Bible Question:
Hi Searcher56, Whether the original languages were in all CAPS or all lower case, God would want us to know that even though there are many gods there is only one God. Isaiah 46:9, "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me." Surely, Searcher56 even you would take issue with some one who would put God in a lower case for John 1:1. 1) As far as "gift" is concerned, three or four Scriptures come to mind. These Scriptures deal with the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and they are difficult in that I do not know if they should be in lower case "holy spirit" or not. I still distinguish between the Giver and the gift. Are these gifts (holy spirit) or do they speak of the Person of the Holy Spirit? Hebrews 2:4, "God bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the (h)Holy (s)Sprit according to His own will." Acts 2:38, "and you shall receive the gift of the (h)Holy (s)Spirit." Acts 10:45, "...because the gift of the (h)Holy (s)Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also." Are these gifts of or from? Are they gifts of holy spirit or gifts from the Holy Spirit? 2) When people say that they have received the Gift or have received the Baptism of the Holy Spirt, are they saying that they have received the Person or His holy spirit? 3) I peronally distinguish between the Holy Spirit coming upon us and between being filled with holy spirit. John 4:10, "Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink', you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water." The question is: Do we know Him or "it" when we hear Him or "it"? Does He give the Spirit or the spirit without measure? Who or what does He pour out? Are we told not to quench the Spirit or the spirit? From the heart, Ray |
Bible Answer: The gift of the Holy Spirit is what we receive at salvation, as you have indicated above. Then there are the gifts He gives (1 Cor 12), so the church can function. |