, which drinketh in the rain that cometh often upon it, and bringeth forth herbs first for them by whom it is tilled, receiveth blessing from God; but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is near unto cursing, whose end is to be burned.” (Heb. 6:7-8). Just claiming a pentecostal experience is not sufficient. It must be the same seed of God’s Word upon which the Holy Spirit can fall and bring forth the true fruit of the Spirit as in the believers at the beginning. Jesus, our Lord, never said, “You will know them by their gifts”, but, “… by their fruits ye shall know them.” Experiences and gifts can be in both the groups, they can be real or they can be imitated, but the true fruits of the Spirit will only be found in the real godly seed which is sealed by His Spirit. The anointing is upon many but the sealing is only with the first-born and chosen ones. They are always comparing with the Word of God.

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul writes, “In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Eph. 1:13-14). This certainly is not a religious ceremony done by a clergyman, but rather a supernatural experience coming from God. We are admonished with these words, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph. 4:30).