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Last Updated on : October 11, 2014

The Faith In The Last Days
A Selection From The Writings of John Thomas, M.D. 
With an Introduction on his life and work by John Carter
PAGE 214
CHAPTER 19
BAPTISM OF SPIRIT
(i) IN APOSTOLIC TIMES

 

 

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BAPTISM of spirit, in all the subjects of it, was known to all observers by the effects produced.  There could be no mistake in this.  A Christian who said, "I have been baptized with spirit," could prove his assertion to the conviction of all reasonable persons.  He never undertook to prove such a baptism by an appeal to his own feelings; for what he might feel in himself was no demonstration to his contemporaries.  Baptism of spirit was an inpouring of power until the believer's vessel was filled.  Being full of power, "powers" were manifested, which Paul styles "the powers of the future course", or Mellontos aionos, termed in the Common Version, "the world to come" (Heb.  6:5), and of which he says in the same place, his brethren had "tasted".  These spirit-baptismal effects are also by him styled "powers", dunameis, in 1 Cor.  12:29, but here rather restricted to a particular class of manifestations.


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BAPTISM of spirit (Holy Spirit), in all the subjects of it (people who received it), was known to all observers (witnesses) by the effects produced (undeniable miracles).There could be no mistake in this.  A Christian who said, "I have been baptized with spirit," could prove his assertion to the conviction of all reasonable persons (by exercising the power received in the presence of all who could witness it).  He never undertook to prove such a baptism by an appeal to his own feelings (but by always displaying the power to and for others); for what he might feel in himself was no demonstration to his contemporaries (this appeal to one's feelings as proof of having the spirit remains the same in our day, and is not proof that one has received the Holy Spirit, just as in Bro.  Thomas' day, as well as in the days of the Apostles).  Baptism of spirit was an inpouring of power until the believer's vessel was filled (humans, who are mortal, can hold only so much of the Spirit, because our "vessels" are weak).  Being full of power, "powers"  (miracles) were manifested (by those who received the spirit), which Paul styles "the powers of the future course", or Mellontos aionos, termed in the Common Version, "the world to come" (Heb.  6:5 ("5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come," )), and of which he says in the same place, his brethren had "tasted" (only "tasted," because human, mortal bodies can hold only so much of the Spirit; and immortal bodies  hold much, much more than a "taste,"   which shall be realized in the Kingdom Age [future course] by those who overcome).  These spirit-baptismal effects are also by him styled "powers", dunameis, in 1 Cor.  12:29, but here (in 1 Cor.  12:29) rather restricted to a particular class of manifestations.  ("29 Are all apostles[one group of men who received the spirit]? are all prophets [another group of men who had received the spirit]? are all teachers [yet another]? are all workers of miracles[dunamis; Strong’s Concordance][and yet another group of men who had received the spirit]? 30 Have all the gifts of healing [and another]? do all speak with tongues [yet another]? do all interpret [and yet another restriction "to a particular class of manifestations? " ]31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." [a way better than receiving the "best gifts" offered by Yahweh when a mortal’s vessel was filled with His spirit, which is only a taste of that which is to come by those who are made "equal unto the angels." We live in an age when we only have access to the "more excellent way," and no access to the Holy Spirit as in the days of the apostles, except through their writings and those of the prophets, which are inspired by the power of Yahweh.  Bro.  Thomas addresses this in the second half of this article.)


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The Hebrew brethren were said to have "tasted of the powers of the future course of things", (Heb.  6:5) or AION, in possessing spirit-gifts, because when that course of things, commonly called the Millennium, or Age to Come, should be introduced, they would possess the same powers, but without limitation; not that they will exercise them without limitation, but that they will possess the ability so to do.  In the apostolic age they tasted of the powers, but in the future they will drink in a full draught of spirit-power.  "Be not drunk with wine; but be filled with spirit." (Eph.  5:18) Though they might be filled to overflowing, the fullness would be but a taste of the powers of the coming AION.  Their vessels, like ours, were but earthen, and of limited capacity; but in the future AION of a thousand years, the bodies of the saints will be consubstantial and conformed to that of Christ's; and therefore of vastly greater capacity and susceptibility of manifestation and enjoyment than the "vile bodies" (Phil.  3:21) they now possess.  The nature of the body through which the powers are displayed makes the great difference between the tasting and the fullness, when the Deity shall be "the all things in all" (1 Cor.  15:28) -- ta panta en pasin.  "Now, concerning spirit gifts (pneumatika), brethren, I would not that ye be ignorant." Thus speaks Paul in 1 Cor.  12:1.  By pneumatika he means spirit manifestations resulting from the working of God's power in those who confess the lordship of Jesus consequent upon their understanding and belief of the divine testimony concerning him.  These spirit-manifestations, given to the intelligent and obedient in Paul's day, in 1 Cor.  14:12, he terms pneumata or spirits.  He did not wish the brethren in Corinth to be ignorant concerning spirits, which were not the ghosts of dead men, women and babes, as the heathen around us imagine in the blindness of their heart; not many separate and independent disembodied "immortal souls" of a "spirit world"; but a diverse operation and manifold manifestation of one and the same deity by His own abstract and independent power.  The "spirits" were spirit-powers radiated from the divine presence into the saints, who were thereby enabled to do wonders, and signs, and powers, according to the will of the Deity.  Every wonder, every sign, every power, was a spirit, visible to all who beheld the extraordinary phenomena.  They did not mutter, and rap, or move tables; nor did they give forth dubious and lying oracles through unclean and ignorant pretenders; they uttered divine wisdom and knowledge, which was in harmony with what the Deity had moved holy men of old to write in "the law and the prophets" (Matt.  7:12; 22:40; Luke 16:16; Acts 13:15;24:14; Rom.  3:21) thousands of years before.  They raised the dead, discerned spirits, spoke the languages of men intuitively, and interpreted them intelligibly.  All these spirits worked that one and the self-same spirit, dividing to every believer severally as he willed (1 Cor.  12:11).


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The Hebrew brethren were said to have "tasted of the powers of the future course of things" (Bro.  Thomas’ translation of the Greek), (Heb.  6:5) or AION ("5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world [AION] to come..." ), in possessing spirit-gifts, because when that course of things, commonly called the Millennium, or Age to Come, (or "future course of things," or "AION," or Kingdom Age) should be introduced, they ("the Hebrew brethren" who overcome) would possess the same powers, but without limitation; not that they will exercise them without limitation, but that they will possess the ability so to do (in other words, those who overcome our probationary days, and are found worthy of life eternal with Christ, will receive the Holy Spirit without measure, but this doesn’t mean that they will always exercise this power to the full amount.  We as mortals rarely exercise our strength to the full amount, but if need be, in certain circumstances, we  can, and do.  I assume this is what Bro.  Thomas is suggesting).  In the apostolic age they ("the Hebrew brethren" ) tasted of the powers (a sip, if you will), but in the future they will drink in a full draught [something that is taken in by drinking or inhaling; a drink; dose] (a full drink, as opposed to a sip, or taste) of spirit-power.  "Be not drunk with wine; but be filled with spirit." (Eph.  5:18) (17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.) Though they (the Hebrew brethren) might be filled to overflowing, the fullness (while a mortal) would be but a taste (or sip) of the powers of the coming AION (Kingdom Age).   ("For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink (but a sip for mortals) into one Spirit." 1 Cor.  12:13) Their vessels (bodies), like ours, were but earthen (human, mortal), and of limited capacity (because we are mortal); but in the future AION of a thousand years (Kingdom Age), the (immortal) bodies of the saints (who will have their mortal bodies changed into immortal bodies) will be consubstantial (having the same substance) and conformed (made similar) to that of Christ's (immortal body); and therefore of vastly greater capacity (that is, an immortal body holds more Spirit than a mortal body) and susceptibility (inclination) of manifestation (mortals who received the Spirit were predisposed to manifest, or demonstrate, Yahweh’s power; how much more so an immortalized saint) and enjoyment than the "vile bodies" (or mortal, dying bodies)  (Phil.  3:21 ("21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." )) they now possess (humans enjoyed possessing the Spirit; how much more so those who have their bodies fashioned like Christ’s spiritual body).  The nature of the body (mortal or immortal) through which the powers (Yahweh’s Spirit) are displayed ("susceptibility of manifestation" ) makes the great difference between the tasting (a sip) and the fullness (a full draught, or drink), when the Deity shall be "the all things in all" (1 Cor.  15:28) -- ta panta en pasin (when the Kingdom Age is completed; "And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all" ).  "Now, concerning spirit gifts (pneumatika), brethren, I would not that ye be ignorant." Thus speaks Paul in 1 Cor.  12:1.  By pneumatika he means spirit manifestations (which demonstrations were obvious to all) resulting from the working of God's power (spirit) in those who confess the lordship of Jesus consequent upon (following) their understanding and belief of the divine testimony concerning him.  These spirit-manifestations (or, demonstrations), given to the intelligent (who understood the Truth) and obedient (who also obeyed the Truth) in Paul's day, in 1 Cor.  14:12 (12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.), he terms pneumata or spirits.  He (Paul) did not wish the brethren in Corinth to be ignorant concerning spirits (various manifestations by Yahweh through those who possessed the spirit), which were not the ghosts of dead men, women and babes, as the heathen around us imagine in the blindness of their heart; not many separate and independent disembodied "immortal souls" of a "spirit world"; but a diverse operation and manifold (many and varied) manifestation of one and the same deity by His own abstract and independent power (all the demonstrations of spirit proceeded from Yahweh’s power, and not from  what the Corinthians once believed, when they were led by "dumb idols." ("Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led." )1 Cor.  12: 2).  The "spirits" were spirit-powers radiated from the divine presence into the saints (and not the spirits of the many dead), who were thereby enabled to do wonders, and signs, and powers, according to the will of the Deity.  Every wonder, every sign, every power, was a spirit, visible to all who beheld the extraordinary phenomena (and collectively the single wonder, sign, or power, were "spirits" ).  They (those who possessed the "spirits" ) did not mutter, and rap, or move tables; nor did they give forth dubious and lying oracles through unclean and ignorant pretenders (not only was this the demonstration given by those who falsely claimed to possess the spirit in Bro.  Thomas’ day, it continues so in ours); they (those who truly had received the spirit) uttered divine wisdom and knowledge, which was in harmony with what the Deity had moved holy men of old to write in "the law and the prophets" thousands of years before (Matt.  7:12("Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." ); 22:40 ("Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." ); Luke 16:16 ("The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." ); Acts 13:15 ("And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on." ); 24:14 ("And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on." ); Rom.  3:21 ("But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets" )).  They raised the dead, discerned spirits, spoke the languages of men intuitively, and interpreted them intelligibly.  All these spirits worked that one and the self-same spirit, dividing to every believer severally as he willed (1 Cor.  12:11 ("But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will." )) (many spirits, or powers, all working Yahweh’s Will, and not many dead spirits working the will of some "dumb idols," as the Corinthians once  believed).


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There were some in Paul's day, as in ours, who pretended to speak by the spirit of the Deity, yet did not possess it.  Because of this pretence, the Apostle John exhorted the brethren, saying: "Beloved, believe not every spirit (or manifestation), but try the spirits, whether they be of God" (1 John 4:1).  This was addressed to those of the saints who possessed "the spirit" called "discerning of spirits", (1 Cor.  12:10) which was common to all the presbyteries, or elderships, of the flock.  All the apostles had this gift, so that it was not possible to impose spurious, or counterfeit spirits upon them.  Being thus qualified they were competent to give their brethren a rule by which they might distinguish the true from the false.  There were some spirits in their day who taught false doctrines in the name of Christ.  The same class of spirits exists now; only that, whereas they were in the minority in apostolic times, they are now almost universal, nearly to the entire suppression of the true.  These "spirits" are styled by John "false prophets", (1 John 4:1) because their teaching was false and subversive "of the truth as it is in Jesus".  (Eph.4:21) Hence, every teacher, or one who does not teach the truth, is one of these spirits, no matter what age or generation, name or denomination, he may belong to.  Nor is it difficult to discern these spirits by the apostolic rule.  All spirits are of the world, which are inspired of the world, and which the world gives heed to and glorifies.  This is an infallible rule, and demonstrates that the clergy, ministers, parsons, or preachers (it matters not by what name the spirits are called), are all false prophets or Spirits ...


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There were some in Paul's day, as in ours (and, as in our day too), who pretended to speak by the spirit of the Deity, yet did not possess it.  Because of this pretence, the Apostle John exhorted the brethren, saying: "Beloved, believe not every spirit (or manifestation), but try the spirits, whether they be of God" (1 John 4:1).  This was addressed to those of the saints who possessed "the spirit" called "discerning of spirits", (1 Cor.  12:10 (To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:" ) ) which was common to all the presbyteries, or elderships, of the flock (in other words, each ecclesia had at least one member who could "discern the spirits" ).  All the apostles had this gift, so that it was not possible to impose spurious (false), or counterfeit spirits upon them.  Being thus qualified they (the apostles) were competent to give their brethren (who did not receive the spirit called "the discerning of spirits" ) a rule by which they might distinguish the true from the false (a rule which endures to this day, and by which we may determine false doctrine from the true, including the "doctrine of fellowship." It is not possible to possess the spirit in these times, but a man may claim he understands the spirit, and yet teach false doctrine.  We must apply the apostolic rule to his teachings [as well as our own], and try his teachings against Yahweh’s Word).  There were some spirits in their day who taught false doctrines in the name of Christ (as well as in our day).  The same class of spirits exists now (and in our day as well); only that, whereas they were in the minority in apostolic times, they are now almost universal, nearly to the entire suppression of the true (it remains so in our day).  These "spirits" are styled by John "false prophets," (1 John 4:1 ("Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." )) because their teaching was false and subversive "of the truth as it is inJesus".  (Eph.4:21 ("21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus :" )) Hence, every teacher, or one who does not teach the truth, is one of these spirits, no matter what age or generation (even in our times, and concerning topics such as the doctrine of fellowship), name or denomination (Christadelphian included), he may belong to (if something other than the Truth is taught, on any subject, then the teacher is a false spirit or false prophet, no matter the generation theylive in, or the denomination they belong to).  Nor is it difficult to discern these spirits by the apostolic rule (Bro.  Thomas is referring to discerning the spirits of his day by the apostolic rule, which means that we are able to do so in ours as well; and must, considering the weaknesses of the natural man) .  All spirits are of the world, which are inspired of the world, and which the world gives heed to and glorifies (this is Bro.  Thomas’ emphasis; in other words, what the world produces, it loves; and this is an easy way of identifying what proceeds from the world.  The world hates the things of the Spirit).  This is an infallible rule, and demonstrates that the clergy, ministers, parsons, or preachers (it matters not by what name the spirits are called), are all false prophets or Spirits ...  (because the love of the world is what false spirits glorify and honor, and not the Truth.  What these religious leaders believe is not of the Truth.  They clearly teach and love the things the world loves and creates, and not the apostles’ doctrine and commandments.)


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The apostles used to say of themselves, "We are of God".  And this was a true testimony: for Jesus said to them, "It shall be given you what ye shall speak.  For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you".  (Matt.  10:19,20) Well might he say, therefore, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth Him that sent me".  (Luke 10:16) The apostle John was therefore perfectly justified in saying, "He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us".  (1 John 4:6) Do the spirits of Rome, Wittenberg, Geneva, Oxford, Bethany, etc., hear the apostles, or do they not? No intelligent believer of the truth can honestly affirm that they do.  There is but one thing such can truly affirm, and that is, that they do not give heed to the teaching of the apostles.  They are then false prophets or spirits; and all their pretensions to holy spirit, to baptism of spirit other than the spirit of the flesh, to getting religion by the operation of the spirit of God, and so forth, is mere twaddle and blasphemy; false and only false, and that continually.  This hearing of the apostles is an unerring rule for the "discerning of spirits".  (1 Cor.  12:10) A man may be as pious as the pagan Aeneas; or as devout as a Turk who prays to Allah five times a day; or as earnest as the Jews who had "a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge"(Rom.  10:2) -- he may be all this, and as well skilled in Plato as Dr.  Lewis; and as holy toned and grimacious as a pulpitarian -- it matters not; all this goes for vanity and vexation of spirit; he is a false spirit if he believe not the teachings of the apostles; if he be not mindful of the words spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the apostles of the Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:2).  "Hereby know we", saith John, "the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:6)


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The apostles used to say of themselves, "We are of God".  And this was a true testimony: for Jesus said to them, "It shall be given you what ye shall speak.  For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you".  (Matt.  10:19,20) Well might he say, therefore, "He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth Him that sent me".  (Luke 10:16) The apostle John was therefore perfectly justified in saying, "He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us".  (1 John 4:6 ("We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." )) (This verse is the infallible, apostolic rule by which to distinguish the false spirits in our time.  This, of course, includes the scriptural doctrine of fellowship.) Do the spirits of Rome, Wittenberg, Geneva, Oxford, Bethany, etc., hear the apostles, or do they not (Bro.  Thomas is applying the apostolic rule of comparing what these teach with what the apostles [who received their instruction from Christ and Yahweh through the spirit] taught)? No intelligent believer of the truth can honestly affirm that they (spirits of Rome, etc.) do (because they clearly do not teach what the apostles taught).  There is but one thing such (an "intelligent believer of the truth" ) can truly affirm, and that is, that they (the spirits of Rome, Wittenberg, Geneva, Oxford, Bethany, etc.) do not give heed to the teaching of the apostles (the rule by which to measure them).  They are then false prophets or spirits; and all their pretensions to holy spirit (which they claim is in them), to baptism of spirit other than the spirit of the flesh (in other words, "their pretentions" to being baptized with the spirit, and not with just a worldly, worthless baptism of flesh merely [which is the true case]), to getting religion by the operation of the spirit of God (being taught of God through the spirit, so to speak), and so forth, is mere twaddle and blasphemy; false and only false, and that continually (what they teach and practice are all lies, because they are not in harmony with the apostles; "the apostolic rule" by which to gauge them) .  This hearing of the apostles is an unerring rule for the "discerning of spirits".  (1 Cor.  12:10 "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." ) A man may be as pious as the pagan Aeneas (Trojan hero in classical mythology); or as devout as a Turk who prays to Allah five times a day; or as earnest as the Jews who had "a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge"(Rom.  10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.) — he may be all this, and as well skilled in Plato as Dr.  Lewis (?); and as holy toned and grimacious [prone to an ugly, twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust, pain, or wry amusement] as a pulpitarian (one who speaks from the pulpit, a worldly, religious leader) -- it matters not; all this goes for vanity and vexation of spirit; he is a false spirit if he believe not the teachings of the apostles (he is of the world, and hears and is heard by the world); if he be not mindful of the words spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the apostles of the Lord and Saviour (2 Peter 3:2 ("2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:" )).  "Hereby know we", saith John, "the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (Please note, Bro.  Thomas is applying this verse to the preachers and religious leaders of his day.  Therefore, it is equally applicable in our day to those teachers who impart the same false doctrine/s; seeing both our and his generations live/lived in the "dry times." ) (1 John 4:6 ("We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." ))


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Having, then, obtained a divine rule, and therefore an infallible one, by which to discern spirits, we are not to be imposed upon by pretenders to spirit, and what they call baptism of spirit.  They know nothing correctly about the subject, because they do not give heed to the apostolic teaching.  They only tasted of the powers of the future course of things who had been guided into the truth; and so now, if any man say he hath the spirit in its powers or manifestations; or that he has been converted or born of the spirit; try him by conversing with him about what the apostles taught for faith and practice; and if you find that he is ignorant, you may then certainly know that he is an impostor, deceiving or deceived, or both; he is a false spirit, having never drunk into the spirit of God.  A man truly and scripturally enlightened would never, claim to be baptized of spirit in the dry time that intervenes between the early and latter rains.  He claims only to have been begotten of the truth which is spirit, not to be indued with any of its baptismal powers.


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Having, then, obtained a divine rule (the rule being, compare all teachings with the apostle’s teachings; a rule all are to continue exercising even in our day) , and therefore an infallible one (because it is divine and of Yahweh), by which to discern spirits (whether they are true or not), we are not to be imposed upon by pretenders to spirit, and what they call baptism of spirit (the Scriptures of Truth, which contain the apostolic rule, will reveal their true position).  They know nothing correctly about the subject (of what the apostles taught for doctrine, or commandments), because they do not give heed to the apostolic teaching (contained in The Word).  They (the apostles who had received the Holy Spirit) only tasted of the powers of the future course of things who had been guided into the truth (and recorded their doctrine and commandments [the Truth] for all to see, and use as a "divine rule" ); and so now, if any man say he hath the spirit in its powers or manifestations; or that he has been converted or born of the spirit; try him by conversing with him about what the apostles taught for faith (doctrine) and practice (commandments); and if you find that he is ignorant, you may then certainly know that he is an impostor, deceiving or deceived, or both (we too can be deceived or deceiving, or both, if what we teach is not in harmony with the apostles); he is a false spirit, having never drunk into the spirit of God (but having only a baptism into the flesh, or world).  A man truly and scripturally enlightened would never, claim to be baptized of spirit in the dry time that intervenes between the early and latter rains (Bro.  Thomas completely explains this later in this article.  Common sense tells us this is true, but Scriptures completely foretell of two instances when Yahweh pours out His spirit upon mankind, and of a "dry time" in-between).  He (a man who lives in the "dry time," who is "truly and scripturally enlightened" ) claims only to have been begotten of the truth which is spirit (truth is spirit, since it proceeds from Yahweh in the form of Truth), not to be indued [endowed or provided with a quality or ability] with any of its baptismal powers.


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"Spirits", then, is a word apostolically used to designate the gifts of the spirit of God: and those who undertook to teach by the spirit.  Of the former, there were "diversities"; (1 Cor.  12:4) and of the latter, two classes.  The diversities in the aggregate made up the baptism of holy spirit, which was given for administrations and operations.  These exhibitions of power were styled collectively "The manifestation of the Spirit".  (1 Cor.  12:7) The powers were not given to any one for his own private benefit, but for the general use and benefit of the Body of Christ; as it is written, "to every one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the collective good"-- pros to sympheron.  This is an important feature in the case.  People who pretend to be the subjects of spirit baptism can adduce nothing else but their feelings which all terminate in themselves.  No one is profited by any thing they pretend to have received.  Not a single scriptural idea do they possess more than before their pretended baptism; nor have they a single power they had not before.  They are as ignorant and perverse as ever, and as hostile to the truth when laid before them as pagans.  Not so with the apostolic believer.  When he was baptized with holy spirit, he acquired wisdom and knowledge which was advantageous to all who lacked them; he had the gift of faith by which he could remove mountains, if the good of the body collectively required it; he could heal the sick; inwork powers; speak to the brethren to edification, exhortation, and comfort, no mean accomplishment in an apostolic community.  He could discern spirits, and so protect and warn the unlearned against the imposition of the false apostles that would certainly arise.  He could speak the languages of the nations without previous study, and in them make known the wonderful works things the spiritually baptized could do for the benefit of those who were not so baptized, and of the Jews and heathen round about.  Such a baptism as this nowhere exists upon earth in these times; yet every congregation of believers could glory in such an indwelling of the Deity among them by His Spirit in the days of Paul (Eph.  2:22).  The want of this baptism is practically acknowledged by all "the names and denominations".


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"Spirits", then, is a word apostolically used to designate (1) the gifts of the spirit of God: and (2) those who undertook to teach by the spirit.  Of the former ((1) the "gifts of the spirit" )), there were "diversities" (in other words, several gifts); (1 Cor.  12:4 ("Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit" )) and of the latter ((2) the saints who received the spirit)), two classes ((1true brethren, who used the spirit for the good of the ecclesias and to built upon the foundation the apostle Paul had laid; and (2) false brethren who abused the spirit for the good of self and not for the good of the mortal ecclesias of Christ)).  The diversities in the aggregate (collective of those who received the spirit) made up the baptism of holy spirit (in other words, the differences in all of the administrators ("apostles, prophets, evangelist, etc,"   and the differing gift/s they received, was the comprehensive product of "baptism of holy spirit" ), which was given for administrations ("apostles, prophets, evangelists, etc." ) and operations (spirit gifts administered by the administrations) ("5 And there are differences of administrations ("service, ministering, esp.  of those who execute the commands of others;" Strong’s Concordance), but the same Lord.  6 And there are diversities of operations ("an effect;"   Strong’s Concordance; in other words, differences of spirit gifts), but it is the same God which worketh all in all." 1 Cor.  12: 5-6) (Bro.  Thomas describes the "all and all" this way later on in the article: "The grace was distributed according to the will of the Deity who worked or operated the all (all the gifts) in all  (hence, ‘all in all’) who received them." )These exhibitions of power (operations, or gifts, administered by the administrators, or "apostles, prophets, evangelists, etc." ) were styled collectively "The manifestation of the Spirit" (Bro.  Thomas is pointing out that this singular phrase ["manifestation of the Spirit" ] represents the "all in all;" or better yet, all gifts intended by Yahweh for all members of the body of Christ who received the gifts, for the benefit of the entire mortal ecclesias)(("7 But the manifestation of the Spirit (all the gifts of the spirit given to the administrators for the building of Christ body, in its mortal state) is given to every man (administrator, or minister) to profit withal." (with all in the Body of Christ.)) 1 Cor.  12:7) The powers were not given to any one for his own private benefit, but for the general use and benefit of the Body of Christ; as it is written, "to every one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the collective good"-- pros to sympheron (Bro.  Thomas’ translation of 1 Cor.  12: 7).  This (the spirit given for the collective good) is an important feature in the case.  People who pretend to be the subjects of spirit baptism can adduce nothing else but their feelings which all terminate in themselves (because they do not have the spirit in these dry times, so an appeal to miracles, which cannot be produced, is avoided, and an appeal to one's feelings is made instead.  This is no substitute for performing miracles).  No one is profited by any thing they pretend to have received (which clearly violates the scriptural purpose the spirit was given).  Not a single scriptural idea do they possess more than before their pretended baptism (they did not understand the apostles before their supposed spirit baptism, nor do they after their baptism); nor have they a single power they had not before (no miracles in the sight of all for the good of the believers are performed after their baptism either).  They are as ignorant and perverse as ever, and as hostile to the truth (as it is in Christ and the apostles) when laid before them as pagans (the "divine rule," as Bro.  Thomas styles the "apostolic rule," does not include being hostile towards what the apostles taught).  Not so with the apostolic believer.  When he was baptized with holy spirit, he acquired wisdom and knowledge which was advantageous to all who lacked them; he had the gift of faith by which he could remove mountains, if the good of the body collectively required it; he could heal the sick; inwork powers (pass on the spirit by the laying on of hands); speak to the brethren to edification, exhortation, and comfort, no mean (of little consequence) accomplishment in an apostolic community (in other words, all these gifts of the spirit had a major impact on an apostolic ecclesia).  He could discern spirits (true and false), and so protect and warn the unlearned against the imposition (deception) of the false apostles that would certainly arise.  He could speak the languages of the nations without previous study, and in them (foreign languages) make known the wonderful works of the Deity: all these  things the spiritually baptized (believers who had received the gifts; the "public" ) could do for the benefit of those who were not so baptized (believers who had not received the gifts; the "private), and of the (unbelieving) Jews and heathen (unbelieving Gentiles) round about.  Such a baptism as this nowhere exists upon earth in these times (nor in ours); yet every congregation of believers could glory in such an indwelling of the Deity among them by His Spirit in the days of Paul (Eph.  2:22 ("In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" )).  The want of this baptism is practically acknowledged by all "the names and denominations." (Because it is obvious to all, including themselves, that the spirit is not possessed by them, for they cannot perform the miracles the apostles did.)


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In the days of the apostles, the belief and obedience of the truth simply, constituted believers "saints"; but did not perfect them "for the edifying of the Body of Christ".  (Eph.  4:12) The saints in general "occupied the room of the private idiotou" (1 Cor.  14:16) until certain of them came to occupy the room of the public men by the gift of holy spirit.  This division of class resulted from baptism of spirit, which all were not permitted to receive. . .


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In the days of the apostles, the belief and obedience of the truth simply (and without being baptized in spirit), constituted believers "saints"; but did not perfect them "for the edifying of the Body of Christ" (in other words, just beginning in the Truth by learning and obeying it through baptism by water, did not get you the Holy Spirit immediately.  The " perfecting," or receiving of the baptism of spirit, came afterwards, after a believer had developed certain qualities.  The belief by some that one must be immediately baptized with the spirit in order to be a member of Christ, remains the same in our day as it was in Bro.  Thomas' day) (Eph.  4:12 (" For the perfecting of the saints (the receiving of the spirit by those in Christ who have already allowed the Word to develop them, but in apostolic times), for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:")) The saints in general "occupied the room of the private idiotou" (as opposed to the public teachers, healers, etc.  who possessed the spirit)(1 Cor.  14:16 (Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned (the " private," who had not received the gifts) say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?) until certain of them (saints) came to occupy the room of the public men by the gift of holy spirit (after their initial beginnings in Christ and development in the Truth, they became " public" spirit imbued men).  This division of class  (private and public) resulted from baptism of spirit, which all were not permitted to receive...  (You had to qualify for public service.  Not just anyone could receive the Holy Spirit for this service; an " administration" for the benefit of all; hence, it is considered "public" and not " private.")


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The case of the Samaritan brethren (Acts 8:14-24) clearly shows the prerequisites to a baptism of spirit in all cases save that of the apostles and the house of Cornelius. Before receiving the spirit it was necessary for the candidate

  1. — To believe the things of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12);
  2. —To be buried with Christ by baptism into death (ibid); and,
  3. —That the Apostles, or some inworker of powers like them, pray for the believer that he may receive it, and lay their hands on them (verses: 15, 17; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; 2 Tim.  1:6).

Paragraph 8 annotated

The case of the Samaritan brethren (Acts 8:14-24 (" 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.  24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me"))  clearly shows the prerequisites to a baptism of spirit in all cases save that of the apostles and the house of Cornelius (which were special cases, and required Divine intervention).  Before receiving the spirit (baptism of spirit, as opposed to baptism into Christ) it was necessary for the candidate

  1. —To believe the things of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.") (this belief, or understanding,  is necessary prior to baptism into Christ)
  2. —To be buried with Christ by baptism into death (ibid); and, (a believer's first act of obedience to Yahweh, which Bro.  Thomas points out is not the same as baptism of spirit, which comes later after the believer proves themselves qualified)
  3. — That the Apostles, or some inworker of powers like them (those who could give the Holy Spirit to others), pray for the believer that he may receive it, and lay their hands on them (verses 15, 17 (" 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 [For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.] 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.") 1 Tim.  4:14 (14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."); 5:22 (22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure."); 2 Tim. 1:6 ( 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.")

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On the day of Pentecost the gift of holy spirit was promised to those who were added to the name of Jesus Christ by baptism.  As they were about to return to remote places, where they would carry the gospel to Israel there, it is probable all the visitors to Jerusalem so returning would receive it, that through them God might confirm the word when they preached it.  But though promised to all such, the cases of the seven chosen to serve tables (Acts 6:1-7); of the Samaritans; of Saul (Acts 9:17); and of the twelve at Ephesus (Acts 19:6 and 7), show that the divine appointment for imparting the spirit was prayer and the imposition of the hands of the Apostles, or of a presbytery of inspired men, or of an inspired individual believer, as Timothy.  These elements of the appointment do not now exist among men.  We have no apostles but false ones; and all the presbyteries, or leaderships, are uninspired; and there is no individual on earth the imposition of whose hands is of any value in the premises.  A man must be a saint, and must have the gifts with himself before he can impart them; and then even if he had gifts, if among them he was deficient of the inworking of powers", (See Eph 3:20) he could not transmit what he possessed to others.  Philip could expel unclean spirits, and heal the palsied and the lame; but he could not impart spirit-gifts to the baptized.  The apostles had to be sent for to accomplish this.


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On the day of Pentecost the gift of holy spirit was promised to those who were added to the name of Jesus Christ by baptism ("38 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.  39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.")  As they were about to return to remote places, where they would carry the gospel to Israel there, it is probable all the visitors to Jerusalem so returning would receive it, that through them God might confirm the word when they preached it.  But though promised to all such, the cases of the seven chosen to serve tables (Acts 6:1-7 " 1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.  2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Who they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.  7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 8: 14-24 quoted above) of Saul (Acts 9:17 (" 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."and of the twelve at Ephesus (Acts 19:6 & 7 ("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,") show that the divine appointment for imparting the spirit was prayer and the imposition of the hands of the Apostles, or of a presbytery of inspired men, or of an inspired individual believer, as Timothy.  These elements of the appointment (possessing the spirit, and laying hands on others to give them the spirit) do not now exist among men.  We have no apostles but false ones; and all the presbyteries, or leaderships, are uninspired (in other words, no one in Bro.  Thomas' day had the spirit, nor does anyone have it today); and there is no individual on earth the imposition of whose hands is of any value in the premises (because no one has the spirit).  A man must be a saint, and must have the gifts with himself before he can impart them; and then even if he had gifts, if among them he was deficient of the "inworking of powers", (See Eph 3:20 ("20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.") he could not transmit what he possessed to others.  Philip could expel unclean spirits, and heal the palsied and the lame; but he could not impart spirit-gifts to the baptized.  The apostles had to be sent for to accomplish this (Acts 8:5-17 (" 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  8 And there was great joy in that city.  9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.  11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.  12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.  14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.".)


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Baptism of spirit, then, was only partially bestowed even upon the saints in the apostolic age.  It was an outpouring of divine power upon certain of the saints having natural and moral qualifications fitting them for the administrative use of it.  They were not only to be "faithful men", but "apt to teach", "able to teach others", "holding firmly according to the teaching of the faithful word, that by sound instruction they might be able both to exhort and to convince opponents"; and good rulers of their own houses (1 Tim.  3:2,4; 2 Tim.  2:1,2; Titus 1:9).  Having these and certain other qualifications, they were considered eligible for baptism of spirit by prayer and imposition of hands.  They must be saints first; for no apostle nor presbytery, nor inworker of powers, would lay hands upon sinners to impart divine power to them "for the work of the ministry".  (Eph.  4:12) When the Laodicean Apostasy which now fills all "Christendom", as the heathen call their Babylonish system, came to be established, sinners laid hands upon sinners, as at this day, but notwithstanding all their prayers for the gifts and graces of the spirit, no other spirit comes into manifestation but "the spirit of error" (1 John 4:6) which strongly works in all "the children of disobedience" (Eph.  2:2; 5:6; Col.  3:6) -- the spirit of their own nature, "sin's flesh", in which "dwells no good thing" .  .  .  (Rom.  7:18)


Paragraph 10 annotated

Baptism of spirit, then, was only partially bestowed even upon the saints in the apostolic age (the Holy Spirit was only imparted to certain members, even during apostolic times, and not bestowed upon every member).  It was an outpouring of divine power upon certain of the saints (those who had obeyed the Gospel Calling and had been baptized into Christ) having natural and moral qualifications fitting them for the administrative use of it (any group entrusted with executive or administrative powers; in this case, those who had received the " baptism of spirit," and were servants for Yahweh  with powers for the good of  the entire group) They were not only to be "faithful men", but "apt to teach", "able to teach others", "holding firmly according to the teaching of the faithful word, that by sound instruction they might be able both to exhort and to convince opponents"; and good rulers of their own houses (the qualifications a saint must have prior to receiving the " baptism of spirit") (1 Tim.  3:2,4 (2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?); 2 Tim.  2:1,2 (" 1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.; Titus 1:9 ("9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." ) Having these and certain other qualifications, they were considered eligible for baptism of spirit by prayer and imposition of hands.  They must be saints first (having already been baptized into Christ previously); for no apostle nor presbytery, nor inworker of powers (those who had the gift of passing the Holy Spirit to others), would lay hands upon sinners to impart divine power to them "for the work of the ministry".  (Eph.  4:12 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:) When the Laodicean Apostasy which now fills all "Christendom", as the heathen call their Babylonish system, came to be established, sinners laid hands upon sinners, as at this day, but notwithstanding all their prayers for the gifts and graces of the spirit, no other spirit comes into manifestation but "the spirit of error" (1 John 4:6 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God hearethnot us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.") which strongly works in all "the children of disobedience" (Eph.  2:2 ("2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"); 5:6 ("6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.") Col.  3:6 ("6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:") — the spirit of their own nature, "sin's flesh", in which "dwells no good thing" (Rom. 7:18 " 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not."


Paragraph 11

Saints, and saints only whose hearts have been prepared by faith, are eligible to the baptism of spirit.  Christ ascended to the right hand of power that he might receive the gifts for his own brethren to whom alone he promised them.  Paul, addressing the saints thus spiritually endowed, says concerning the gifts, "Unto every one of us is given the grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ"; (Eph.  4:7) the grace which John says came by Jesus Christ: "The law was given through Moses, the grace and the truth came through Jesus Christ".  (John 1:17) In Paul's quotation from the sixty- eighth Psalm, he shows that by "grace" he has reference to the gifts of the spirit; for in the next sentence to that above quoted, he says, "Wherefore he saith, Ascending into heaven he led captive captivity, and bestowed gifts upon men".  He then indicates the "grace" or gifts bestowed by designating the saints who had received them by the official names they then bore (Eph.  4:7-12).  He styled these saints apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers; and referring to these well known spiritual, or spiritually endowed official brethren, found in all the assemblies of the saints, he says that the ascended and glorified Jesus "gave indeed the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists and the pastors and teachers"; that is, he gave to these who were first saints, the gifts he had received from the Father on his ascension to glory, called in Acts 1:4, "the promise of the Father", which he had said he would send the apostles while they waited for it in Jerusalem (verse 5; John 16:7) -- he gave these gifts, I say, to qualify them for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.  Now, were all apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers? Did all the saints sustain these offices in the body of Christ? No person intelligent in the word will affirm that they did.  It is then certain that all the saints were not baptized with holy spirit; for Paul teaches that the grace was given "for the perfecting of the saints for a work of service for a building of the body of the Christ".  (Eph.  4:12) The saints thus qualified were the builders Paul refers to in 1 Cor.  3:10.  In this place he styles himself "a wise architect", who had laid the foundation for an edifice upon which others were building; to whom he saith, "Let every one take heed how he buildeth thereon".  The saints in the aggregate were the building -- the temple built for the Deity to dwell in through or by the spirit.  The spirituals among the saints were the builders of this holy temple; nevertheless the temple was "a building of God", (1 Cor.  3:9) "a house not made with hands", (2 Cor.  5:1) because all the power of these spirituals for the work of building was from the Deity, and consisted in the truth they taught which was from God, and which He confirmed through the gifts He had bestowed upon them; so that they "were labourers together with God".  (1 Cor.  3:9)


Paragraph 11 annotated

Saints, and saints only whose hearts have been prepared by faith, are eligible to the baptism of spirit (in other words, only those members who learned the Truth, obeyed it by participating in Christ’s death through the waters of baptism, and allowed the Truth to develop them, were qualified for baptism of spirit).  Christ ascended to the right hand of power that he might receive the gifts (spirit) for his own brethren to whom alone he promised them (Christ directly gave the Spirit to the apostles and the house of Cornelius, and from among these, those who had the gift of “inworking of  powers” passed it on to others).  Paul, addressing the saints thus spiritually endowed, says concerning the gifts, "Unto every one of us is given the grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ"; (Eph.  4:7) the grace which John says came by Jesus Christ: "The law was given through Moses, the grace and the truth came through Jesus Christ".  (John 1:17) In Paul's quotation from the sixty- eighth Psalm (“18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”), he shows that by "grace" he has reference to the gifts of the spirit (by the word “grace,” is meant “gifts of the Holy Spirit”); for in the next sentence to that above quoted, he says, "Wherefore he saith, Ascending into heaven he led captive captivity, and bestowed gifts upon men (thus proving that “grace” and “gifts” of the Holy Spirit are interchangeable words)".  He then indicates the "grace" or gifts bestowed by designating the saints who had received them by the official names they then bore (Eph.  4:7-12 (“6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”)).  He styled these saints (who had received the “grace,”  or the “gifts,” or the “baptism of spirit,” which are all identical) apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers; and referring to these well known spiritual, or spiritually endowed official brethren (and all members of the “administration”), found in all the assemblies of the saints, he says that the ascended and glorified Jesus "gave indeed the apostles, and the prophets, and the evangelists and the pastors and teachers"; that is, he gave to these who were first saints (those who had previously learned and obeyed the Truth), the gifts (baptism of spirit) he had received from the Father on his ascension to glory, called in Acts 1:4, "the promise of the Father", which he had said he would send the apostles while they waited for it in Jerusalem (verse 5 (“4 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.  5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”); John 16:7 (“7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”)) -- he gave these gifts, I say, to qualify them for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (in other words, without the gifts, or “baptism of spirit,” they would not qualify as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, because they would not have the complete Truth, nor the power to verify it through the miracles they performed).  Now, were all apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers? Did all the saints sustain these offices in the body of Christ? No person intelligent in the word will affirm that they did.  It is then certain that all the saints (who were baptized into Christ) were not baptized with holy spirit; for Paul teaches that the grace (or “baptism of spirit”) was given "for the perfecting of the saints (who received the “baptism of spirit” and were thereby “perfected”) for a work of service (by those saints “perfected” by the spirit) for a building of the body of the Christ" (these “perfected” saints who had received the spirit gifts, were to build the body of Christ.  In other words, the saints who received the spirit, were to help and build up those who did not receive the spirit).  (Eph.  4:12 (“12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”)) The saints thus qualified were the builders Paul refers to in 1 Cor.  3:10 (“10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.”).  In this place he styles himself "a wise architect", who had laid the foundation for an edifice upon which others (who also possessed the Holy Spirit) were building; to whom he saith, "Let every one take heed how he buildeth thereon".  The saints (all of whom were baptized into Christ, and some of these were also baptized of spirit) in the aggregate (or the total) were the building -- the temple built for the Deity to dwell in through or by the spirit.  The spirituals (those who possessed the gifts) among the saints were the builders of this holy temple; nevertheless the temple was "a building of God", (1 Cor.  3:9 (“9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.”)) "a house not made with hands", (2 Cor.  5:1 (“1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”)) because all the power of these spirituals for the work of building was from the Deity (Yahweh supplied the “gifts” through Christ, to the apostles, prophets, etc., and therefore it is Yahweh’s house, and one that is made without hands, even though the work is performed by those who had received the spirit), and consisted in the truth they taught which was from God (and from Whom they had received it), and which He (Yahweh) confirmed through the gifts He (Yahweh) had bestowed upon them (the “Spirituals”); so that they (the “Spirituals”) "were labourers together with God".  (1 Cor.  3:9 (“9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.”))


 

Paragraph 12

We may remark here by the way that the holy temple these co labourers with the Deity were engaged in building in the apostolic age, has its holy and its most holy, after the pattern of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, which was "a house made with hands".  The building of "the holy" resulted in the Body of Christ as manifested in Paul's day.  This was "the heavenly" constituted of the holy ones, or saints, collectively.  But "the most holy" is not yet manifested, nor will it be until the apocalypse of Jesus Christ in his glory.  This most holy is "a house not made with hands, aionion in the heavens".  (2 Cor.  5:1) Aionion, that is, belonging to the course to which the things which are not seen pertain.  When this house is built (and the builder of all things is God), it will be constituted of those saints only who in the "present evil world" walk in the truth.  Those saints, who since they became saints, "walk after the flesh", (2 Pet.  2:10) will be purged out of the flock, and will never be reckoned among "the most holy".  Concerning these the apostle says, "If ye walk after the flesh ye shall die".  (Rom.  8:13) This is the death they shall be subject to after their resurrection.  They shall die out from among the most holy, and be swallowed up of mortality, being found naked.  These are "the wood, hay, and stubble", (1 Cor.  3:12) which builders even in Paul's day built upon the foundation he had laid.  The saints who shall constitute the most holy are "the gold and silver and the precious stones" (Rom.  8:13) of Zion, who, when the kingdom comes to her, shall be her foundations, windows, and borders (Isa.  54:11-13; Micah 4:8).  The present house not made with hands is a mingled people, in which the faithful "groan being burdened; not for that they would be unclothed", or reduced to dust and ashes; "but clothed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life".  (2 Cor.  5:4)


Paragraph 12 annotated

We may remark here by the way that the holy temple (building composed of all the saints, a.k.a.  ecclesias) these co labourers (saints who possessed the spirit) with the Deity were engaged in building in the apostolic age, has its holy (mortal saints in a mixed state of worthy and unworthy members) and its most holy (immortal saints in a collective group after the judgment), after the pattern of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, which was "a house made with hands" (“1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle [the mortal ecclesias, which are a “house made without hands,” unlike their type, “the holy” of the Tabernacle; which was a house “made with hands, which typified the “holy temple” Yahweh and His “co- laborers” were “building in the apostolic age,” and continues to this day in the mortal ecclesias] were dissolved [died], we have a building of God, an house not made with hands [“most holy” of the Tabernacle, or immortalized faithful saints] eternal in the heavens [the immortalized, collective, faithful saints].”).  The building of "the holy" (or mortal saints composed of the “public,” or spirit endowed; together with the “private,” or those mortals not receiving the spirit, collectively are typified by “the holy”  portion of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, both the faithful and the unfaithful) resulted in the Body of Christ as manifested in Paul's day (the ecclesias composed of all the saints during their probationary, mortal days; an “earthly house of this tabernacle,” so to speak).  This was "the heavenly" constituted of the holy ones, or saints, collectively (“23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things (the Mosaic things, or patterns) in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things (constituting the holy ones, or saints, collectively) themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [the wilderness Tabernacle] which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;”).  But "the most holy" (immortalized saints, both “public” and “private,” who have faithfully overcome the world) is not yet manifested, nor will it be until the apocalypse (revealing) of Jesus Christ in his glory.  This most holy (type of the immortalized saints collectively) is "a house not made with hands, aionion in the heavens".  (2 Cor.  5:1(“1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”)) Aionion, that is, belonging to the course to which the things which are not seen pertain (the Kingdom Age)( “18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor.  4: 18).  When this house is built (“the most holy” of the Tabernacle, a house built by Yahweh and not men) (and the builder of all things is God (including the present day ecclesias in a mortal state, which also is a house built without hands, unlike its type, the Mosaic holy of the tabernacle, which was built by humans)), it will be constituted of those saints only who in the "present evil world" walk in the truth.  Those saints, who since they became saints, "walk after the flesh,” (2 Pet.  2:10 (“10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government.  Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”)) will be purged out of the flock, and will never be reckoned among "the most holy" (this purging takes place at the Judgment Seat of Christ, and not before).  Concerning these the apostle says, "If ye walk after the flesh ye shall die".  (Rom.  8:13) This is the death they (the saints who “walk after the flesh”) shall be subject to after their resurrection.  They (“the holy” who have “walked after the flesh”) shall die out from among the most holy (“the holy,”  who have overcome, and have their bodies fashioned like Christ’s body, and become the anti-typical fulfillment of the “most holy” of the wilderness Tabernacle), and (they, the unworthy “holy” of the typical wilderness Tabernacle, shall) be swallowed up of mortality, being found naked.  These (the unworthy “holy” of the wilderness Tabernacle) are "the wood, hay, and stubble", (1 Cor.  3:12 “12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”) ) which builders even in Paul's day (the “public” saints who possessed the spirit)  built upon the foundation (of the mortal ecclesias) he had laid.  The saints who shall constitute the most holy (those who are immortalized after they are found worthy) are "the gold and silver and the precious stones" (another type of the immortalized worthy in addition to the most holy) (Rom.  8:13 (“13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”)) of Zion, who, when the kingdom comes to her, shall be her foundations, windows, and borders (Isa.  54:11-13 (“11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.  12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.  14 In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.”); Micah 4:8 (“8 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.”).  The present house not made with hands (the mortal ecclesias in their present state, which are made by Yahweh through the gifts He gave to the apostles and prophets) is a mingled people (composed of the faithful and the unfaithful), in which the faithful "groan being burdened; not for that they would be unclothed", or reduced to dust and ashes; "but clothed upon that mortality might be swallowed up of life".  (2 Cor.  5:4 (“4 For we that are in this tabernacle (“this “tabernacle” is equal to saying, “a mingled people” in the “holy” portion of the wilderness Tabernacle, or, in other words, the faithful and unfaithful who compose the mortal ecclesias) do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed (that is, the faithful “in this tabernacle” do not groan because death is imminent in this mortal life...)  , but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life (but rather, the faithful of the mortal ecclesias groan  to be “clothed upon” with immortality, so that mortality will be “swallowed up” by immortality).”))


Paragraph 13

But "the Day shall declare it"; (1 Cor.  3:13) the day when the manifestation of the work of the builders shall be made.  "The spirits of the prophets were subject to the prophets" (1 Cor.  14:32).  That is, the gifts called "spirits" could be used or abused by those on whom they were bestowed.  If they were abused, or misused, in disorder and the confirmation of error, the Holy Spirit would be grieved.  Therefore, because of this property, Paul exhorted the spirituals, saying, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of the Deity by which ye are scaled for a day of redemption" (Eph.  4:30).  But some did greatly grieve it, and went out from the apostolic community, and became "false prophets" (2 Pet.  2:1; 1 John 4:1; Matt.7:15; 24:11,24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26) or spirits.  These became builders of wood, hay, and stubble upon the foundation; while other builders, whose teaching was scriptural, sometimes unwillingly placed on the foundation "false brethren", (2 Cor.  11:26) who "crept in at unawares".  (Gal.  2:4) All this building work is unprofitable for the Master's use, who, when the day of declaration shall arrive, will be "as a refiner's fire and like fuller's soap"; (Mal.  3:2,3) for the prophet saith, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver ...  But who may abide the day of his coming And who shall stand when he appeareth?" (Mal.  3:2,3) This day, now near at hand, will declare the work of all; because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every one's work of what sort it is.  "If any one's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any one's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1 Cor.  3:14,15) Builders and the built will all be subjected to the fiery ordeal of the Divine scrutiny; and those only who can stand the searching examination will be saved.  If a spiritual, or teacher endowed with the gifts, have built a thousand upon the foundation, and seven hundred and fifty of them turn out to be mere wood, hay, and stubble, he will only receive a reward for the two hundred and fifty jewels fit for the Master's use in the most holy "in the heavens" of the Millennial Age.  This loss of his work, however, will not affect his salvation, if he be found to have held fast the name and not to have denied the faith of Jesus holding on to the truth, and walking in it, in the love of it.  He shall be saved, yet so as by fire." (1 Cor.  3:14,15).


Paragraph 13 annotated

But "the Day shall declare it"; (1 Cor.  3:13 (13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”)) the day when the manifestation of the work of the builders shall be made (the work of all builders shall be tested at Christ’s Judgment Seat).  "The spirits of the prophets were subject to the prophets" (1 Cor.  14:32).  That is, the gifts called "spirits" could be used or abused by those on whom they were bestowed (these are the two classes of  “teachers” who had received the spirit Bro.  Thomas had mentioned earlier; namely, the faithful “public” teachers, and the unfaithful “public” teachers) .  If they (the spirit gifts) were abused, or misused, in disorder and the confirmation of error, the Holy Spirit would be grieved.  Therefore, because of this property (the ability to abuse the gifts of the spirit), Paul exhorted the spirituals, saying, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of the Deity by which ye are sealed for a day of redemption" (Eph.  4:30).  But some did greatly grieve it, and went out from the apostolic community, and became "false prophets" (2 Pet.  2:1 “1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”); 1 John 4:1 (“1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”); Matt.7:15 (“15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” 24:11,24 (“11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”... 24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”); Mark 13:22 (22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.” Luke 6:26 (25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger.  Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.  26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets”).) or (false) spirits.  These (the unfaithful who possessed the spirit, or the “public” builders) became builders of wood, hay, and stubble (the unfaithful “public” and “private” members of the mortal ecclesias) upon the foundation (the anti-typical temple laid out by the apostles, or the faithful “public” and “private” members of the mortal ecclesias) ; while other builders (faithful “public” builders who possessed the spirit), whose teaching was scriptural, sometimes unwillingly placed on the foundation "false brethren", (2 Cor.  11:26 "26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren"); who "crept in at unawares".  (Gal.  2:4 4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:”) All this building work is unprofitable for the Master's use, who, when the day of declaration shall arrive, will be "as a refiner's fire and like fuller's soap"; (Mal.  3:2,3 (“2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: 3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”)) for the prophet saith, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver ...  But who may abide the day of his coming And who shall stand when he appeareth?" (Mal.  3:2,3) This day (the day of judgment by Christ), now near at hand, will declare the work of all; because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every one's work of what sort it is.  "If any one's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any one's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." (1 Cor.  3:14,15) Builders and the built (of the mortal, mingled ecclesias of the faithful and unfaithful) will all be subjected to the fiery ordeal of the Divine scrutiny; and those only who can stand the searching examination will be saved.  If a spiritual, or (public) teacher endowed with the gifts, have built a thousand upon the (typical temple) foundation, and seven hundred and fifty of them turn out to be mere wood, hay, and stubble (which shall be destroyed by the fire), he will only receive a reward for the two hundred and fifty jewels fit for the Master's use in the most holy (of the typical wilderness Tabernacle) "in the heavens" of the Millennial Age.  This loss of his work (the unfaithful “wood, hay, and stubble”), however, will not affect his salvation, if he be found to have held fast the name and not to have denied the faith of Jesus holding on to the truth, and walking in it, in the love of it (for he is a faithful builder of Yahweh’s temple).  He shall be saved, yet so as by fire." (1 Cor.  3:14, 15 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”)


Again,we would strongly recommend that the reader review the entire annotated section in order to familarize yourself with Dr. Thomas' unique terminology related to baptism of the spirit.

 

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