The Promise of my Father...( a study of two Baptisms) pt.2

Since the early church, denominationalism has veered from the Sanctifying power of God and its evidence taught in the Holy Scripture. Unfortunately many denominations differ on the topic of Sanctification, Baptism, Holiness, Tongues, etc. Why? It usually comes down to a misunderstanding of the two baptisms performed by either Christ or the Holy Spirit; and of course water baptism which is performed by a priest or preacher through immersion, sprinkling, pouring, etc.

Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul at the crucifixion of self, and the purging of the Adamic nature. Sanctification deals with the believer that has the old Adam that still tries to rule. Sanctification purges the soul of man from the old man and thus takes possession of that heart and life and makes it totally right and holy in the sight of God. The power of God's Sanctification is not regeneration at the new birth as many seem to think. Sanctification comes after regeneration.

There are two baptisms under the Grace of God in the life of man that hears the Gospel. Neither baptism performed by God is a progressive work toward Salvation. Both are instantaneous operations of the Spirit upon or within the human soul: First is the baptism into the body performed by the Holy Spirit and subsequent to Salvation is the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire performed by Christ. The latter describes in more detail…the promise of the Father.

Old Testament Prophecy through the Gospel message was preached by the Apostles. Christ was magnified and the Promise of the Father fell: Joel 2:28, Psalms 16:8-10, Psalms 132:11, Psalms 110:1 As revival spread through the land, Christ was preached and the Holy Ghost continued to fall upon men even after the day of Pentecost. The power of the Spirit of God continues to fill men today, the same way as it did then. The office of the Apostles did not cease nor did tongues after the day of Pentecost. Christ and His body are the same today as in the first century.

The language of the Bible defines the promise of the Father and the Sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit in many different ways.

• Shed Forth…Acts 2:33…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.

• Fallen upon…Acts 8:15-17…Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost

• Poured out…Acts 10:44-46…While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God.

• Came on…Acts 19:2-6…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. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 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. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

The inner work from Christ’s baptism is the primary evidence of the Fathers promise. Heart purity is result of the Holy Spirit’s work that delivers man from the conflicts of life. The pure heart and the controlled life allow the Spirit of God to get man away from; 1… the helplessness of an inner conflict 2…the outer conflicts which consist of the burdens of the world. Heart purity helps man to be fully dependent on Christ…without distraction. Peter from experience on the day of Pentecost describes the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire as … heart purity.

• Acts 15:7-9…And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

The promise of the Father is the Sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost in the souls of men. As God calls men through the Gospel message the power and presence of the Holy Ghost should never be limited. The promise of the Father is the greatest evidence we have today…of a resurrected Lord.

• Acts 2:39…For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call

The Promise of my Father...(a study of two baptisms)

Before His ascension to heaven Christ declared He would send the promise of His Father. Within that promise was an enduement of power from a resurrected Lord that would come upon the Apostles and the entire family of believers that followed. Christ’s instruction to the Apostles was to tarry in Jerusalem until the promise of the Father came.

• Luke 24:49…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.

In the first chapter of Acts the enduement of power from the Promise of the Father was described by Christ himself. After His resurrection Christ walked among men and was seen of them for forty days. During this time frame Christ described how the promise of the Father was actually…a baptism.

• Acts 1:5…For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence

The Apostles all being Jewish had knowledge of the Old Testament records. Although vague in their understanding of prophetic truth the Apostles remembered the ministry of John the Baptist who also professed Jesus would become a Baptizer. John the Baptist made this statement:

• Matt 3:11…I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire

As promised by the Father and performed by Christ from heaven, the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire came upon the Apostles in the Upper Room. (Within that promise three distinct personalities of God can be seen...1.The Father 2.Christ 3.The Holy Ghost.) The promise of the Father deals specifically with the outpouring and sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost.

The prophetic description of a Spiritual outpouring is twofold in meaning. First…the Sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit that deals with the human soul; second…the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that deals with a restoration to the Kingdom in Israel. In relation to the second reason this is why the Apostles asked the following question before the day of Pentecost.

• Acts 1:6…Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Jesus clarified His answer by explaining first that the time had not yet come for the restoration to Israel. He further described how an inner power would come upon the Apostles to become witnesses for Him in a godless world.

• Acts 1:7-8…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 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.

The promise of the Father was an enduement of power upon believers...not unbelievers. Remember, the Apostles who believed in Christ had already received the new birth experience.

• John 14:17…Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

The above verse makes reference to the Apostles who believed and knew Christ. Note how Christ mentioned to these men that the Spirit “shall be in you”. This made reference to the Indwelling Spirit. The Indwelling Spirit came through a baptism which Christ Himself performed on and after the day of Pentecost. This part of the promise dealt specifically with the gift of the Holy Ghost that believers receive after they have experienced the new birth. Inside the gift is the Sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost that cleanses the human soul from the Old Man not dealt with at regeneration? The cleansing work which comes from Christ’s baptism deals with the inherited sinful nature of man… not the acts of sin which were forgiven at regeneration through the new birth.

Many people misunderstand the above part of Sanctification as it relates directly to baptism. Two baptisms are pertinent to Salvation and Sanctification through the work of the Holy Spirit. First is the baptism into the body of Christ performed by the Holy Spirit when a penitent sinner trusts in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Man is thus delivered by the Holy Spirit from the bondage of sin. This initial baptism offers the experience of a new birth. It baptizes man into the name of Jesus Christ. The new birth is the Spirit’s directive in a new life centered on Christ however; a conflict has arisen between the old carnal nature and the new divine nature. The Holy Spirits baptism into the body of Christ keeps the believer conscious to right and holy living. This baptism is relevant to Salvation yet has no reference to water baptism. It is an initial baptism of the Holy Spirit that puts a man into Salvation…by faith in Christ alone, for the forgiveness of sins.

• Mark 16:16…He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved

• 1 Cor 12:13…For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body

The purpose of the subsequent baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals with the conflicting nature within a believer. This baptism is the promise of the Father performed by Christ not only on the day Pentecost but now, presently in the Church Age we live in. Fifty days after Christ’s resurrection when Pentecost was fully come the dispensation of the Holy Spirit formed the body of Christ. Prior to Pentecost the Holy Spirit had not yet been given because Christ had not yet been glorified.

• John 7:39…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.

On the day of Pentecost the promise of the Father came upon men as they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues.

• Acts 2:4…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

When man is filled with the indwelling Spirit indwelling sin must be removed. The mind, will, and intellect can then be controlled by the Spirit of God without a conflict. A filling of the Holy Spirit takes place when man empties himself from all that he is. (Self is crucified as the Holy Spirit reveals Calvary to the heart of a believer.) The inner make-up of a believer is purged from all the dross of a carnal nature that conflicts with the Divine. The evidence of the Sanctifying power of the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is two-fold.

• The first evidence is a crucified life where the Spirit of God destroys the body of sin and takes away the inner conflict of a believer. A totally surrendered life of holiness with subjection to Christ is the result.

• The second evidence is speaking in tongues where the entire anatomy of man is controlled by the Spirit of God through a believer’s subjection to Christ.

Why they called him, "Holy Hubert"

On the audio player found on the link below if you scroll down to the audio titled, "The baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire"...you find a testimony for Christ given by Brother Lindsey. This testimony was about the turning point in Brother Lindsey's life and ministry that stemmed from the experience of entire sanctification through the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

Brother Lindsey was a Baptist for 35 years but when the Holy Spirit came upon him in that little Methodist Church...his heart, life, and ministry for Christ was changed forever. The heart and life of holiness that came from that baptism that night led Brother Lindsey into a conviction that swayed and rocked the world for the remainder of his years in the ministry. Holy Hubert found out His "whole" theology was also changed that night...as God showed him he could be delivered from the Adamic life. This was contrary to the Baptist Theology! Everything he knew and taught for 35 years went down the drain when Christ "filled" him. Hubert Lindsey realized where he missed it after 35 years! He openly confessed and admitted to God he was wrong! He became dust at the Savior's feet. Christ "Baptized" him that night and revolutionized his ministry for the duration of his years on planet earth! That's only another reason why they called him , "Holy Hubert". By the Grace of God this writers hopes to publicize "all" of Holy Hubert's timeless teachings on the truth about holiness and pure Christian living in 2009. God bless and much more to come...

Hope you enjoy "The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire" audio in the player below.

Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (pt.3)...by Rick Roehm

7. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a renewal; not a progressive work

            In every instance and every record of the Bible the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire came upon the believer…instantaneously. Just like the new birth! The Greek text teaches the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire comes upon the believer instantaneously …at one stroke from the hand of God. Renewal from the Holy Ghost is not to be taken as a progressive work of sanctification. Renewing from the Holy Ghost takes place when the believer “puts off” the Old Man. This renewal from God “destroys” the body of sin. Renewal from the Holy Ghost allows the believer to “put on” the new man created in true righteousness and holiness. Renewal is the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that purges man from all the dross of the old man. Note! The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians is addressing, “the saints and those faithful in Christ”. (Ephesians 1:1) As taught by the Apostle, the putting off of the Old Man and putting on of the new man deals specifically with the saint! Not the sinner!

·          Eph 4:22-24…That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

            There is no set time frame between the actual new birth experience and the actual Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Between both actual experiences a believer must “put off” the Old Man which simply means “die to the flesh”. Death to the Old Man opens the door for the New Man to come in. Then renewal through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost can take place at one stroke. Renewal is the final work of the Holy Ghost in this life. Renewal takes place after the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire rids the believer from the Adamic nature.

            Renewal through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is when the believer “puts on” the new man. This new man is dead to self and; the Adamic nature has been destroyed. The new man in total subjection to Christ is created through the work of the Holy Ghost in true righteousness and holiness. The new man is delivered completely from the Adamic life and nature. There is no war within his members. There is no conflict or inner struggle from the Adamic. A renewed man trusts in Christ for every situation and circumstance in life. A renewed man is a witness for the Lord as the Spirits witness takes full possession that heart and life. 

·          Rom 8:15-16…but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

            Renewal is not a progressive work of the Holy Ghost; it comes instantaneously. Renewal takes place after sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is completely received into the body, soul, and spirit.

·          1 Thess 5:23…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A believer is renewed after he dies to self and receives the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Two Divine acts pertaining to full Salvation are taught in the Bible:

      First is God’s Justification, which permits the Spirits regeneration in the new birth.  Justification is a pardon from God that frees man from all past sinful acts committed. Justification provides the penitent with a freedom from guilt and the forgiveness of sins. Justification by Grace allows the instantaneous work of the Holy Ghost to regenerate the human soul. Justification gives any believer the eligibility to be entirely sanctified.

      Second is Sanctification, where the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire cleanses a justified man from the Adamic nature. Justification is only the believer’s path to Entire Sanctification. After the believer has experienced both Justification and Entire Sanctification, he is renewed by the Holy Ghost. Renewal takes place after a believer experiences the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.

·          Titus 3:5…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

 

8. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire: The final work of the Spirit of God in the life of a believer

 

            The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the final and completed work of the Spirit of God in the heart of a believer. Contrary to certain doctrines that teach progressive sanctification, this final work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is received in this present life.  A recipient of this blessing will no longer be conformed to the world.  A recipient will prove this experience is good, acceptable, and the perfect will of God… in word, lifestyle, and action. Like this writer’s testimony for Christ, the recipient of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire will also testify this experience is the same today as it was on the day of Pentecost.

·          Rom 12:2…And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

            The work of the Holy Ghost should never be limited in our minds. The work of the Holy Ghost begins in the heart of a sinner at conviction. The work of the Holy Ghost seals the believer into the Body of Christ “when” he first believes. These various works of the Holy Ghost are initial yet complete works that include Sanctification in the heart and life of man.  However; Sanctification from the Adamic life which comes upon the believer is the final work of the Holy Ghost and fire. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire which is the completed work of Sanctification was purposed by God so that believers could experience the fullness of Salvation. Granted, the new birth is the sinner’s initiation into the Body of Christ but we must never fail to remember the inner struggle that exists. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire gives that believer assurance that keeps him from falling prey to that very inner struggle of the flesh. The final work of the Sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost delivers a believer from the very source of that struggle which is the old Adam. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire provides the believer with everything needed to be an over comer to the old nature of the flesh. Spirit filled men are over comers. Over comers make excellent witnesses for the Lord! The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire; the final work of the Holy Ghost, is the entire sanctifying work of Salvation that all believers can experience after they are born from above.

9. Manner in which the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was experienced by this writer

            Since the beginning of this writer’s salvation my understanding has been enlarged concerning the sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost. I remember vividly how this heart cried out to God for years asking, “Why… why do I need the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire?” There were so many persuasions I was confused. Certain crowds tried to sway my stance in one direction and other crowds tried to sway my stance in another direction. Confirmation came…straight from God and the Holy Scriptures. Enlightenment came… through study and right division of Gods Word. Truth came to my heart… through subjection to an Enthroned Christ who Baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire (like on the day of Pentecost). God allowed this writer to understand “the purpose” of the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire which is simply sanctification from the negative side of life. God answered questions concerning “How”, “When”, and “Why” the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The opinions of men no longer confused my relationship with the living Christ.

 

10. Contentment in Christ: The fruit of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            The intent of this discourse is to enlighten the reader to the purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire and; the fruit it produces in the life of the believer. The theme of this discourse is focused on the victorious heart and life of a believer in Christ… not the sinner. The blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the believer’s complete deliverance from the Adamic nature. The fruit of that entirely sanctified heart and life is contentment in Christ that can be found nowhere else in life. Contentment in Christ confirms the truth of New Testament records concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. As any believer will learn through diligent study the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire cannot be found through erroneous doctrines. Why? Contentment cannot be found when there’s an inner struggle with the Holy Spirits presence, or an outer conflict with the problems of life. When the struggles of life and conflicts from man are taken away by a living Christ, the contentment of a Christian becomes the fruit of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. That’s why Paul told Timothy, Godliness mixed with contentment offers great gain.

·          1 Tim 6:5…But godliness with contentment is great gain 

Conclusion 

                Having a true heart to both man and God is the final result of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. As Hubert Lindsey (a recipient and teacher of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire after being a Baptist for 35 years) once told me, “A true heart is never troubled”. With all respect to Hubert as a minister of God’s Word I pondered that statement for years and concluded…that both the true heart and the ability to never be troubled in any situation or circumstance was a gift from God that only comes through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Why?  A true heart that’s never troubled proves a man trusts in Christ for everything.  A true heart is the product of a sanctified man who lives in holiness and right standing with God.  A sanctified man has no conflict within himself. A sanctified man has full acknowledgement of power of the Indwelling Spirit in his heart and life. Any believer who experiences a true heart that’s never troubled is an actual product of the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.  By the Grace of God that keeps the Holy Spirit present in our lives…this writer can testify to the blessing of such experience.

 

Rick Roehm

August 8, 2007

r.roehm@fuse.net