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The Promise of Divine Mercy: How God Faithfully Gives the Holy Ghost to Repentant Sinners Who Humbly Pray, Seek, and Ask According to His Will.

This study explores God's profound mercy and His unwavering commitment to bestow His Spirit upon those who turn from sin, obey His command for water baptism, and earnestly seek His presence. Discover the path to receiving the Holy Ghost and the transformative power it brings to a believer's life.

1. The Foundation of Repentance and Water Baptism

1.1 The Call to Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Mark 1:15
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • It is a prerequisite for receiving God's mercy and forgiveness.
  • God desires all to come to repentance.

1.2 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Colossians 2:12
  • Baptism is for the remission of sins and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • It must be administered by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This act of obedience is essential for salvation and receiving the Spirit.

1.3 The One God Revealed in Jesus

Verses: John 14:9; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the one invisible God.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles or roles of the one God, Jesus Christ.

2. The Promise of the Holy Ghost

2.1 God's Enduring Promise to All

Verses: Acts 2:39; Joel 2:28-29; Luke 24:49
  • The promise of the Holy Ghost is for all who are called by God.
  • It is a fulfillment of ancient prophecy, poured out in the last days.
  • This divine gift empowers believers for service and spiritual living.

2.2 The Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Jesus

Verses: John 14:16-18; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • The Comforter, the Holy Ghost, is the Spirit of Jesus Himself.
  • When we receive the Holy Ghost, we receive the indwelling Spirit of Christ.
  • Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2.3 The Purpose of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 1:8; John 16:13; Romans 8:26
  • The Holy Ghost empowers believers to be witnesses for Christ.
  • It guides us into all truth and reveals the things of God.
  • The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

3. Humbly Seeking and Asking According to His Will

3.1 The Importance of Earnest Prayer

Verses: Luke 11:9-13; James 4:2-3; Matthew 7:7-8
  • God delights in giving good gifts, especially the Holy Spirit, to those who ask.
  • Persistent and fervent prayer is key to receiving from God.
  • We must ask with pure motives, seeking God's will above our own.

3.2 A Heart of Humility and Faith

Verses: James 4:6; Hebrews 11:6; Proverbs 3:34
  • God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
  • Faith is essential; we must believe that God is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
  • Approaching God with a contrite and humble spirit opens the door to His blessings.

3.3 Yielding to God's Divine Will

Verses: 1 John 5:14-15; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 6:10
  • Our prayers are effective when they align with God's will.
  • We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
  • Seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first ensures our needs are met, including the Spirit.

4. The Evidence and Transformation of the Spirit-Filled Life

4.1 Speaking in Other Tongues as the Initial Evidence

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:45-46; Acts 19:6
  • The initial, outward evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • This supernatural sign was consistently present in the early church's experience.
  • It is a direct fulfillment of prophecy and a personal communication with God.

4.2 A New Life in the Spirit

Verses: Romans 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • Receiving the Holy Ghost brings freedom from the law of sin and death.
  • The Spirit produces fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
  • We become a new creation in Christ, old things pass away, and all things become new.

4.3 Power for Witness and Service

Verses: Acts 1:8; Mark 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11
  • The Holy Ghost empowers believers to be bold and effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.
  • Supernatural signs and wonders often accompany those filled with the Spirit.
  • Spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom.