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Basic Bible Study Course

THE HOLY GHOST

LESSON #9 (Part #2)

Definitions are from Webster's Dictionary.

THE HOLY GHOST (Part #2)

1. WHO CAN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?

God's word is true and infallible (Psalm 119:89). If you have repented of your sins and have been baptized in water according to God's Holy Word, you can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It is a gift and a promise. God wants you to have it. You must believe on him and obey him. He has given us life abundantly (John 10:10).

Read Acts 5:32 and John 7:39. Read Acts chapter 10. It is the account where Cornelius and his household were filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 10:34-35).

You must be saved before receiving the Holy Ghost; having knowledge of Jesus Christ and forgiveness of sins, and then repenting of those sins. The world, those who do not know Jesus, will not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (John 14:17).

2. RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST

It is biblical to teach the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We are commanded to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember Hebrews 6:1 & 2. We must preach the FULL knowledge of the gospel of Christ by also preaching about the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

(18) And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20.

YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST AUTOMATICALLY WHEN YOU GET SAVED. It is a separate experience from salvation and it is given to those that want it, believe, and obey God (Acts 5:31). There are examples in the Bible how people got the Holy Ghost. There are some saved people who do not know that the Holy Ghost is real and is still being poured out.

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Acts 19:2.

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. Acts 2:38.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18.

You receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9 & 10). You also receive the Holy Ghost through faith. Read Galatians 3:14.

3. WHEN & HOW CAN YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?

God will NOT baptize someone with the Holy Ghost before they are saved. Usually people get water baptized before God fills them with the Holy Ghost, but there are times when God baptizes people with the Holy Ghost, after salvation, and before they get baptized in water. Here is an example.

(46) For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (47) Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:46-48.

Jesus received the Holy Ghost after he came up out of the water when he was water baptized.

(21) Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, (22) And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Luke 3:21-22.

4. RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST IN THE BIBLE

There are several ways they got the Holy Ghost in the Bible. The Word of God is our example.

a. The first disciples were commanded to wait for the promise of the Father in Jerusalem. Sometimes people have "tarrying services" where they come together to pray for and with those who are seeking the baptism of the Holy Ghost. If you have sought the Holy Ghost, but have not received it, pray honestly and earnestly to God. Remember, the anointing breaks the yoke (Isaiah 10:27). To tarry is to remain temporarily, to wait. Read Acts 1:4 & Luke 24:49.

b. Some received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Read Acts 8:17 & Acts 19:6.

c. Some received the Holy Ghost as the word was spoken. Acts 10:44.

d. Some receive the Holy Ghost because a Holy Ghost filled believer prayed for them to receive it. Read Acts 8:15.

e. Hands were laid on Saul for him to receive the Holy Ghost. Read Acts 9:17. You can receive the Holy Ghost all by yourself if you are a believer in Christ Jesus, are obeying his Word, and you seek God. It doesn't matter whether you are sitting, standing, kneeling, laying down, or whatever position you could be in, AS LONG as you are sincerely seeking God with all your heart for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST: MANIFESTATIONS

The Holy Ghost will manifest in different ways in people. All who receive the Holy Ghost will speak in tongues. Some shake, some jerk, some actually are holy rollers. Some weave back and forth. Some fall to their knees or lay out prostrate. Some will be accused of being drunk (read Acts 2:13 about the day the Holy Ghost fell).

There are scriptures on the wind, the tongues, the falling down, cloven tongues like as of fire, the dove, the oil, rivers of living water, and other manifestations of the Holy Ghost. A Bible concordance is helpful if you study these subjects further.

6. THE TONGUES OF THE HOLY GHOST

Read 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14. The Bible speaks of new tongues, another tongue, other tongues, the unknown tongue, divers kinds of tongues, diversities of tongues, and the gift of tongues. They are all Holy Ghost tongues, but the gift of tongues is a gift of the Holy Ghost, not given automatically to all that receive the Holy Ghost (read Acts 2:4 & 1 Corinthians 12:11).

a. EVIDENCE. Read Mark 16:17, Acts 10:45-46, Acts 19:6, and Acts 2:1-4.

If you have the Holy Ghost from God, you will speak in tongues. They of the circumcision knew the Gentiles had the Holy Ghost. How? For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. When you receive the Holy Ghost, the tongues are manifested. The Holy Ghost "speaking in tongues" is a supernatural sign from heaven as proof that you have received the Holy Ghost.

There is a false "tongues" from the devil that can be manifested by a religious devil. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) tells us Satan is transformed into an angel of light. A pure heart (Matthew 5:8) will not receive the false tongues or a religious devil. Remember we said earlier that you must be saved before you can receive the Holy Ghost from God. Read 1 John 4:6.

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Romans 8:16.

Devils are fallen angels. Angels desire to look into the Holy Ghost (1 Peter 1:12). The Holy Ghost was not given to angels, but was promised and given to man. Read 1 Peter 1:12.

b. THE GIFT OF TONGUES

The gift of tongues and the gift of the interpretation are gifts of the Holy Ghost. You must have the Holy Ghost before you can be used by these gifts. Just because you speak in tongues, does not mean you have these gifts.

The Spirit divides the "gifts of the Spirit" severally as he will (1 Corinthians 12:11). The gifts of tongues and interpretation (and all the spiritual gifts) are manifested that all men may profit (1 Corinthians 12:7). There is a message from God given as the gifts of tongues and interpretation operate.

The tongues you receive when you get the Holy Ghost are evidence that the Holy Ghost there. These tongues are used for intercessory prayer and to worship and praise God. We can and we should pray in the Holy Ghost as in Jude 1:20.

c. NEW TONGUES Read Mark 16:17.

The new tongues are the Holy Ghost tongues. It is not the language you are used to speaking, nor a language you have learned to speak. They are a sign. Read 1 Corinthians 14:22. If you are saved and filled with the Holy Ghost, this sign of the Holy Ghost will follow you.

d. ANOTHER TONGUE & OTHER TONGUES Another tongue: This scripture was a prophecy telling of the Holy Ghost to come.

(11) For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (12) To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Isaiah 28:11-12.

Other tongues: Isaiah 28:1-12 was fulfilled in 1 Corinthians 14:21.

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:21.

(3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:3-4.

Acts 2:5-6 tells us that there were at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven that heard them speak in his own language. They were amazed and marveled. Verse 13 says "Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine."

e. UNKNOWN TONGUE Read 1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 14:4, 1 Corinthians 14:13-14.

The Holy Ghost tongues IS unknown to the one speaking in it. It is a spiritual manifestation from God. Whether it be other tongues of other nations (which is unknown to you but known to one of another earthly language as the example found in Acts 2:1-12) or the tongues that speaketh mysteries to God only, it is still a tongue you do not understand.

We are to pray that the unknown tongue would be interpreted according to 1 Corinthians 14:13-14 given above. Read 1 Corinthians 14:27.

This next scripture lists divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues as gifts of the Spirit. So divers kinds of tongues and the unknown tongue are to be interpreted. Read 1 Cor. 12:10.

f. DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES & DIVERSITIES OF TONGUES

These are the tongues listed in 1 Corinthians 12 along with the spiritual gifts. For further study, read all of 1 Corinthians chapters 12, 13, and 14.

(7) But the manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10.

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28.

Verse 31 says to covet earnestly the best gifts. A more excellent way is charity in chapter 13. Then in Chapter 14 he continues. Read 1 Cor. 14:5.

g. CLOVEN TONGUES OF FIRE

When the Holy Ghost was given in the New Testament, cloven tongues of fire appeared. Read Acts 2:3-4 and all of Acts 2. Cloven means divided; split.

h. THE SUPERNATURAL SPEAKING IN TONGUES CANNOT BE TAUGHT BY MAN

The Holy Ghost tongues cannot be taught by man. It is a tongue you do not know, it is the unknown tongue. Mark 16:17 says the believers shall speak with new tongues. It is a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit of God. The natural man does not understand the spiritual things, except by the Spirit, if he has received the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 14:13-14). Read 1 Corinthians 2:10-12. Read 1 Corinthians 2:14 about "spiritually discerned" (not the gift of discerning of spirits in Corinthians 12).

7. SEALED by the Holy Ghost

The word speaks of us being sealed by the Holy Ghost. The doctrine that once you are saved you cannot backslide is of the devil. The Word is full of accounts in the Old and New Testaments where God's people backslid. Read Isaiah 63:10. You can break the seal if you rebel and refuse to continue in Christ to the end (Matthew 24:13). Read Ephesians 1:13-14. Read 2 Corinthians 1:22.

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30.

Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19.

8. AND WITH FIRE

A fire gets attention quickly and spreads. Jude 1:3 exhorts us to ". . . earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." It is possible to do mighty things in the name of Jesus (Acts 17:6). The Bible says that God will plead with all flesh by fire and by his sword.

For by fire and by his sword will the Lord plead with all flesh: and the slain of the Lord shall be many. Isaiah 66:16.

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Luke 3:16. Read also Matthew 3:11.

Read also Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12 about the sword. Our God is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24). He is also a jealous God, rewarding every man according to his works (Revelation 20:12-13). Read also Hebrews 12:29 and Zechariah 13:9.

James says the tongue is set on fire of hell (James 3:6), but if you have the Holy Ghost, your tongue can be used by God.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Acts 2:3.

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:12. Read also Luke 3:17.

9. BY THE SPIRIT

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6.

By his Spirit he changes us into his image (2 Corinthians 3:18). By the fire of the Holy Ghost, he burns out the chaff (any thing worthless). The power of God can cleanse us by that Holy Ghost fire, burning out all that is unclean. Read 1 John 4:13, 1 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 3:16, and 1 John 3:24.

10. BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:13.

(31) Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. (32) And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but who soever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. Matthew 12:31-32.

(28) Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: (29) But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: (30) Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. Mark 3:28-30.

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. Luke 12:10.

11. PARTAKERS OF THE HOLY GHOST

Read the warning in Hebrews to those who have been partakers of the Holy Ghost, if they should fall away. Don't lie to someone filled with the Holy Ghost! Read Acts 5:3 & 9.

(4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Hebrews 6:4-6.

When God chose to save Saul and gave him a new name (Paul), he showed great mercy to a man who had been killing the Christians. He saved and filled Saul with the Holy Ghost and turned him around (1 Timothy 1:13).

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19. Read also 1 Corinthians 3:16.

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22.

(23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24.

12. LIFE AND LIBERTY Read 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 3:17, and Romans 8:11.

13. DON'T WORSHIP THE HOLY GHOST

You are to worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve (Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8). Jesus is the door (John 10:7-9) and the mediator (Hebrews 12:24 and Hebrews 9:15). The Holy Ghost bears witness (1 John 5:7), but he glorifies Jesus, not himself. Nowhere in the Bible does it say to pray to the Holy Ghost. We pray IN the Holy Ghost (Jude 1:20) says.

(13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:13-14.

This scripture states clearly that the Holy Ghost shall glorify Jesus, not the Holy Ghost glorifying the Holy Ghost. Read John 17:5 and Hebrews 1:3.

The Holy Ghost is not mentioned in Revelation 5:13. God and Jesus are glorified by every creature everywhere.

When all things are put under the feet of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) then Jesus will be subject to God, that "God may be all in all." BUT no where does it say the Holy Ghost is to be glorified. We had better honor and serve the one who is to be our judge. The Holy Ghost is a very precious gift from God. Jesus said he would not leave us comfortless and he sent the Holy Ghost to us. This gift of God is for our benefit. It is the power of God for service. We should honor and pray to the one who saves us (John 14:6 & Acts 4:12).

When Jesus came up out of the water from being baptized, God did not glorify the Holy Ghost; he said he was pleased in his Son (Mark 1:10-11). Do not down play the importance of the Holy Ghost. The Word is our guide, and the scriptures do not support the false doctrine of praying TO the Holy Ghost.

14. SEEK FOR THE HOLY GHOST

Have you asked Jesus to forgive you of your sins, and know he has done it? If you are saved, and you do not have the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, you should seek for it right away.

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