Acts 2: 4 Commentary

Post #9, Scott Dale: not sure what my Q was either, at this point. Thanks 4 your insight.

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/19/2012 22:44 pm

Post #10

The notion of being “truly saved” as you call it is a very slippery slope. Justification IS salvation and it alone qualifies the believer to be accepted into the kingdom of God. The firstfruit of the Holy Spirit is given to us and witnesses with our spirit that we are children of God (peace and assurance). This is a present salvation based on a past event (Calvary). This is what is meant by being “in Christ”.

Sanctification is salvation only in the sense that it opens the door to life abundantly (now) and qualifies us to inherit a share in the coming Kingdom of Christ (rewards). This “salvation” is often spoken of as “the coming salvation waiting to be revealed in THE LAST TIME” and is based on our present works of faith and obedience and requires the Baptism (infilling- not merely firstfruits) in the Holy Spirit (ie: power). This is what is meant by “Christ IN you”. The OT type is the “WHOLE burnt offering”. However, the snare is thinking that this “super-sainthood” is what qualifies you for justification as if somehow our efforts make us worthy of such a gift. It DOES NOT! Only Calvary accomplishes this. Sanctification is stripped of every virtue and blessing if it is not preceded by the justification wrought by the blood of Jesus alone!

Glorification is the final and fullest aspect of “salvation”. There is far too much to discuss in this regard at this time. Suffice it to say that this blessing (reward) is magnificent. Paul calls it “the prize”. However; it too, is completely unattainable without the justifying work of Calvary.

“True Salvation” occurs at Calvary through the finished work of Christ ALONE converting the sinner through faith. There is NO OTHER “true” salvation.

“Full Salvation” occurs in accordance to our faith and obedience after conversion.

By Scott Dale (wrote 581 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/19/2012 22:20 pm

TSNOW AND SCOTT DALE:

Scott Dale you are correct in saying that the crossing of the Red Sea was Justification, 40 years of wanderings was Sanctification, and the crossing into the promised land over the river Jordan was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Paul himself stated that the crossing of the Red Sea was a form of Baptism through water which was an outwardly act to show the world who we shall serve. Yet Justification only goes so far. And so does Sanctification for it is a cleansing by the Word of GOD to rid us of our old ways and prepare us to receive the new you after being reborn through the Holy Spirit. For we must as believers go all the way to the Token/the Seal which is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then and only then are we truly saved and become a new creation. This is the Order and Word of GOD that we believers must do and believe.

After being reborn through the Holy Spirit then and only then as stated by Paul we are no longer Earthly Christians but are Supernatural Christians and live by the power of the Holy Spirit producing and manifesting GOD’S WORD ON EARTH.

By 2live4GOD (wrote 400 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/19/2012 21:31 pm

TSnow,

I’m not sure what you are questioning; however, you said:

“the pre-requisite to receiving the Spirit was belief in Jesus.”

This is precisely the point I am trying to make. Belief in Jesus “saves” us from the wrath of God. This is called “justification”. Except for Joshua and Caleb, this was as far as the nation of Israel ever got in their relationship to God. They did not suffer the wrath of God in Egypt for God saved them out of it because of the blood of the Lamb (Passover). However; they never entered into their inheritance for that would require their consecration to obedience (sanctification). There were many enemies preventing them from possessing their inheritance and there would be NO WAY that they could overcome them EXCEPT by the power of God (the Holy Spirit).

And the ONLY way national Israel could obtain such power was through the obedience of faith (the circumcision and consecration at the Jordan).

“Saving Faith” (justification) is based solely on the finished work of Jesus. This rescues us from wrath.

“The Obedience of Faith” (sanctification) is based solely on the believer’s faith and the power of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God. This enables us to overcome the Enemy who would keep us from possessing our inheritance in the coming Kingdom of Christ.

By Scott Dale (wrote 581 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/19/2012 19:57 pm

Post #6, Scott Dale: Still reading but just quickly, it has been my belief that when an individual receives Christ as Savior, Jesus enters his/her life through the presence of His Holy Spirit. It is by the power of the indwelling Spirit that we are able to live the life we are called to live.
Recal the things Jesus said about the Holy Spirit [Lk.24:49; Jn.14:16-17; 15:26-27; 16:5-11]. He was talking about what would later take place at Pentecost in Ac.2. Looking at those passages, along with Ac.1:4-5,8, it is clear these discussions are all linked together - the giving of the Holy Spirit as the indwelling Presence of Christ forming the Church on earth, and the baptism with the Holy Spirit - are one and the same event.
Those who received the Spirit in Ac.2:36-39 had just become believers. Those in ch.8:15-16 and 10:44-48, received the Spirit later, indicating God did/does not show favoritism - that the Spirit had been given to Samaritans and Gentiles as well. Paul’s question in 19:2, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when/after you believed?” indicates [personally], the pre-requisite to receiving the Spirit was belief in Jesus.
John’s baptism was one of repentance - it was the evidence of having [already] repented. It was temporary. Now, water baptism is symbolic of what has already taken place within. And the evidence that we have repented, or, chosen to live for God, is our life - is the character of Jesus [Gal.5:22-23] seen in us as we live each day [Gal.2:20]. Paul says here, that Christ lives in us - He lives in us through the presence of His Holy Spirit.
This is what I believe, though continue to search what you have shared.

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/19/2012 08:27 am

Post #6, Scott Dale: Thanks, brother. I’ll study this.

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/18/2012 07:10 am

TSnow,

Some food for thought:

From the Acts 19 account, it can actually be surmised that there are not two baptisms but three. The baptism of John (repentance vs.4), the baptism into Jesus (justification/faith vs.5); and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (sanctification/power vs.6). Each is separate and distinct from the other. This is basic and fundamental and is confirmed in the OT.

In respect to the first two baptisms Paul points this out clearly in 1Cor 10:1-4. The “cloud” separating the people from the world (repentance); the “sea” baptizing them into Moses the deliverer (justification even before the law was given; see also Ex 14:19-20). The third baptism; however, is not made plain until Joshua and the SECOND generation crosses the Jordan at flood stage. This was a baptism of sanctification and power; and the collective nation experienced a SECOND circumcision at that time. This Jordan experience (baptism) symbolized the entrance into “rest” from your own works coupled with a continual dependence on God for conquest (not merely deliverance). See Joshua 5 and Hebrews 3 and 4.

There is a consistent process of repentance, faith; and sanctification running throughout the scripture. It is illustrated graphically and beautifully in God’s dealings with the Nation of Israel from bondage; to deliverance; to conquest (possession/rest).

Though God has firmly established the default pattern through national Israel, it does not necessarily hold that each individual must follow the pattern. Joshua and Caleb are the classic examples. They were fit to go into the Promise Land at Kadesh-Barnea when the rest of the nation wasn’t. And then after 40 years of wandering when God brought them all across the Jordan, Joshua and Caleb were the only two who did not need to be circumcised. In other words, Joshua and Caleb were very likely justified and sanctified while they were still in Egypt.

This is still true today. When some come to faith (baptism) in Christ, they come only to his saving work of justification at Calvary (Eph 2:8-9); but others not only come to Calvary at conversion but the Upper Room as well (pentecost). This was my blessed experience and as a result I immediately thought it was the typical experience of all who come to Christ but I was wrong. It is the distinct and dramatic difference between being “in Christ” (justification/peace with God) versus “Christ in you” (sanctification/the Hope of Glory). The latter necessitates the former; but the former does NOT necessitate the latter. It can also be typified in the differences between a mere servant and a disciple. Calvary (the blood) calls us to servanthood but Pentecost (the fire) calls us to discipleship.

By Scott Dale (wrote 581 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/18/2012 06:56 am

Post #2, Scott Dale: Looking at the 2 references you brought up, I’m not quite sure what you are disagreeing with. Unless, reading along, we find not ALL believers were indwelt at Pentecost - such as the references you mentioned. Actually, that’s a good question, for me, at least.
Reading those 2 passages over, apparently, those Christians had received John’s baptism, but had not yet received the power to live it out.
So I’ll do some studying. Thanks for brining it up. Your thoughts?

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/17/2012 07:08 am

Post #2: Lets see… perhaps I should go over this again as I may have missed a point or two.
In John 7 beginning with v.37, on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” [vv.37-38]. Then we read, “By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given since Jesus had not yet been glorified” [v.39]. So the Holy Spirit would not be given [dwell on earth] until AFTER Jesus had returned to the Father.
Now in John 16, Jesus is talking about the ministry of the Holy Spirit [vv.5-14]. In v.7 He says, “Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” [recall Jn.7:39].
Turn if you will to Luke 24. Jesus says “…repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” [v.47]. Then He says, “You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what My Father promised [Holy Spirit], but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” [vv.48-49].
It is clear, Jesus is referring to one and the same event - the coming/giving of the Holy Spirit.
Now turn if you will to Acts 1. In v.4 Jesus says to His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but WAIT for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me speak about” [cf. Jn.16; Lk.24, for example].
Then the disciples ask Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel, and He says, It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem nd in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” [vv.7-8]. Recall the preaching of the Gospel was to begin AT JERUSALEM [Lk.24:47].
Then, here in Ac.1, Jesus is taken home [vv.10-11]. Jesus had given His disciples an impossible task - to evamgelize the world. They, nor any one else, could possibly carry out such a task in their own strength.
A few days later, here comes the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Clearly the disciples in that upper room, received a display of God’s power when the Holy Spirit came. They spoke the Gospel in the LANGUAGES of those present - Parthians, Medes, Elamites and all the rest [vv.5-11].
Point being, the Spirit was given at Pentecost in fulfillment of all Jesus talked about. The disciples were to WAIT because Jesus had to ascend in order for the Spirit to be given.
Further, the Spirit came at Pentecost - to incorporate believers into one body - the Body of Christ on earth - the Church. THAT was the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” It is not repeated - there is no more “waiting” for the Holy Spirit.
When we receive Jesus as Savior, He indwells us through the presence of His Holy Spirit. At that moment, we have all the power we need to carry out whatever God calls us to do. The question each of us needs to answer is not “how much of the Spirit do I have?” but “how much of ME does HE have?” Because all the power we are going to receive, we received when we were saved. It is manifested in our lives as we become obedient.
Those other passages - why those other people hadn’t received the Spirit? I believe you asked because we mentioned the Spirit came to incorporated believers into the Body of Christ? Would this be correct?
Best that I could answer, is that the Spirit indwelt those in that upper room in Jerusalem, and then indwelt other believers as time went on [Ac.8:16]. Some had not even heard of the Holy Spirit.
Actually, think I understand what you’re asking. That’s a toughie. However, we are indwelt by/with the life of Jesus through His Spirit. Recall in Col.2, where we read of Christ’s Deity, we also read, “…and you have been given fullness in Christ who is the head over every power and authority.”
If Jesus is the fullness of God, and you and I have been given ‘fullness’ in Christ, would it not follow that we are indwelt with ALL of Him - with ALL of God at the moment of salvation? Sorry, gotta go. Will be back next week. God bless. T.

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 2/3/2012 16:18 pm

Post #2, Scott Dale: This is a good question. I’m on the road currently, but will be home early next week if not earlier. Will get back to you. T.

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 2/3/2012 06:46 am

TSnow,

I agree and disagree with your post #1. How do you interpret Acts 8:15-16 and 19:2?

By Scott Dale (wrote 581 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/10/2012 05:57 am

Have read where people were “baptized in the Holy Spirit.” As I understand, this particular baptism takes place at some point after an individual is “saved.” Guess I’ve had questions about this for some time.
How long is the waiting time? When does a person “know” he/she HAS been “baptized in the Holy Spirit”?
As I read, the Spirit descending at Pentecost was the fulfillment of what Jesus talked about [i.e. Lk.24:49; Jn.16; Ac.1:4-5]. Jesus did tell His diciples to “wait.” But why? Why were they to “wait” in Jerusalem?
I beleive they were to wait, because the Holy Spirit had not been given then - He [Spirit] had not been given as the abiding presence of Jesus in believers [Jn.7:37-39].
At Pentecost, as the gift of the Father, the Holy Spirit filled those in that upper room, forming the Body of Christ on earth - the Church. And from that point on, the Church grew [i.e. Ac.2:41].
In Ac.2, we have the moment when the Holy Spirit [gift of the Father] was given to indwell believers forever - it is not repeated. Every believer in Christ HAS “the baptism.” When we receive Jesus as Savior, He abides in us through the presence of His Holy Spirit. God doesn’t give us any more of the Spirit than He did when we were saved. The question is, how much of ME does HE have? Not the other way around. Believers, the moment they are saved, have all the power they need to live the life to which they are called. That power is manifested in our lives as we become obedient, and for no other reason.

By TSnow (wrote 285 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/9/2012 01:41 am