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NASB | John 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 20:22 And when He said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. [Acts 1:8; 2:1-3] |
Subject: Retain or forgive sins? |
Bible Note: Dear Tam: A study of how the Holy Spirit and His relationship with Old Testament Saints will give insight on this question. We know that the Holy Spirit came upon those in the Old Testament and it was for the purpose: to commission them for service. We know in the Old Testament the Holy Spirit could also leave a person. This is the difference. In the New Testament, under the new covenant, the Holy Spirit indwells believers permanently. Concerning Christ and the apostles: This breathing on them the Holy Spirit was to enable them to do Christ's work, a commissioning. It was temporary and was of the same type that was bestowed on the Old Testament saints. The Holy Spirit could come upon the person but it could also leave. Now as we see in Acts where Christ told them to go and wait for the Holy Spirit this was after His death, burial and resurrection. He told them to go and wait until He poured out His Holy Spirit which would enable them, commission them. This time though it was a permanent sealing. Remember in David's confession, repentance He asked the Lord not to take His Holy Spirit from him. Remember Saul, the Holy Spirit left him. It is fascinating reading to read the people used of God in the Old Testament and how the Holy Spirit came upon them. It was a commission for service. Check it out. Absolutely beautiful. The second part of your question is about the word Petra. The study of this word will show that Peter was a little stone. Christ was the boulder. We are little stones too. I love that picture. Blessings Val |