1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
1Co 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
According to scripture, there is a difference between a believer having the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit being released in power and fullness. Many fundamental churches today deny the baptism of the Holy Spirit by claiming that this experience is not for today. These are what many refer to as cessasionists because they claim the gifts have ceased. They claim that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for today and were only for the times of the original Apostles. This understanding is clearly faulty when we look at what the Bible really has to say on this matter. Cessationists use 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, to deny that these gifts are for today. Before we begin with the main topic of this blog, let's take a look at the verses that are used to disprove the gifts of the Holy Spirit being for today. Beginning with verse 1 of 1 Corinthians chapter 13, Paul states,
2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Even fundamental circles who deny the gifts of the Spirit for today, will admit that Paul is referring to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, two of which Paul mentions here as being the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy. From verse 8 we find the verses that cessationists use to twist the scripture regarding the ceasing of these gifts. Let's read them....
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
I want to add here that cessationists will claim Hebrews chapter 1 as the basis for not needing the gifts nor the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
The above verses do not imply that Jesus has now done away with the gifts of the holy Spirit nor the gifts of the Son (offices).
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Obviously, those who claim the gifts have ceased still readily receive pastors, evangelists, and teachers. Yet, they do not believe apostles and prophets are for today. I will add that verse 12 states that we will need these gifts of the Son for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. We will need them until we come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. This will not be until Jesus Christ literally comes back to set up his kingdom on earth.
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
The above verses do not imply that Jesus has now done away with the gifts of the holy Spirit nor the gifts of the Son (offices).
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Obviously, those who claim the gifts have ceased still readily receive pastors, evangelists, and teachers. Yet, they do not believe apostles and prophets are for today. I will add that verse 12 states that we will need these gifts of the Son for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. We will need them until we come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. This will not be until Jesus Christ literally comes back to set up his kingdom on earth.
I would now like to show the pattern revealed in scripture according to when Jesus walked among the disciples till the time after he ascended to the Father.
First let's go to the book of John chapter 3 and verse 3,
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
We see clearly that one cannot see the kingdom unless they are born again. Now let's look at verses 7 and 8. Beginning with 7,
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
We understand by these verses, one must be born again and Jesus is saying it happens like the wind. Let us now go to chapter 7 verses 37-39 beginning with verse 37,
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Jesus is speaking of the experience of receiving the Holy Spirit. In verse 39 it explains verses 37 and 38 by saying (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Jesus is speaking the truth of what will happen to a "believer" when he or she believes in him. Jesus is also prophesying here; he is speaking forth of what WILL happen to all true believers and what is going to happen to the disciples. In the same book let's go to chapter 20 verses 11-29,
11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my LORD, and I know not where they have laid him.14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the LORD, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the LORD. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
This text began with Jesus’ resurrection and Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene. In verse 17 he tells her not to touch him and that he is ascending to the Father. Then in verse 19 he appears to the disciples and says "peace be unto you." In verse 20 he then shows them his hands and side. This is important in verse 21 wherein he is commissioning them for he says, "as the Father has sent me so I send you!"' Now look again at verse 22, Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit!" It is here that they are born again as we will see by another group of verses in the book of Luke, where he is writing of this same time from his perspective. It is important for me to tell you right now before we go to Luke to look again at the previous text of JOHN 20. Look at verse 26 & 27. Jesus allows Thomas touch him. Remember back in verse 17 he wouldn't let Mary touch him? Why? Because Jesus hadn’t ascended to the Father to receive his glorified body yet (John 7:38). Then when he did ascend he allowed them to touch him. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ~ John 7:39 This is referring to Jesus' first ascension which is actually one of two. The second ascension was before Pentecost when he went away to the Father until the time to return again to earth at his second coming. Are you seeing this? It is very important to understand this. Take your time....... Look at the verses and let them soak in slowly....... And when you are ready let us go to the book of Luke chapter 24......
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. 36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (BORN-AGAIN!) 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the PROMISE of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be ENDUED WITH POWER from on high. 50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
In verse 45, he opened their understanding and they are "Born again." This is the same exact occasion that John wrote of back in John 20:22 when he said "Receive the Holy Spirit." When we are born again the eyes of our hearts (our spirits) are opened and we understand the Bible. This next part is important to all we have looked at so far........... Look at verse 49. He tells them to wait for the PROMISE OF THE FATHER which he will send. He also says they will be ENDUED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH. What is enduement from on high and what is the promise of the Father? Well let's go two books to the right and find out......
Acts 1:1-8, 1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY GHOST not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
In verse 4, it speaks of what Jesus told them to do and him commanding them to wait for the promise of the Father. Look at verse 5, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. But didn’t they just receive the Holy Spirit back in the book of John and also Luke when he breathed on them and opened their eyes to understand the scripture? Yes! but they weren’t filled yet! These scriptures show a pattern of the different types of experiences there are. Now look at verse 8, there it is.... Enduement from on high! And look it then says they will be witnesses, and receive power after that Holy Spirit has come upon them. The baptism in the Holy Spirit releases the power to be an effective witness.
In closing, let's now look at chapter 2 verses 1-4,
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
It is rather amusing as you read on to verses 11-13 because those in the upper room are speaking in their heavenly languages while the onlookers are hearing their own earthly language. Isn’t that wonderful? In verse 13, those witnessing the believers being filled are basically saying these fellows must be drunk. And the most comical part to me is in verse 15 when Peter says, "We’re not drunk as you suppose seeing it is the third hour of the day." In modern terms Peter is saying, look the bars are closed, so how could we be drunk with alcohol? Now look at verse 33,........ Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
Many in Pentecostal circles claim the initial evidence of being baptized (filled) with the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues (heavenly languages), in which I would partly agree as we see those in the upper room did. But it is interesting to understand that by the scriptures the primary purpose of being filled is to receive BOLDNESS to speak God's word. We can then conclude that the initial evidence of being endued with power from on high is to be an EFFECTIVE WITNESSES of JESUS CHRIST and his resurrection. God certainly does give the gift of speaking in tongues to believers. Paul said that he wished we all spoke in tongues but often this does not manifest in a believers life till sometime after he or she has received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul also tells us to covet the gifts of the Holy Spirit.You can read more about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 12 through 14. I have attempted to show that although the disciples had the Holy Spirit, He (The Spirit) had not come in fullness till the day of Pentecost. I have known many believers who have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit just like the pattern revealed in the scriptures. They were born-again but did not have the boldness to be a witness nor did they have any of the gifts operating in their life. My wife can testify to the fact that she was in fact born again but not filled with the Holy Spirit. It was not till after she received the baptism in the Holy Spirit that she spoke in tongues which many refer to as a personal prayer language. My own experience was different in the fact that I had received the baptism in the Holy Spirit but did not speak in tongues till quite some time after. God wants us to have his gifts and they not only edify ourselves but those around us. Many could argue at how this all comes about but let me just close in saying that God wants us to have these gifts for his glory. Pray and ask God if you are not sure that you have received the fullness of God's Spirit. Jesus said:
Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
See my other blog on why Spiritual gifts are Biblical, including the gift of prophecy and impartation by the laying on of hands.
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