The Role, Power & Works of the

Holy Spirit
EX-CHARISMATICS∙MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016

The Holy Spirit—is it a power? A force? Is it an “it” or a He? Is

He God? Is He visible?

Perhaps the most misunderstood and least mentioned person of the

Godhead is the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost. A lack of understanding of who
He is and what He does lead to many misconceptions about Him.

1 Corinthians 2:14 - “But the natural man receiveth not the things of
the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Since the natural man finds the “Supernatural / Spiritual Matters”

unnatural, one must be born-again (John 3) through the Gospel of the
Lord Jesus Christ so that they can receive the indwelling sealing of the
Holy Ghost. Without being born-again, people will rely on their 5 senses,
perspectives and ideas and misinterpret these as power of the Holy Ghost.
Understanding the biblical role of the Holy Spirit is the most challenging
part of the re-learning curve for former Charismatics who were exposed to
extremely unhealthy and heretical understanding of the Holy Spirit.
Christians have to be aware of how Charismatics view and define common
terminologies differently. For example, praying in the Spirit (1
Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 20) means praying by the leading
of the Holy Spirit according to God's will in the Bible, but a Charismatic
tend to understand it as through speaking in tongues, soaking in the
presence, slaying in the spirit, shaking, convulsing and other similarly
experiential factors. By soundly studying the Scriptures through faith,
believers can understand the perfect will of God (2 Timothy 2:15, Romans
12:2).

Topics in this study:

- Who is the Holy Spirit?

- The work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (OT)

- The work of the Holy Spirit (before & after the resurrection of Christ)

- Being filled with the Holy Spirit

- Jesus and the Holy Spirit

- What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is the third Person of the triune Godhead, also known as the Holy
Ghost. The first mention of the Holy Spirit can be found in Genesis 1:2.
He, as part of the triune Godhead, was present and involved in the
creation of heaven and the earth (Genesis 1), and ultimately in mankind.
The Holy Spirit is called many names in Scripture, including: Holy Ghost
(eg. Acts 2:38), Spirit of God (eg. Genesis 1:2), Spirit of the Father (eg.
Matthew 10:20), Spirit of Christ (eg. Romans 8:9), Comforter (eg. John
14:26). He is not a force or feeling. He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
He cannot be seen by our natural eyes. He has all the attributes of God—
omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (all-present) and omnipotent (all-
powerful). He is not an “it,” but is God. 1 John 5:7 (KJV) - For there are
three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy
Ghost: and these three are one. (NOTE: Unlike the KJV, many of the
modern bible versions which are based on the corrupt Westcott and
Hort manuscripts have omitted “the Father, the Word, and the Holy
Ghost: and these three are one”)

No one can adequately explain how God can be 3 Persons in One without
the Scriptures, which is the basis of Faith (Romans 10:17). All we can do is
 believe in it. In Genesis 1:26 and 11:3-7, God referred to Himself as “we,”
“us,” and “our.” Matthew 3:16 tells us of the Holy Spirit descending “like a
dove” upon Jesus before He began His earthly ministry. We shall see in
the following, the evident power of the Holy Spirit through His works.

The work of the Holy Spirit in the Old

Testament (OT)

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit could be upon people, and He could
depart from them as He willed. Some examples:

1. Before the flood (Genesis 6:3)

2. Gideon (Judges 6:34)

3. King Saul (1 Sam 10:10, 11:6, 16:14)

4. David’s plea for God’s forgiveness after his adultery with Bathsheba
(Psalm 51:11-12)

The Holy Spirit selected people in service for God by performing miracles
through them. Some examples:

1. Bezalel was used to create the artwork of the Tabernacle in

accordance to God’s guidelines for the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5)

2. Transfer of the Holy Spirit from Moses to the 70 elders (Numbers

11:25)

3. Joshua as the next leader of Israel after Moses to overcome the

Canaanites (Numbers 27:18)

4. Judges were raised to rebuke and deliver Israel out of their enemies
(Judges 3:9-10 and the entire book of Judges)

5. Azariah , king of Judah to destroy the idols in Israel (2 Chronicles

15)
 The work of the Holy Spirit (before & after
the resurrection of Christ)

1. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness and

judgement John 16:7-14 - 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: 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. I have yet many things to say unto you,
but ye cannot bear them now. 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. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall
shew it unto you. The Holy Spirit is the one who convinced you how
terrible your sin was and how lost you were. He convicted you to get saved
“now.” After you became saved, the Holy Spirit continues to convict you of
areas in your life where known sin surfaced. He is the HOLY Spirit and
despises sin. He wants to use a clean vessel, so He points out the dirt in
our lives so that we can remain humble and seek God’s help to change our
lives.

2. He sets us free from the law of sin and death Romans 8:2 -
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death. 2 Corinthians 3:3-18 - Forasmuch as ye are
manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written
not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone,
but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to
God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able
ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the
letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death,
 written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel
could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his
countenance; which glory was to be done away: How shall not the
ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of
condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of
righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had
no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. For if that
which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is
glorious. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of
speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children
of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail
untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away
in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon
their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be
taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord
is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

3. He seals, baptizes and permanently dwells in every

believer as a sign that they are saved Acts 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. Luke 11:13 - 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? Ephesians 1:12-14 - That we should
be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also
trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of
promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of
the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 2:18 -
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
 Ephesians 4:30 - And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are
sealed unto the day of redemption. Titus 3:5 - Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved
us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Romans 1:16 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God: The Holy Spirit began living inside you the
moment you were saved. Your body is His place. That is why it concerns
the Holy Spirit what substances you put into your body, how you dress,
and what activities you engage in. Your body is no longer yours to do as
you please but is used to glorify God when we subject ourselves to the
Spirit and not to the flesh. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1
Corinthians 6:15-20). Unlike in the OT, the Holy Spirit will NEVER
depart from the believer (Romans 8:9, Hebrews 13:5, John 10:28).

4. He assures the believers of their salvation Romans 8:15-16

- For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. John 6:37
- All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to
me I will in no wise cast out. John 5:24 - 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 condemnation; but is passed from
death unto life. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - Now he which stablisheth 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. Philippians 1:6 - Being
confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you
will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Galatians 4:6 - And because
ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts,
crying, Abba, Father The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we
are the children of God. It is depressing for a Christian to feel uncertainty
of his/her salvation from time to time. If you had such doubts since
becoming a Christian, the Holy Spirit reassures us that we have been
saved through the comfort of what is written in Scriptures, which is the
official authentic record that one is truly saved, and not our feelings.
5. He gave us the Scriptures 2 Peter 1:21 - For the prophecy
came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as
they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - But as it is
written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth
all things, yea, the deep things of God. The Holy Spirit moved or carried
holy men to write, word for word - the Bible.

6. He calls the believer to service Matthew 9:37-38 - Then

saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the
labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will
send forth labourers into his harvest. Acts 13:2-4 - As they ministered to
the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul
for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and
prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being
sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence
they sailed to Cyprus. The Holy Spirit is the One who calls us to become
teachers, pastors, evangelists, missionaries, helpers, etc. He does it by
giving us a burning desire for a particular area of service (Ephesians 4:11-
12, 1 Timothy 3:1).

7. He comforts, strengthens and gives peace to the believer,

reminding us of God’s love for us John 16:7 - 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: 1 John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little
children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you,
than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:16 - And we have known and
believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in
love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Romans 5:5 - And hope maketh
not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the
Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 15:13 - Now the God of
 hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in
hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 5:1-5 - Therefore
being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we
stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we
glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And
patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not
ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Ghost which is given unto us. 2 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us
the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Ephesians 3:14-21 - For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is
named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may
dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which
passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory
in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen. The word “comforter” in the Greek is “paraclete,” which means,
“along side of.” That is exactly what the Holy Spirit does. He walks along
side with us in difficult times, sickness, a death, pain, broken heart, etc.
What a wonderful thought that a Christian never goes through tragedy
alone!

8. He helps us to pray Romans 8:26-27 - Likewise the Spirit also

helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we
ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what
is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints
according to the will of God.
9. He uplifts Christ and affirms that Christ came in the flesh
John 16:13-14 - 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. He
shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 1
John 4:1-3 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether
they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit
of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now
already is it in the world.

10. He speaks to us Acts 8:29 - Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go
near, and join thyself to this chariot. Acts 13:2 - As they ministered to the
Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for
the work whereunto I have called them. Ephesians 3:5-6 - Which in
other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now
revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the
Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his
promise in Christ by the gospel The Holy Spirit speaks to Christians by
the Word of God and by impression. He brings remembrance of Bible
verses to us when we encounter many kinds of situations. Have you ever
felt like the Holy Spirit was impressing you to witness to someone? His
still, small voice is heard by those still enough to listen.

11. He teaches and reminds us of God’s Word and shows us

the truth 1 Corinthians 2:13-15 - Which things also we speak, not in
the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost
teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man
receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto
him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no
man. John 14:26 - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom
 the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring
all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John
15:26 - But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from
the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he
shall testify of me: 1 Timothy 4:1-5 - Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,
that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to
seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy;
having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and
commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be
received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For
every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received
with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
John 6:63 - It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:
the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. Only a saved person can truly understand the Word of God
because the Author is living inside each believer.

12. He washes, sanctifies and bears fruit in the believer Titus

3:1-7 - Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to
obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man,
to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we
ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving
divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating
one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour
toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on
us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by
his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Galatians 5:16-26 - This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not
fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the
Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so
that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye
are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are
these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I
tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do
such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are
Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in
the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain
glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Romans 8:1-16 -
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the
Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and
death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they
that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are
after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death;
but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed
can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 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. And if
Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness. 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 quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do
mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.For as many as are led by the
 Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit
of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption,
whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our
spirit, that we are the children of God: 1 Corinthians 6:11 - And such
were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. The
Holy Spirit earnestly desires the character of Christ to be exemplified in
our lives.

13. He gives us strength and/or a way of escape in the face of

temptations and resist the Devil 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath
no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is
faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but
will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to
bear it. Ephesians 6:11-18 - Put on the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of
the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
Matthew 4:1-11 - Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness
to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty
nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him,
he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made
bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then
 the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of
the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself
down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:
and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy
foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt
not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an
exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world,
and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give
thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him,
Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy
God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and,
behold, angels came and ministered unto him. James 4:7 - Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 1:12-13 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when
he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath
promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am
tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he
any man:

14. He unifies the body of Christ in love Ephesians 4:1-6 - I

therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with
longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit,
even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and
in you all.

15. He leads us to love and help one another Galatians 5:25-

26 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be
desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 1
John 4:7-21 - Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God
toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but
that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man
hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and
his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he
in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do
testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in
him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God
hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and
God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness
in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is
no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath
torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because
he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a
liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he
love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from
him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 1 Corinthians
12:20-27 - But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the
eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head
to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the
body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of
the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow
more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant
comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered
the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which
lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members
should have the same care one for another. And whether one member
suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the
members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in
particular.
16. He gives us spiritual gifts to serve Him and others 1
Corinthians 12:7-14 - But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of
wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another
faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
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: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame
Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will. For as the body is one,
and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being
many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized
into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not
one member, but many. Peter 4:10-11 - As every man hath received the
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the
manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of
God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth:
that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be
praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. The Holy Spirit gave you a
spiritual gift to use in God’s service to the Church, which is the Body of
Christ, made of born-again believers wherever they are. No gift* is more
important than another. All are important. All are necessary for the Body
of Christ to function effectively. 1 Corinthians 13 shows us that the
greatest gift of all is Charity.

17. He gives us authority, power and boldness in our

witnessing for the Gospel Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost part of the earth. Romans 15:18-19 - For I will not dare to
speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to
make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, through mighty signs and
wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and
round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Ephesians 5:17-21 - Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding
what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is
excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to
the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another
in the fear of God. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - For our gospel came not unto
you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your
sake. Romans 1:16-17 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for
it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the
Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God
revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. It is
by the power of the Holy Spirit which Jesus had that amazed the
Pharisees that He had such authority. It is the same power sinners could
not resist when Stephen spoke in Acts 7 as the words cut them to their
hearts. It is the power Jesus promised the disciples in Acts 1:8 that will
happen in the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. It is the power the moment a
person gets saved, passing from death to eternal life. The power of the
Holy Spirit is also evident when He transforms your life by giving you the
power to overcome your sins, your fleshly desires, and renew your mind
and life to become more Christ-like. His grace is sufficient when you go
through trials, tribulations and persecutions. Romans 7:5-6 - For when
we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work
in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered
from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve
in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 12:1-3
- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace
 given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself
more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God
hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 2 Corinthians 12:6-11 -
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the
truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that
which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be
exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there
was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,
lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord
thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is
sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power
of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake:
for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye
have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in
nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 1
John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.

18. He will transform our earthly bodies into glorified bodies

at the rapture, and will raise up the dead in Christ in the last
days 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - For the Lord himself shall descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are
alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to
meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Romans
8:11 - 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 quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 1 Corinthians 15:49-54 - And
as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of
the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit
the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be
changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for
the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and
we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and
this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have
put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then
shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up
in victory.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit

Being filled with the Holy Spirit should not be confused with the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit whom every believer receives the moment he
or she is saved. Being filled means to be led and controlled by and yielded
to the Holy Spirit (just as a hand fills the glove), letting Him occupy and
guide every part of our lives - our thoughts, words, and deeds (Colossians
3:17, Galatians 5:16-26, Romans 8:1-16), making us fruitful to God for His
work in us and ministering those around us. We see examples of the
mentioning of being filled with the Holy Spirit: Luke 1:13-17 - But the
angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy
wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine
nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his
mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the
Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of
Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient
to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Luke 1:67-69 - And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost,
and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath
visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation
for us in the house of his servant David Ephesians 5:18 - And be not
drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Acts 2:4
- And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 4:31 - And when
they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the
word of God with boldness. Acts 7:54-60 - When they heard these
things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their
teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into
heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of
God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice,
and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him
out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes
at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen,
calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he
kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their
charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 9:17 - And
Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands
on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee
in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:48-52 - And when the
Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord:
and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the
Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the
devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised
persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their
coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came
unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy
Ghost. One of the common misunderstandings by Charismatics is that
being filled with the Holy Ghost is a matter of feeling an emotional high or
being “charged up”, or having many outward forms of performing
miracles and sign gifts. The Bible does not say that born-again believers
have different degrees of indwelling (partially, half-full etc.) of the Holy
Spirit in them, neither can a believer “impart or fill” another fellow
believer with the Holy Spirit through laying of hands, speaking over them
etc. The Holy Spirit is not a feeling. We are all given the same Spirit in His
entirety the moment we got saved (1 Corinthians 12:13), and we are
bestowed different gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12). As we see in the
above points, many of them point to the believer being filled with the Holy
Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is NEVER for self-glorification or
to show-off, but it is always used for the service of God for His glory and
for ministering to others (Ephesians 4:11-16, Luke 1:41-15). We read in the
books of Acts and 1 Corinthians, not everyone had the same gifts and not
everyone had the miraculous sign gifts. We cannot judge a fellow believer
on how much they are filled with the Holy Spirit based on the gifts he or
she has, or by outward religious appearances or status (1 Samuel 16:7,
Proverbs 21:2). Even though a believer has the Holy Spirit, there are times
we do not submit to His will and we disobey him, hence Christians can
quench or grieve Him, and this can affect our witness, our ministries and
our testimonies for Him, hence hindering or affecting the filling of the
Holy Spirit in our lives:

1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 - “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them

that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient
toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever
follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice
evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify
you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is
he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
Ephesians 4:21-32 - “But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye
have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in
Jesus:That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the
spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is
created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying,
speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of
another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your
wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more:
but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good,
that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt
communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the
use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve
not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day
of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour,
and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind
one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for
Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

We see in Acts 5, how the Holy Spirit killed Ananias and Sapphira for
lying to Him in regards to their possessions: Acts 5:1-11 - But a certain
man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and kept
back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain
part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath
Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of
the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after
it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this
thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And
Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great
fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose,
wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the
space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done,
came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land
for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her,
How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?
behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door,
and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and
yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead,
and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came
upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. When we
sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit. We quench Him when we follow after the
flesh (Galatians 5:16-26), bask in self-glory (Luke 9:23-24, 14:26,
Galatians 2:20, Matthew 23:12, James 4:6), be distracted by the things of
this world (Matthew 13:22, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 ,
Romans 12:2, Ecclesiastes 6:2, 1 Timothy 6:10, 4:8, 2 Timothy 4:10),
disobey Him (Proverbs 1:23-33, Acts 5:29, Luke 6:46-48), stop praying (1
Thessalonians 5:16-17, Ephesians 6:18, Romans 8:26, John 15:17), stop
giving thanks (James 1:2-5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:19), stop
reading the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Timothy 4:5-6, Matthew 4:4,
Hebrews 4:12, 1 Peter 2:2), tearing down and stop caring for the body of
Christ (Ephesians 4:29-32, 1 Corinthians 12:15-26, James 2), or give heed
to false doctrines (1 John 4:1). When we are not faithful, He continues to
be faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Corinthians 10:13).
We need to hold fast to the Word of God and not grieve the Holy Spirit
who lives in us. As we can see in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, the
Holy Spirit is God whom we should not mess with and whom we cannot
command or lie to or use for our own gain. The idea of “catching” the Holy
Ghost (a phrase commonly used by Charismatics) by anyone in a charged
up atmosphere of “worship” is simply an unbiblical concept as we see that
one can only have the Holy Ghost the moment one gets saved by simply
hearing and believing the gospel (Romans 10:8:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:5,
Romans 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, John 3:16) .The Holy Spirit is a gift
to the believer (Acts 2:38), not something or someone we have to earn or
“practise” in order to receive. The sin that a believer does to his/her body
that grieves the Holy Spirit the most is sexual immorality: 1 Corinthians
6:15-20 - Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall
I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an
harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an
harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is
joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man
doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth
against his own body. 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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God's. We must confess our sins and ask for
his forgiveness and help to overcome our sins:

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. James 4:7 - Submit
yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We must not neglect God’s Word so as to have victory over our flesh and
its sins. Meditate on His Word and His promises. Psalms 119:11 - Thy
word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. 1 Peter
5:8-11 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist
stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished
in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath
called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered
a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:8 - Finally,
brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things
are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

When Jesus left His heavenly throne to come to earth, He became a man
(1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 2:9-11), limited by the flesh despite His divinity.
 Everything Jesus did on earth was done as a man totally yielded to the
Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb Luke

1:34-35 - Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I
know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of
thee shall be called the Son of God.

2. He gave Jesus wisdom, understanding, power and

authority during His ministry on earth Isaiah 11:1-4 - And there
shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow
out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit
of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit
of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; And shall make him of quick
understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the
sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: But with
righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the
meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Acts 10:38 - How
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who
went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil;
for God was with him. Mark 1:22 - And they were astonished at his
doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the
scribes. Luke 4:36 - And they were all amazed, and spake among
themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he
commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.

3. He authenticated Christ as the Son of God Luke 3:21-22 -

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also
being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 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.
 John 10:25 - Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the
works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

4. He wrought miracles though Christ Matthew 12:28 - But if I

cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto
you. Luke 4:18-19 - The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the
acceptable year of the Lord.

5. He empowered Christ to withstand temptation from the

Devil Luke 4:1 - And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from
Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness Hebrews 4:14-15 -
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have
not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin
(see Matthew 4:1-11).

6. He resurrected Christ from the dead Acts 10:39-40 - And

we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews,
and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised
up the third day, and shewed him openly Romans 8:11 - 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 quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit
that dwelleth in you.

What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

It is crediting the works of the Holy Spirit to that of the Devil. It is the
denial of His power thereof. Those who are in unbelief will deny the
power of Christ, His saving power, His miracles and His resurrection. We
see in the book of Mark how the Scribes (who were religious people) did
not believe in the miracles of Jesus and attributed them to the works of
the Devil instead:

Mark 3:10-30 - For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed
upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits,
when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the
Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him
known. And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he
would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should
be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have
power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed
Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and
he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And
Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and
James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
and Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much
as eat bread. And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on
him: for they said, He is beside himself. And the scribes which came
down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the
prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto
him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And
if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a
house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise
up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. No
man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he
will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. Verily I say
unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies
wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme
against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger
of eternal damnation. Because they said, He hath an unclean
spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:3 - Wherefore I give you to understand, that NO
MAN speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no
man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. John 3:16-19
- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that
the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not
condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already,
because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John
12:48 - He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that
judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the
last day. 1 John 4:1-16 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out
into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that
confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every
spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of
God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it
should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little
children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you,
than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of
the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth
God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the
spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for
love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was
manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only
begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is
love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be
the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to
love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one
another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know
we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his
Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be
the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of
God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and
believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in
love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

A born-again believer cannot blaspheme the Holy Spirit in the context of

the above verses we see. A born-again believer can sin, but to deny Christ,
His death, burial and resurrection is to deny the Holy Spirit’s work in
which a Christian sealed with Holy Ghost cannot do. We see in the book of
Acts how many those in unbelief dismissed the sign gifts that were
wrought before them by the Apostles and hence rejected the Gospel.
Genuine conversion leads not only to a Christ-centered life but also to a
humble reverence of the Gospel which is God-glorifying.

*In upcoming studies, we will address further the gifts of the Holy Spirit.