InstaStudy

A Biblical and Rational Analysis of How Jesus of Nazareth Clearly Grants Spiritual Gifts Through the Holy Ghost to the Church Based on Scriptural Evidence and Logical Reasoning.

This study explores the profound truth of how Jesus Christ, through His indwelling Spirit, empowers believers with spiritual gifts for the edification and mission of the Church. We will examine scriptural evidence and logical reasoning to understand the nature of the Holy Ghost, its reception, and the diverse manifestations of gifts, all originating from the one Lord.

1. The Nature of God and the Holy Ghost

1.1 Jesus as the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ Jesus, making Him the complete manifestation of God.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, revealing that God is uniquely expressed in Him.

1.2 The Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Christ

Verses: Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • The Spirit that indwells believers is identified as the Spirit of Christ, demonstrating His active presence.
  • God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba, Father,' confirming the Spirit's identity.
  • The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

1.3 One God, One Spirit

Verses: Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
  • There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all.
  • The diversity of gifts, ministries, and operations all originate from the same Spirit, Lord, and God, emphasizing singularity.

2. The Promise and Reception of the Holy Ghost

2.1 The Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring

Verses: Joel 2:28-29; John 7:38-39
  • Ancient prophets foretold a future outpouring of God's Spirit upon all flesh, signifying a new covenant.
  • Jesus promised that out of the believer's heart would flow rivers of living water, speaking of the Spirit He would give.

2.2 The Day of Pentecost and the Initial Outpouring

Verses: Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:38-39
  • The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost, fulfilling prophecy and empowering the early church.
  • Peter declared that the promise of the Holy Ghost is for all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

2.3 The Command to Be Baptized in Jesus' Name for the Remission of Sins and the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5-6
  • Repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ are commanded for the remission of sins and the reception of the Holy Ghost.
  • Believers in Ephesus were re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and subsequently received the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues.

2.4 The Evidence of Receiving the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • Speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial biblical evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost.
  • The household of Cornelius received the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues, demonstrating this consistent pattern.
  • The disciples at Ephesus also spoke with tongues and prophesied after receiving the Holy Ghost.

3. The Purpose and Operation of Spiritual Gifts

3.1 The Source of All Gifts: The One Spirit

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:11
  • All spiritual gifts, ministries, and operations are empowered by the same Spirit, demonstrating His singular source.
  • The Spirit distributes these gifts to each individual as He wills, according to His sovereign purpose.

3.2 Diverse Gifts for a Unified Body

Verses: 1 Corinthians 12:7-10; Romans 12:6-8
  • The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every believer for the profit of all, fostering interdependence.
  • God has given different gifts according to the grace given to us, such as prophecy, ministry, teaching, and exhortation.

3.3 Edification of the Church

Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:12; Ephesians 4:11-12
  • Spiritual gifts are primarily given for the building up and strengthening of the entire body of Christ.
  • Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry.

3.4 Love as the More Excellent Way

Verses: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:13
  • Possessing spiritual gifts without love renders them meaningless and unprofitable.
  • Love is the greatest and most enduring virtue, surpassing even faith and hope, and should govern all use of gifts.

4. The Unity of the Church Through the Spirit

4.1 One Body, One Spirit

Verses: Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
  • There is one body and one Spirit, emphasizing the spiritual unity of all believers in Christ.
  • All believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free.

4.2 Maintaining Unity in the Spirit

Verses: Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:1-2
  • Believers are exhorted to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  • Having the same mind, love, and being of one accord and one mind promotes spiritual harmony.

4.3 The Spirit's Role in Empowering Witness

Verses: Acts 1:8; John 15:26-27
  • Believers receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them, enabling them to be effective witnesses for Jesus.
  • The Spirit of truth testifies of Jesus, and believers are called to bear witness alongside Him.