Bible Question:
My question was, and is as follows; Can one have received the Holy (GHOST) and not know? I have yet to come to a conclusion based on scripture. I mean no offence to anyone but, I prefer a response from one who has experianced the utterance of toungs. I invite NO debate on toungs, the Holy Spirit, or anything other than the question presented herein. George |
Bible Answer: You ask: Can one have received the Holy (GHOST) and not know? This is a good question, but before it can be answered we need to know: What do you mean when you say "RECEIVED the Holy Ghost (Spirit)?" By "received" do you mean "baptized by", "filled with", "indwelt by", all of the above, none of the above? Because the Bible itself makes a distinction between "baptized by the Holy Spirit" and "filled with the Holy Spirit", we too must make a distinction between the two terms. Baptized and filled do not both mean the same thing. Filled is not just another way of saying baptized. 1 Cor 12:13 NASB For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. The Bible in 1 Cor 12:13 says: "By one Spirit we were all baptized." Notice that this verse, in contrast with Acts 2:4, DOES use both Spirit and baptized in one sentence. This is how we were initially placed into the body of Christ. It ocurred to each of us ONCE -- when we received Christ as Savior and were born again. Also note that in Acts 2:4, the text there does not say: "And they were all baptized with the Holy Spirit." It uses the word "filled". "And they were all FILLED (emphasis mine) with the Holy Spirit." Filled, not baptized. Not according to the plain text of the Scripture. So, each individual believer is baptized by the Holy Spirit (placed into the body of Christ) ONCE, when he is born again and first becomes a Christian. However, the filling with the Spirit is a repeated reality in the life of the believer. I.e., there is ONE BAPTISM, BUT MANY FILLINGS. The fullness of the Spirit affects all areas of life, not just speaking boldly. Also note the Bible teaches that ALL believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9). So again, before your question can be answered we need to know: What do you mean when you say "RECEIVED the Holy Ghost (Spirit)?" Grace to you, Radioman2 |