THE BAPTISM AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

CONTENTS AND PREFACES.

PART 1. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1. WHY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER DESIRES TO GIVE US THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
2. THE SCRIPTURES PROVE THAT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT TAKES PLACE AFTER THE NEW BIRTH.
3. THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.

HOW TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN A PENTECOSTAL FULLNESS FROM OUR LORD JESUS.
1. WE MUST SEEK OUT CHRIST AND THE FATHER IN FAITH.
2. WE MUST DETERMINE TO OBEY GOD AND LIVE A HOLY LIFE.
3. WE MUST THIRST AFTER CHRIST AND OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
4. WE MUST COME TO GOD WITH PRAISING HEARTS AND PRAISING LIPS.
5. WE MUST HAVE WISE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP.
6. WE MUST COME TO GOD WITH HUMILITY OF MIND AND SINCERITY OF HEART.
7. THE DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF CHRIST'S CHURCH AT JERUSALEM.

PART 2. THE NINE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

THREE GIFTS OF REVELATION AND INFORMATION.
1. THE GIFT OF A WORD OF WISDOM.
2. THE GIFT OF A WORD OF KNOWLEDGE.
3. THE GIFT OF DISCERNINGS OF SPIRITS.

THREE GIFTS OF POWER AND DEMONSTRATION.
4. THE GIFT OF FAITH.
5. THE WORKINGS OF MIRACLES.
6. THE GIFT OF GIFTS OF HEALINGS.

THREE GIFTS OF INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
7. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY.
8. THE GIFT OF TONGUES.
9. THE GIFT OF INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES.

PART 3. THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
1. LOVE AND THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
2. THE RELATION BETWEEN OUR BORN-AGAIN SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
3. THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF REVELATION AND INSPIRATION.
4. THE RECEPTION OF THE GIFTS OF POWER AND DEMONSTRATION.
5. THE MINISTRY OF THE LAYING ON OF HANDS.
6. THE TESTS FOR PROPHETS AND THEIR PROPHECIES.
7. SATAN'S TEST OF OUR CHARACTER AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
8. SEEKING AND RECEIVING GUIDANCE FROM GOD.

APPENDIX. MORE STUDIES CONCERNING THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.
APPENDIX 1. THE GREEK WORDS GOD USES TO DESCRIBE HIS GIFTS.
APPENDIX 2. GOD'S PARABLES, PUZZLES, RIDDLES, AND DARK SAYINGS.
APPENDIX 3. THE MANIFESTATION OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN CHURCH HISTORY.
APPENDIX 4. THE HEBREW WORDS FOR PROPHETS AND SEERS.
APPENDIX 5. THE COVENANANT NAMES OF YAHWEH AND THE NAME OF JESUS.

PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
It is about ten years since I wrote my duplicated booklet on "The Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit." This edition is greatly enlarged by condensed material from some of my other books and material from other sources, and so it gives a far more comprehensive and detailed study of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. I realise that some things in this book will be strong meat even for mature, godly Christians, never mind Christian babes; I trust and pray that Divine grace will preserve all readers of this book from spiritual indigestion!

My qualifications for writing this book are a love for God and His Word, and over twenty years experience of His great grace and gracious gifts. Both my mother and I have had local, national, and international events revealed to us by the Lord, days, weeks and even years before they have happened, and in later years I have experienced an almost daily revelation of the needs and secrets of peoples hearts. I am not trying to give the impression that I have arrived, I have still a great deal to learn and experience, and I still feel that I am a very poor reflection of our Lord's great grace and love. I am merely pointing out that this book is written out of a personal experience of spiritual gifts, as well as by observation of others who manifest spiritual gifts, and through examination of the Scriptures. I have only quoted a few personal experiences of spiritual gifts, as my aim has been to show the Scriptural authority for spiritual gifts, and the ways to receive them.

I would also like to state that I am not a Greek scholar, though I wish that I were. I have used the comments of Greek scholars where I have felt that they are helpful and necessary. I hope that this will hinder no one and help many. I wish to acknowledge here, my gratitude and debt to my tutors at Kenley Bible College, some of whom are now with the Lord; George Newsholme, Elisha Thompson, Donald Gee, and particularly C.L. Parker. I also recommend the fine books upon spiritual gifts by H. Horton, H. Carter, Ivor Rossor, Dennis and Rita Bennet, and A Linford's fine scholarly work, all of which are extremely helpful. I hope that this book will be just as helpful and inspiring. I have not the least desire to be arrogant, dogmatic, or contentious; indeed, I welcome any criticism, comment, and correction. I have included a very liberal amount of Scripture references to confirm and illustrate what I have said, a study of these will give a good knowledge of the various subjects, to those who desire to look them up. I pray that our heavenly Father will use this book to enlighten and inspire His children, and that through it many Christians will experience the rivers of living water promised in Jn.7v37-39., by their Saviour.

W.H. Turner. Jan. 8th. 1975.

PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
More than twenty years have passed since I wrote the third edition of my book on the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. Through the grace of God I have learned many lessons during those years, some of which will be profitable to the readers of this book, and so I have written this new edition of my book with the hope that God may bless it to hungry seeking hearts.

There is still considerable controversy over the gift of tongues in the Church, and many Christians still feel that they do not need the gift that Paul valued so much in his private prayer life, when he wrote in 1Cor.14v18., "I thank my God, I speak in tongues more than you all." Many Christian leaders still preach against, oppose, and forbid the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in their churches. These leaders should remember our Lord's words in Lk.11v51,52., to the Jewish theologians of His day, when they opposed Jesus and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and hindered other people from experiencing them; "Woe unto you lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered." Our Lord pronounced a woe upon these opponents, and warned them that such hindrances and opposition would be meticulously searched out ("ekzeteo") on judgement day. See Acts.7v51-60.

The wilful refusal of many Christian leaders and theologians to accept the testimonies of the outstanding saints, martyrs and Christian leaders of Church History, to the continuance of spiritual gifts after apostolic times, is astonishing, and fills us with concern for their spiritual state. To the honest mind the facts these outstanding saints and martyrs give are indisputable; and prove beyond doubt that spiritual gifts were experienced throughout Church History, and were not just confined to apostolic times. John Wesley gives irrefutable proof that spiritual gifts occurred throughout Church History in his 79 page treatise, "A Letter To The Reverend Dr. Conyers Middleton." J Sidlow Baxter, in his fine book, "Divine Healing Of The Body," proves, on pages 29 to 105, that Divine healing occurred throughout the centuries. Anyone who reads "The Scots Worthies: Their Lives and Testimonies," is impressed by the many miraculous manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that occurred in the lives of these Christians. History proves that spiritual gifts continued after apostolic times.

There is still a great deal of ignorance about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Church, just as there was in Paul's day. The Corinthians "came behind in no spiritual gift," "charismata," but they were still ignorant about the proper use of them, and the immense blessing that they can be, particularly when they are manifested at the higher levels of power and revelation. 1Cor.1v7. 12v1. I hope and pray that this book will help to dispel some of that ignorance. I do not write as one who feels that they have arrived concerning the subject of spiritual gifts, I feel, like Paul, that we have never finished with the learning process. Paul writes in 1Cor.13v11,12., that in this life we are like babes in our knowledge and comprehension of spiritual realities, compared with the full knowledge and experience that we will enjoy in heaven. However, God has said that until we reach our home in heaven, His spiritual gifts are essential equipment for His Church. There is a great need for us to earnestly desire, seek, and find again the love, life, power and spiritual gifts that were manifested in the early Church. Let us follow after that same love, and desire those same spiritual gifts. 1Cor.14v1. The yoke of Jesus is kind, and the ministries and gifts that He gives to us take into account all we are, our talents, personality, circumstances and desires. Jesus does not painfully squeeze us into another person's yoke, He fits His gentle yoke to us, and the Holy Spirit personally adapts His gifts to us, and His manifestations through us in the way best suited to us. Let us never forget that Jesus also said that His burden is light; He will never drive, overburden, and overtax us, He is always kind, gentle and considerate. Let Jesus fit the kind and gentle yoke of His spiritual gifts to you.

I finish this preface with the inspiring account of Charles G. Finney's baptism in the Holy Spirit:-
"As I went in and shut the door after me, it seemed I met the Lord Jesus Christ face to face... it seemed to me a reality, that He stood before me, and I fell down at His feet and poured out my soul to Him... I returned to the front office, and found that the fire that I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the thing mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed, it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love; for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me like immense wings. No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. (This could well be speaking with tongues.) These waves came over me, and over me, one after the other, until I recollect I cried out 'I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me.' I said, 'Lord, I cannot bear any more;' yet I had no fear of death....When I awoke in the morning the sun had risen, and was pouring a clear light into my room. Words cannot express the impression that this sunlight made upon me. Instantly the baptism I had received the night before, returned upon me in the same manner. I arose upon my knees in the bed and wept aloud with joy, and remained for sometime, too much overwhelmed with the baptism of the Spirit to do anything but pour out my soul to God."

May we all seek and receive a similar experience of God's wonderful love and power. W. H. Turner. October 10th. 2000.


PART 1. THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The Church is Christ's body and continues His ministry on earth.
When the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven, He fulfilled the promise in Is.53v10., to continue the work that He had started, and "prolong His days," and ministry through the Church. The Church is, therefore, spoken of as "the body of Christ," that is, the means whereby Christ acts upon earth. Eph.1v22,23. 5v29,30. 1Cor.12v27. God desires every member of the body of Christ to be baptised in the Holy Spirit and manifest His spiritual gifts. These gifts are intended to enrich and empower the whole Church of Christ, not just a part of it. We should not, therefore, seek the baptism and gifts of the Spirit, merely for personal profit, but so that the whole body of Christ can be blessed by them, through the demonstration of the power and love of God.

There are no redundant members of the body of Christ, every member is essential, He has a work for all. God desires to manifest Himself through every member of the body of Christ, "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone to profit all." 1Cor.12v7. Paul states that God often blesses the least talented and less prominent members of the local church with greater gifts than those members who seem to be more important, so that all may realise their need of each other. 1Cor.12v20-26. Eph.4v15,16. The fact that some dear souls are less prominent in the Church does not mean that they are less spiritual or godly than others who are more prominent. I have found that many of these less prominent members of the body of Christ, often have a deeper life of prayer, more love, and greater spiritual gifts, than those who take a lead in preaching and teaching. It was the Lord Jesus Himself who said that on judgement day, "Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." Mt.19v30. 20v16. Lk.13v30. The Lord does not count our actions, He weighs them. 1Sam.2v3. Dan.5v27. Is.26v7. It is the quality of our service that counts with God, not the quantity; and our motives for serving God, not the manifestation of His gifts through us, or our position of leadership. The fire will try every man's work to test its quality. 1Cor.3v10-15. 13v1-13.

Human plans and ideas make void God's plans for His Church.
It is common practice for almost all churches to make their plans, and then ask the Lord to bless them: this is a tragedy, for plans based on human ability and human endeavour can never meet this world's great need. This reliance on human plans frustrates our Lord's beautiful plans and desires. The solemn and appalling truth is that God seldom gets His perfect will done on earth, He is nearly always asked to bless human plans and ideas that He can take little pleasure in. Lk.19v41-48. Mt.23v37-39. The Lord still wants to do the same lovely things that He did while He was on earth, and nothing short of this will satisfy His great and loving heart. Obedience to the Holy Spirit's leadings, will enable God to get His will done on earth as it is in heaven. The Holy Spirit comes as Lord and we should obey His orders; lack of obedience to Him will cause failure, defeat, disappointment, depression and a feeling of frustration. Josh.5v14. 2Sam.5v22-25. Amos.3v3. Acts.16v6-10. 2Cor.3v17. 1Sam.13v12-14. 15v22-35. 16v14-23. 1Jn.1v5-7. The only way that we will be able to find the will of God and have the strength to perform it, is by earnestly seeking God together in prayer. Christ longs to do the most wonderful things through His Church, He is, however, limited by our spiritual desire, faith, love and lack of prayer. If we have the faith, prayer, and spiritual capacity to manifest all the gifts of the Spirit, on the higher levels of power, then the Lord Jesus can do all the lovely things that He desires. However, if there is only little desire for spiritual gifts and little faith, we can, like Israel, limit our gracious almighty Lord. Ps.78v41.

Spiritual gifts are the armoury of Divine love, and should not be used in any other way.
No church can thrive, unless it is filled with the love of God, and is subordinate to the Lordship and leadership of Christ. God is love, therefore, every manifestation and activity of the Holy Spirit will be the manifestation of Divine love. The motives of the Holy Spirit in manifesting His gifts will always be perfect, and we should make sure that our motives are the same as His. This can only take place as we abide in Christ and earnestly seek His face together in prayer. The gifts of the Spirit should never be used for financial profit, self glory, self pleasing, or as weapons of antagonism, animosity, or bitterness of spirit, for this can bring disaster. Numb.22v4-41. 31-8. Rev.2v14. Judges.16v1-31. 2Kings.5v10-27. 1Tim.1v18-20. 2Tim.2v16-19. 3Jn.v.9-11. Rev.2v20-23. The gifts of the Spirit are the armoury of love, and should not be used in any other than a perfectly loving spirit. 1Cor.13v1-13. The Lord Jesus has the most wonderful plans for His Church. It is up to us to earnestly seek the Lord together, to find out what they are, and then fulfil them.

We all have a lot to learn but, the Holy Spirit is our Friend and Teacher.
The Holy Spirit is certainly no stranger to us; He is responsible, with the Father and Son, for our creation and redemption, and for our human and spiritual natures. Gen.1v1,2,26-28. Is.57v16. He convicted us of our sin and brought us to know Jesus as the Lamb of God and our Saviour. Jn.1v29-34. 16v7-11. Through His gracious intervention in our lives, we are rejoicing in the glorious Trinity, and the wonderful kingdom and family to which they have called us. Rom.5v1,2. Eph.2v1-22. 2Cor.4v4-6,17,18. Our spirit, that we had killed by persistent sin, was "born again," and "quickened" by the Holy Spirit, and we received the spirit of adoption, and the right and authority to be called the sons of God and the brethren of Christ. Rom.7v9-11. James.1v15-18. Eph.2v1-9. Jn.1v12. 3v1-21. 3v6-8. Heb.2v11,12. All who accept the atoning death of the Lord Jesus, have the Holy Spirit as their very dear and close friend, and receive His blessed ministrations, even if they have not experienced His mighty baptism.

All Christians, particularly "babes in Christ," have a great amount to learn about God and His ways; and the ministry of the Holy Spirit is by far the most important of all the ministries that the Father has set in the Church to educate and care for His family. The Holy Spirit, who brought us to Christ, is with us to teach us about spiritual realities, to illuminate God's Word, and to comfort, bless, counsel, intercede, strengthen and assist in every possible way. Eph.4v8-13. 1Cor.3v1,2. Heb.5v11-6v3. 1Pet.2v2. 1Jn.2v27. Jn.16v13. 14v26. Rom.8v26,27. All Christians experience the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, even if they have not experienced the baptism in the Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit is not content merely to be with us, as blessed as this may be, He longs to be in us, and desires to manifest His love and power through us in an even greater way. The time when the Holy Spirit enters the body of the Christian, and permanently submerges and infuses the soul, spirit and body of the Christian, is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Immersion in the Spirit is a glorious reality, not just a theological exercise.
In Lk.24v49., and Acts.1v4,5., Jesus called this baptism "the promise of the Father," and instructed His disciples to tarry until they received it. In Acts.2v38,39., Peter said that this baptism in the Spirit was promised to every Christian. The Samaritans, Paul, Cornelius and his friends, are stated to have received the Holy Spirit after the initial outpouring on the day of Pentecost. Acts.2v1-16. 8v14-17. 9v17,18. 10v44-48. 19v1-6. The reception of the Holy Spirit is spoken of as a "baptism" six times in the New Testament; four times in the Gospels, by John the Baptist, and twice in Acts. Mt.3v11. Mk.1v8. Lk.3v16. Jn.1v33. Acts.1v5. 11v16. The phrases "filled with the Holy Spirit," Acts.2v4. 9v17., "the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts2v38. 10v45. 5v32. Rom.5v5.; "received the Holy Spirit," Acts.10v47. 19v2. 8v14-21. 1Cor.2v12. Gal.3v2.; "the promise of the Spirit," Gal.3v14.; "the seal of the Spirit," Eph.1v13. 4v30.; are all used to speak of the baptism in the Spirit. The words "anointing" and "dwell in" are also used to speak of the result of the baptism in the Spirit. 1Jn.2v20,27. 3v24. 4v13. Rom.8v9,23. 1Cor.6v19,20. Jn.14v16,17. The phrase "filled with the Holy Spirit," is used to speak of other operations of the Holy Spirit's work, as well as the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Lk.1v15,41,67. Acts.2v4. 4v31,8. 13v9. In the Old Testament men and women of God were filled with the Holy Spirit just to fulfil a mission; however, in Jn.7v35-37., we are told that they were not baptised in the Holy Spirit, this is a New Testament experience, given to the Church by our glorified Lord; God's New Testament children receive the permanent filling of the Spirit, "He shall abide with you forever." Jn.14v16,17.

Some think, and I feel correctly, that 1Cor.12v13., "For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body," is referring to water baptism and not to the baptism in the Spirit, as O. M. Norlie translates it, "And by one Spirit we have through baptism been made members of one body." The Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration, the baptism in water is the outward sign and ordinance of regeneration. The second part of this verse, "were made to drink into one Spirit," clearly gives the picture of the baptism in the Spirit; for the Greek word for "drink" is "potizo," which is used in the Septuagint in Is.43v20., to speak of a wilderness flooded by abundant waters. "Potizo," truly conveys the thought of Is.44v3., "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and FLOODS upon the dry ground." This Spirit-flooded life, is the Spirit-baptised life. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), "potizo" is used to speak of the abundance of water that brings abundant fruitfulness. In Gen.2v6., it is used of the heavy dew that God used to water the ground before the flood; in Gen.2v10., of the river that watered the garden of Eden into abundant fruitfulness. In Gen.13v10,11., we read that before God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, the land around them was "well watered," and like the garden of God; Lot greedily chose this area for himself, and spiritually ruined his life. In Gen.21v19., it is used of the well of water that God provided for Hagar in the desert; and in Gen.24v14,17,18,43,45,46., of the drink that Rebekah drew from the well for Abraham's servant, Eliezer. This Spirit-flooded abundantly fruitful life, is the Spirit-baptised life.

Immersed in the transforming, sanctifying and miracle-working Holy Spirit.
The Greek word for baptism, "baptizo," is used for both baptism in water and the baptism in the Spirit. The basic word of this Greek root, "bapto," "to dip," only occurs three times in the New Testament, Lk.16v24. Jn.13v26. and Rev.19v13. In Rev.19v13., "bapto" is used in its secondary sense, "to dye or stain." It is also necessary to note both the primary and secondary meanings of "baptizo." Though the primary meaning of "baptizo," is "to immerse," or "to submerge," its secondary meaning, which is derived and developed from its primary meaning, can refer to the influence which one thing exercises over another. "Baptizo," then, can speak, like "bapto," not only of an immersion, but also of an impregnation and infusion of the element of immersion, as in dyeing and staining. It speaks of a bringing into complete subjection to an influence, and an imbibing of the virtues and nature of that influence. We should also note that in many cases, though not in every case, the same distinction occurs between "bapto" and "baptizo," as between their English equivalents, "to dip" and to "immerse;" "dipping" speaking of a momentary or temporary covering, "immersion" usually implying a prolonged or permanent covering. To be baptised with the Holy Spirit and fire, should mean that our whole personality is permanently influenced by, and deliberately submitted to, and stained and dyed, by the transforming influence, presence, power, and sanctifying purity of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to transfigure us into Christ's likeness, and conform us to His image, as well as to empower us. Rom.8v28,29. 12v1,2. 2Cor.3v17,18.

In the New Testament, "baptizo" is used in the sense of permanent immersion and infusion, in regard to baptism for repentance and remission of sins, baptism in the name of Trinity, or baptism into the body of Christ, or baptism in the Holy Spirit. Mt.3v11. 28v19. Mk.1v4. Lk.3v16. 1Cor.12v13, These baptisms do not speak of a temporary dipping in an element, they speak of a permanent immersion under the influence of the thing suggested. Though "baptizo," "to immerse," is used in the weaker sense of "bapto," "to dip," in water baptism, (otherwise all who are baptised would be drowned); the actual spiritual realities connected with baptism, abide and continue. To be baptised unto repentance and remission of sins, means being brought under the power and influence of repentance and remission of sins, not for a moment, but for all time. To be baptised into Christ's death and resurrection, is to be permanently identified with Christ in His death and resurrection, not for a moment, but for ever. Rom.6v9-11. To be baptised into the body of Christ, is the permanent placing of ourselves under the influence and power of Christ and His body, the Church. To be baptised into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is not just a mere baptismal formula, it is to come under the power and influence of the Trinity, not for a moment, but eternally and permanently.

Baptism, then, is more than an outward sign of allegiance to Christ, it is the deliberate placing of oneself, under His influence and headship. The important thing is not a baptismal formula, or even the actual baptism in water; the essential thing is the total submission of our whole personality to Christ; to be imbued, stained, impregnated and influenced, abidingly and permanently, with the presence and power of our dear Lord Jesus, and to experience all the benefits of His death and resurrection life. In the same way, to be baptised with the Holy Spirit and fire, means that our whole personality is deliberately submitted to, and permanently influenced by the presence, power, and sanctifying purity of the Holy Spirit. Our personality is still our own, but the Holy Spirit comes to transfigure our lives by His presence, and to imbue us with His virtues, abilities, life and love. 2Cor.3v18. However, I do not want to give the impression that we cannot fall from a state of grace, we can, let us be careful not to grieve or resist our gracious guest. 1Thes.5v19-22. Eph.4v30.


1. WHY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER DESIRES TO GIVE US THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

1. Our heavenly Father loves to give.
God is love, He is perfectly unselfish and wholeheartedly generous. 1Jn.4v8-10. Our Father is the most bountiful giver, even to the ungrateful and selfish; He is full of mercy and kindness. Lk.6v35,36. Ps.103. all. 107v8,15,21,31,43. Our God of love even gave His own dear Son for our salvation, and with Him He freely gives us all things. Jn.3v16. Rom.8v31-39.

2. Our heavenly Father loves us so much.
We are so very precious to God, and He makes us the objects of His wondrous love and affection. Jn.16v24,27. Our heavenly Father is much more loving and kind than the very best earthly father. Mt.7v7-11. Lk.11v9-13. It is an amazing fact that God loves us with the same tender love that He loves His only begotten Son, Jn.17v23,26., and Jesus loves us on this same incredible level of love. Jn.15v9. cf. 13v34. God's love is always a "much more" love, it "surpasses human understanding" and longs to do "exceedingly beyond and immeasurably more than all our highest prayers or thoughts, or hopes and dreams." Lk.11v13. Eph.3v14-21. Rejoice in His wonderful love, and claim and receive His "exceeding great and precious promises" to you. 2Pet.1v1-4.

3. Our heavenly Father desires us to know Himself and the Lord Jesus in a deeper way.
The Holy Spirit has come to reveal Christ and the Father to us. Jn.15v26. 16v12-15. Eph.1v15-23. 3v14-21. The apostles and other disciples were full of joy and praise before Pentecost, because they had a glorious fellowship with their risen Lord; however, the Saviour promised, and they experienced, a new and greater revelation of Himself to their souls, and a deeper appreciation of spiritual things, at their baptism in the Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Beset as we are by the world, the flesh and the Devil, earthly armour fails, we can only overcome by God's help, the baptism in the Spirit is a Divine answer to our needs and the wickedness around us. The revelation of God to the inner depths of the soul, is the only thing that can bring spiritual victory and satisfy the deepest longings of the soul. 2Cor.3v12-18.

4. Our heavenly Father wants to manifest Himself to the Church and the World.
Though the disciples had the Lord Jesus with them, and many of them had experienced His ministry through them to a remarkable degree, He told them plainly that the baptism in the Spirit would give them a more powerful ministry for Him. Acts.1v1-8. Paul said, in 1Cor.12v7., "The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for the common good;" "manifestation" is "phanerosis," which means "a making visible, a shining forth, an appearing, a making known in a definite and tangible manner." Mk.4v22. 16v14. 1Cor.2v9,10. 2Cor.4v2. The baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit are intended to bring an overwhelming sense of the presence of God. God does not intend us to apprehend spiritual things or the Holy Spirit's presence by blind faith alone, the healing of the sick, the release of Satan's captives, make it plain that God is in the midst of His people. 1Cor.14v23-25. Acts.8v5-14. Christ said that people needed the evidence of signs and wonders to help them believe. Jn.4v48. The Lord, therefore, did many signs and wonders, for the very purpose of creating faith and saving the souls of His hearers, and He sent out many preachers with miraculous ministries to do the same. Jn.5v19-25. 10v37,38. 11v15. Lk.9v1,2. 10v1-9. Mk.16v17,20. 1Cor.2v4. 2Cor.12v12. Rom.15v18,19. Even the greatest miracles will fail to reach some people, Christ said that many of Israel's religious leaders had seen and hated Himself and the Father, they had rejected His gracious words and mighty acts. Jn.15v22-26. Mt.11v20-24. Rejection of God when He is manifested in great signs and wonders, is the final act of spiritual suicide. Mk.3v22-30. This was the reason why the Lord refused to give some sensational sign to the sceptics of Mt.12v38-42.; they did not need a sign, they already had a multitude of them, they needed to genuinely repent of their sins and accept Christ.

Spiritual decadence is always due to a lack of a vision of God and His spiritual gifts and ministries. Judg.2v7-11. Prov.29v18. History shows that as we get further away from God, we rely more and more upon what we can do, and are less able to trust God for the miraculous manifestations of His presence. When we do this, we shall find, as Israel did, that our enemies are always stronger than we are. God does not glorify unsanctified human endeavour, but He does delight to show His power to those who trust Him, particularly if the odds are stacked against us, and we are in great need; so He used Jonathan and his armour bearer, Gideon and his 300, to defeat great armies, and David the shepherd boy to defeat giant Goliath, and Christ's despised apostolic band to lay the foundation of His Church. 1Cor.1v26-31. Eph.2v19,20.

2. THE SCRIPTURES SHOW THAT THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT TAKES PLACE AFTER THE NEW BIRTH.

The apostles were born again years before their baptism in the Spirit.
The apostles were converted before Pentecost; their names, like those of the 70, were "written in heaven," Lk.10v20.; they were "clean," Jn.15v2,3.; they were not of the world, and belonged to God, Jn.17v6,9-16,23.; they had received Christ and were believers in Him, and He owned them as His friends and brethren. Jn.1v12. 15v15. 17v8. Mt.12v48-50. At Pentecost these already born-again believers received the baptism in the Spirit that had been promised to them. Acts.2v1-4. We know from John.7v37-39., that the Holy Spirit was not given until Jesus was glorified, and that the baptism in the Holy Spirit was not available to the Church until the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. However, the recorded outpouring of the Holy Spirit in "The book of Acts" after the day of Pentecost, show that Christians received the baptism in the Spirit after the new birth, not at the new birth.

The Samaritans were baptised in the Spirit a considerable time after their conversion.
At Samaria many accepted Philip's sign-attested ministry and became joyful believers in Jesus; it was several, even many days later, that Peter and John came to Samaria to lay hands on these born-again, and water-baptised converts, that they might receive the baptism in the Spirit. Acts.8v5-19. The Samaritans were full of faith and joy; but they were not baptised in the Spirit until Peter and John prayed for them. Joy, peace, sanctification, or love, cannot be looked upon as a claim for being baptised in the Spirit; these are the even more important "fruit of the Spirit," which are the result of abiding in Christ and being led of the Spirit. Gal.5v16-25. To be a balanced Christian we need both gifts and fruit, both "great grace and great power." Acts.4v33.


Paul experienced his baptism in the Spirit a few days after his conversion.
Paul became a Christian when he met the Lord Jesus on the Damascus road. He owned Christ as Lord, saying, "Lord, what will thou have me to do"? Ananias was able to call him "brother Saul," and was sent that Paul might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. This was three days after Paul's conversion. Acts.9v6,9,17.

The remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his friends.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the house of Cornelius proves that Christians can receive the baptism in the Spirit a few seconds or minutes after believing in Christ as Saviour, and without having previously been baptised in water, and without having the laying on of hands. Acts.10v34-48. God gave Cornelius and his devout friends the sign of the gift of tongues, to prove to bigoted Jews at Jerusalem, and elsewhere, that God desired to save and forgive the despised Gentiles, and had welcomed them into His Church. Acts.11v1-18.

The Ephesians received their baptism in the Spirit some time after their conversion.
In Acts19v2., Paul asks the Ephesian Christians the question, "Having believed, did ye receive the Spirit?" "Having believed," is the aorist participle, "pisteuosantes," which speaks of an action, which takes place BEFORE the action of the leading verb, "elabete," (the aorist of "lambano"), which means, "did you receive?" So the believing took place before the receiving.

F.F. Bruce states that the term "disciples" is a term that was commonly used for Christians, and that if these disciples had been disciples of John, Luke would have said so explicitly. It does not say that they were disciples of John, who Paul had to lead to Jesus, it says they were Christians who only knew the baptism of John. The disciples at Ephesus were undoubtedly Christians whose knowledge of Christianity was in a similar defective condition to the limited knowledge of the "fervent" Apollos; before he was more accurately instructed by Priscilla and Aquila. Acts18v24-28. Apollos was a Christian who was "mighty in the Scriptures," "and was instructed in the way of the Lord;" and "spake and taught diligently the way of the Lord;" but he too only knew the baptism of John. It seems that these Christians were converted through the ministry of Apollos. This is confirmed by the fact that these two events are recorded together. Acts.18v24 to 19v6. It was, then, a considerable time after their conversion, that these Ephesian Christians received their baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Even if, as some say, these were disciples of John, who became Christians when Paul spoke to them, it still follows that they were baptised in the Spirit some time after their conversion; for it would take some time to find a suitable place for baptism, and some time must also have elapsed between their baptism in water and the laying on of the apostle's hands for the baptism in the Spirit, even if it were only a matter of minutes or hours. Their baptism in the Spirit occurred, therefore, some time after their conversion, when the apostle Paul laid hands on them, a point that Paul reminds the Ephesians of in Eph.1v13., "after that ye had believed, (again "pisteuosantes") ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise."

3. THE GIFT OF TONGUES AND THE BAPTISM IN THE SPIRIT.
In Acts2v4. 10v45,46. 11v17. and 19v6., when Christians received the baptism in the Spirit, they all spoke with tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. With the exception of the outpouring at Ephesus, we do not read of any other manifestations of the gifts, and at Ephesus they prophesied in addition to speaking in tongues. From humble housewives to mighty apostles, the initial and conclusive evidence of their baptism in the Spirit was speaking in tongues. The Holy Spirit did not give various gifts as the evidence of the baptism, He gave the gifts of tongues to all. Peter did not say that the household of Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit because they had believed the Gospel message and had accepted Christ, or were filled with joy, or were living sanctified lives, desirable and essential as all these are. Peter said that they were unmistakably filled with the Holy Spirit, because they had spoken with tongues, like the 120 on the day of Pentecost. Acts.11v17,18. There are two more instances in Acts, where it states that Christians received the baptism in the Spirit. In the case of the Samaritans in Acts.8v14-20.; even commentators who are not Pentecostal agree that what Simon saw in v18, was the Samaritan Christians speaking with tongues. When we read of Paul's baptism in the Spirit in Acts.9v17.; we know from 1Cor.14v5,18., that Paul spoke in tongues, and esteemed the gift of tongues very highly in private prayer, for he thanked God that he spoke in tongues even more than the verbose Corinthians, and desired every Christian to speak in tongues, and this must have been the will of God, or Paul would not have dared to say such a thing.

The baptism in the Spirit is an overwhelming experience to the prepared heart; indeed, speaking with tongues by the Holy Spirit's direct inspiration, is the only thing that enables us to express what Charles Finney called the "unutterable gushings" of praise, adoration, and worship of God, that fill the soul when one receives a mighty baptism in the Spirit. The apostolic band did not quibble about the gift of tongues, or God's choice of it as the initial evidence of their baptism in the Spirit, they joyfully accepted it and rejoiced that the Holy Spirit had lifted them above the limitations of their own vocabulary and spiritual perception, and had given them the ability to pray and worship as they ought. Let us take these New Testament Christians as the pattern of our baptism in the Spirit, others, even the good and the best, may lead us far astray.

Always seek an encounter with God, more than His gifts.
Here I want to give a very necessary warning! Remember, that though the gift of tongues is a wonderful and lovely gift from God, when you are seeking the baptism in the Spirit, you are seeking an encounter with Jesus, not just seeking tongues. The gift of tongues is the outflow of an encounter with Christ our baptising Lord, it is the effect of the baptism in the Spirit, not the cause. We should not try to get Christians to speak in tongues at any cost, so that they can be told, "You have received your baptism." Our whole emphasis should be on an encounter with Christ. In the New Testament the filling of the Spirit preceded the speaking with tongues. The baptism in the Spirit does not come through physical or soulish techniques, it comes through a living communion with Christ. We should not be satisfied by how many "tongue statistics" we can quote, but in how many Christians have received a new revelation of Christ, which has come with transforming power at their baptism in the Spirit. It does not satisfy the soul of the seeker, if they speak in tongues without feeling a fullness of the Spirit, and a heightened perception of the closeness and preciousness of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

If there is an absence of soul-searching, consecration, and a thirsting after God in His Word and in prayer, Christians may well have an experience that does not reach or satisfy the deep yearnings of the inner depths of the soul, even though they may have spoken with tongues. This can cause Christians to doubt their baptism and gifts, when Satan comes to attack their experience. We should not be satisfied until Christians have received a soul-satisfying baptism in the Spirit, that brings an overwhelming experience of the nearness and preciousness of our dear Lord Jesus and our heavenly Father.

God desires the baptism in the Spirit to be the gateway to the regular manifestations of His gifts; He wants us to be the channels of Christ's life, love, knowledge and power. It is only possible to convey this life, love and power to others, when we have a deep personal experience of them through the Holy Spirit's ministrations. Even our Lord, who was "full of grace and truth," did no public signs or miracles until He was empowered by the Holy Spirit at Jordan. Jn.1v14. 2v11. 3v34,35. 5v19,20. Lk.3v21,22. 4v1,14-23. God desires to give the baptism in the Spirit to all Christians; "the promise is unto you, and your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call;" and again, "how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." Acts.2v39. Lk.11v13.

If we are seeking the baptism in the Spirit, and are finding difficulty in receiving it, we should remember that we are God's dear children, and that He loves us with a love that passeth knowledge. We must leave our anxiety, perplexity, struggles and disappointment, in our Father's tender care, and not allow ourselves to listen to the lies of Satan and get dejected and depressed. We are safe in the arms of Jesus, and in our heavenly Father's tender care; take heart struggling Christian, you are tenderly loved by God. The Father, Son and Spirit are wholly on your side. Jn.16v26,27. N.B. v12-15.

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS FOR RECEIVING THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
The unconverted cannot receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, He is "the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive." Jn.14v16,17. While it is true that Peter in Acts.2., used the promise of the Holy Spirit as part of his message; we must remember that the majority of his hearers were "devout men from every nation under heaven;" we have to be careful not to cast our heavenly pearls before those who cannot appreciate them. Mt.7v6. Acts.2v5,38,39. Peter clearly told these devout Jews, that repentance and faith in Christ as Saviour, were the essential pre-requisites for receiving the baptism in the Spirit. These simple conditions make it possible for all truly converted Christians to receive the baptism in the Spirit. However, we will find that real spiritual effort and earnest seeking of God are required, if we are to keep a real fullness of the Spirit and a God-glorifying life. Ps.24v1-6. 1Cor.9v24 to 10v15. The promises for retaining blessing in the Old Testament were always conditional; see Gen.17v1-8. and Deut.28v1-68.; the New Testament promises also carry with them a strong conditional "if." Jn.15v6,7,10,14. Acts.8v37. Rom.8v17. 1Cor.15v1,2. 2Tim.2v11,12. Heb.3v6,14. 4v1,7. 10v26,38. Repentance starts, and carries us along the path of spiritual safety and blessing. The careless, prayerless, and unconsecrated Christian is always in grave spiritual danger. In the final reckoning, the attitudes of heart and mind that bring spiritual victory and safety, will also bring joy and blessing, for they are sustained by exactly the same means of grace. Though we can never earn or merit blessing from God, there are attitudes of mind and heart that will preserve us from spiritual danger, and will open our hearts and lives to God, so that He can bless us more freely.

We do not have to be perfect before we can experience the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Ps.68v18. and Eph.4v8., we are told that God gives gifts and ministries to rebellious imperfect people, so that we might be improved by them, and "that the Lord God might dwell among them." This is why the faulty Corinthians "came behind in no gift." 1Cor.1v7. No one would receive either baptism or gifts of the Holy Spirit, if we needed to be perfect before we received them. However, if a church lacks Christian love, it can, like the Corinthian church, be anything but a happy place, or a good testimony for the Lord. We should always seek the fruit of the Spirit as well as the gifts of the Spirit, and the giver more than His gifts. The balanced Christian is one who manifests both fruit and gifts of the Spirit. 1Cor.13.

HOW TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN A PENTECOSTAL FULLNESS FROM OUR LORD JESUS.
There are attitudes of heart and means of grace that will help us to receive and retain a fullness of the Holy Spirit.

1. WE MUST SEEK OUT CHRIST AND THE FATHER IN FAITH.
When we seek the baptism in the Spirit and His gifts, we must "ask in faith with no doubting," we must believe that God is "a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." We have every reason to trust our unchangeable, good and gracious "Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change," from whom, "every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift" proceeds. The Trinity love us with a love that surpasses knowledge. James.1v5-7,16,17. Eph.3v19. Heb.11v6. 6v13-20.

The strengthening grace of our Lord to us in our "faith distress."
Paul states that our faith should grow, "from faith to faith." Rom.1v17. However, our faith can at times be severely tested, as Abraham found out, when, "with no grounds for hope, Abraham sustained by hope, put faith in God." Abraham at 99 and Sarah at 90, both laughed in unbelief at the long delayed promise of God, when old age made the promise of a child seem ridiculous. They later embraced and received the promise of God through the gracious faith-building acts of God. A personal visit of the Lord caused them to be "strengthened in faith," and receive the promise of God. Gen.15v4-6. 18v11-14. Rom.4v17-20. God allows our faith to be tested, because faith grows through overcoming the trials that test it. We should also take great comfort from the fact that God not only takes great pleasure in our faith, He also delights to encourage and sustain it. Jesus was never hard on people with genuine doubts and problems; He treated Nathanael, Nicodemus, doubting Thomas, and multitudes more, with great grace and love; Jesus always met a sincere seeker's need. Jn.1v46-51. 3v1-21. 20v24-29. Mk.9v17-29. The risen Christ restored the shattered faith of His apostles, and though He chided them for their ignorance of the prophetic Scriptures, and their consequent unbelief, He was very gracious to them, and encouraged them with a benediction of peace. Jesus also restored their faith by "showing Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs;" He "appeared to them repeatedly over a period of 40 days talking with them about the affairs of the kingdom of God." Acts.1v3. Lk.24v25-29,44,45. Jn.20v1-31. 1Cor.15v3-8. We too can experience the strengthening grace of our Lord in our times of trial and "faith distress."


The difference between "genuine doubts," and "an evil heart of unbelief."
God never despises a genuine seeker who is harassed by doubts and fears. There is a great difference between a "genuine doubter" with "faith distress," and a person who has a spirit of scepticism and "an evil heart of unbelief," who does not want to believe, because of the demands that faith will make upon them. Heb.3v12-19. This is why Jesus severely censured the people who were still full of unbelief, and wilfully unrepentant, after seeing multitudes of signs and wonders from God. Mt.11v20-24. 12v31-45. The honest doubter may want to believe, but they may have real problems and difficulties that keep them from a clear faith. Genuine doubts can give us real distress, anguish and perplexity, for the very reason that faith and authentic experience are so earnestly desired. This longing "faith distress" will certainly lead to a positive and conclusive faith, and an abundant and satisfying experience of God. Every seeking heart in God's gallery of faith has known what it has meant to pray through from genuine doubts to a certainty of faith, and from barrenness to a blessed and fruitful experience. Even godly Enoch had a period of crisis before he started to walk with God. Gen.5v21-24. Heb.11v5,6. Jude.v14,15.

The Christian's fight of faith.
All Christians will experience some kind of "fight of faith," and these trials of life and conflicts with the powers of darkness, can be particularly expected when we are seeking a deeper walk with God and a more effective ministry for God. We cannot avoid having battles of faith, and the pressures on our faith and the gloomy doubts that rise, are often not our own fault. There are the demanding pressures of life that we cannot avoid, such as financial and health problems, difficulties in our home and work circumstances, and the opposition and unbelief of the world. 1Tim.6v12. Pressure and problems can be exacerbated through false teaching and unscriptural tradition, and the lack of a Spirit-anointed fellowship, for this leaves Christians without the essential spiritual support they need, when they are attacked by the insinuations and lies of the powers of darkness. However, God understands and sympathises with us in all these pressures and difficulties, and our Saviour's intercession and ministry are totally dedicated to us. He is the author of our faith, and He will perfect and finish it; so let us cling to Him and seek Him with all our hearts. Heb.12v2. Rom.8v26-39. We can surely believe that the God who gave His Son for us, will with Him also freely give us all things. Rom.8v32. Mt.11v27. 19v26. 21v22. 1Cor.3v21,22. Rev.21v5,7.

2. WE MUST DETERMINE TO OBEY GOD AND LIVE A HOLY LIFE.

Obedience, purity and holiness are essential companions of faith.
Wilful sin will not only hinder faith, it can end in apostasy. 1Cor.10v1-13. Lk.8v13-15. Heb.3v6 to 4v16. 6v1-12. 10v26-29. 1Tim.1v19. 1Sam15v22,23. Fellowship with God and other Christians is conditional upon us walking in love and purity; spiritual darkness envelops Christians who are sinful, disobedient and worldly. 1Jn.1v3-7. 2v3-17. 5v1-5,18,20. Careless worldly living will result in a life filled with injurious thorns and briars instead of the fruit of the Spirit, this ground is "nigh unto cursing." Heb.6v6-9. Those who speak of easy blessing without moral effort, love, and obedience are walking down the broad way to destruction. Mt.7v12-29. Rom.6v1-23. 8v1-9. Lk.6v43-48. Jesus said that we must "dig deep," or our spiritual house will collapse in ruins, and we will "fall away" from grace. Lk.6v46-49. 8v13. However, as we yield to the Holy Spirit a glorious harvest will grow in our lives, that will bring blessing to all who meet us. Gal.5v22,23.

God will never despise a broken and contrite heart. Ps.51v17. Is.66v2.
A feeling of need, a brokenness of spirit and heart examination, will always precede and accompany a genuine revival; however, these Christian qualities should not be confused with a state of morbid introspection, unbelieving anxious despair, or Satan inspired depression and dejection. We should remember, that though our need is great, God is immeasurably greater than our need, and He is wholly on our side. We should be honest with ourselves and God, about any deficiencies of character that we find in ourselves, but these should not drive us to despair, but to the throne of grace, where our great Saviour and High Priest has a plenitude of mercy and grace to meet our every need. Is.66v2. Mt.5v2-4. Heb.4v12-16.

The beauty of true holiness.
True holiness should not be confused with a negative morbid introspection, or a "holier than thou" attitude, which God abhors. Is.65v5. An affected devotion, or outward veneer of sanctity; is an empty and loathsome imitation of true holiness; which is a warm, tender and sacrificial quality of character.

Holiness does not merely mean, "to free from sin or evil;" nor does it just mean purity, which means, "to love righteousness and hate evil;" for though purity of life is an essential constituent of true holiness, holiness goes even further than purity, it carries the thought of service and devotion to God, as well as separation from sin. The words "holiness" and "sanctification" are translations of the same noun "hagiasmos," which occurs ten times in the New Testament. Rom.6v19,22. 1Cor.1v30. 1Thes.4v3,4,7. 2Thes.2v13 Heb.12v14. 1Pet.1v2.. The verb "hagiazo," "to sanctify," and the adjective "hagios," "holy," occur many times in the New Testament. "Hagiazo" is used twice, in Jn.10v36. and 17v9., of our Lord being sanctified; this does not mean that Jesus needed to be purified, for He had always lived a perfect life. In Jn.10v36., we read the Father dedicated Jesus and sent Him into the world to be our Saviour, regardless of the pain that this would bring to His Father's heart. In Jn.17v19., Jesus states that He sanctified Himself, so that we might be sanctified; He is speaking of His amazing sacrificial dedication to the task of being our Saviour and our High Priest. He was driven by His great love for us, and for our salvation; to depths of physical, emotional and spiritual suffering that we cannot conceive. Wonderful love! This is true holiness.

Before any angels or men were created, the Trinity counted the enormous cost of our creation and salvation and were willing to pay it out of pure love for us. They have always been totally dedicated to their creation. 2Cor.8v9. Titus.1v2. Rev.13v8. The Seraphim, "Burning Ones," in Is.6v2,3., are probably the "Living Beings" of Rev.4v6-8.; for both groups radiate Divine energy and life, have six wings, and sing the same words. For untold millenniums they have been ceaselessly crying "holy, holy, holy," they are astonished by God's dedicated love for His creation. They do not rest, "anapausin," from "anapauo," "to relax," as in Mt.11v29., from praising God. They express amazed ceaseless adoration at the totally selfless and sacrificial nature of God. Their continual, "holy, holy, holy," does not just state the fact of the purity of God, marvellous as this may be; but the even more amazing total sacrificial devotion of God to His creation. Is.6v3. Rev.4v8.

Sanctification starts at the Cross, and the Trinity sanctifies us.
The Trinity work together for our sanctification. The Holy Spirit regenerates us and cleans us up at the new birth, and endeavours to sanctify us. Titus.3v5. 2Thes.2v13. 1Pet.1v2. All Christians are "called to be saints," that is, "holy ones. Rom.1v7. 15v25,26,31. 16v2,15,16. 6v1,2. 2Cor.1v1. Eph.1v1. 3v8,18. Rev.5v8. 8v3,4. 15v3. etc. They are saints in the respect that their faith in Christ has "set them apart" from the world, and this should result in a very practical and real holiness. Sanctification begins at the cross of Jesus, when we repent of our sin and believe in Him as our Saviour. Holiness develops and deepens as the believer grows in grace and is more and more drawn into the ways and service of God. Eph.4v15. 1Pet.1v2,14-25. 2v2. 2Pet.3v18. In Mal.3v1-3., we see Christ likened to a refiner of silver, these refiners used to sit over a pot of molten silver and draw the scum off until their faces were clearly mirrored in the silver, Christ desires to clean us up until we reflect His beauty, love, and holiness to others. If we do not let the Lord Jesus refine and beautify us now with His sacred fire, then the fire will try and burn up our works at the judgement seat of Christ. 1Cor.3v12-17. 2Cor.5v8-11. Failure to yield our lives to the purifying presence of Christ and the Holy Spirit, can result in a painful chastening from our loving heavenly Father, the aim of which is to make us partakers of His holiness, and to save us from being ashamed at Christ's coming. Heb.12v10. 1Cor.11v27-34. 1Jn.2v28. Under the New Covenant there is a definite emphasis upon purity of life, and a heart cleansed by the fire of God, and devotion to God. Lk.3v8,16,17. Jn.1v33. Acts.2v3,4,38,39. 2Cor.3v18. 1Pet.1v13-18.


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