We believe....Article 4- The Holy Ghost

Jesus with His apostles

 This particular post focuses on the last part of Article 4. Specifically- "...Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

In a wonderful teaching moment Jesus has an opportunity to teach Nichodemus, a Pharisee, about baptism by water and by the Spirit: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)

What is the gift of the spirit that we refer to as the Holy Ghost? In the New Testament the Savior  speaks of "the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)

Again in John the Savior speaks of the Holy Ghost: "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me..."(John 15:26) 

These few verses show some of the role or responsibilities of the Holy Ghost. It's a teacher, a reminder, a comforter, and a testifier.

Following the Savior's resurrection He spent time with His apostles, continuing to teach them regarding the affairs of His church on earth. He reiterates the promise of the Holy Ghost that is to come: "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:4-5)

Chapter 2 of Acts shows the tremendous power that comes with the gift of the Holy Ghost. Personally I like the change that shows in Peter, the senior apostle. Here is a man who denies knowing the Savior three times to common workers- three different individuals- prior to Jesus's trial and crucifixion. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost he is at the temple testifying of the Savior in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of people.

How is this gift administered? It is done by the laying on of hands by one having authority.

Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:14-17)...

Next- The things we carry on....


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