WHAT IS A PERSON?
This is a question that I never imagined would need answering in my Christian walk with God and my Lord, Jesus Christ.
First of all, how is “person” defined? In my “American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language” it is defined as:
- A living human being, especially as distinguished from an animal or thing.
- The composite of characteristics that make up an individual personality.
- An individual of some specified character.
- The living body of a human being
- (my addition) consists of flesh and bones, have a body and are called people
From here we need to define “individual:”
- a. Of or relating to a single human being. b. By or for one person
- Existing as a distinct entity; single; separate.
- Distinguished by particular attributes; distinctive.
- Indivisible as an entity; inseparable
The reason this question has arisen is because of the subject of the Holy Spirit. There is an overwhelming amount of misunderstanding on this subject. The primary reason for this misunderstanding is because of a three letter word that is called an article in English grammar. An “article” is defined as:
- Any of a class of words used to signal nouns and to specify their application. In English the articles are a and an (indefinite articles) and the (definite article).
Yes, you guessed it we are talking about the article “THE.” The misplacement of this little word has caused no end of confusion. Translators are responsible for this and they will one day answer for it. What the definite article “the” does when it comes to the subject of holy spirit, is determine the capitalization or not, of the words that follow it. Some people might say, “what’s the big deal, what difference does it make?” Well, in biblical circles it is a really big deal. For example, when there is no article “the” before the words pneuma hagion, spirit or ghost and holy, it should not be capitalized, distinguishing it from when the article does appear. The difference between the Holy Spirit and holy spirit, is the Giver and the gift. God is holy and God is spirit = the Holy Spirit and that which God gives to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ is holy spirit, his gift. God gives what “HE” is.
This brings us to defining spirit, what is it? In the Greek it is the word pneuma from which we get the word pneumatic. Pneuma is used 379 times in the New Testament and it means;
- NT:4151 from NT:4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: (Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Pneumatic tools are powered by compressed air. Air is everywhere and generally it is invisible, untouchable and unseen. Why is God called the Holy Spirit? Because there are a lot of Unholy spirits. All spirits are not holy, which is why God distinguishes “Himself” from them, with the use of Holy. You will notice how I have been putting male pronouns in reference to God in quote marks. The reason I am doing this is to note that these references are in fact figures of speech. God is spirit and spirit has not flesh and bones as people have: Jesus says in Luke 24:37-39:
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
KJV
The figure of speech Anthroopatheia or Condescension, is ascribing to God what belongs to human and rational beings. Furthermore, Moses tells us that “God is not a man (‘iysh, a man as an individual or a male person), that he should lie; neither the son of man (‘adam, a human being), that he should repent.” Nu 23:19. Any and all human characteristics attributed to God or the Holy Spirit is a figure of speech and not literal.
Therefore there is no way in God’s creation that The Holy Spirit, The Giver, who is God Himself can be a Person, a living human being with flesh and bones. To believe that a spirit of any kind, holy or not, is a person, is foundational-less thinking. It is completely illogical and God is all about logic.
Okay, let us take a look at the first usage of the words “Holy Spirit or Ghost” used together, Matt 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. KJV You will notice that I italicized the words added by the translators. The article “the” before the words Holy Ghost was added, therefore it should read “she was found with child of holy spirit.”
Let’s look at the 2nd usage in Matt 1:20b “….for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Here again “the” was added. It should read, “for that which is conceived in her is of holy spirit.”
Let’s look at the 3rd usage (you can see that I am not “cherry-picking” verses to support my position). Matt 3:11: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:”It should read: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with holy spirit and fire:” If we were baptized by the Holy Spirit, we would be disintegrated! Instead we are baptized with a part of that which He is, not “He Himself.” (Note here another misunderstood concept, holy spirit and fire is the figure speech Hendiadys, which means Two for One; two words used but one thing meant).
Now let’s look at what we get from God who is the Holiest of the Spirits: Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? KJV There is no article “the” in the texts so it should read “give holy spirit,” the gift. Luke 1:15 says John the Baptist would be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb. No article “the” there either. He was filled with the gift of holy spirit. The words “holy ghost” are used 90 times and it’s your job to figure out how many of these are the Giver and how many are the Gift.
You need a Greek Interlinear or a PC Bible program like mine from Biblesoft in order to see these fraudulent errors that Satan has perpetrated through translators of the Bible. Our Bibles today are not the Word of God as God originally moved holy men of God, who wrote it, but with Computer Bible software, we can get back to the original God-breathed Word. This is one reason why the Church needs Teachers like me who have a ministry to convey the truth. It is not my responsibility that you learn anything, that is up to you and God. I plant and I water, but it is God who gives the increase.
You can reject everything I say but once I have said it and once you have read it, you are responsible to God for it, just as I am. You can be rewarded at the Bema for believing it or suffer loss for rejecting it. The majority will not rule at the Judgment Seat of Christ as we will all stand alone. You will not be able to blame what you believed here on earth on your pastor, your spouse or anyone else.
To see more on Figures of speech in the Bible go to the link below to see that I am not the only good Teacher around:
http://www.ewbullingerbooks.com/Catalog/e-w-bullinger-figures-of-speech-used-in-the-bible.htm
GOD BLESS!
Blaspheme in Islam; Just what is it?
Muslims have accused some American filmmakers of blaspheme lately. Blaspheme seems to be an arbitrary thing to them. In footnote [1] of the NOBLE QUR’AN (v.2.22) it says that the greatest sin in consideration with Allah is setting up a rival to Allah. The Narrator Abdullah then asked the Prophet what was next. He said, “To kill your son lest he should share your food with you.” He then asked what was next and he said, “To commit illegal sexual intercourse with the wife of your neighbor.” Oddly enough “blaspheme” is not mentioned in the Qur’an, but if it was it would it not be logical for it to be acting contrary to one of these 3 sins?
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_and_blasphemy to see all the things that are considered blasphemous according to Sharia Law. There are way too many to begin to list here.
If Allah existed he would be on the same level as YHWH (who is The Holy Spirit) the God of Jews and Christians. If Muhammed were living he would be on the same plane as Jesus Christ. Even Muslims know and believe that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, but this fact still does not make Jesus Christ any different from the rest of the prophets. Somewhat illogical don’t you think?
In the Bible, blaspheme against “the Son of Man” who is Jesus Christ is a forgivable offense. Blaspheme against God, YHWH, who is The Holy Spirit is not forgivable.
Lk 12:10: And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. KJV
The Bible lays out a very clear distinction here between the Father and the Son. In our Christian world there are no penalties here and now for blaspheme. Our laws, based upon the Constitution have nothing comparable to Sharia Law. What we see in the above verse is that unforgivable blaspheme can only be committed against God.
If you look up blaspheme in regards to Islam you will see that there are many, many ways commit it, most of which concern Muhammed, who according to Muslims is no different or better than Jesus Christ. Yet it is blaspheme to convert from Islam to Christianity or even try to convert someone from Islam. Practicing yoga, drinking alcohol, being alone with the opposite sex who are not blood relatives are some examples.
Blasphemy against God
Islamic law makes a distinction between a blasphemer who insults God and a blasphemer who finds fault with Muhammad. The distinction is based on the notions of the “right of God” and the “right of Man.” Reviling God violates the “right of God,” who has the power to avenge the insult. Reviling Muhammad violates the “right of Man,” who, in the case of Muhammad, does not have the power to avenge the insult. A blasphemer who violates the “right of God” can seek forgiveness through repentance.[2] (This is not an option in Judeo-Christian beliefs).
The Qur’an speaks of punishment in relation to those who make mischief in opposition to God and Muhammad:
The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter;So, what is the Unforgivable Sin against The Holy Spirit, God? Can you see how much Grace we have in Christianity?
E.W. Bullinger, 1837-1913
E. W. Bullinger (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Many of my Christian friends look at my Tweets on Twitter and must think I am out of my mind when it comes the Christian Doctrine. Studying the 4 gospels for doctrine is no different than studying the 5 books of Moses, as they are all a part of the old covenant, to Israel. Yes, we can learn alot from that study, but nothing doctrinally for us.
What I espouse in my book is nothing new even though it sounds foreign to your ears. Romans was the first doctrinal epistle written to the Church of God; Ephesians was the second and Thessalonians was the last since it culminates in the Rapture of that church. Paul’s epistles are as relative today as they were in his day. They are not historical writings; they were given to Paul by our Lord Jesus for the purpose of how Christians are to correctly believe.
Corinthians is the first Reproof epistle, Philippians is the 2nd. Galatians and Colossians are epistles of Correction. As Timothy was instructed by Paul all the Scripture he wrote is either for Doctrine, Reproof and Correction. I know, that just too simple to be believable, but it is the Gospel of God in Christ Jesus, whether you believe it or not.
As Paul said in his Reproof epistle, 1Co 14:38, “if any one be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Being Ignorant is a choice Chrisians make every day. They laugh at practically everything that comes out of my mind and onto this medium, but one day we will all have to give an account of our stewardship of the secrets of God. It will not be a pleasant day for those of you who choose Ignorance and Pride and Haughtiness instead of the revelation God kept hidden until he revealed to the apostle Paul by way of the ascended Christ.
BUT, DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT. Google E.W. Bullinger and just take a look at all the titles he produced in his lifetime. You will discover that he believed practically everything I believe about the Word of God. You can also look at http://www.TruthorTradition.com.
You will discover many significant things, but the purpose of this writing is to address the Holy Spirit, God and His gift to us, called holy spirit. The difference between the 2 is the article “the.” The article presence or absence of the article “the” in the Greek Manuscripts determines which one the apostle Paul is talking about. One is the Giver and the other is His gift. You will see that this is one of Bullinger’s titles.
Yes you can Ignore everything I say hear just like you have ignored everything I have said heretofore, like Jeremiah and all the other Prophets were ignored by Israel. My advice to all you nay and gainsayers is, “Wake up and smell the coffee!”
Happy Trails.
Water Baptism is All Washed Up
The book of The Acts of the Apostles shows the transition from the Law of Moses to the grace of God in Christ Jesus. What we should see if we have not been spiritually blinded (a lot have been and cannot see it), is that John fulfilled the purpose of his ministry according to Acts 13:25. We are told by Jesus himself in 1:5 that in the future (which is now), believers would be baptized with holy spirit, not water.
In 18:25 a married couple who were believers, named Aquila and Priscilla, took aside another believer who spoke and taught the ways of the Lord Jesus fervently, but knew only of the baptism of John. It that these two expounded to him the way of God more perfectly.
in 19 the apostle Paul found a group of disciples who did not know anything about spirit baptism (which first occurred in 2:4). He asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed. They said they had not heard that there was any such thing. Paul then asked them “unto what then are you baptized?” They said, “John’s baptism.” Ac 19:4-7 goes on to say:
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.7 And all the men were about twelve. KJV
No one receives the gift of holy spirit which represents Christ in you with water baptism. This is why I say, “it is all washed up!” Our young supposedly “Pastors” are continuing in the same error that has been perpetrated by the church for centuries. This is the spirit of antichrist, to teach for faith and practice, that which is contrary to the revelation received by the apostle Paul from our Lord, Jesus Christ himself.
Paul told Timothy that many things like this would happen. I cannot believe that they who practice and teach such things do so knowing it is not the “way of God more perfectly.” 2Cor 4:4 says that many people are blind to the truth. I used to think that only applied to those who did not believe at all. Now, I know it applies to those who supposedly believe, as well.
Through the ages since Acts 2:4 cunningly devised fables have been handed down from generation to generation. These developed into “sophisms,” plausible, but fallacious arguments meant to render one wise in a sinister acceptation. They look good on the surface, but with a little digging you find they are completely erroneous. 2Ti 4:4 and 2Pe 1:16 speak of them.
I pray that all who practice false doctrine will soon see the error of their ways. It sickens me to see and hear of pastors touting the number of people they perpetrate this error upon. I heard one say recently that he was going for a Guinness Book of World Records for the number of water baptisms. People end up thinking they are saved, when they are not. What a rude awakening they may have after the Rapture, to see they are still here. It is a shame.
God bless,
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