Bible Question:
1. Is "infilling" the same as "indwelling"? I believe that when you are born again, the Holy Spirit regenerates you into a new creation and resides within you, (2 Cor 5:17). I do not believe in the "installment plan" like some do (maybe you, too?) that teaches one can be born again but not indwelt by God's Spirit. I DO believe that a believer can have his/her cup overflowing or can "quench" the Spirit, it just depends on that persons walk with the Lord. We are told to "flee" from all sorts of behavior that marked our past, and in so doing we are living Romans 12:1,2. Our witness and testimony will also bear witness of Jesus as Savior and Lord. But if we stubbornly cling to past sinful behavior, God will, as a loving Father, "chasten" us to remove the behavior from our lives, because He is "faithful to complete" the good work began in us. During these times, our fellowship with the Holy Spirit is severely limited, but our "indwelling" remains the same. 2. Can you please tell me scripture for your questions? I want to make sure I understand what you mean. As far as what the Holy Spirit does in my life: He convicts (John 16:8-11), He illuminates (John 16:12-15), HE teaches (John 16:12-15), He guides (Rom 8:14), He assures (Rom 8:16), He intercedes (Rom 8:26), He directs (Acts 20:22), and He warns (Acts 20:23), to name a few. Thank you for your input, but I am afraid e-mail is out of the question. I am married and am very careful about my affiliations with women in any setting. On an open forum like this it is ok. But thanks anyway. You can click on my moniker to see my testimony. May the Lord bless and keep you! |
Bible Answer: Hi 4given, Thank you for your response.. You said... "Is "infilling" the same as "indwelling"? I believe that when you are born again, the Holy Spirit regenerates you into a new creation and resides within you, (2 Cor 5:17). I do not believe in the "installment plan" like some do (maybe you, too?) that teaches one can be born again but not indwelt by God's Spirit." I believe indwelling defines the new birth regeneration. 1 Corinthians 3:16 I believe the 'infilling' is when one yields themselves to the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit as on Pentecost. Installment? No, we decide....He does not impose Himself, as you stated, we can quinch the Spirit. But the initial regeneration one is not automatically 'filled'. Below are two instances where scripture clearly indicates that the 'infilling' can be at teh time of regeneration OR later..thus this manifestation of the Holy Spirit IS a distinct dispensation that must be received by faith. Acts 10:43-48 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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. These were saved and filled before water baptism. Acts 8:12-17 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. These had received the Word, so they were saved but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Note verse 16 These had been baptized in the name of Jesus..and then the Holy Spirit fell upon them. Although these verses do not mention speaking in tongues, Simon's response indicates something was visible and astounding enough for him to want to buy the ability... The Holy Spirit comes in fullness when we believe, ask and receive by faith..and speaking in tongues is the manifestation of His fullness. You said... "2. Can you please tell me scripture for your questions?" My questions were for your testimony..You seemed to indicate that you were filled with the Holy Spirit while asleep...Or else you were filled prior to experience? It sounds like you were taught in such a way that this was a seamless transition for you. For many this would not be the case. Many are taught that this is not truth, many are taught one must somehow work their way to that point..I was taught about this infilling after becoming an adult, haveing been born again as a child...But the scriptures do seem to indicate that it is an 'event'distinct from the regeneration. God bless |