Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The Holy Spirit (as one of the three Persons of the Godhead) has always existed, as noted from the very beginning of God's inspired word (Genesis 1:2).

The Holy Spirit has also been evidenced from Old Testament times in the inspiration (2 Peter 1:21), recording and preserving of God's word (the Bible) which, although written by a multitude of authors over many hundreds of years, presents a unified message of God's dealings with humanity that is consistent in its teachings and with known secular historical accounts, and that has been faithfully brought down over thousands of years to the present day. 

There was visible evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence (in fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus to send Him to the apostles as a Counselor (John 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15)) at the feast of Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-21) following Christ's ascension (Acts 2:1-4), as shown by the sign (resembling tongues of fire) that rested on the heads of the apostles, and the granting to the apostles of the ability to speak in other earthly languages that they had never studied, as a means of disseminating the gospel message to the Jews from many other nations that had gathered in Jerusalem for the Pentecost observance.

In the Christian era, the Holy Spirit's presence and activity are also evidenced by the gifts of the Spirit present in believers, as noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (wisdom; knowledge; faith; healing; miracles; prophecy; distinguishing between spirits; speaking in tongues (languages never studied); and interpreting tongues).

In addition, the Holy Spirit manifests Himself in the fruits of the Spirit exhibited by those whom He indwells, again as noted by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 (love; joy; peace; patience; kindness; goodness; faithfulness; gentleness; self-control).

Finally, the presence and reality of the Holy Spirit are shown through the continued existence, growth, and spiritual/charitable work of the church over the past two thousand years, despite persecution, heresies, and the forces of the world, the flesh (that is, being composed of sinful people who, by nature -- without the Spirit's presence -- would be at enmity with God and His purposes), and Satan.

May 28 2018 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

James Kraft 74 year old retired pipeline worker

The evidence of the Holy Spirit is written in scripture. We receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit when we believe the gospel of our salvation. First Corinthians 15:1-4 Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also AFTER ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:14 Who is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit in whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit when we believe the gospel. That our sin debt has been paid in full.

We are no longer under the wrath of God and can no longer be condemned. John 3:18 and John 3:36. Romans 8:9 Without the Spirit of God their is no salvation. With the Spirit we have eternal life. 

Hebrews 13:5 He will neve leave us or forsake us. John 10:28-29 No one can pluck us from His hand.

Second Timothy 2:19. Nevertheless, the foundation of God is sure, having this seal, (the Holy Spirit) the Lord knoweth them that are His.

Why did Jesus say in Matthew 7:21-23 He did not know them. Because they had not done the will of his Father. John 6:40, and they did not have His Spirit in them. They trusted in their works instead of Gods grace.

First John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doeth not commit sin, for His seed, (the Holy Spirit) remaineth in Him, and HE can not sin because He (the Holy Spirit) can not sin because He (the Holy Spirit) is born of God.

But we are still in the flesh and we still sin. We are not made perfect in the flesh, but only in the Spirit. Once we believe the gospel we are given the Holy Spirit who is our righteousness before God. We are predestined to be raised at the resurrection. We are declared righteous by God by faith alone in Christ alone. Romans 4:5 But to the one that worketh not, but beleiveth on Him who justiifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

His righteousness is imputed to us, and He will no longer impute sin to our account. Romans 4:6-8 

We receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit when we believe our sins have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. We can no longer be condemned. John 6:47. John 6:28-29 John 10:28-29.

June 08 2018 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report