RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT. Galatians 3:2,3 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? It looks as if the Holy Ghost is given even to the disobedient. it seems as though we need not obey to receceive the Holy Spirit. BUT HOLD ON A MINUTE, IS THE GOOD APOSTLE REALLY SAYING THAT? LETS FIND OUT. Acts 5:32(WEB) We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. If Paul said obedience is no pre-requisite for receipt of the Holy Ghost then he is contrdicting Peter, the bible doesnt contrdict it self. Acts 2:38(WEB) Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. it is a feeling of remorse for past disobedience that had our innocent Lord crucified. Repentance begats obedince. What Paul says about repentance. Acts 26:20 [I] declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and DO WORKS BEFITTING REPENTENCE. I think I put you on hold long enough so now we can conclude by revisiting our opening verse: This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? RECONCILIATION: Paul reminds the Galatians that they did not receive Gods Holy Spirit by lawkeeping while ignoring faith in the sacrifice of Christ. He points out that, without faith in the sacrifice of Christ, no one can be justified, no one can be forgiven of sins and no one can be given the gift of Gods Holy Spirit.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 05:40:55 +0000
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