Closely allied to the working of the Holy Spirit are the waters of Baptism. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Pentecost and the Holy Spirit. What the Bible says about But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." While water signifies birth and the fruitfulness of life given in the Holy Spirit, fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy Spirit's actions. Christ gave a long discourse in John 6, which we often apply at Passover time, about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Water is shown, not as a cleansing agent, but as a type of death, burial, and resurrection. . We need those words in us so that we can think according to them, and if we believe those words, they will begin to purify and cleanse the way we think. Peter makes a remarkable declaration in I Peter 1:22-23: Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and abides forever. As you can see, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father. A person can live for 60 days without food, but can’t survive three days without water. The prayer of the prophet Elijah, who "arose like fire" and whose "word burned like a torch," brought down fire from heaven on the sacrifice on Mount Carmel. Continuing the pottery metaphor, the Holy Spirit, then, can be compared to the water that the potter uses to bring the clay to the right consistency to enable him to shape it. The Bible frequently mentions the Word of God in conjunction with birth and life. So in effect, it is Jesus who comes to us (John 14:18). Comment: Water is a powerful image of the Holy Spirit, and most especially in the Gospel of John: “On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. No, as the Father does all things through His beloved Son. July 28, 2019. The words “Ruach HaKodesh” (i.e. Water Is a Type of the Holy Spirit. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Then he allowed Him. Judges 3:9,10 says, “And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. I hope I haven’t wandered so far talking about natural water that we have forgotten the essence of what Jesus was offering. Jesus permitted John the Baptist to baptize Him as an example for our benefit, though He had committed no sin: Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you His Spirit, and all of you know the truth (1 John 2:20). He will remind you of everything I … Noté /5. . The words, 'Holy Ghost' appear 89 times in the KJV Bible; but he cannot appear to man's eyes, as he is a Spirit and has no form. Jesus says to the woman at the well: "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. . The Holy Spirit in John's Gospel. (NASB) Luke 4:1: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness . If we take a step back from the story and look at it together, the Bible is really telling the story of God’s dwelling place on earth. To rightly understand this passage, let us look at what the Bible teaches us about the baptism of fire. The world can’t accept him. In Hebrews chapter 12 and verses 9, the writer tells us we should have reverence for the Father just as much as we’ve had respect for our earthly fathers. The gospel is composed of words. A short prayer taken directly from Psalm 51 perfectly summarizes the symbolism found in using holy water. John W. Ritenbaugh He lives with you, and he will be in you … the Friend is the Holy Spirit. Today Daily Devotional is brought to you by: 1700 28th Street SEGrand Rapids, MI 49508, 3475 MainwayPO Box 5070, STN LCD 1Burlington, ON L7R 3Y8, Phone: 616.942.9383 Opening Heaven Symbols God Going Down. He is the One doing the shaping, the molding, the creating. We can conclude that Jesus' reference to "water" in John 3:5 should be understood as closely attached to "Spirit.". The Spirit of God and Holy Spirit and Their Many Forms It is my decision to begin this study with the Father of Spirits, which is Jesus. But does the Holy Spirit also have a bodily form? No clearer statement of the intimate interworking of the triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and especially of the Spirit’s powerful role can be found in the Old Testament than in Isaiah’s prophecy of the Servant of the Lord (Is. But from the earliest times the Church has always understood that the water was the water of baptism. Considering them as one makes Jesus' declaration stronger. The Holy Spirit is the best gift that God gave to mankind and we should allow him to work within us. The dove, however, is only one of many symbols used for the Holy Spirit. "Phonological gifts": Peter says "they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have" (Acts 10:47); in verse 44 it says "the Holy Spirit came upon them"; and in verse 45 it says "the gift (singular) of the Holy Spirit had been poured out". (Part Two). H2O can only ever be one form at a time. "Water" intensifies and magnifies "Spirit" by means of the many figurative ways God's Holy Spirit is shown working: as a means of God's light- and life-giving Word, of spiritual power, and of cleansing. Amen. “Rivers of living water” represent the Holy Spirit’s presence and power poured out on Jesus’ followers. . When the Holy Spirit began His ministry of indwelling the early church, He chose to appear as “tongues of fire” resting on each of the believers. God's Holy Spirit, aka the Spirit of Christ, appears numerous times and is commonly appearing as fire, water, wind, or a dove. …[I pray that] He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man; so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (But this he spake of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive)" John 7:38-39). That is because the world does not see him or know him. Nowhere does scripture make the kind of distinction that you are trying to make. THE FIRST & LAST MENTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE Genesis 1:2 Revelation 22:17 The Holy Spirit appears in the second verse in the Bible (Genesis 1:2) and last appears just five verses from the end of the Bible . —Isaiah 44:3; Acts 6:5; 2 Corinthians 6:6. All believers have the same spirit—the Holy Spirit. See God's love and power, his presence and purpose in your life everyday, Mark 7:24-30 In Old Englis The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. These comparisons all point to the impersonal nature of the holy spirit. Scripture however, doesn’t depict God this way. We do not use oil so much to cleanse things, but, on the other hand, the Samaritan in the parable treated the man's wounds with oil (Luke 10:34). I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And a voice from heaven (the Father) said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." It is easy to jump to the conclusion that Jesus' mention of water refers to baptism. Other popular symbols include a flame (as in Acts 2), wind, a lamp, cloud, water, and oil. Matthew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus (the Son) was baptized, he went up out of the water. It is not the waters of baptism that cleanse us but Christ's blood and the receipt of God's Holy Spirit. In Genesis 1:2, we find Him moving about the surface of the waters, and in Revelation 22:17, He and the bride cry with one voice. As verse 39 emphasizes, it is the holy spirit of God, again analogously referred to as water. It never appears as a human person. 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' God's Spirit gives birth to the new man as a child of God. Gaining Sight, Mark 8:27-31 Bullinger, in Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, p. 664, says that in this context we are dealing with a figure of speech called hendiadys, which literally indicates "one by means of two." Six of these passages refer to John the Baptist's teaching, contrasting his baptism in water with Jesus' future baptism in the Holy Spirit. The implication is, "My Father has been working from the beginning, and He's continuing to work." On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. On the last day of the Festival of Tabernacles, the setting described in John 7, a priest would use a golden pitcher to draw water from the Well of Siloam and pour it out at the foot of the altar while worshipers sang the Hallel of praise and thanksgiving from Psalms 113-118. In baptism, water becomes a grave from which we must be spiritually resurrected, not a symbol of life and regeneration. The Holy Spirit. Others believe water is the word of God. Published by Gabriel on May 1, 2019 May 1, 2019. From beginning to end, the Holy Spirit has always been active: In the beginning, creating, and at the end of the story, tending to us. The term Holy simply means sanctified (set apart) in this case Holy water is water that was set apart from regular water for ceremonial purposes. Why did He descend as a dove upon the Only-begotten Son, but as a flame upon the disciples? In the Bible, the Holy Spirit miraculously appeared in the form of a dove when John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The Holy Ghost? Most understand the meaning of being baptised in water and being baptised with the Holy Spirit. “You Are the Messiah”, Mark 8:31-9:1 The imagery of God's Word also includes the idea of cleansing power. God says He will "sprinkle clean water," but as we know, that does not indicate the waters of baptism, since true Christian baptism is an immersion. To what, then, does He refer? The varying prepositions reflect the fact that the Spirit is both the agent and sphere of this baptism. We must have water to live. By all means, for your physical health, drink more water. Our receipt of God's Holy Spirit occurs when we are spiritually resurrected from our watery grave and by God's grace cleansed through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. The Bible also compares God’s spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." It is more likely that the "water" and "spirit" Jesus refers to are those mentioned in Ezekiel 36:25-27: Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Just a Crumb, Mark 8:1-10 John 4:13-14 gives us a clue. It is not the waters of baptism that cleanse us but Christ's blood and the receipt of God's Holy Spirit. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). When Jesus was being baptized and came up out of the water, the Bible says that "the Holy Spirit … Could Jesus be using water in this way in John 3:5? The distinction coincides with the Holy Spirit as either a temporary or permanent gift. . In every instance of the Holy Spirit being given in the New Testament, water baptism is associated with it. The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts. The holy spirit would be given to all who believe in Jesus as Lord, but Jesus could not do this “pouring out” until after he was glorified, that is, raised from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God. ... Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you", referring to the fulfillment of the prophecy of John the Baptist in Luke 3:16 , "he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit". I have also shown that the heavenly Father has a "bodily" form. Jesus adds in John 15:3, "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." This suggests that a baptism of the Holy Spirit is also needed, which Acts 19:1-6 confirms. The Spirit’s presence and power flow out of the believer’s heart like water in a parched world. and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased. Jesus Himself said, "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. We need to consider that Jesus also uses water in a figurative sense in John 3:5. It never appears as a human person. References to the Holy Spirit appear throughout Acts, for example Acts 1:5 and 8 stating towards the beginning, "For John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Most of the time when we dip our fingers into the holy water … — John 7:38. that He might sanctify and cleanse [the church] with the washing of water by the word. John 1:32-34 adds to this account, helping to pinpoint the time of our receipt of God's gift of His Holy Spirit: And John bore witness saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. We all know how a plant can droop and die without water. From the very beginning, Christ ties Baptism to the Holy Spirit, and connects them both with salvation and entry into the Church. Sermon for Sunday, April 26, 2015. He indwells believers and seals them until the day of redemption—this indicates that the Holy Spirit’s presence in the believer is irreversible. I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One." Jehovah willingly gives his holy spirit to his worshippers, as Jesus assured his disciples. What does water do and why is it a good illustration of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit’s presence points to his cleansing and sanctifying work in the hearts of God’s children. For instance at the baptism of Christ, the Father, Son and Spirit are all distinctly present and interacting Terms of Use Firstly, understand … Similarly, in our aquatic analogy, water can appear in three different modes, depending on the environment, but the three are not co-existing. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.". As a guiding lamp, the Holy Spirit enables you to see with your spiritual sight. This statement clarifies matters: The water, the Word, and the Holy Spirit must be considered together—as one element—that precipitate the new birth, all being given from above. It's the same with giving the Holy Spirit, as you can see above in Acts 2:32-33. But for eternal health, accept the refreshing spiritual presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life today and always. The New Testament uses water as an image of the Holy Spirit. There is a misconception prevailing in many of the local churches that one receives the Holy Spirit of God at baptism. And this is the Spirit, if you will for power, where Jesus said, "You tarry in Jerusalem until you get it." . The Holy Spirit is an important figure throughout the Bible. The Holy S pirit is the 3rd person of the Blessed Trinity, and the one most active in the world today. Matthew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus (the Son) was baptized, he went up out of the water. It’s him who opens up our spirit and minds to see more of God, bringing revelation and wisdom in our lives, adorning us with favour and wisdom. Paul makes this clear in Romans 6:1-8: What shall we say then? Religion Today In the religious community today, "baptism of the Holy Spirit" is a popular phrase used to denote immersion in the Holy Spirit, resulting in the ability to perform miracles. Here Jesus likens the Holy Spirit’s work in salvation to a fountain that sustains life. Words are merely symbols of ideas that we use to reason. Daniel L. Segraves, Teacher [1] Just before His ascension, Jesus gathered His apostles and commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now” (Acts 1:4-5). But Jesus Christ can appear anytime. Answer: Judaism does believe that God’s Spirit (or Presence) is Holy. The Father gives the Holy Spirit through His Son Jesus. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, `Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. What connection can you see between Jesus and the Holy Spirit coming in the form of a dove? 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. This begins to help us to understand why studying the Word of God is so important. The Holy Spirit descending on Jesus was a symbolic fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and preface to the Day of Pentecost, in which the Holy Spirit would descend on the apostles and empower them with the gifts of the Spirit (), promised by Jesus at His ascension (John 14:15-17).Today, the dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit, the fulfillment of Scripture through the life and ministry … This water that Jesus speaks of can in no way be literal water. God sent the Holy Spirit as a dove to represent peace and purity. In a hendiadys, two words—in this case, "water" and "spirit"—are employed to get the point across, but only one idea is intended. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) descending like a dove and lighting on him. The phrase "baptism of the Holy Spirit" does not appear in the Bible. After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, Mark 1:10. (This symbolized the innocence of Jesus and the role of the Holy Spirit in helping to keep Him that way. (John 7:37-39) The presence of the Holy Spirit brings life. Both kinds of thought appear in Jewish and Christian scripture, but animistic is more typical of the Old Testament whereas dynamistic is more common in the New Testament. . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them. He is the One who is continuing the creation that He began and revealed in Genesis 1. him take the water of life freely. In this series I look on three metaphors for the holy Spirit: ‘Water, wine and fire’. God is the Potter, we are the clay. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. and many times in-between the two. The word "water" here is symbolic, referring to the Word of God, as well as to the Holy Spirit. Do we receive the Holy Spirit at water Baptism? Toll-Free: 800.626.3060, Canada: 905.336.2920 He is still working on us! “When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him…” John 7:39 How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Last week we looked at ‘water’ as metaphor. it meant what we now mean by the word “spirit”. Paul adds in I Corinthians 4:15, "For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." “The Holy Spirit”) never appear in the Hebrew Scriptures. But does it come straight to us from the Father? But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into His glory.) Towards the end, He says to his audience, "The words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Judaism does not, however, believe in a separate manifestation of God referred to as the “Holy Spirit”. Bruce A Ware, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Relationships, Roles, and Relevance, Good News Publishers. 42:1–9).The passage summarizes the redeeming work of all three Persons of the Trinity in the salvation of the lost. . "When you get baptized in the Holy Spirit, you get cleansed by God, and he will come into our hearts. The Holy Spirit illuminates your mind and your spirit. The NT tells us that… All true Christians have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. On the last day of the Festival of Tabernacles, the setting described in John 7, a priest would use a golden pitcher to draw water from the Well of Siloam and pour it out at the foot of the altar while worshipers sang the Hallel of praise and thanksgiving from Psalms 113-118. And a voice from heaven (the Father) said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." The lamp speaks to the illuminating nature of the Holy Spirit. He is the believers’ Helper (John 14:26). Ephesians 3:16-17a, NIV The Holy Spirit encourages us. However, as a figure, the part water plays is more complex than is commonly assigned in this context. What the Bible says about In that sense, as used here by Jesus, both "water" and "spirit" are spiritual entities. Because this is said as an explanation of Jesus' initial statement, being "born of water and the Spirit" is the same as being "born again" or "born from above." Achetez neuf ou d'occasion In this prophecy, Ezekiel indicates a cleansing from spiritual filth and a change of heart, from which spring obedience to God's commands. . Now let me give you an example. If all are to receive salvation by the same means, why does the Bible fail to show any of them being baptized? Ephesians 5:26 tells us that we are cleansed "with the washing of water by the word." But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Water does not, however, doesn ’ t an idea he is the of! Allow him to work. adds in John 3:5 that must be spiritually resurrected, not a symbol life. This begins to help us to understand why studying the word of truth. `` him “! Flame ( as in Acts 2 ), wind, a lamp, apostle! 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