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The Spirit of God
This subject is very difficult to explain, simply because it touches on spiritual concepts which fleshly minds cannot comprehend. To explain this subject is to explain the mind and thinking of an all-knowing, all-wise Creator God; which is impossible to do! Therefore this pamphlet can only approach this subject from a very limited theological viewpoint. This pamphlet will however show that it is possible for believers to "taste" the powers of the Spirit of God if they accept correct doctrine with humility and conviction. The word "spirit" found in the New Testament is no. 4151 in Strong's Con.
4151 pneuma (pnyoo'-mah); from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit: KJV-- ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
By carefully analyzing this meaning, it could be said that the Spirit of God is simply the "vital principle and mental disposition" of the mind of God. The words "principle" and "disposition", when put together, means established frame of mind. This is very important! It was also shown that this Greek word (pneuma) could also be simply explained to mean "life". Or more correctly stated; the Spirit of God could also be the "life of God". According to this definition (no. 4151) it is very interesting that spirit is like "a current of air", or "breath". The act of God breathing his Spirit into Adam's nostrils is explained in Gen. 2:7.
Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (KJV)
Adam had the "life of God" (or Spirit) breathed "into" his nostrils, and he became a living soul. The act of Jesus Christ breathing "on" the apostles in John 20:22 is also a means and method used in the giving of God's Spirit.
John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
There are several examples in the Old Testament where men had the Spirit of God "within" them (not "upon"). It may seem frivolous and unimportant to compare God breathing "into" with God breathing "on", however I want to point out the possible difference in the following manner. It is very interesting that Christ in John 20:22 breathed "on" the apostles and not "into", as was the case when Adam was created. Adam was given the breath of the "life of God", and was made immortal. It could therefore be said that the apostles were not made immortal at that time, simply because the Spirit was not breathed "into" them. I believe this breathing by Christ prepared the apostles to later receive greater understanding and power by a supernatural "current of air". Again note the meaning for no. 4151. The "breath of God" could be explained in Acts 2:1-2 as sounding like a "rushing mighty wind".
Acts 2:1-2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (KJV)
This was the very important event known as the fulfillment of the day of Pentecost. This was when the Holy Ghost came "upon" (not "into") the apostles, and this is also when they received power to perform miracles and became witnesses for Christ. Read Acts 1:8, and note the word "upon".
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV)
The apostles received this special power on the day of Pentecost, which I believe was fifty days after Christ breathed on them. (The word "Pentecost" by definition means fifty). Man cannot know the "things of a man" except by the spirit of man which is in him. In the same manner it is only by the Spirit of God that man can know the eternal things of God. This truth is clearly explained in 1 Cor. 2:11.
1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (KJV)
Please understand what this scripture is saying! We normally do not consider that man also has a spirit in the same manner as God also has a spirit! It can therefore be correctly assumed that in order to understand the "vital principle" and "mental disposition" of God, man needs to have God's Spirit. After Christ paid the sin debt in full for fallen man, God could then promise the giving of his Spirit; which the apostles were to wait for on the day of Pentecost. Read and study Acts 1:4.
Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. (KJV)
How can believers know the "mental disposition" or the established frame of mind of an all-knowing Creator God? This is a profound question that can only be answered from God's point of view, (if you know what I mean). Or more correctly stated; this question and answer is summed up in understanding correct doctrine and theology. An all-wise Creator God is a very personal, holy and righteous God! Therefore God's mental disposition can only be known by believers to the degree of effort they put forth in respecting, loving, believing, and acting on correct biblical doctrine. The word "doctrine" simply means teachings about God. This is why understanding correct doctrine is so very important!
The problem that fallen man faces is very serious, and believers must have the humility to be able to receive God's Spirit. Then believers must grow in spiritual maturity in the correct use of God's spirit. However in this life we cannot know the mind of God in perfection, simply because sinful flesh is not able to! This is why in 1 Cor. 13:12 the apostle Paul explains that we "see" through a glass that is "darkly".1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (KJV)
However it is possible for believers to be "enlightened" and to mentally "taste" of the heavenly gift (God's Spirit). Once believers have reached this type of spiritual maturity there is no turning back for them, because it would be impossible to renew themselves to repentance. Carefully read Heb. 6:4-6.
Hebrews 6:4-6 For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame. (KJV)
Note the little word "if" in verse 6, which means it is possible for saints to fall away from this "enlightenment and tasting" of the heavenly gift. To be "enlightened" and to mentally "taste" the powers of God is to be connected, so to speak, with the mind of God. Note the meaning of no. 3353 in Strong's Lexicon given for the word "partakers" found in Heb 6:4.
3353 metochos {met'-okh-os} from 3348; TDNT - 2:830,286; adj AV - partaker 4, partner 1, fellow 1; 6 1) sharing in, partaking 2) a partner (in a work, office, dignity)
To be made "partakers of the Holy Ghost" is sharing in a work as a partner with God. This truth is incredible, and very awesome to understand! How does God give believers a "taste" of his fixed and established frame of mind? This "tasting" could be explained in 2 Cor. 1:22 as God sealing us by giving the "earnest of the Spirit in our hearts".
2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (KJV)
The word "earnest" is no. 728 in Strong's Lexicon, and means that a "down payment" or a "pledge" of God's Spirit is given. The full amount will be paid later when believers have reached the proper spiritual maturity. This is very important!
728 arrhabon {ar-hrab-ohn'} of Hebrew origin 06162; TDNT - 1:475,80; n m AV - earnest 3; 3 1) an earnest 1a) money which in purchases is given as a pledge or downpayment that the full amount will
subsequently be paidBelievers are "sealed" by God's Spirit, however they can break that special seal by falling away. Heb. 6:4-6 explained that it is impossible to renew repentance (not fall away). Therefore saints must be careful to keep their "sealing" intact, and not fall away! Notice in Luke 8:13 that Jesus Christ used this same term (fall away).
Luke 8:13 They on the rock [are they], which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. (KJV)
If saints sincerely want truth, they will have joy in receiving and believing it. However, if they have "no root" they will fall away when they are tested; as Christ explained in Luke 8:13. I believe to have "no root" means that believers are not spiritually anchored, simply because they took no interest in building a firm foundation on correct doctrine! They had no desire to grow in understanding the "vital principle" and "mental disposition" of their Heavenly Father. Fallen man desperately needs the Spirit of God! My booklets, "Repentance and Obedience" and "Abraham's Covenant and Baptism" explains why repentance and obeying a "work" called baptism, legally clears the way for the Spirit of God to be active in the lives of believing saints.
Questions or comments?... Email: wickey777@verizon.net