The Holy Ghost Was Not Yet Given
The Holy Ghost was not yet given to believers during Jesus' life on earth, and they were unregenerate despite being baptised and blessed.
G.W. North emphasizes the significance of baptism in the name of Jesus during His earthly ministry, arguing that without a distinguishing name, the practice would have been meaningless. He explains that even those who believed and were baptized did not receive the Holy Ghost at that time, highlighting that they were still unregenerate. North references John 7:39 to clarify that the Holy Ghost had not yet been given, and he points out that the Samaritans, despite their belief, also had not received the Holy Ghost until Peter and John arrived. This underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life and the transition from mere belief to regeneration.
Text
Although the scripture does not say so, it can hardly be doubted that during the Lord's life on earth, all who were then baptised unto Him underwent the rite in Jesus' name. In fact if baptism had been granted to them as apart from the distinguishing name great confusion would have been spread among the people, for they had already been baptised of John. How then could a distinction be noted and difference be made between the two baptisms unless a distinguishing name and authority be introduced? The rite would have become a mere meaningless repetition of no moment, a religious observance practised just for the sake of it.
Undoubtedly upon hearing the new message they had believed the things concerning the Kingdom of Heaven and the name of Jesus Christ and had consequently been blessed, healed, delivered, forgiven and baptised, and all without receiving the Holy Ghost. Therefore, in common with everyone else at that time, including the disciples themselves, although they were believers they were as yet unregenerate.
The reason for this is quite plainly told us in John 7:39 -- 'the Holy Ghost was not yet given' (to the Jews). Just as plainly we are informed in Acts 8:15 & 16 that until Peter and John went unto them, the Samaritans had not received the Holy Ghost either, for He had not yet been given to that particular group. Despite the fact that Philip had faithfully proclaimed Christ to them, and they had believed his message and had gone as far as they could in faithful response to what they heard, as yet they were spiritually unborn.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of a Distinguishing Name in Baptism
- The State of Believers Before Receiving the Holy Ghost
- The Reason for the Delay in Receiving the Holy Ghost
- The Holy Ghost was not yet given to the Jews
- Similarly, the Samaritans had not received the Holy Ghost until Peter and John arrived
Key Quotes
“The Holy Ghost was not yet given” — G.W. North
“They were blessed, healed, delivered, forgiven, and baptised, but were still unregenerate” — G.W. North
“Just as plainly we are informed in Acts 8:15 & 16 that until Peter and John went unto them, the Samaritans had not received the Holy Ghost either” — G.W. North
Application Points
- Believers must continue to seek spiritual regeneration and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- Faithful response to the message of Christ is not enough for spiritual growth.
- The Holy Ghost is necessary for true spiritual transformation and regeneration.