I have had so many "God-thoughts" yesterday and, especially today. I've been reading posts here for the past hour or so, even from back in September when Kevin posted on Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Some continuous ponderings, not really questions or firm holdings to doctrine go through my mind. One is that the debate goes on over the "second blessing" which to me, is simply the filling of the Holy Spirit, being anointed or blessed for special ministry, i.e. missionary evangelism, etc. Of course, much was put forth by Kevin on his reading in Acts which was a great continuous posting of the Book and thoughts shared
The Holy Spirit Before the Foundations of the Earth
The Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity, has always been present. I remember asking a pastor how amazing it was that God caused this: "But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him." 1 Sam. 16:14 The discussion ensued and the pastor commented that there was no Holy Spirit back then!! I recalled, but kept it to myself, that the Holy Spirit was there as the earth was formed and described as "moving upon the waters" in Gen. 1:2. "Oh my gosh" is all I can say to that ridiculous response.
The Holy Spirit Then
So, with respect to the disciples receiving the Holy Spirit at advent, my question would be that I assume then that Jesus was the only person alive at the time Who had the Holy Spirit. For, then, even John the Baptist never had the Holy Spirit. Before Christ's resurrection, the Spirit could depart from a soul, i.e. David prayed "do not take your Holy Spirit from me" after his great sin that we all know too well. Don't want to keep on David with a grudge for that since he's forgiven!
OK, then, if we are sealed with the Spirit until the day of redemption, and if God's Holy Spirit was not yet given, John the Baptist was not sealed. We are sealed. If a disciple would have died before receiving the Spirit, then he would go to Sheol?
If we are sealed with the Spirit, then that is our guarantee of eternal life. This is received as a gift when we believe and receive as Jesus stated, "And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:15. Thus, for those who believe, "Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." 2 Cor. 10:22 If we are sealed at that point, then what is the second blessing worth except for earthly ministry?
the Holy Spirit in the Future - Eternity
I know I could include more verses, but I want to keep this as simple as possible. For the Holy Spirit is always present. What about the future - the 1000 year reign (I know some don't believe in this, but its unimportant and not a main point here) and eternity. Rev. 22:17 only remarks at the end of days, as the last reference to the Spirit of God, "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely .How is the Holy Spirit dispensed then? It is not clear to me. The Spirit cannot obviously just cease. I understand that this is not a simple matter of three persons becoming two. This is eternal.
I believe less and less in this second blessing as having anything at all to do with salvation. This cannot be It is clear that this is for ministry anointing.
I am no theologian. As far as I'm concerned, these are mostly men with head knowledge. I seek more than that. I seek confirmation of being sealed with God's Spirit til the day of redemption. The verse for me, as far as evidence of Christ in me (the [only] Hope of Glory)(besides the fruit of the Spirit), is, "...that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim. 2:2-4
Finally, for the Spirit as far as eternity, this is why what only matters is what has eternal value....the rest is gonna burn.
Hope that I am clear here in my wondering. Any ideas?
Love,
Candice