REPENTANCE

Repentance from dead works was defined as "an inward decision or change of mind resulting in the outward action of turning from sin to God and righteousness". Acts 20:21 calls it "repentance toward God". By the act of repentance you turn from your own dead works of

sin towards God. Repentance is a personal decision to forsake sin and enter into fellowship with God. It is the power of God which actually brings the change in the mind, heart, and life of the sinner:

Then God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:18)

Repentance is a gift of God:

Him [Jesus] hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance...(Acts 5:31)

Although emotions may be involved in repentance, true repentance from dead works is a decision, not just an emotion. As you learned, sorrow for sins, shedding tears, etc., is not enough. This must be accompanied by an inward decision that results in an outward change.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REPENTANCE

There are several reasons why repentance is considered a foundational truth of the Christian faith:

GOD COMMANDS IT:

     ...but [God] now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. (Acts 17:30)

IT IS NECESSARY TO AVOID SPIRITUAL DEATH:

  ...but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (Luke 13:3)

IT IS NECESSARY FOR ETERNAL LIFE:

Through repentance the penalty of death is removed and eternal life is granted:

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. (Acts 11:18)

IT IS NECESSARY FOR FORGIVENESS:

God cannot forgive your sins unless you repent:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

IT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER GOD'S KINGDOM:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matthew 4:17)

IT IS GOD'S DESIRE FOR ALL:

God does not want anyone to experience the spiritual death of eternal separation from God in Hell:

The Lord...is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)

IT IS THE REASON JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD:

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32)

DO CHRISTIANS REPENT?

In the first act of repentance, sinful men turn from wrong to right, accept the Gospel message, and become true believers in Jesus Christ. In the process of going on to perfection (which will be studied later in this course), a believer sometimes falls back into the old patterns of sinful behavior. According to the Biblical record, whenever believers sin they must also repent:

THE CORINTHIANS:

The believers at a city called Corinth had to repent:

Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance... (II Corinthians 7:9)

For I fear, lest, when I come...that I shall bewail many which have sinned already and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. (II Corinthians 12:20-21)

THE EPHESIANS:

The believers at Ephesus were told to repent:

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen and repent and do the first works. (Revelation 2:5)

CHRISTIANS IN PERGAMOS:

God told the Christians in Pergamos:

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (Revelation 2:16)

CHRISTIANS IN SARDIS:

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. (Revelation 3:3)

CHRISTIANS IN LAODICEA:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; Be zealous therefore, and repent. (Revelation 3:19)

Wherever there is sin, there must be repentance:

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:8-9)

THE MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE

Because repentance is necessary for salvation, God made a special plan to enable the message of repentance to reach everyone. The call to repentance began in the New Testament with the ministry of John the Baptist:

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way the Lord, make His path straight.

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:3-4)

Repentance was necessary in order for the Messiah [Jesus] to be revealed. Until Israel had been called back to God in repentance, Jesus could not be revealed. Repentance was the first message Jesus preached:

Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God,

And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel. (Mark 1:14-15)

Repentance was preached by believers in the early church:

And they went out and preached that men should repent. (Mark 6:12)

...Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)

Today, believers still have the responsibility to spread the message of repentance throughout the world. Jesus gave final instructions to His followers that...

...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)

WHAT CAUSES MEN TO REPENT?

Since repentance is a foundation on which the Christian faith rests, we must understand what causes men to repent. If you are responsible to spread the message of repentance throughout the world then you must know how men are persuaded to repent from dead works.

GOODNESS OF GOD:

The blessings of God in the life of an ungodly person are not to be mistaken as God's approval of his life style. The goodness of God is one way the Lord appeals to men to turn to Him:

Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

PREACHING:

The preaching of the Word of God causes men to repent. The preaching of Jonah resulted in the whole city of Ninevah repenting:

The men of Ninevah shall rise in judgment with this generation and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas.

(Matthew 12:41)

CHRIST'S CALL:

As the Word of God is preached, people hear and respond to the call of Christ which leads to repentance:

I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

(Matthew 9:13)

GOD, THE FATHER:

Jesus said no one could come to Him except the Father draw him. God draws men to repentance:

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him... (John 6:44)

REBUKE:

Rebuke causes men to repent. Rebuke is correction given from the Word of God:

...If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. (Luke 17:3)

GODLY SORROW:

As you learned, repentance may be accompanied by emotion. Natural emotion alone is not true repentance, but Godly emotion leads to true repentance:

Godly sorrow [for sin] worketh repentance to salvation.

(II Corinthians 7:10)

THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH REPENTANCE

The Bible identifies several things associated with repentance:

FAITH:

Faith towards God is associated with repentance. It is listed in Hebrews 6 as the second foundational principle of the Christian faith. Repentance from dead works must be combined with faith towards God:

...Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. (Mark 1:15)

...Repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Acts 20:21)

You will learn more about "faith toward God" in the next chapter as you study the second foundation of the Christian faith.

BAPTISM:

Baptism should accompany repentance as an outward sign of the inward change which has occurred:

Repent and be baptized every one of you. (Acts 3:19)

The doctrine of baptisms will also be discussed later in this course as it is part of the foundations mentioned in Hebrews 6.

WORKS:

The works of man, which the Bible also calls "fruit", testify as to whether or not there has been true repentance:

The Gentiles should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:20)

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. (Matthew 3:8)

"Works" and "fruits" both refer to outward behavior which should change after true repentance.

CONVERSION:

Repent ye therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out. (Acts 3:19)

Since conversion is related to repentance, you need to understand conversion.

CONVERSION

Conversion means "to turn". When it is used in connection with Biblical repentance, it means to "turn from the wrong way to the right way".

And many of the children of Israel shall He turn to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:16)

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw Him, and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:35)

And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. (Acts 11:21)

Conversion is turning from the darkness of sin to the light of God's righteousness:

...to turn them from darkness to light. (Acts 26:18)

It is turning from the power of Satan to God:

...to turn them...from the power of Satan unto God. (Acts 26:18)

It is turning from worldly things to spiritual things:

...Ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God. (Acts 14:15)

It is turning from false gods to the true and living God:

...Ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

(I Thessalonians 1:9)

IMPORTANCE OF CONVERSION

Conversion must accompany repentance. You must turn from the wrong to the right because...

IT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD:

Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

(Matthew 18:3)

IT SAVES FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH:

He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE BLOTTING OUT OF SIN:

Our sin is written in the records of God until we repent and are converted, then it is blotted out:

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out... (Acts 3:19)

THE PRODIGAL SON

Repentance and conversion are best illustrated by a story Jesus told about the prodigal son. Read the story in Luke 15:11-24. This young man left his father and home, went to a distant land, and through sin wasted all he owned.

Eventually this young man realized his condition. He was hungry, lonely, in rags, and tending pigs for a job. Then he made an important decision. He said, "I will arise and go to my father". This inward decision resulted in a change in his outward actions. He went home to his father to seek forgiveness.

REPENTANCE...THE CHANGE OF MIND:

Read Luke 15:17-19. The young man realized his sinful condition. He made a decision to go to his father and repent of his sin. This is an example of repentance, an inward decision which results in outward action.

CONVERSION...ACTING ON THE DECISION:

Luke 15:20 records how the young man arose and left the old life and went to his father to start a new life. This is conversion.

PRODIGAL MEN

In his own sinful condition, every man has turned his back on God as his Father and on Heaven as his home. Each step he takes is a step away from God and one step nearer the spiritual death of eternal separation from God.

There is a major decision he must make. He must "come to himself" and recognize his spiritual condition. He must make a decision which will result in a change of spiritual direction. That change in spiritual direction will turn him from sin towards God. This is the first step in building a proper spiritual foundation.

JUSTIFICATION AND SALVATION

There are two other terms used in the Bible which relate to repentance. These terms are "justification" and "salvation". God is the judge of all mankind. When you are living in "dead works" [sin] you are condemned before Him:

...but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

(John 3:18-19)

When you repent from sin and make the decision to turn from your sinful ways this establishes a right relationship with God. This right relationship or right standing before God is called "justification":

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:16-18)

The penalties for sin are physical and spiritual death. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for the sins of all mankind:

For He [God] hath made Him [Jesus] to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.

(II Corinthians 5:21)

If you believe that Jesus died for your sins, repent, and accept Him as Savior, then you will not experience spiritual death of eternal separation from God in Hell. Although your physical body will die, you will be resurrected to eternal life. This is made possible through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. You are justified, or brought into right relationship to God, by Jesus Christ:

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:24)

Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:9)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... (Romans 5:1)

When you are justified by repenting and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior you are saved from a life of sin and the penalties of sin:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

This is what it means to be saved and is what the Bible is speaking of when the term "salvation" is used.

It is God's desire that all men obtain salvation rather than experience the wrath of God's judgment of sin:

For God had not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ...who died for us. (I Thessalonians 5:9-10a)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

SUMMARY

The chart on the following page summarizes the basic concepts taught in chapters two and three.

It is important to remember that each foundational principle of the Christian faith is related to all the others. For example, repentance from dead works cannot be separated from faith toward God which is the subject of the next chapter.

Origin of Sin: Lucifer (Satan)

Rebelled Against God

He led man into sin which resulted in

❙

The Fall of Man (Adam and Eve)

❙

This resulted in

❙

All men inheriting the basic sin nature and committing

individual acts of sin due to this nature

❙

Sin leads to:

❙

Spiritual Death

Physical Death

❙

On the cross, Jesus paid these penalties which resulted in justification of sinful man:

❙

Repentance From Dead Works (An Inward Decision)

which leads to

❙

Conversion

(An Outward Change)

❙

which results in

❙

Justification Of Sinful Man Before A Righteous God

and

Salvation From A Life Of Sin And The Penalties Of Sin

SELF-TEST

1. List seven reasons why repentance is important and required for salvation.

_____________________________ ____________________________

_____________________________ ____________________________

_____________________________ ____________________________

_____________________________

2. List six things which cause men to repent.

_____________________________ ____________________________

_____________________________ ____________________________

_____________________________ ____________________________

3. Define conversion.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Using the story of the prodigal son, describe repentance and conversion.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. Write the Key Verse from memory.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. List four things the Bible associates with repentance.

______________________________ ______________________________

______________________________ ______________________________

7. Do Christians repent?_____________

8. Give three Biblical examples of Christians needing to repent.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

9. Define justification.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

10. What does it mean to be "saved"?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Repentance, conversion, and justification were discussed in this chapter.

Use the following references to continue your study of these important terms.

CONVERSION:

Matthew 18:3

Acts 3:19

Psalms 19:7

JUSTIFICATION:

Acts 13:39

Romans 2:13; 3:4,20,24,28; 4:2,25; 5:1,16,18; 8:30

I Corinthians 6:11

Galatians 2:16-17; 3:8,11,24

Titus 3:7

James 2:21-25

REPENTANCE:

Matthew 3:2,8,11; 4:17; 9:13; 11:20-21; 12:41

Mark 1:4,15; 2:17; 6:12

Luke 3:3,8; 5:32; 11:32; 13:3,5; 15:7,10; 17:3,4; 24:47

Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 8:22; 17:30; 26:20; 5:31; 11:18; 13:24; 19:4; 20:21

Romans 2:4

II Corinthians 7:8-10

II Peter 3:9

Revelation 2:5,16; 3:3,19

CHAPTER FOUR

FAITH TOWARD GOD

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙          Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙          Define faith.

∙          Identify different types of faith.

∙          Define the term "faith toward God".

∙          Explain why faith toward God is important.

∙          Explain how faith can be increased.

KEY VERSE:

But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

INTRODUCTION

The second of the foundation doctrines is "faith toward God". "Faith toward God" refers to your attitude toward God. Some men hate God and rebel against Him. Others are afraid of Him. Your attitude should be one of faith toward God.

Faith and repentance are both necessary for genuine conversion. To turn to God without forsaking sin is not true repentance. To try to forsake sin without turning to God in faith ends in failure. The ministry of Paul to the unsaved was:

Testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:21)

Both repentance and faith toward God are necessary for salvation.

DEFINITION

Faith means to believe and have assurance of something. To believe means to have trust. The words "faith, believe, and trust" all mean the same thing when we use them in relation to God. The Bible defines faith as:

...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

            (Hebrews 11:1)

The Amplified Bible adds to this definition:

Now faith is the assurance, the confirmation, the title deed of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see, and the conviction of their reality. Faith is perceiving as real what is not revealed to the senses.

            (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith gives assurance that the things promised in the future are true and that unseen things are real.

HOPE:

Faith differs from hope. Hope is a desire or attitude of expectancy concerning things in the future. Faith is belief in something you cannot see but have assurance you already possess. Hope is in the mind. Faith is in the heart:

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith...and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (I Thessalonians 5:8)

In this verse faith is associated with the region of the heart as a breastplate. Hope is a helmet associated with the head.

Hope is a mental attitude of expectancy about the future. Faith is a condition of the heart producing belief in God:

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness...(Romans 10:10)

It is not enough to accept the Gospel with the mind. This is not true Scriptural faith and does not produce change in your life. True Scriptural faith, believing with the heart, always

produces change in your life. The result is something experienced in the present, not something hoped for in the future.

MIND OVER MATTER:

Faith is not the same as "mind over matter" which is taught by some religions. "Mind over matter" teaches that man can overcome all problems in the real world [the world of matter] by using his mind, reason, or willpower. These teachings are man-centered. They rely on self and not on God. "Mind over matter" is not based on the Word of God.

Faith is God-centered, not man-centered. It is a gift of God, not something man produces through self-efforts of his own mind.

TYPES OF FAITH

There are different types of faith.

NATURAL FAITH:

This is a natural trust in things that have proven stable. For example, faith that the chair on which you are sitting will support you. This faith is not "faith toward God". It is a natural faith in certain things around you that you have learned by experience are usually dependable.

The following types of faith are what we mean when we speak of "faith toward God":

SANCTIFYING FAITH:

I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Sanctifying faith enables the believer to live a holy life after conversion. You will learn more about sanctification in the last chapter of this study as we discuss going on to perfection.

Faith toward God includes sanctifying faith which is believing you can live a holy life. You do not do this by your own strength but through the power of God which dwells within you.

DEFENSIVE FAITH:

Faith is one of the weapons for defense against your spiritual enemy, Satan:

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (Ephesians 6:16)

Satan will try to attack your faith by sending "darts" of unbelief into your mind. Having faith toward God provides a spiritual defense to these attacks.

SAVING FAITH:

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

Faith toward God, combined with true repentance, is saving faith. Salvation is knowing, believing, and personally accepting the Gospel message. Saving faith requires a personal response toward God. No person can respond on behalf of another. Each person is saved by his own response to the Gospel.

Faith is a fact. It is the gift of God to men to enable them to be saved:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God... (Ephesians 2:8)

But faith is also an act. Each person must act upon the faith given him by God. Faith toward God is your response, your action by faith toward Him.

After you have experienced "faith towards God" and become a believer, the spiritual fruit of faith and the gift of faith both increase your faith toward God. The gift and fruit of faith are discussed in detail in the Harvestime International Institute course entitled "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit".

MISPLACED FAITH

The doctrine you are studying is called "faith toward God". It is not just faith in general, but it is directed faith. You can have misdirected faith. Misdirected faith can be in...

NATURAL WEAPONS:

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

(Psalms 44:6)

GREAT MEN:

Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. (Psalms 146:3)

SELF:

He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)

IDOLS:

They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.

(Isaiah 42:17)

FALSE PROPHETS:

Trust ye not in lying words...Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. (Jeremiah 7:4,8)

NATURAL POWER:

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Psalms 20:7)

WEALTH:

Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. (Psalms 52:7)

FRIENDS:

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. (Psalms 41:9)

Having faith is not enough. Your faith can be misplaced. True faith is directed faith. It is "faith toward God".

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH

There are two reasons why faith toward God is required:

IT IS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION:

The first reason faith toward God is important is that you cannot be saved without it:

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16)

For by grace are ye saved through faith... (Ephesians 2:8)

These by the wayside are they that hear, then cometh the Devil and taketh away the Word out of their hearts lest they should believe and be saved. (Luke 8:12)

YOU CANNOT PLEASE GOD WITHOUT FAITH:

The second reason faith is important is that you cannot please God without it:

Without faith it is impossible to please Him: For he that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

LEVELS OF FAITH

The Bible reveals that there are various levels of faith. Jesus spoke of people who did not use their faith as being "faithless" (Matthew 17:17). He spoke of those with little faith (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; Luke 12:28) and of those with great faith (Matthew 8:10; 15:28; Luke 7:9).

The Bible teaches that each person has a certain amount of faith which is given to him as a gift of God:

...according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

            (Romans 12:3b)

Each believer has some faith because it is through faith you are saved:

For by grace are ye saved, through faith... (Ephesians 2:8)

HOW TO INCREASE FAITH

Sanctifying faith enables you to live a holy life. Increased faith will help you go on to perfection. Defensive faith shields you from the attacks of the enemy, Satan. If you increase your faith you increase your spiritual defensive forces. The Bible tells how to increase faith:

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

            (Romans 10:17)

You increase faith toward God through hearing the Word of God. You must first hear the Word of God in order to repent of sin and receive Jesus as Savior. Saving faith comes by hearing God's Word.

After you are saved, Biblical teaching and preaching will continue to increase your faith. The more you hear the Word of God, the more your faith will increase. The more faith increases the easier it will be to live a holy life and defend against the spiritual attacks of the enemy.

Just a small amount of faith is very powerful:

And Jesus said unto them...For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20)

Nothing is impossible if you have even a small amount of faith.

FAITH AND WORKS

Faith is a gift of God. It cannot be increased by works. By faith we mean "that which you believe". By works we mean "that which you do". The Bible teaches:

Now by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Faith is the gift of God to believe. This does not mean that works [what you do] are not important. Faith comes first, as a gift of God. Works [what you do] are the test of whether or not your faith is real. James wrote:

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith and have not works? can faith save him?

If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food,

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: Shew me thy faith without thy works and I will show thee my faith by my works. (James 2:14-18)

Your works...how you live and react to the needs of those around you...are a test of the reality of your faith.

James sums up the connection between faith and works by the example of the relationship between man's body and spirit. The Bible teaches that when a man dies, his spirit leaves his body. James says that...

...as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26)

Your actions should reflect the living faith within you:

For the just shall live by faith. (Galatians 3:11)

AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH

Hebrews chapter ll lists the names of many people who were great examples of faith. But there is one man in the Bible who is called "the father of all them that believe" (Romans 4:11). His name is Abraham.

Christians are those who walk in the steps of faithful Abraham (Romans 4:12) and are spoken of as the children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7). Because of his faith toward God, Abraham was justified:

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness... (James 2:23)

When Paul wanted to illustrate faith toward God, he used Abraham as an example:

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Who was delivered for our offenses and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:23-25)

Paul said that the record of Abraham's faith which resulted in justification was not kept just for him. The record was kept so that we also, by believing the Gospel message, could be justified.

The reasons Abraham was an example of faith are as follows:

HE HEARD THE WORD:

Abraham listened to the promises of God:

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

And being fully persuaded that, what He has promised, He was able also to perform. (Romans 4:13,21)

HE BELIEVED THE WORD:

He not only heard the promises of God, he believed:

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

            (Romans 4:18)

Like Abraham, it is by believing that we receive the promises of God: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(I Peter 1:8-9)

HE TURNED FROM HIS HOPELESS CONDITION:

Hearing of the Word of God resulted in a change in Abraham's life:

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. (Romans 4:18-19)

Just as men and women lost in sin, Abraham faced a hopeless condition in the natural world. The promise to become the father of many nations could only come through God because Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children.

Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. There is no other way you can receive the promise except by faith in His plan of salvation:

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith... (Ephesians 3:17)

HE ACCEPTED THE PROMISE AS A FACT:

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. (Romans 4:20)

This is faith toward God.

AN EXAMPLE FOR US

The faith toward God demonstrated by Abraham is an example for you to follow. You must:

-Hear the Word of God.

-Believe the Word of God.

-Turn from your hopeless condition (change through repentance from dead works).

-Accept God's promise as fact. His promise is that you are justified by repentance and faith toward God through Jesus.

SELF-TEST

1. Define "faith".

_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define the following types of faith:

Natural faith:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Saving faith:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Sanctifying faith:

_______________________________________________________________________________

Defensive faith:

_______________________________________________________________________________

3. Give two main reasons why faith toward God is necessary.

___________________________ ___________________________

4. How can you increase your faith toward God?

_______________________________________________________________________________

5. Write the Key Verse from memory.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

6. List four reasons why Abraham is a good example of faith.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

7. How does faith differ from hope?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

8. What is the difference between faith and "mind over matter"?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

9. What is the difference between faith and works?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

10. What is meant by "faith toward God"?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

"Trust" is another word for faith. David wrote much about trust in the book of Psalms. Use the following study to continue learning about faith toward God which David calls "trust".

MISPLACED TRUST

Study the following references. In the column provided list what David said NOT to trust:

Reference                                                                    Do Not Trust...

Psalms 20:7                ____________________________________________

Psalms 41:9                ____________________________________________

Psalms 44:6                ____________________________________________

Psalms 49:6                ____________________________________________

Psalms 52:7                ____________________________________________

Psalms 115:8              ____________________________________________

Psalms 118:8-9           ____________________________________________

Psalms 135:17-18       ____________________________________________

Psalms 146:3              ____________________________________________

WELL PLACED TRUST

Throughout the Psalms David encourages trust in God. He also encourages trust in things related to God. Study the following references. In the second column make a list of what David said he would trust in.

Reference Trust In...

Psalms 33:21              ____________________________________________

Psalms 36:7                ____________________________________________

Psalms 13:5                ____________________________________________

Psalms 52:8                ____________________________________________

Psalms 57:1                ____________________________________________

Psalms 61:4                ____________________________________________

Psalms 78:22              ____________________________________________

Psalms 91:4                ____________________________________________

Psalms 119:42____________________________________________

WHEN TO TRUST...

Psalms 56:3                ____________________________________________

BENEFITS OF TRUSTING

David listed many benefits of trusting or having faith toward God. Study the following references. In the column provided list the benefits of trusting God:

Reference Benefit Of Trusting God...

Psalms 25:2                ____________________________________________

Psalms 25:20              ____________________________________________

Psalms 26:1                ____________________________________________

Reference Benefit Of Trusting God...

Psalms 28:7                ___________________________________________

Psalms 31:1                ____________________________________________

Psalms 31:6                ____________________________________________

Psalms 31:19              ____________________________________________

Psalms 32:10              ____________________________________________

Psalms 33:21              ____________________________________________

Psalms 34:8                ____________________________________________

Psalms 34:22              ____________________________________________

Psalms 37:5                ____________________________________________

Psalms 37:40              ____________________________________________

Psalms 40:3                ____________________________________________

Psalms 2:12                ____________________________________________

Psalms 5:11                ____________________________________________

Psalms 7:1                  ____________________________________________

Psalms 9:10                ____________________________________________

Psalms 16:1                ____________________________________________

Psalms 17:7                ____________________________________________

Psalms 21:7                ____________________________________________

Psalms 22:4                ____________________________________________

Psalms 22:5                ____________________________________________

Psalms 22:8                ____________________________________________

Reference Benefit Of Trusting God...

Psalms 40:4                ____________________________________________

Psalms 56:4                ____________________________________________

Psalms 56:11              ____________________________________________

Psalms 57:1                ____________________________________________

Psalms 64:10              ____________________________________________

Psalms 71:1                ____________________________________________

Psalms 73:28              ____________________________________________

Psalms 84:12              ____________________________________________

Psalms 86:2                ____________________________________________

Psalms 112:7              ____________________________________________

Psalms 119:42            ____________________________________________

Psalms 125:1              ____________________________________________

Psalms 141:8              ____________________________________________

Psalms 143:8              ____________________________________________

Psalms 144:2              ____________________________________________

RESULTS OF NOT TRUSTING GOD

David identifies the results of not trusting God:

Reference Result Of Not Trusting God

Psalms 32:10              ____________________________________________

Psalms 55:23              ____________________________________________

Psalms 78:21-22         ____________________________________________

DAVID'S HISTORY OF TRUSTING

David tells how long he has trusted God:

Psalms 71:5 Since my "____________".

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

The following passages are additional references David made to trusting God. Study the references. In the column provided summarize each verse in your own words:

Reference Summary

Psalms 31:4                ____________________________________________

Psalms 4:5                  ____________________________________________

Psalms 11:1                ____________________________________________

CHAPTER FIVE

DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS: PART I

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙          Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙          Identify four baptisms mentioned in the New Testament.

∙          Define the word "baptize".

∙          Explain the importance of Christian baptism.

∙          List qualifications to be met by those seeking Christian baptism.

KEY VERSE:

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)

INTRODUCTION

The third foundational principle listed in Hebrews chapter 6 is the doctrine of baptisms.

In Hebrews 6:2 the word "baptism" is plural. It is "the doctrine of baptisms" [plural], not "the doctrine of baptism" [singular]. This means the complete doctrine of the Christian faith includes more than one baptism.

FOUR BAPTISMS

The New Testament mentions four different baptisms. These are:

-Christ's baptism of suffering

-The baptism of John

-Christian baptism

-Baptism in the Holy Spirit

This chapter discusses the first three baptisms. The following chapter concerns the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

DEFINITION

The word "baptize" used in the Bible means to entirely immerse or submerge in something.

CHRIST'S BAPTISM OF SUFFERING

There is one baptism in the New Testament which we will call the baptism of suffering. This baptism is spoken of by Jesus:

But I have a baptism to be baptized with: and how am I straitened till it be accomplished. (Luke 12:50)

This baptism is also mentioned in Mark 10:38 where the sons of Zebedee asked for the honor of sitting with Christ on His right and left sides in Heaven. Jesus answered: "Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" Jesus was speaking of the suffering awaiting Him through His death for the sins of all mankind. He was to be immersed in suffering, buried in the tomb, and resurrected in a new body.

THE BAPTISM OF JOHN

The baptism of John the Baptist was baptism in water connected with the message of repentance. John the Baptist was born miraculously to Zacharias and Elizabeth (Luke 1). God had a special plan for his life. He was to serve as the "forerunner" of Jesus Christ:

For thou child shalt be called the prophet of the highest for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;

To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins. (Luke 1:76-77)

The word "forerunner" means one who goes before and prepares the way. John was to preach the message of repentance and baptism to Israel to prepare them for the coming of their Messiah, Jesus Christ:

I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but He that cometh after me is mightier than I...He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)

The ministry of John the Baptist was the beginning of a new spiritual age:

The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. (Luke 16:16)

Before the time of John the people lived under the law. Prophets and priests served as spiritual leaders and interpreters of the law. Only the priests had access to the presence of God in the temple. They served as mediators between the people and God and offered sacrifices for sin as God had commanded. This all changed with the coming of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made access to God possible for all men. Jesus now serves as the mediator between sinful man and a righteous God.

John made two demands on the people: Repentance and public confession of sins. Those who were willing to meet these God-given requirements were baptized in the Jordan River as a public testimony. It was an outward sign that they had repented of their sins.

When some of the religious leaders came to John to be baptized, he refused to do it. He demanded that they show evidence of real change in their lives before he would baptize them:

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. (Matthew 3:7-8)

Repentance and remission of sins was required by John before he would baptize. The phrase "baptism unto repentance and remission of sins" does not mean that these two experiences followed the act of being baptized in water. Baptism was a visible confirmation that those being baptized had already experienced repentance and forgiveness.

CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

The passage which best introduces what we will call "Christian baptism" describes the baptism of Jesus:

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to be baptized of him.

But John forbade Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered Him.

And Jesus, when He was baptized went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:

And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:13-17)

Jesus was not baptized by John as evidence that He had repented of sin because He had no sins for which to repent. Jesus was baptized to "complete all righteousness". He was setting a righteous example of behavior which He wanted all believers to follow.

BAPTISM OF BABIES

Jesus was not baptized as a baby. When He was an infant His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, but He was not baptized (Luke 2:22). Jesus was not baptized until He knew what He was doing and the reason why He was doing it.

Babies should not be baptized. Children can be presented to the Lord for dedication and blessing by the laying on of hands. But they should not be baptized until they understand the meaning of the act and have met the Biblical requirements. There is no set age at which this understanding comes. It depends on the mental and spiritual development of each child.

SPRINKLING OR IMMERSION?

Some churches baptize by sprinkling with water. Others totally immerse in water. When Jesus was baptized He went down into and then came up out of the water. Considering this and the Biblical meaning of the word "baptize", we must conclude He was fully immersed in the waters of Jordan.

In allowing Himself to be baptized, Jesus showed outward obedience to the will of God. Through this act of obedience He fulfilled the plan of God. When believers are baptized, this outward act symbolizes the inward righteousness which they have received by faith.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM

There were spiritual conditions to be met by those who sought baptism from John. There are also requirements to be met by those seeking Christian baptism.

INSTRUCTION:

The first requirement for baptism was given by Jesus:

Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you... (Matthew 28:19-20)

Christ's command to teach new believers is given twice. They are to be taught before and after baptism. Sinners must first hear and receive the Gospel to become true believers:

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized. (Acts 2:41)

When they heard this, they were baptized... (Acts 19:5)

A certain woman named Lydia...attended unto the things that were spoken of Paul...and she was baptized. (Acts 16:14-15)

Before baptism, believers should receive enough teaching to understand its meaning. After baptism, they should continue to receive instruction in order to become mature Christians. Paul calls this "going on to perfection" (Hebrews 6).

REPENTANCE:

The second condition for baptism is repentance from sin. Peter stressed this during his sermon on the day of Pentecost:

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Note that conviction of sins is not enough. Action must be taken. The two commands Peter gave were repent and be baptized. Repentance comes before baptism.

BELIEF:

The third condition for baptism is believing [faith]:

And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16)

This requirement of believing is illustrated by the story of Philip and the Ethiopian man who he met on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza (Acts 8). Philip heard the Ethiopian read from the book of Isaiah. He joined him in his chariot to explain the Gospel. As they continued on their journey the road led past water. Upon the Ethiopian's request and his confession of faith, Philip baptized him:

And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

And Philip said, if thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And He commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

(Acts 8:36-38)

Philip said to the eunuch: "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest be baptized." The eunuch replied: "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son God." A person who desires Christian baptism first must confess to faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.

A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD:

A fourth condition for Christian baptism is a good conscience toward God. Peter compares Christian baptism in water to the experience of Noah and his family who were saved from judgment as they entered into the ark:

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us [not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God] by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 3:21)

Peter dismisses any idea that the purpose of baptism is any kind of cleansing of the physical body. He says the condition of Christian baptism is the inner relationship of the believer's heart toward God. He calls it "a good conscience toward God."

THE TIME OF BAPTISM

To be eligible for water baptism a person must receive proper instruction, repent, believe, and have a good conscience toward God. The length of time it takes to meet these requirements will differ depending on the individual.

Some churches require those who desire baptism to take long periods of instruction lasting weeks or months. But the Bible says that on the day of Pentecost three thousand people were baptized. A few hours before they were unbelievers who rejected Jesus to be either the Messiah of Israel or the Son of God. From the end of Peter's sermon to their baptism, the time required to give necessary instruction, could not have exceeded a few hours:

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41)

Philip baptized the Ethiopian the same day he preached the Gospel to him.

TO SUMMARIZE...

The practice of the early church in relation to baptism was as follows:

1. Before baptism they taught the basic facts of the Gospel centering on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

2. They related these facts to the act of baptism.

3. They verified understanding, repentance, and confession of faith in the new believer, then baptism in water followed immediately.

4. After baptism the new believers received further instruction for spiritual development.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

The following text reveals the spiritual significance of Christian baptism:

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?

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. (Romans 6:1-4)

When you repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, death to sin and the old life occurs. There is creation of a new life of righteousness lived for God:

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof...

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:11,12,14)

Christian baptism in water is a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It symbolizes death to sin as you are immersed in that "grave" of water and resurrection into a new life lived for God in righteousness as you come up out of the water.

The believer who is raised up out of the water to live this new life does not do this in his own power. The new life is lived by the power of God, the same power that raised Jesus from the

grave. (We will learn more about living the new life in Chapter Eleven). The effect of water baptism depends on the repentance and faith of the one being baptized. Without this, baptism is of no value.

True Christian baptism means we are baptized into Jesus Himself, not into a particular church or denomination:

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)

BAPTISMS: A CONTRAST

Both John's baptism and Christian baptism occur by immersion in water, but there is a difference between the two. When Paul visited the city of Ephesus he found a group of people who were disciples of John the Baptist. They had heard John's message of repentance and been baptized, but had heard nothing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 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. (Acts 19:1-5)

After Paul explained the Gospel, these people accepted it and were baptized again. This time they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. This example shows that the baptism of John and Christian baptism are different. John's baptism was no longer accepted after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Those who had received John's baptism were baptized again in Christian baptism.

John's message prepared the hearts of the people of Israel for the revelation of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. By baptism they outwardly confessed repentance of their sins and their belief in the coming Messiah.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, people were then baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. By doing so they outwardly demonstrated their acceptance of the Gospel message and the fact that it had changed their lives. Jesus commanded this baptism:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19)

The difference between Christian baptism and the baptism of John is that Christian baptism is to be done in the full authority of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

John's baptism could not be done with this same authority. It was only a baptism of repentance and confession of belief in the coming Messiah. Christian baptism is a baptism confessing acceptance of the completed redemptive plan of God.

WORDS SPOKEN AT BAPTISM

We have discussed the requirements to be met before baptism and confirmed that it is to be total immersion in water. One question remains: What are the words that should be spoken at the time of baptism?

Jesus said to baptize in the name of "the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". Many ministers choose to use these exact words when baptizing and this is acceptable according to Scripture. But it is also acceptable to use just the name of the Lord Jesus. The Bible records that the disciples did this:

...They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 8:16)

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. (Acts 10:16)

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

            (Acts 19:5)

Jesus did not command His disciples to baptize in the names [plural] of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but in the "name" [singular] of the persons of the Trinity of God.

The name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is the name for "Lord Jesus Christ" because...

In Him the whole fullness of deity [the Godhead] continues to dwell in bodily

            form, giving complete expression of the divine nature.

(Colossians 2:9) The Amplified Bible

The Bible teaches we are baptized into Christ:

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death. (Romans 6:3)

Some denominations have had much controversy over the words to be spoken at the time of baptism. They claim one wording is right and the other is wrong. But according to the Bible, baptism "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or in the "Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" are both acceptable to be spoken at the time of Christian baptism. There is no conflict between either wording. Both refer to the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

To be consistent with the Bible and at the same time bring unity in this area, the following wording is suggested:

"Upon the basis of the confession of your faith, in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, I baptize you into the Lord Jesus Christ."

SELF-TEST

1. Write the Key Verse from memory.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. Define the word "baptize".

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. Why is Christian baptism important?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. What are four qualifications that should be met by those seeking Christian baptism?

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

5. What are the four types of baptism mentioned in the New Testament?

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

6. In the New Testament, how soon were repentant, believing sinners baptized?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

7. Give the Bible reference which proves there is a difference between the baptism of John

and Christian baptism.

______________________________________________________________________________

8. Should babies be baptized in water?

______________________________________________________________________________

9. At what age should a child be allowed to be baptized in water?

______________________________________________________________________________

10. If the statement is TRUE, write T on the blank in front of it. If the statement is FALSE, write the letter F on the blank in front of it.

a._____If you were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ you should be baptized again in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

b._____The Biblical word "baptize" means to immerse rather than sprinkle with water.

c._____You should understand the meaning of baptism before being baptized.

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

This chapter introduced the subject of the doctrine of baptisms. To expand your knowledge of the subject study the following Scriptures concerning baptism:

Matthew 3:6,7,11-16; 11:11-12; 14:2; 16:4; 20:22-23; 21:25

Mark 1:4,5,8,9; 10:38-39; 11:30; 16:16

Luke 3:3,7,12,16,21; 7:29-30; 12:50; 20:4

John 1:25-28,33; 3:22-23,26; 4:1-2; 10:40

Acts 1:5,22; 2:38,41; 8:12,13,16,36,38; 9:18; 10:37,47-48; 11:16; 13:24; 18:8,25; 19:3,4,5; 22:16

Romans 6:3-4

I Corinthians 1:13-16; 10:2; 12:13; 15:29

Galatians 3:27

Ephesians 4:5

Colossians 2:12

I Peter 3:21

Hebrews 6:2

CHAPTER SIX

DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS: PART II

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙          Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙          Explain some of the purposes of the Holy Spirit.

∙          Explain how to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

∙          Name the outward physical sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

∙          Identify the true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

∙          Recognize gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

KEY VERSE:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

INTRODUCTION

In the last chapter you learned the definition of the word "baptize" and studied three of the four baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. You learned about the baptism of suffering experienced by Jesus, the baptism of John the Baptist, and Christian baptism in water. This chapter concerns the fourth baptism which is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.*

PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His followers:

____________________

* This chapter serves only as an introduction to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. For a detailed study of the Holy Spirit, Harvestime International Institute offers a separate course entitled "Ministry Of The Holy Spirit".

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.

(Luke 24:49)

The promise to which Jesus referred was the Holy Spirit. Jesus had spoken of this previously to His followers:

And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;

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.

I will not leave you comfortless. (John 14:16-18)

PURPOSES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

One of the main purposes of the Holy Spirit is given in the passage just quoted: To comfort believers. But the Bible gives many other purposes for the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit is to:

-Fill and baptize him: Acts 2:4

-Dwell in him: I Corinthians 6:19

-Unite him in one spirit with God and other believers: I Corinthians 6:17

-Pray for him: Romans 8:26

-Guide him: John 16:13

-Show the love of Christ to him and through him: Romans 5:5

-Conform him to the image of Christ: II Corinthians 3:18

-Reveal Biblical truth to him: I Corinthians 2:10

-Teach him: John 14:26

-Inspire him to true worship: John 4:24

-Strengthen him: Ephesians 3:16

-Quicken him: Romans 8:11

-Sanctify him: II Thessalonians 2:13-14

-Change him: Titus 3:5

-Convict him when he does wrong: John 16:8-11

-Give assurance of salvation: Romans 8:16

-Give him liberty: Romans 8:2

-Speak through him: Mark 13:11

-Demonstrate God's power: I Corinthians 2:4

-Give him power to witness: Acts 1:8

-Inspire him to worship: John 4:24

THE EVIDENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers, but the main purpose and true evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit is to make the Christian a powerful witness for the Gospel:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me...to the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

The evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was present immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before the Day of Pentecost he had fearfully denied that he knew Jesus. After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter stood and gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people. It was the power of the Holy Spirit in the early church that resulted in the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which was evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

There are seven passages in the New Testament where the word "baptize" is used in relation to the Holy Spirit. Four of these are the words of John the Baptist recorded in the Gospels:

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire. (Matthew 3:11)

I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. (Mark 1:8)

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Luke 3:16)

And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (John 1:33)

Jesus also spoke of the baptism of the Holy Ghost:

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

When Peter spoke of events which took place in the home of Cornelius, he quoted the words of Jesus:

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

(Acts 11:16)

Paul also used the word "baptize" in relation to the Holy Spirit:

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. (I Corinthians 12:13)

Use of the phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as when it is used to describe Christian baptism in water. In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual condition.

The Holy Spirit came down from Heaven on the disciples on the day of Pentecost and completely immersed [or baptized] them in the Holy Spirit. Peter said this experience was the fulfillment of God's promise: "In the last days...I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh." This promise was given in Joel 2:28.

THE PHYSICAL SIGN

The Holy Spirit is invisible to the natural eye. He was compared by Jesus to the wind:

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8)

Although the wind is invisible, the effects which it produces can be seen and heard. When the wind blows the dust rises from the ground, the trees all bend in one direction, leaves rustle, the waves of the sea roar, and clouds move across the sky. These are all physical signs of the wind. So it is with the Holy Spirit. Even though He is invisible, the effects which the Holy Spirit produces can be seen and heard.

There are three places in the New Testament where we are told what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit:

DAY OF PENTECOST:

Acts 2:2-4 is the record of what happened on the day of Pentecost:

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

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

HOUSE OF CORNELIUS:

Acts 10:44-46 records what happened when Peter preached the Gospel to a man named Cornelius and his family:

While Peter yet spoke 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... (Acts 10:44-46)

CONVERTS AT EPHESUS:

Acts 19:6 describes what happened to the first group of converts at Ephesus:

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)

As we compare these passages there is one physical sign which is common to all three: Those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit spoke with other tongues. Other supernatural signs of the Holy Spirit are mentioned, but none as having taken place on all of the occasions.

On the day of Pentecost there was the sound of a rushing wind and visible tongues of fire were seen. These were not recorded on the other two occasions.

At Ephesus the new converts prophesied. But this is not mentioned as having occurred on the day of Pentecost or in the house of Cornelius.

The one outward sign which the apostles observed in the experience of Cornelius and his household was that they spoke with tongues. This physical sign was proof to the disciples that they had been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

From these Biblical records we conclude that the sign of speaking in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit confirms that a person has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.

THE TONGUES

The sign of "tongues" can be languages known to man. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost:

...And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

            (Acts 2:7-8)

Tongues can also be a language not known to man. This is called an unknown tongue:

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. (I Corinthians 14:2)

PURPOSES FOR TONGUES

The "other tongues" received through baptism in the Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of believers. I Corinthians chapter 14 identifies some of the purposes for the manifestation of tongues:

            -Prayer to God: Verse 2

            -Self-edification: Edification means to build or promote spiritual growth: Verse 4

            -When interpreted they edify the church: Verse 12

            -Intercession: Verse 14 (See also Romans 8:26-27)

            -Sign to unbelievers: Verse 22

            -Fulfillment of prophecy: Verse 21 (See also Isaiah 28:11-12)

            -Praise: Verse 15,17

OBJECTIONS

Some people object to the sign of speaking in tongues. These are some of the objections they raise:

EVERY CHRISTIAN HAS THE HOLY SPIRIT:

One of the most common objections is that every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is converted and does not need any further experience to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

But consider the examples of people in the New Testament who were true believers.

The apostles had repented of their sins and believed Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed personally and accepted as true the facts of His death, burial, a resurrection. Jesus told His followers:

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. (Luke 24:49)

He also said:

For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized

            with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)

The promised experience of being baptized in the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost:

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

Although the apostles were already genuine believers it was not until the day of Pentecost that they were filled with [baptized in] the Holy Spirit. The people of Samaria had heard the Gospel preached. They had believed and been baptized. But they had not received the Holy Spirit:

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

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.

            (Acts 8:14-17)

The people of Samaria received salvation through the ministry of Philip. They received the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John. Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit was a separate experience from receiving salvation.

Acts 19:1-6 describes how Paul went to Ephesus and met people described as "disciples". The first question Paul asked was, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" If people received the baptism of the Holy Ghost when they received salvation it would be foolish of Paul to ask this question. The fact that he asked it makes it clear people become believers in Christ without receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Even if a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time he is converted, it is a separate experience from salvation.

The ministry of the Holy Spirit has been operative throughout eternity. The Old Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit coming on Israel's spiritual leaders. The Holy Spirit is also operative in the life of a sinner to bring him to Christ.

But this is different than being filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus made that clear when He said:

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. (John 14:17)

The Holy Spirit was with the disciples at that time, but not yet in them. They were filled [baptized] with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit is WITH the sinner to draw him to Jesus Christ. But this is not the same as being IN the believer.

The Holy Spirit was with the spiritual leaders of Old Testament times. But He was not yet in them. This is the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the Holy Spirit.

DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES?:

Another objection to tongues has come through misunderstanding of a question of the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 12:30. He asks, "Do all speak with tongues?" The answer to his question is "No, all do not speak with tongues."

But Paul is not speaking here of the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The discussion concerns gifts of the Holy Spirit which can be used by the believer in the church:

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:27-28)

Paul is speaking of gifts which may be used by members of the Church. One of these gifts of the Holy Spirit is "diversities of tongues". It is an ability to give special messages to the Church in tongues under the power of the Holy Spirit. Although everyone experiences the sign of tongues when baptized in the Holy Spirit, not everyone receives the special gift of diversities of tongues.

FEAR:

Some believers do not seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are afraid they will receive an experience that is not of God. But the Bible says:

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Or what man is there of you whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? (Matthew 7:7-11)

If a believer seeks God for a gift, just like a good earthly Father, God will not let him receive anything that will harm him.

EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Another objection to tongues is that it is an emotional experience. Many believers who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit emphasize their own emotional reactions to the experience. Man is an emotional creature. Conversion does not eliminate a man's emotions. He will still experience joy and sorrow.

Conversion frees man's emotions from the control of sin. It redirects these emotions to worship of God. The word "joy" in Scripture is closely associated with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 13:52 we read that "the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost."

Some people react with great emotion to the joy which comes with the baptism of the Holy Spirit because they are naturally more emotional than others. They may shout, laugh, or experience other sensations in their physical bodies. But these emotional reactions are not the sign of baptism in the Holy Spirit. The confirming sign is speaking in tongues.

It is not necessary to show great emotion such as laughing, shouting, dancing, etc., to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. How one reacts emotionally to the joy this experience brings is often related to his natural emotional nature.

But we should not criticize those who have joyful emotional reactions to the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells of emotional reactions by those who had a powerful experience with God. People trembled, fell prostrate on the ground, shouted, rejoiced, and danced before God.

It is interesting to observe the emotional reaction of people to various athletic events. They will yell, laugh, jump up and down, and express much excitement over a sports game. How much more excited we should be over a gift like the Holy Spirit which accomplishes so many purposes in our lives, brings great joy, and equips us with power to reach the world with the Gospel.

The Psalmist David agreed. He presents a picture of joyful, loud, emotional worship of God:

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

(Psalms 95:1-3)

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp.

Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.

Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

            (Psalms 150:3-6)

You do not have to fear that the baptism in the Holy Spirit will cause you to do something improper or lose control of yourself. The Bible says:

And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

(I Corinthians 14:32)

This means that any gift God gives is subject to the wise control of the user. God does nothing improper because...

...God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...

(I Corinthians 14:33)

GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Jesus left His followers with a responsibility to extend the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. The power of the Holy Spirit would help them fulfill this task. Part of this "power" of the Holy Spirit was special gifts which the Holy Spirit gives believers to equip them to minister effectively.

These spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents. Natural talents and abilities are given at the time of physical birth and/or developed by natural efforts during the course of a lifetime. They can be used to minister in the church, but are different than spiritual gifts.

Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit. Their purpose is...

...For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ;

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine...

But speaking the truth in love may grow up into Him in all things which is the head even Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-15)

This passage reveals spiritual gifts are for:

            -Perfecting of the saints.

            -Promoting the work of the ministry.

            -Edifying Christ and the church.

The end objectives of these gifts are that we will:

            -Be united in the faith.

            -Develop our knowledge of Christ.

            -Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.

            -Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.

            -Mature spiritually in Christ.

Some churches claim that all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are not for modern believers. They teach that some of the powerful gifts like miracles and speaking in other tongues were only for the early Church.

The answer to their objection is this: The Lord gave ministry gifts to accomplish certain purposes in the church. He will not withdraw any of these gifts without the purposes being accomplished. Are all our churches in unity? Do we have full knowledge of Christ? Are we all walking in perfection, stable, and mature? Have we stopped false doctrines from penetrating our churches?

The answer to these questions is "no". All the purposes of the ministry gifts have not been fulfilled. For this reason, all the gifts which God gave to accomplish these objectives are still operative today. The Bible also says that the "gifts and callings of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29). That means God will not change His mind and take back a gift or a calling He has given.

The Holy Spirit gives each believer at least one spiritual gift (I Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:7, I Corinthians 12:7). It is important for us to discover and use our spiritual gift in the church. The main passages explaining the spiritual gifts available to believers through the Holy Spirit are Romans 12:1-8, I Corinthians 12:1-31, Ephesians 4:1-16 and I Peter 4:7-11.*

FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit develops in the life of the believer qualities which the Bible calls "spiritual fruit". The fruit of the Holy Spirit refers to the nature of the Holy Spirit being evident in the life of a believer. God desires that all the fruit be evident in the life of each Christian:

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

The development of these qualities are another important function of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.

RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT

The following are Biblical guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED:

This will put you in a position of spiritual receptivity:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

___________________

* The Harvestime International Institute course, "Ministry of the Holy Spirit", explains in detail the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is designed to help believers discover their spiritual gift and develop the fruit of the Spirit in order to function effectively in the Body of Christ.

BELIEVE IT IS FOR YOU:

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

DESIRE IT:

...Jesus stood and cried, saying, if any man thirst let him come unto me, and drink.

He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

(But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believed on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37-39)

REALIZE IT IS A GIFT:

The Holy Spirit has already been given. It was given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. Because it is a gift, you can do nothing to earn it:

...the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

He therefore that ministereth to you in the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles; through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (Galatians 3:2,5,14)

Begin to praise and thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

YIELD TO GOD:

Do not be afraid to speak the language of the Spirit as you are praising and worshiping God. As you praise Him audibly you will first experience stammering lips. Yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit and He will speak through you words foreign to your understanding. This is the sign of Holy Spirit baptism:

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. (Isaiah 28:11)

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

REQUEST THE PRAYERS OF OTHER BELIEVERS:

The Holy Spirit can be received through the laying on of hands (Acts 8,9,19) or without the laying on of hands (Acts 2,4,10). Study these chapters which show how Spirit-filled believers can help you experience baptism in the Holy Spirit.

SELF-TEST

1. What are some of the purposes of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer?

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2. Give six guidelines for receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

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3. Write the Key Verse from memory.

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4. What is the outward physical sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

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5. What is the true evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Give a Biblical reference to support your answer.

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6. What is meant by the term "fruit" of the Holy Spirit?

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7. List the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit which should be in the lives of believers:

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8. What are some of the purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

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9. Why is this a false statement: "Not all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for us today. Some of them were only for the early church."

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10. What are the four main objections some people have to the sign of other tongues?

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11. Are any of these objections valid on the basis of Scripture?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

This chapter introduced the study of the Holy Spirit through discussion of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Continue your study of the Holy Spirit with the following outline:

THE NATURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

-He is called God:                                                                   Acts 5:3-4

-Omnipresent: He is present everywhere.                             Psalms 139:7

-Omniscient: He knows all things.                                        I Corinthians 2:10-11

-Omnipotent: He is all powerful.                                           Acts 1:8

-Eternal: He is everlasting.                                                    Hebrews 9:14

-Equal with the Father and the Son:                                                   Matthew 3:16-17

THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

-He has a mind:                                                                      Romans 8:27

-This mind is intelligent:                                                        I Corinthians 2:10-11

-He searches out the human mind:                                         I Corinthians 2:10

-He has a will:                                                                        I Corinthians 12:11

-He guides through giving and denying permission:  Acts 16:6-7,10

-He speaks:                                                                             Acts 8:29

-He loves:                                                                               Romans 15:30

-He grieves:                                                                            Ephesians 4:30

-He intercedes:                                                                       Romans 8:26

A SENSITIVE NATURE

The Holy Spirit has a sensitive nature. We must be careful lest we:

-Lie to the Holy Spirit:                                                           Acts 5:3-4

-Resist the Spirit:                                                                    Acts 7:51

-Quench the Spirit:                                                                 I Thessalonians 5:19

-Grieve the Spirit:                                                                   Psalms 78:40

-Insult the Spirit:                                                                    Hebrews 6:4-6

-Vex the Holy Spirit:                                                              Isaiah 63:10

-Blaspheme the Holy Spirit:                                                   Matthew 12:31-32

NAMES AND TITLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The names and titles of the Holy Spirit give further knowledge of His nature and purposes. He is called:

-The Spirit of God:                                                                I Corinthians 3:16

-The Spirit of Christ:                                                              Romans 8:9

-The Eternal Spirit:                                                                 Hebrews 9:14

-The Spirit of Truth:                                                               John 16:13; 14:26

-The Spirit of Grace:                                                              Hebrews 10:29

-The Spirit of Life:                                                                 Romans 8:2

-The Spirit of Glory:                                                               I Peter 4:14

-The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation:                                  Ephesians 1:17

-The Comforter:                                                                     John 14:26

-The Spirit of Promise:                                                           Acts 1:4-5

-The Spirit of Holiness:                                                          Romans 1:4

-The Spirit of Faith:                                                                II Corinthians 4:13

-The Spirit of Adoption:                                                         Romans 8:15

EMBLEMS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The following symbols are used in the Bible to represent the Holy Spirit:

-The dove:                                                                              John 1:32

-Oil:                                                                                        Luke 4:18

-Water:                                                                                   John 7:37-39

-A Seal:                                                                                  Ephesians 1:13

-Wind:                                                                        John 3:8

-Rivers:                                                                                   John 7:38-9

-Fire: Which signifies:

            -Presence of the Lord:                                                Exodus 3:2

            -Approval:                                                                  Leviticus 9:24

            -Protection:                                                                 Exodus 13:21

            -Purifying:                                                                  Isaiah 6:1-8

            -The Gift of the Holy Spirit:                                       Acts 2:3

            -Judgment:                                                                  Hebrews 12:29

CHAPTER SEVEN

LAYING ON OF HANDS

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

∙          Write the Key Verse from memory.

∙          Define laying on of hands.

∙          Identify purposes for laying on of hands in Old Testament times.

∙          Identify purposes for laying on of hands in New Testament times.

∙          List qualifications for ministering by laying on of hands.

KEY VERSE:

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)

INTRODUCTION

The doctrine of the laying on of hands is the fourth principle in the foundations of the Christian faith. Laying on of hands is an act in which one person places his hands on the body of another person with a definite spiritual purpose. This laying on of hands is accompanied by prayer or prophecy.

THE OLD TESTAMENT RECORD

Laying on of hands in the Old Testament was used for the following purposes:

1. Transference of spiritual blessing or authority. [Transference means that something spiritual flows from the one laying on hands to the one he is touching.]

2. Public confirmation of a spiritual blessing or authority received from God.

3. Commitment to God for a special ministry.

Three Old Testament examples illustrate these purposes of laying on of hands:

ISRAEL:

Genesis 48 is the first record of the laying on of hands for spiritual benefit. Joseph brought his two sons, Ephriam and Manasseh, to his father to bless them:

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephriam's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the first born. (Genesis 48:14)

The blessing of Jacob was transferred to his two grandsons by laying his hands upon their heads.

LEVITES:

The Levites were ordained by God to serve the congregation of Israel as spiritual leaders. In this position they represented the people before God. The laying on of hands was confirmation by the people of the Levite's authority before God:

And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord; and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites. (Numbers 8:10)

MOSES:

As Moses approached the end of his earthly ministry, he asked the Lord to appoint a new leader over Israel:

And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.

And thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. (Numbers 27:18-20,22-23)

The results that this laying on of hands produced in Joshua is recorded in Deuteronomy:

And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:9)

Moses laying hands on Joshua was important both for Joshua and for the whole congregation of Israel. By this act, Moses transferred to Joshua a measure of the wisdom and honor which he had received from God. Moses also confirmed to the people God's selection of Joshua as the new leader.

NEW TESTAMENT RECORD

The New Testament records five general purposes for the laying on of hands.

SUPERNATURAL SIGNS:

Jesus practiced laying on of hands in His ministry:

...He laid His hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (Mark 6:5)

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto Him; and He laid His hand on every one of them and healed them. (Luke 4:40)

And He laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. (Luke 13:13)

In His final message to the disciples at the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus listed supernatural signs which were to accompany the preaching of the Gospel:

And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name shall they cast out devils they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

One of these supernatural signs was the laying on of hands through which God would heal the sick and perform other miracles. Mark 16:17-18 confirms that this practice was to continue after the end of Christ's earthly ministry.

The laying on of hands in the name of Jesus is used to minister physical healing to the sick. The person who lays his hands on one who is sick transfers the supernatural healing power of God. Sometimes the sick person actually feels the power of God in his body. At other times there is no feeling at all, but this does not mean healing will not occur. The laying on of hands is an act of faith and obedience to God's Word. Its effectiveness does not depend on feeling.

The timing of healings vary. Sometimes complete healing is received instantly as soon as hands are laid on the sick. Other times healing comes gradually (Mark 8:22-25). It is important to instruct those seeking healing concerning the importance of maintaining faith until their healing is complete. (Further instructions on this is provided in the Harvestime International Institute course, "Battle For The Body".)

The book of Acts records how God used the laying on of hands by believers to perform miraculous healings and other supernatural signs confirming His Word:

Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of His grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (Acts 14:3)

And by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people. (Acts 5:12)

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hand on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17)

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul. (Acts 19:11)

And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and a bloody flux; to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid hands on him and healed him. (Acts 28:8)

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

Another purpose of laying on of hands is for baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are five examples recorded in the book of Acts of how people received baptism in the Holy Spirit. The first example is that of the disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. You can read about this in Acts 2:1-4. The other examples are of the new converts in Samaria in Acts 8:14-20; Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9:17; Cornelius and his family in Acts 10:44-46; and the disciples at Ephesus in Acts 19:1-6.

In three of these examples those seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit were ministered to by other believers through the laying on of hands:

-Acts 8:18 states that "through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given."

-In Damascus, Ananias laid his hands on Saul that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

-In Ephesus, the disciples to whom Paul ministered received the Holy Ghost after Paul laid his hands on them.

Laying on of hands is not the only way people receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the upper room in Jerusalem and in the house of Cornelius people received the experience without anyone laying hands on them. But on the basis of these examples, it is Scriptural for those seeking baptism in the Holy Spirit to be ministered to through the laying on of hands.

IMPARTING SPIRITUAL GIFTS:

Another purpose for the laying on of hands is to impart spiritual gifts. Paul wrote Timothy:

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14)

Paul refers again to Timothy's spiritual experience:

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)

Laying on of hands was combined with the gift of prophecy to direct, encourage, and strengthen Timothy to fulfill his God-given ministry.

COMMISSIONING CHRISTIAN WORKERS:

Another purpose for laying on of hands is to commission Christian workers. "Commission" means to authorize, delegate, or send on a mission. As spiritual leaders were waiting before the Lord in Antioch...

...the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hand on them, they sent them away.

So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:2-4)

The Bible indicates God had already spoken privately to Paul and Barnabas about the work He wanted them to do before He spoke publicly to the church leaders. The public revelation was a confirmation of the call they already had received.

The leaders did not send Paul and Barnabas on their mission immediately. They took time for fasting and prayer. The sending forth of these two men was completed by the laying on of hands by church leaders.

Paul also laid hands on Timothy to commission his ministry:

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. (II Timothy 1:6)

The practice of laying on of hands to commission Christian workers was not used openly for missionaries and ministers. The appointing of the first deacons (Acts 6:1-6) was accompanied by the laying on of hands:

Whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:6)

The office to which these men were appointed in the church at Jerusalem came to be known by the title of "deacon". The method for appointing deacons is outlined in Acts 6:3-6. The apostles gave the people the responsibility to choose men qualified to fill the office.

These men were brought before the apostles who laid hands on them and prayed. By this act the apostles showed they accepted these men as qualified to hold this office. They committed them to God for the task for which they were chosen and transmitted to them a measure of their own spiritual wisdom necessary for the task.

DEDICATION OF INFANTS:

It is not Scriptural to baptize infants, as they cannot repent or believe which are the requirements for baptism. But through the laying on of hands, infants can be dedicated and committed to God's protection, guidance, and blessing:

And He [Jesus] took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)

A SPECIAL CAUTION

The New Testament provides a word of caution regarding laying on of hands:

Do not be in a hurry in the laying on of hands. (I Timothy 5:22)

The Amplified Bible

Because an act of spiritual transference occurs when you lay hands on someone or they lay hands on you, it is wise to be cautious in using this practice. If the person laying on hands is not spiritually qualified, the practice is not effective. The Bible is specific about who is qualified to lay hands on another to impart spiritual benefit:

BELIEVERS:

Believers may lay hands on others:

These signs shall follow them that believe...they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. (Mark 16:17-18)

The qualifications of true believers have been discussed in previous chapters in the teaching on the principles of repentance from dead works and faith toward God.

APOSTLES AND DISCIPLES:

Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given... (Acts 8:18)

A certain disciple, named Ananias, putting his hands on him...be filled with the Holy Ghost. (Acts 9:17)

The apostles and disciples were men appointed and anointed of God. They were mature believers and examples of qualified leadership.

MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY:

...the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (I Timothy 4:14)

The high standards set for presbyters, also known as elders, are recorded in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9.

SUMMARY

The five purposes for the laying on of hands in the New Testament are:

-Supernatural signs

-Baptism of the Holy Spirit

-Imparting spiritual gifts

-Commissioning Christian workers

-Dedication of infants

Understanding and using the laying on of hands is important because Jesus indicated the practice was to be part of the ministry of the Church.

The laying on of hands is a spiritual practice missing in many churches today. But...

-Consider the impact on the spread of the Gospel if every believer was effective in the laying on of hands for healing and miracles.

-Consider the impact on the spread of the Gospel if spiritual gifts were being imparted and Christian workers commissioned on a regular basis through laying on of hands.

SELF-TEST

1. Give three Old Testament examples of the laying on of hands.

__________________________ _______________________ _________________________

2. List the five purposes for the laying on of hands revealed in the New Testament.

_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

3. Write the Key Verse from memory.

_______________________________________________________________________________

4. Give a Bible reference which confirms that the laying on of hands was to continue after Jesus

returned to heaven.___________________________

5. Define "laying on of hands".

_______________________________________________________________________________

6. Who does the Bible specifically name as qualified to practice the laying on of hands?

_______________________,________________ and ________________ ________________

7. If the statement is TRUE write T in the blank in front of it. If the statement is FALSE, write F.

a._____If there is no feeling of power experienced when laying on of hands is done then it is not effective.

b._____Laying on of hands can be used to commission Christian workers.

c._____The Bible teaches that anyone is qualified to lay hands on others.

d._____Laying on of hands is the only way for a person to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

e._____Spiritual gifts can be imparted by the laying on of hands.

f._____Laying on of hands should not be used with infants because they do not understand it.

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of the final chapter in this manual.)

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Study the miracles performed by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Observe how and when He used laying on of hands to impart spiritual blessing.

BRINGING THE DEAD TO LIFE:

Jarius' daughter:                                              Matthew 9:18-19, 23-25

Widow's son:                                                  Luke 7:11-15

Lazarus:                                                          John 11:1-44

HEALING:

Leper:                                                             Matthew 8:2-3

Centurion's servant:                                        Matthew 8:5-13

Peter's mother-in-law:                                    Matthew 8:14-15

Gadarenes:                                                      Matthew 8:28-34

Paralyzed man:                                               Matthew 9:2-7

Woman with blood issue:                               Matthew 9:20-22

Blind men:                                                      Matthew 9:27-31

Man dumb and possessed:                              Matthew 9:32-33

Man with withered hand:                                Matthew 12:10-13

Blind, dumb, possessed:                                 Matthew 12:22

Canaanite woman's girl:                                 Matthew 15:21-28

Boy with epilepsy:                                          Matthew 17:14-18

Blind men:                                                      Matthew 20:29-34

Deaf and dumb man:                                      Mark 7:31-37

Man with unclean spirit:                                 Mark 1:23-26

Blind at Bethsaida:                                         Mark 8:22-26

Woman bent double:                                      Luke 13:11-13

Man with dropsy:                                           Luke 14:1-4

Ten lepers:                                                      Luke 17:11-19

Malchus' ear:                                                  Luke 22:50-51

Official's son:                                     John 4:46-54

Sick man at Bethesda:                                    John 5:1-9

Man born blind:                                              John 9

(Jesus never used a set pattern in miracles. God works in many ways to perform miraculous signs to confirm His Word. The laying on of hands is just one of many methods God uses.)