Tuesday, February 23, 2010

That was then, This is now.

I thought it would be prudent to show what the Scriptures tell us about Sanctification as the basis for our discussion. Here are listed the main Scriptural references to Sanctification:

1. Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

Acts 4:26-31
2. “The kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather together
against the Lord
and against his Anointed One. Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

Acts 8:16-17
3. “When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 9:16-18
4. “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”

Acts 10:43-45
“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.”

Acts 19:1-7
5 “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when[a] you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?"

"John's baptism," they replied.

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.”

Monday, February 22, 2010

What this Blog is about.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, the Scriptures tell us that his face shown so brightly that he was forced to put a covering over his face because the Glory of God was reflected so brightly from his face that people were not able to look at him. I believe that Holiness is such an experience. It is so radiant that people who look upon the countenance of someone who truly has God's gracious gift of Holiness see such a shiningly lit face that it is somehow impossible to look upon them without fear and trembling and the God-given desire to be like that person.

I am not sure how much interest others might take in this subject, but it is truly scriptural, even demanded by God: "Without holiness, no man shall see God." This is a doctrine that has interested me for some years, and I have both deeply desired the experience, and studied it both in the Scriptures and in my studies. I am primarily writing this blog for my own information, and as a way to "work out my own" relationship with God and His Holiness. If you are here and reading any of these writings that follow, I would pray that God's blessings would be upon you as you share this journey with me.

I intend to take advantage of every good gift that God has available for his people. Both to help me live this life, and also to share this great doctrine with others.

Tim