The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (pt.2)...by Rick Roehm

4. Biblical proof the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire continued after Pentecost

            Records from the book of Acts prove manifestations of the Holy Ghost continued for years after Pentecost. Different Biblical terms yet the same action of the Spirit of God provide much clarification on the subject of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. Notice the language concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost which occurred at different points of time.

·          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.

5. Twofold evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire: Inner and Outer

            There are two evidences shown in the New Testament concerning the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. These are the … inner and outer evidences. Both evidences prove the work of the Holy Ghost in the entire anatomy of the child of God. Both evidences which are Biblically documented offer proof that believers can experience this same sanctifying work of Holy Ghost in their hearts and lives today. Both evidences are Biblical truth that did not stop at the early Church like many believe and teach today. There are no Biblical records that state the gifts of the Holy Ghost stopped at the Early Church however; there are many records that state these gifts continued after Pentecost. 

                Lack of recognition of the Holy Spirits presence; and erroneous teachings have caused many to be hindered from; or to miss the truth and full blessing of the sanctifying power that comes through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

            The inner evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a heart full of love and obedience toward God. Love for God and love for humanity comes when selfishness is purged from the heart and life of a believer. A Salvation without wavering in holiness and right standing with God comes when the Old man is taken out of the picture. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost reduces the hearts of men to humility for Christ… after self-centeredness is removed. When the heart of a believer is purified from all the dross of the body of sin (not dealt with in the new birth), the Indwelling Spirit takes over. Inner evidence from the purifying work of the Spirit is to be holy and without blame before Him in love. A man filled with the Holy Ghost will have no struggle with the problems of life; he will trust Christ for everything. The conflict within a believer’s members is taken away like his sins were forgiven when he first accepted Christ. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is another experience of Salvation that takes place in the life of a believer, after the new birth.  The inner evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a life of peace and contentment that rules the heart of a believer. Victory over sin and the flesh is real life experience that offers such contentment. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost and fire in perfect love for humanity is the fullness of Salvation taught in all New Testament writings.

            The outer evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is speaking in an unknown tongue. There are two reasons why speaking in unknown tongue is for today and did not stop at the Early Church.

      First, in the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, God takes full possession of the believer spirit, soul and body (the entire anatomy of man). The tongue can be controlled by the Spirit of God because the heart of the believer is controlled by the Spirit of God. Men that are filled with the Holy Ghost are dead to the Old man and governed by the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has full sway of man’s total being, tongue included. Holy men of God speak in tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.

·          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.

      Second, numerous records in the New Testament prove that when the experience of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost was received, recipients spoke in unknown tongue. The Bible teaches that unknown tongues continued nineteen years after Pentecost. The Bible teaches the Apostle Paul spoke in unknown tongue. Nowhere does the Bible teach these gifts stopped at the Early Church as many try to teach!

·          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.

·          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

·          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.

·          1 Cor 14:2-4…For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.  But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.  He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

 

6. The necessity of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            In the plan of God through redemption, Salvation of the soul in the new birth is perhaps one of the greatest miracles that come’s from the Throne of Christ. Even greater is the purifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that is granted from Christ to the heart and life of a believer.  The beauty of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a full Salvation that provides everything man needs to have victory over sin, self, and lusts of the flesh. Temptation doesn’t have the same affect on a man baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire. The inner conflict between self and the Holy Ghost is taken away by the power of this Baptism. The peace of God “rules” this heart and life every minute, every hour, and every day. A contented life in Christ without the inner conflict and without an entanglement to the problems of life is just another blessing that comes from this Baptism.

            It’s understood that all have not experienced the blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, “but they can”.  It’s understood that many miss the full blessing of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost because of shallow understanding of the Spirit’s presence or wrong teaching; but the God’s door is still open for them to walk through. Some people take the position that a child of God can never have full Salvation in this life (that Sanctification is future tense work of the Holy Ghost finished when the soul goes to Heaven). The Holy Ghost can show them otherwise. The doctrine of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is a present tense truth and New Testament experience.

            During Christ’s earthly ministry Peter had a revelation of Christ’s Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Why? Peter had a divine nature. Peter however; didn’t understand that Christ had to suffer, die, and would rise from the grave. After the death of Christ Peter was baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire at Pentecost and his understanding was changed. Peter’s entire character was changed by the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that he received at Pentecost. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was received by Peter fifty days after Christ’s death on the cross. Peter had believed in the Messiahship of Christ for years prior, however; he had not yet experienced the Baptism with the Holy Ghost. After the death of Christ the Holy Ghost inspired Peter to write two Epistles. The fullness of Gods Salvation came after Peter was “filled” with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.  Jesus predicted the work of the Indwelling Spirit when He told the disciples prior to His death that the Spirit of truth shall be “in” you. Shall be in you was a promise stated by Christ.

·          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 Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is a necessary experience for the child of God. It makes every believers witness true to both, God and man.  It purges a believer from doubt and uncertainty. It gives men strength to overcome and remain faithful to Christ every minute of there existence. It keeps men from wavering in and out of faith. It’s more than the new birth. Why? There’s no struggle on the outside or war from within to oppose the Spirits presence. It’s the final work of the Holy Ghost in the heart of believer. It can be received on this side of Heaven. The Hebrew letter describes this final work of the Holy Ghost as the… spirits of just men made perfect (Perfection in this verse deals with the present tense work of sanctification…not future tense as some people teach).

·          Heb 12:23…To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (pt.1)...by Rick Roehm

The Holy Ghost is the third person of God, in the Divine Trinity. The work of Holy Ghost in the Godhead reveals the sin of man, his rejection of Christ, and doubt to the human conscience. How? By stirring the conscience and showing man what he really is in the presence of Christ. Sanctification through the Spirit is the will of God for all men. The initial work of the Holy Ghost is conviction and repentance for the sinner.  This ministry of the Holy Ghost turns the penitent from sin to Christ, for salvation of the human soul. The sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost relates to the child of God (after Salvation) where the believer’s heart is purged from the inherited Adamic nature. The final work of the Spirit (in this life) through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire will be the central focus of this discourse. Its content will describe how, when, and why this Baptism performed by Christ deals with a part of a believer not dealt with at the new birth.

1. All believers need the sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            Reason: The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a Christian, not the sinner. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost has nothing to do with initial Salvation in the new birth where the believer receives a new nature. This Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is another Christian experience that comes after the new birth. The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is God’s deliverance from the Adamic nature.

            Through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross the miracle of Salvation of the human soul is granted to those who “trust in Christ’s death for the forgiveness of sins”. Within that miracle is a new birth where that believer receives a divine nature. The divine nature allows the believer to live a holy life in the sight of God and the new nature takes over. Greater is He…

                There is no struggle to do right in a believer’s life; however when there is a lack of recognition to this power, self still tries to rule the mind, soul, and body. This inner conflict wars against the power and will of the Holy Spirit’s directive. Why? The Adamic life and memories of it still exist in the life of a believer and thus tries to rule the mind, soul, and body even though a new nature was given by the power of the Holy Spirit in the new birth. 

            The miracle of the new birth is an instantaneous work of the Holy Ghost in the soul of a penitent sinner. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire likewise is an instantaneous work however; this operation of the Holy Ghost deals with the believer instead of the sinner. Unlike the new birth received by the sinner, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals specifically those who know Christ. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire allows God to deal with a part of this believer not dealt with at the new birth.  What is not dealt with in the new birth? The old life man experienced! That old life was forgiven in the new birth and all past guilt was taken away. But memories of man’s fallen nature still try to be recognized. The only way a believer can get rid of this old life is through crucifixion of the old life and the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire that destroys that part of man, entirely.  

                The Adamic nature which once ruled the sinner does not rule those who trust in Calvary for the forgiveness of sins.  The memories of an old nature are still there but these have been overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence. The Adamic life continues to war against the believers consciousness to the Holy Spirit’s presence. This requires the great need for a believer to get rid of the inner conflict not dealt with at the new birth.

            The sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire” came upon” believers, not sinners on the day of Pentecost. This Baptism by Christ was an instantaneous work at one stroke at the hand of the Holy Ghost and not a progressive work as some profess.  Why do Christians need the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire? It’s a more complete work of the Spirit for the believer. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence that delivers and sanctifies believers in Christ completely from the Adamic life. This sanctifying power a spiritual baptism by Christ in the heart of a believer makes Christian’s better witnesses for the Lord Jesus Christ.

·          Acts 1:8…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 Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

            The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire has no relationship to Water Baptism in any manner. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire deals primarily with an inner conflict from the Adamic life that hinders the believer from having all the Spirit of God has to offer in Salvation. This purifying work of the Holy Ghost that removes the believer’s conflict with the Spirit… is the predestinated will of God for all believers. It’s the fullness of God to some however; vague to others due to lack of recognition of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives; or vague because of erroneous indoctrination.

                After the new birth, a believer’s conscience desires to become totally subject to the presence of Christ. The conscience of a believer desires to be without sin or an inner conflict with self. The presence of the Holy Ghost allows a believer to constantly see himself in light of a Savior. In this believer’s relationship with the Savior, the Holy Ghost reveals the need for death to the Old life. This cutting away of all that a believer is points to the work of the Holy Ghost dealing with the negative part of that believer. When the believer actually dies to all that he is and puts off the Old man, the power of the Indwelling Spirit (through Baptism) destroys indwelling sin. The body of sin is no longer in conflict with the old life; it’s destroyed through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

·          Rom 6:4-6…Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

 

2. Conditions to receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

            This discourse was written to highlight the power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. It’s important to understand the Sanctifying work of the Holy Ghost is not limited in power. Regeneration deals with the sinner. Sanctification deals with the saint. The sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire takes the believer away from a self life and thus makes him totally subject to Christ. How? The presence of the Holy Ghost reveals Christ’s suffering and death to the heart of a believer. In contrast Christ’s death and suffering shows the believer the need to die to the Old life. Through the believer’s recognition of Christ as Savior helplessness and nothingness from the Old man is likewise revealed. “Death (burying the old life) becomes the believer’s path to receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire”.

            Believer’s need deliverance from an inner conflict as the presence of the Holy Ghost makes Christ known to that heart. Unlike the sinner who doesn’t know Christ, a believer continuously sees himself in the presence of the Holy Ghost. What is revealed? A believer in light of Christ sees a need to die, and to get away from the selfishness caused from the old life. Through the work of the Holy Ghost a believer has a God given desire to put off the former lifestyle.

·          Eph 4:22…That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts

           Without Christ a believer has no strength of his own to overcome the old life. A believer is powerless to such struggle that tries to rule the mind, soul, and body. A believer knows his sins were forgiven at the cross. A believer knows he received a new nature when he turned to Christ for forgiveness. Enlightenment from the presence of the Holy Ghost allows this believer to realize only God can purge his heart from a still existing struggle with the old life. Without death to the Old there can be no renewal from the Holy Ghost. Deliverance from that struggle is the reason for the blessed experience of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Only those that know Christ through the presence of the Holy Ghost can experience this completed work of God termed as Sanctification.

            Ponder the lives of Peter, John, and James. Did you notice they did not receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire when they first believed? The Bible doesn’t teach that man receives the Baptism with the Holy Ghost in the new birth. Why? The unbeliever doesn’t acknowledge the presence of the Holy Ghost until after his sins are forgiven. Then after Salvation, the believer’s recognition of Christ allows the presence of the Holy Ghost to reveal and rid man of the selfish part that was not dealt with in the new birth. Crucifixion revealed through the presence of the Holy Ghost is a path to the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. After the old man is put off, the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is performed by Christ …at one stroke.

·          Col 3:9…seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

·          Matt 3:11…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: 

            The presence of Holy Ghost shows the sinner his need to get away from old life and all old associations; likewise the presence of the Holy Ghost shows the believer his need to get away from everything pertaining to the old ways. Remember, the presence of the Holy Ghost reveals the negative side of man to the saint. When the believer totally surrenders to Christ, he will bury the old life. Then at one stroke from the hand of God the believer will “put on” the new man. The new man is created through the purifying operation of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

·          Col 2:12… Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God 

·          Col 3:10…And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

            The Bible does teach various modes of Baptism however; the intent of this discourse is to magnify Christ as the one who baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire received at Pentecost was not the works of man nor was it performed through water Baptism. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire comes from the Throneroom where a believer’s faith in Christ should remain every minute, every hour, and every day…without wavering. As promised by the Father Christ baptizes with the Holy Ghost and fire.

·          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.

·          Acts 1:4-5…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.  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

·          Matt 3:11…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:

3. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire began on the day of Pentecost

            The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was promised by the Father and has been ministered under Grace since the day of Pentecost. The power and presence of the Spirit of Truth was taught by the Lord Jesus himself before His ascension to Heaven. God’s plan (through the Divine Trinity) understood man’s need to overcome sin and struggles caused from the flesh. The omnipresence of Holy Ghost under the Grace dispensation we now live in provides every believer with such power of deliverance. Christ knew the fullness of the Spirit would come through His body, the Church. Christ knew the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire was an enduement of power that would produce fruit in the heart and life of every believer from Pentecost until the Rapture of the Church.

·          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.

God’s preparation for the Rapture of the Church...The inner work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer

• The Holy Spirit reproves the hearts of sinful men and leads them to repentance. John 16:8-9...And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me;

• After repentance the Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ.1 Cor 12:13... For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

• A believer is thus sealed with the Holy Spirit...Eph 1:13...In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

• A member of the body of Christ is regenerated by the Spirit of God through the new birth. 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;

• The Holy Spirit testifies and reveals Christ to the hearts of members of the body of Christ...John 15:26...But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

• The Holy Spirit shows members of the body of Christ how to get rid of the Adamic nature that still tries to rule their lives...Rom 6:6...that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

• In the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire…The Holy Spirit purifies the heart of the believer from the Adamic life and nature that still tries to rule...Acts 15:8-9...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.

• After the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is experienced, members of the body of Christ are…renewed by the Spirit. Rom 12:1-2...that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.

• All believers patiently await the Rapture of the Church. 1 Thess 4:13-17...But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

• The Church (universal) in the Rapture is a Church that is holy, and without spot or blemish...Eph 5:27...That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The ministry and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit

From the beginning of this writers Salvation, the subject of "Sanctification" had always attracted my attention. I knew from the beginning of a personal relationship with Christ that God had placed a call on my life. After the new birth experience was found I always realized, "I wanted to do right in the eyes of God". For years I tossed with various doctrinal views about sanctification from books and commentators...but was never completely settled on which particular view was the right way.

Hubert Lindsey's impact on my life swayed my personal position on the holy heart and holy living in Christ. Why? Hubert preached against sin and disobedience to God. He preached right and holy living exactly like the Bible teaches! Nobody was teaching this stuff! I could clearly see the same thing in the Word of God! The holy heart and life given from God compelled this writer to study the Bible more closely. Hubert's preaching basically prompted me to STUDY MORE! Personal study was helping me to sort out commentators views and opinions that had stumped me on sanctification in the past. Personal Bible study (prompted by Brother Lindsey) revealed to this writer's heart the actual truth of God's Word concerning the holy heart. The Holy Spirit thus"confirmed the truth of the Scriptures" through this writer's sanctified life in Christ. That's the reason why I write this Blog! That's the reason why I preach the Gospel today! That's the reason the Spirit "urged" me to build the Church that we named the "Upper Room".

The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit put a witness in this writers heart...may it minister truth for Christ. Here's the nice Christian Blog for Friday March 06, 2009... May the contents of this Blog for Christ bless others as much as it has this writer.

Christ ministers to both saved and unsaved souls through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Through infinite love and mercy the Father draws men to salvation of the soul through conviction, repentance, and faith in the death of a Savior for personal forgiveness from sin. All these come from hearing, learning, and accepting the Gospel message that Christ commanded us to preach. Since the original sin in the Garden of Eden man has remained unholy from birth and polluted with an Adamic nature.  The Bible teaches the will and desire of every human being born is to do wrong in the sight of God. The ministry and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is God’s method of restoring humanity back to a God-given state of righteousness.

The first work of the Holy Spirit through conviction affects the will, conscience, and desire of man by revealing the sinful and unholy heart. Man’s need for a Savior’s love is made known to the penitent as the Holy Spirit testifies the person of Christ to the human soul. Through conviction from the Holy Spirit and guilt from the human conscience, condemnation from sin is revealed and placed heavy upon mans inner being. The Holy Spirit places a desire in that heart of man to quit wrong doing.  Conviction is the ministry of the Holy Spirit that affects the human soul and leads a sinful man to repentance.

Repentance is the process of an unbeliever changing his mind after the ministry of the Holy Spirit’s conviction sways the human will to change or brokenness. God’s goodness leads men to repentance as the Holy Spirit reveals man’s need for a Savior’s mercy and forgiveness. When man recognizes Christ and sees himself as he really is, the presence of the Holy Spirit makes man sorrowful for a wrongful past and his unholiness of heart. This man will no longer want to continue in sin and unrighteousness. Man thus turns away from sin and cries out to God for help.  The process of repentance through the work of the Holy Spirit is a sinful mans action of turning away from sin and disobedience to a life of obedience and trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance is simply a change of mind.

Trusting in the death of Christ for personal forgiveness of sins allows God to give man a new heart which begins the new life in Christ. This new creation in Christ comes through the Spirit’s work of regeneration in the human soul.  Regeneration is a re-created mind, will, and conscience produced by God’s Grace in the new birth. The inner make-up of man is morally restored with a divine nature like Adam had before the fall.  Through the Holy Spirit’s power of regeneration a sinful man is converted into a child of God and thus receives a God-given divine nature. In this new birth man’s sins are not only forgiven but also a new desire from the Holy Spirit is given to the believer in Christ… to forsake sin.

The Holy Spirit testifies Christ and confirms the truth of God’s Word.  This revelation does not come from flesh and blood it comes straight from the Throne of God. After regeneration the work of the Holy Spirit continues making Christ known to the heart of a believer through divine revelation. This witness from the Spirit not only reveals Christ but also strengthens the believer inwardly. Regeneration from the Holy Spirit leads the believer in Christ to sanctification. Sanctification allows the Spirit of God to cut the believer away from the old man and the old life of self consisting of bad habits, selfish desires, selfish affections, etc. that still exists. An inner conflict which began through the power of the new birth arises between mans inherited carnal nature and the newly given divine nature. The power of the Holy Spirit’s witness exposes the conflict caused from the Old Man that still tries to rule. This exposure in light of the death of Christ on the cross reveals the crucifixion of self.  Crucifixion of self is brought more to a believer’s attention by the Spirit of God. Crucifixion of self is an actual death to the Old Man. This crucifixion of self is experienced in the life of a believer by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible states, “The body of sin might be destroyed”. Romans 6:6

Sanctification through the Spirit reaches to the deepest need found in the heart of a believer. This need is the crucifixion of self that gets in the way of God. The ministry of the Holy Spirit leads the believer in Christ to the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying power that’s found in the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Sanctification through the Spirit is a work that enables the Spirit of God to sever a believer away from a selfish life of I, me, and mine that exists… to the complete crucifixion (death) of the Old Man. After Sanctification through the Spirit cuts man away from all the conflicts in life God also can preserve and fortify this faithful man in Christ.  This operation in the life of a believer is the “fullness” of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and comes after regeneration and after the crucifixion of self where the body of sin, the Adamic nature is destroyed. Yes, a believer can be completely rid of the Old Man. God said so!

        
Indwelling sin is destroyed as the indwelling Holy Spirit takes full possession of mans total being.  This final work of the Holy Spirit is called, “Entire Sanctification”. It’s proven in New Testament records through the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire and follows the regenerating work of the new birth.  Two complete experiences through the ministry and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.  Both experiences take place at separate times. Regeneration is the experience of a sinner and takes place when forgiveness of sins is received. Sanctification is the experience of the believer and takes place when the Old Man is crucified.

Unlike the new convert at regeneration where the conflicting Adamic nature still tries to rule, the entirely sanctified believer is completely delivered from the carnal nature and relieved from the bondage caused from all struggles in life… both inner* and outer*. This completed work of Sanctification allows the Holy Spirit to have full sway of the believer’s entire being and character. After the inward work of the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is experienced, a believer’s life is renewed in the Spirit.  Holiness of heart and full trust in Christ for everything in life without an inner or outer struggle is proof of this renewal.

*Inner Struggle…conflict between the new nature and the Adamic life…after the new birth

*Outer Struggle…conflict with the problems of life that man can’t control

Unfortunately for many, the fullness of the work of the Holy Spirit is missed and never experienced until late stages of the Christian life or even after death to the physical body.  When the blessing of Entire sanctification is however; experienced and walked out for a long period of time on this side of heaven it offers: an unimaginable life that provides victory over sin; gives a sense of contentment the world can never offer; and provides a full assurance to an eternal inheritance that awaits every child of God in heaven. There is no struggle when God has your complete trust and dependency on Him for everything in life. There is a contentment found in this experience that can be found in no other place in life on this side of Heaven. It’s Full Salvation that offers the full blessing of deliverance. It’s not just being saved it’s being completely dependent on God without the Old man trying to dictate your life.

This writer does not have all the Biblical answers for all of our encounters in life. I know the new birth is taught in the Bible. I know the baptism with the Holy Ghost is taught in the Bible. Both operations regeneration and Sanctification have their distinct purpose. This discourse on the ministry and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit was written only to build up ones personal faith in Christ who regenerates and sanctifies. This document is intended only to encourage men to learn more about the truth of the Bible.  This writing is based on an overview of all New Testament records that agrees with the Epistles of Paul, John, James, and Peter after the death of Christ. This writing contains many years of doctrinal clarification and clarifies with words the most blessed experience any man can receive from a living Christ in the Throneroom.  Sanctification entire, the will of God, is one of the greatest blessing’s any believer can receive on the Christian side of life.

….As a believer grows in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ a closer walk with God is developed.  A shallow knowledge of Christ can also mean a shallow walk with God. A broad knowledge of Christ will increase faith and bring responsibility to the heart of a believer…

                                                                                                            

 Hubert T. Lindsey

What is the difference between "godly sorrow" and "worldly sorrow?"

God doesn't save a man because man's sorry for his wrongdoing. God saves men because they trust in the work of Christ "alone" for the forgiveness of sins. The sorrow of a natural man's heart worketh death. The sorrow in a man's heart that's prompted by the Spirit of God will lead man to Salvation. What does death mean? Death is separation from God. Death is separation from God's power to change the moral makeup of man. A natural man repeats the same act of sin over and over and over again. Why? He's controlled by a sinful nature. Each time the natural man says he's sorry...he's not truly sorry from the heart because it's not prompted by God because of Christ?

Man's fallen nature proves that man is a rebel against God. His will is controlled by the sinful nature. In relation to Godly sorrow...Godly sorrow is the work of the Spirit of God that sways the will of man. Godly sorrow leads man to Salvation of the human soul. Why? It's the work of God that "breaks" the will of a natural man and shows this individual what he really is. The Spirit of God "convicts" the conscience of a natural man. The Spirit of God "breaks" the will of a fallen man. How? The Holy Spirit shows man what he really is in light of a Savior on the Cross...in light of a resurrected Christ...in light of the holiness and purity of the God of our Salvation.

When man is truly and godly sorrowful for the acts of sin he committed against God...he will turn to Christ and never go back. Why? His mind is changed! He realizes his helplessness. He realizes his hopelessness. He realizes he has no strength without Christ...and by the way...the Grace of God also delivers the penitent from "the guilt of sin". Only the Grace of God can remove guilt from the human conscience.

Worldly sorrow does not break the will of man...Godly sorrow does! Godly sorrow is the affect of the power of the Holy Spirit that "sways" the will of a rebel against God...just enough...to cause this person to believe! Godly sorrow causes rebels to turn away from sin and turn to Christ! Godly sorrow leads men to repentance! Godly sorrow is the affect of the work of God upon the human soul...worldly sorrow that bringeth forth death is a vicious cycle that repeats the same sinful action over, over, and over again.

2 Cor 7:9-11... Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Notice the attitude of the penitent ( a man of Godly sorrow) in the following part of the verse...

For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, (this man cared about his actions) yea, what clearing of yourselves (this man cleared himself from sinful conduct), yea, what indignation (this man hated the old life), yea, what fear (this man had great reverence toward God), yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge (this man had revenge against the old life of sin)! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The work of the Holy Spirit can never be limited. The work of the Holy Spirit reproves the world of sin. The work of the Holy Spirit leads men to repentance and godly sorrow. The work of the Holy Spirit gives the believer in Christ...a desire to "stop" practicing sin.

Grieve not the Holy Spirit!
Quench not the Holy Spirit!

God put this on my heart last night at a Bible study at the Upper Room! I went to bed thinking about it! I woke this morning thinking about it! Thought I'd share it on the Blog.

I like what Paul says in the Corinthian letter about Christ...1 Cor 15:1-4...Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Note how he says..."Keep Christ in memory ". Why? When Christ is kept in memory...you will never grieve or quench the Spirit! Lose memory of Christ and the world will consume you!

Special thanks to Mike and Chuck who prompted this study...and most of all special thanks to Christ who compels this writer to publish this Blog while keeping the legacy of Brother Hubert Lindsey alive... in 2009! I'll close with the following Bible verse...

1 Cor 6:20...For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

The work of the Holy Spirit

At the Churches on Trial it is our desire to help others to see the operation and work of God 's Holy Spirit in a fast paced world that involves many distractions. Documents are compiled, written, and archived at this site as a library for God to teach people (around the globe) what the Holy Scriptures teach about such Spiritual work and operation. The links stored in the below archive are focused primarily on the work of the Holy Spirit "in and upon" the human soul...especially in and upon those who trust Christ for personal Salvation and personal forgiveness from sin.

1.   Did you know the Holy Spirit "testifies?"
2.   How Christ ministers to man

4.   The ministry of the Holy Spirit
5.   The power of the Gospel message "calls"
6.   The Holy Spirit deals with the negative side of life
5.   Are you "led" by the Spirit of God?
7.   "Born into" the family of God
8.   What takes place when a sinner is "cleansed" from sin?
9.   Forsaking sin
10.  Are you God's property?
11. Sin doesn't live here anymore
12. The work and ministry of the Holy Spirit defined
13. The "inner and outer" work of the Holy Spirit
14. People don't "live" to be sanctified
15. Sinful men are "criminal" in the eyes of God
16. Does the Holy Spirit have "full sway" of your life?
17. The promise of my Father (pt.1)...a study of two baptisms
18. The promise of my Father (pt.2)...a study of two baptisms
19. Sanctifying power revealed
20. The purpose of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire (pt. 1)
21. The purpose of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire (pt. 2)
22. The purpose of the Baptism with Holy Ghost and fire (pt. 3)
23. Amazing Grace (video) ...Hubert T. Lindsey
23. The example of a believer in Christ

25. The Holy Spirit's witness (pt. 1)

26. The Holy Spirit's witness (pt. 2)

Did you know?

The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit :

Convicts the unbeliever of sin
Makes Christ known in the heart of man
Seals those who trust Christ with an initial down payment
Regenerates those who repent and find forgiveness in the death of Savior
Baptizes believers into the body of Christ
Puts a moral witness into the heart of a believing soul
Leads and guides the child of God in righteousness
Sanctifies the saved believer from the still existing Old Adam
Makes intercession for the saints of God
Makes men witnesses for Christ
Holds back the AntiChrist until the Rapture of the Church

The above operations of the Spirit of God are just few of many reasons why Christ sent the Spirit of Truth into the world. Christ told the disciples before His ascension to Heaven that He would send "another" comforter. This Comforter, the Holy Spirit that Christ sent under the blessing of the New Testament...has an ongoing ministry and operation that "works" and is "made manifest" at present through the preaching of the Gospel message. The Gospel has power to morally change, deliver, forgive, and rid man of sin and unholiness. When the Gospel is preached the Holy Spirit is working on behalf of God. The Gospel is God's method of reaching sinners and extending enough mercy for unsaved men to "turn to Christ". The ministry and work of the Holy Spirit is "behind" the preaching of the Gospel with all power and authority. All for the glory of Jesus Christ.

Lighting fires for Jesus

Lighting fires for the Lord is a good Christ centered work. How beautiful are the feet of them that bring good news about Christ! The good news brings "fire" to the heart and life of people who hear about who Jesus is. The preacher lights the fire and God kindles the flame. Jesus is like a  refiner's fire who purges man from all dross. The Holy Ghost and fire burns in the hearts of men revealing Christ in person and in power. The messenger reveals Christ and stirs the human soul. Then sanctifying fire from God burns and purifies man from things that are not of God.Preachers light fires but the Holy Ghost brings purity to the soul, through fire from Heaven. May the fire from the Spirit of God everlastingly burn hot...purging and purifying man from all that's undone. Glory to God in the highest as the fire from the Holy Ghost burns hot within the human soul. Glory to God in the highest in the face of Christ.

Sanctification...defined in a systematic theology and Internet Library

Sanctification is God's method of removing the Adamic Nature. The following links provide an Internet archive and Theological Library to support such Biblical Truth. It gives this writer great joy to provide such a library of sound doctrine for the cause of Christ. Much needed this day and hour.

1.   Sanctification: The "sacred theme" of Bible
2.   Sanctification through the Spirit
3.   The sanctified life: harmony between man and God
4.   The ministry and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit
5.   Inner and outer work of the Holy Spirit
6.   The error of what some people think sanctification is
7.   You don't live to be Sanctified
8.   The object of a Christian, "Death to self"
9.   The crucifixion of self (the path to the fullness of Salvation) pt.1
10. The crucifixion of self (the path to the fullness of Salvation) pt.2
11. Hubert Lindsey's sanctification through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire
12. A Baptist's realization of the power of Divine Grace, "after" Justification
13. A former Baptist's realization of the Sanctifying power of Holy Spirit
14. Justification, a believer's path to Sanctification

15. The Adamic Nature in Sanctification
16. Azuza Street, William Seymour, and Sanctification
17. Revival and Azuza Street
18. Why the doctrine of Entire Sanctification was deviated from (pt. 1)
19. Why the doctrine of Entire Sanctification was deviated from (pt. 2)
20. You don't have to let the "Old Nature" get the best of you
21. Sanctification and the Millennium
22. Christ is setting the Kingdom up "Now". How? Sanctification by fire!
23. Inside the Ephesian letter: Sanctification revealed
24. In a glimpse of Calvary
25. The Promise of my Father...(a study of two baptisms) pt.1
26. The Promise of my Father...(a study of two Baptisms) pt.2
27. The perfect, complete, and completed work of Salvation
28. The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (pt.1)
29. The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire (pt.2)
30. The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire (pt.3)
31. Does the Holy Spirit have full sway?
32. Why Perfection in the Bible? (pt.1)
33. Why perfection in the Bible? (pt.2)

34. Mortify
35. Renewal takes place "after" Sanctification
36. Hubert Lindsey's testimony-Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire (audio)
37. Sanctification: a resurrection in this life

Hubert Lindsey's Baptist realization of the power of Divine Grace, "after" Justification

The Baptist denomination strongly advocates the initial invitation and acceptance of Christ in Salvation but that’s as far as they take the Christian experience! Baptist’s emphasize Salvation of the human soul but do not advocate the cleansed heart, the life of holiness, and the believers obedience to God that follows after one receives the forgiveness sins from Christ. The doctrine of Regeneration through the Spirit; Justification by faith; and the new birth where a divine nature is received… are taught under the Baptist persuasion. The doctrine of Entire Sanctification through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost is not! This experience is what Hubert Lindsey claimed he had missed for 26 years as a Calvinist. 

Contrary to many denominational beliefs (not just Baptist), the Bible teaches that Entire Sanctification comes in another Baptism which is the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost is not a baptism into Christ where a new nature is received through the new birth experience. The baptism with the Holy Ghost is a baptism from Christ in Heaven that cleanses the believer’s heart from a still existing Old Adam that conflicts with the Divine nature received in the new birth. God revealed to Brother Lindsey another baptism through the work of the Holy Spirit that was not Water Baptism by immersion. Brother Lindsey claimed he baptized 9000 people. This particular baptism I speak of pertained to the Spirit’s work of Sanctification that destroys the carnal heart. This is the experience that Brother Lindsey had always claimed he was missing. It was a baptism that a believer receives after the new birth! Hubert then realized that Water Baptism through the ages had pulled men away from understanding the sanctifying power of the Pentecostal experience! The Pentecostal experience is a Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire performed by Christ upon a believer… not a sinner! The Baptism with the Holy Ghost has no relation to water Baptism by immersion performed by a preacher. 

The purpose of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire does not deal with the new nature received after God justifies a sinner. God’s declaration of Justification deals with a penitent man! The sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost deals with the old nature that still exists in the life of the penitent believer after God’s Justification is declared! God revealed this to Hubert’s thinking! Hubert realized where he missed it! The Bible teaches that any believer can receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire... in this life. This Baptism takes away the process of getting sanctified in heaven after you die! Sanctification performed by Christ from the Throneroom is not performed by a preacher through any act of water baptism. John the Baptist spoke of sanctification when he said, Christ would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire”. Contrary to the Baptist doctrine and Calvinism God showed Hubert there was more for the believer that followed the new birth. God confirmed to Hubert Lindsey the Sanctifying work of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. This final work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer is called Entire Sanctification. 

The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire and the truth of the New Testament records had finally got Hubert Lindsey’s full attention. God had been showing Hubert Lindsey how to get self out of the way for years. All Hubert had to do was to let go of the old Hubert and let God take over! Hubert realized if he got out of the way the truth of Entire Sanctification through the Spirit would destroy the old Hubert! He claimed he learned this from the Word of God. As a matter of fact his whole Theology was destroyed also. He had to re-learn the Bible from this perspective. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire spoken of by John the Baptist and Jesus himself was now brought to full revelation upon Hubert Lindsey’s thinking after being a Baptist for 26 years. The beauty of this revelation was this Baptism is a baptism that destroyed a still existing fallen nature in the life of Hubert Lindsey. Hubert was unsettled on that truth for many years! God wanted to destroy what Hubert Lindsey contemplated in his thinking for 26 years. On the human side the struggle with self that came from the Old man in Hubert Lindsey’s life was crucified. Through the Spirit's work of Sanctification the Adamic nature that still tried to rule in the life of Hubert Lindsey was destroyed through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.

• Rom 6:6… Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

After being entirely sanctified the Holy Spirit renewed Hubert. Everything in his theology was changed. Everything in his thinking was changed. God delivered Hubert from the Devil’s prison house. After being a Baptist for 26 years Entire Sanctification from the Old Hubert was found to be the missing link. Within that missing link the foundation of the Word in Hubert’s heart had been misconceived and taken out of its proper context. Confusion from the Baptist teaching and practice was a result in Hubert’s mind. Hubert realized the doctrine of "once save always saved" had been hindering the fullness of Salvation for years in his personal life. This fullness of Salvation and change of theology that was given to Hubert’s heart only came through the Sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire.  

One night in the basement of the little Methodist Church Hubert died to self and asked God to sanctify his heart entire. Through Hubert Lindsey’s brokenness Christ filled him with the Holy Ghost and fire that night! As a result Hubert was sanctified from the Old man and spoke in unknown tongues as taught in the Bible. Contrary to the Baptist doctrine Hubert was doing something very much scriptural and realized why. That night God confirmed the truth in Hubert Lindsey’s heart and soul. Hubert realized this Biblical gift from the Holy Spirit did not cease at the Early Church as he had always been taught. The result was Hubert’s entire Calvinistic and Baptist theology went straight down the drain. Hubert Lindsey was filled with the Holy Ghost and preached Entire Sanctification the rest of his life as a preacher for Christ. 

Christ’s Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire God made Hubert Lindsey a living witness to the fact that God can deliver any man from the Old Adam. Hubert realized traditional teachings and denominational teachings were not teaching the truth about Entire Sanctification as the Bible teaches. Deliverance from the Old Adam only comes upon a believer when he dies and receives the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. Many modern denominational teachings miss that very blessed experience. Hubert never went back to his old Theology nor did he ever quit teaching the truth about Entire Sanctification as long as he lived. Revivals were birthed many times throughout Hubert’s ministry as result of preaching Entire Sanctification and the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. By the Grace of God Hubert’s uncompromising efforts were never in vain as peoples hearts and lives were changed under his ministry and that teaching. This writer and other disciples who were touched by Brother Lindsey’s ministry still carry on the doctrine of Entire Sanctification today. 

The recent audio I posted (in the link below) about Brother Lindsey's experience with the "Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire" will confirm this Blog.

http://churchesontrial.blogspot.com/2010/11/blog-post_6222.html

Hubert Lindsey's testimony about being baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire

This blessed audio was made by Brother Hubert Lindsey who was a former Baptist. It was originally recorded on audio cassette and later transposed to CD format for the edification of the body of Christ. Since then it was posted on http://holy.sermon.net by Brother James Allen and today posted by Rick Roehm on the Churches on Trial. Enjoy the powerful and lifechanging testimony for Christ made by our dear our dear Holy Hubert Lindsey. It Biblically clarifies a Baptism that many denominations do not accept or fully understand. May the content of this audio bless you all richly in the Lord Jesus Christ. It can be downloaded, e-mailed, or shared...just click menu on the player below.

Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire

Christ is setting the Kingdom up "Now". How? Sanctification by fire!

In Paul's letter's to the Thessolonians the subject of fire from Heaven is often overlooked!

2 Thess 1:7-10...when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe

As Christian's draw closer to the coming of the Lord we are able to see that Christ "sets up" His Millennial Kingdom with fire from Heaven. This fire from Heaven not only renovates the Earth and melts the elements with fervent heat...The Apostle Peter made this profound statement...

2 Peter 3:10... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

This fire from Heaven also purges the heart of the believer (today in the Church Age) from the inner conflict caused from the Adamic Nature that man is born with. The Prohet Malachi and john the baptist both forseen this sanctifying power I'm writing about.

Mal 3:2-3...But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Matt 3:11-12...he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

The baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire "purifies" and "purges" the heart of a believer from all dross that causes the inner conflict to arise (in Christians) at this present time. For instance...

"Sanctifying fire from the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire, will burn out...Ill will toward other men; worry about the problems of life; depression; uncertainty and instability with your everyday walk with Christ; flying off the handle in anger; wavering faith toward God; all things that try to arise from man's still existing fallen nature. Fire from the Spirit of God can rid man of carnal inclinations! Fire will burn out and remove the old nature from the heart of a Christian...completely!"

God wants "full possession" of the heart of a believer. Sanctified people are "purged" with the fire of the Spirit of God that cleanses man from the inherited carnal inclination. This inner conflict can cause many believers to fall away from Christ...unaware! This inner conflict I speak of can cause many to be unaware when Christ actually returns! This inner conflict I speak of is dangerous and deceptive! That mindset caused from the inner conflict can even cause people to fall away from the Lord of Glory before He returns!

2 Thess 2:3...for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,

God's fire from Heaven purifies and takes away this inner conflict that hinders the believer from having peace, like God. Sure, men can weave back and forth and in and out of peace with God...but I said, "Peace like God". When I say peace like God I mean man can get to a place in life where he's not disturbed or upset with the problems of life. God doesn't get disturbed or upset! The sanctified man like God can have this "full certainty" that every problem and every need in his life is taken care of by the God of our Salvation. God doesn't get upset or disturbed with anything! Glory! So, likewise sanctified men don't either. This kind if peace (Peace like God has) is the blessing of the "entirely sanctified" heart.

Col 3:15...And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,

This kind of peace and this kind of foundation and establishment of the believer (with a sanctified heart) allows the believer to delightfully await, and look forward to the glorious return of the Lord. I'm ready for Christ's return, are you? Examine the following...Notice Paul says... to the end which means the end of this Age, or the end of your Christian life!

1 Thess 3:13...To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

When Christ has full sway of man... this sanctified man is prepared for Christs return. Those sanctified people I speak of are also scattering this truth about entire sanctification and Christ's preparation to set up His Kingdom on Earth with fire. In the 1000 year Reign every man that rules and reigns with Christ in that Millennial Kingdom will have a sanctified heart purified from the carnal nature. Sanctified people are "preserved" in this life...as they wait for Christ's soon return to set up His Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Sanctified people look forward to Christ's coming because they are not distracted by the the problems of life, or the cares of the world, nor are they entangled in the devices of the Devil.

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.

This preservation described in the above Scripture is a result of the Holy Ghost and fire that "purifies" the believer in Christ from "all" the dross and all the impurities that upset, disturb, or hinder the child of God from being "entirely taken over" or "preserved" until the day of Christ's coming. This Sanctification or preservation I write about and preach... is the will of God for the saints! Glory!

1 Thess 4:3-4... For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

Sanctification with fire is not limited to man's "heart purity and preservation" only. The fire from the Spirit of God also renovates the entire earth in preparation for Christ to set up His earthly Kingdom of Heaven in the Millennial Reign. Notice once again the fire from Christ... in the following verses...

2 Thess 1:7-10...when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe

2 Peter 3:10-12...But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

Every man that rules and reigns with Christ for 1000 years in the blessed Millennial Kingdom will have a sanctified heart! Sanctification is necessary for man to rule and reign with Christ! Today in this present Church Age the doctrine of entire sanctification is not taught like it should be. As a result, many people will not be ready when Christ comes to Rapture His Church before the Great Tribulation, and the great and terrible dy of our Lord. Christ will come when some men are unaware or yielding to the outer conflicts of life. There's a chance they can miss Christ. A sanctified man is never unaware of his walk in the Spirit, never discontented with the problems of life, and never upset with what's going on around him. A sanctified man is always ready for the Lord's return...in season and out! A sanctified man walks with a consciousness and obedience to Christ every day of his life. A sanctified man lays his head on the pillow with Christ, sleeps with Christ in mind, and wakes up ready to serve Christ everyday...with a whole heart!

Sanctified people have "put off" the war in their members caused from the inner conflict. Sanctified people have put off the carnal heart, the carnal ambitions, the carnal interests, the carnal plans, and the carnal habits! By doing such they have crucified and put to death...the old man that causes many Christians to miss their entire sanctification and preservation in Christ! PUT OFF THE OLD MAN, LIKE TAKING OFF A COAT!

Eph 4:22...That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

You have to die to self! Sanctified men are dead men! Sanctified men don't die daily! To be honest that progressive mindset causes certain men to miss the "actual death to the Old Man". This tradgety can leave men unaware of deliverance from the carnal heart and the delightfulness of looking forward to Christ's coming with no conviction! What a dangerous place to be! Sanctified men are "dead to the old life". Dead men are sanctified men filled with the Holy Ghost and fire. The fire has burnt up all the dross of the inner conflict that still tries to rule and conflict with the divine nature. Sanctified men are blessed enough to have "put off" or "crucified" the Old man! Sanctified men are "dead" to the old things they were interested in. They are dead to the old habits and ambitions! Sanctified men are dead men and martyrs for Christ in their witness! Dead men don't show the old life".

Col 3:3...For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Old Testament prophecy teaches that Christ is like a "refiners fire."..and that He will purify...

Mal 3:2-3...But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Glory! I'm glad we're under the blessing of the New Testament where sanctification is produced by the Grace of God! I'm glad God's sanctifying fire burns up "all the dross" in the heart of Christians! We are more than saved we have the complete victory over every circumstance in life! We're contented! Christ takes away the struggle, completely! We have victory because of Jesus! The Grace of God sanctifies us from the old man, completely and entirely! Glory! This writer preaches the Holy Ghost and fire! I preach Christ's renovation with fire when He comes back to set up His Kingdom on Earth in the Millennial Reign of 1000 years. I preach sanctification with fire and renovation with fire... at ChristianBlog.com! GLORY!

All this teaching came from the theme of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians...FIRE , SANCTIFICATION, and THE PRESERVATION OF HIS SAINTS... UNTIL CHRIST RETURNS TO SET UP HIS MILLENNIAL KINGDOM ON EARTH FOR 1000 YEARS! GLORY!