Hitchin Christian Centre

Q: Why is the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of Truth and does every Christian get filled with the Spirit in the way that happened to the Apostles in Acts?

A: Hi and thanks for the questions – these are often asked by Christians, which shows how much confusion sometimes the Church contributes to. Anyway, here’s my take.

1. Why is the Holy Spirit called “The Spirit of Truth?” (John 15:26).

I believe the main reason is that He guides us into the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said, “But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come” (John 16:13). He always points us to Christ. “He shall glorify me; for He shall take of mine, and shall disclose it to you! (John 16:14,15).

The Holy Spirit never glorifies Himself. The Spirit is essentially self-effacing. He not seek His own glory. He will only glorify Christ, and God the Father. Any movement that glorifies the Spirit instead of Christ is alien to the teachings of Jesus about the Spirit. He is the revealer of Jesus. He is the alter ego of Jesus.

He will bear true witness of Christ to the believer. The context is discipleship. His primary work is in the life of the believer. He will enable us to bear witness to Christ. The result of our abiding in Christ will be obvious. Jesus said, “You will bear witness also, because you have seen me from the beginning” (John 15:27).

2. Does every believer get filled with the Spirit in the same way that it happened to the Apostles in Acts?

• If you mean – tongues of fire, mighty rushing wind, et cetera – I haven’t heard of any experience since then where those signs were repeated. However, the gift of speaking in tongues is repeated several times later in the New Testament. One such event took place in Acts 19:1-6, revealing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate gift from salvation! When someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit seems to transfer from being with the believers, to being in the believer. So, someone can know the influence of the Holy Spirit without being baptized in the Holy Spirit! I suppose the Old Testament saints had that kind of relationship with the Holy Spirit without being filled. So, what a precious gift this is that is offered to us who are in the new covenant (John 14:16,17). The Holy Spirit will be in us forever. He is our source of communication from God, and our unity with Him for eternity.
• I am totally convinced that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for now and it is for all that want a closer walk with God. (Acts 2:38,39)
• To be Baptized in the Holy Spirit just ask for this gift from God the Father in the name of Jesus. (Luke 11:13) Jesus is the one who Baptizes in the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist taught this (Mark 1:8)
• Always seek the giver more than the gifts, although the Holy Spirit is a gift in which we receive the gift and the giver (John 16:13-15).
• In the Book of Acts people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through prayer and waiting on God, through the laying on of hands, and by even listening to the Word and receiving it. (Acts 10:44-47)
• The most important attitude for being filled with the Holy Spirit is the desire for more of God in you (Matthew 5:3). The word “poor” means to be spiritual beggar. The poor in Spirit recognize their need for more of God; they hunger and thirst for Him, more than they do for food and water (Isaiah 44:3; Acts 2:38,39).

I trust this helps you a little more in your Christian journey. You are obviously seeking – I believe God is waiting to empower you just as He did His early Church. Come believing and receive God’s gift of the Baptism in His Holy Spirit.

Blessings,

Tony  

This is a response to a question posted on our "Ask the pastor" page. To submit your own question, go to here.

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