Scripture Revealed

A Revelation of Jesus Christ – Revelation 1:1

Tag: The Comforter

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

 

Pentecost, a painting by Jean II Restout, 1732
Pentecost, a painting by Jean II Restout, 1732

This is the fourth and final article addressing the subject of salvation and what it means to “believe the gospel”. The first article was entitled Salvation – the Gospel. The second article was entitled Repent and Believe the Gospel! The third article was entitled Water Baptism – Burial.

The final step in the gospel plan is to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost was preached by Peter in Acts 2:38.

Acts 2:38 (KJV) – “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Notice that the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) is referred to as a “gift” from God. Many have argued that the “Holy Ghost” is not for us today or that it is not essential for salvation. We will discuss these arguments later in this article. However, is there any sincere Christian that would turn down a “gift” that God has for them?

Acts 11:18 (KJV) – “Forasmuch then as God

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The Kingdom of God

330px-Christ_Handing_the_Keys_to_St._Peter_by_Pietro_Perugino
Jesus giving Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven”, (Matthew 16:18), painting by Perugino, 1492.

Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of Christianity. While his followers claimed that He was the Jewish Messiah, He would be put to death as a criminal. Think about that for a moment. Did Jesus fail as the Messiah?  Did He fail in His mission to usher in the Kingdom of God?

Messiah as the King

From the time that the first Roman legionnaires marched into Judea, there was tension throughout Jewish society. People prayed for God’s deliverance from the yoke of Roman rule. The Jews prayed that God would send the promised Messiah during their lifetime.

According to prophets – Messiah, or the “Anointed One”, was to serve as the King of Israel. This Messiah would arrive in Jerusalem with the very power of God. Old Testament prophets told how this “Anointed One” would conquer the enemies of Israel. God would restore the Israelites to their status as God’s chosen people. All nations would come under His rule, and His Kingdom would never end.

Jesus In the Synagogue

On one particular day, a quiet peace settled over the city of Nazareth. (...)

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