BASIC Bible Doctrines

by Roger Hicks

1.) Holy Bible … as the “Inspired Word of God”
The Bible IS the Word of God. It was “God Breathed” to those writers whom God chose to record it. The Bible was given as instruction for God’s people. It is to be our “Guide For Living”.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…and is profitable for doctrine…” (2 Timothy 3:16)

“When ye received this word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of Godspake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

2.) The Trinity 
There is ONE True Godhead, manifested in three separate, distinct, and individual personalities: God the Father; Jesus Christ (His Only Begotten Son); and the Holy Spirit (sometimes called the Holy Ghost).

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:19-21)

“…it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Luke 3: 21-22)

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7) Note: There are three distinct and different personalities … but they are “One in unity and harmony.”

3.) Jesus’ Birth, Life, Death, Burial, Resurrection and “High Priest Ministry”
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin, having lived a sinless life, died on the cross, victoriously rose from the dead on the third day, and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for the saints (His followers).

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)

“…It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34)

“…Jesus made a surety of a better testament. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:22, 24-25)

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

4.) Acknowledging Sin
Mankind was created in the likeness and image of God. However, when Adam disobeyed God, sin entered the world. And that predisposition to sin was passed along to every single person.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12)

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10)

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:5-10)

5.) Imputing of Sin
Once a person reaches the age of accountability, and understands the difference between right and wrong, they become responsible for disobedience and sin is “imputed” to their record. From that point forward, a price must be paid for sin.

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

“…but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” (Romans 5:13)

“For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” (Romans 7:9-12)

The Apostle Paul stated that he was “alive unto God” once (before he came to the age of accountability) but after reaching that point in his life, he was held responsible for doing wrong (and sin revived, or became an issue in his life) and he died “spiritually”. That’s the same thing that happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam, knowing that he wasn’t to eat of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, did so anyway. God has told him that if he ate of that tree, he would surely die. Adam disobeyed, and he died spiritually (he was separated from God). Sin brings separation from God.

6.) Penalty for Sin
The wages (payment or penalty) for sin is “death” (separation from God). Only “the blood of a lamb without blemish” can satisfy the requirement for justice and fulfill the penalty. God, in His mercy, made provision to accept the sacrificial shedding of the “Blood of HIS Lamb without blemish (Jesus)” …as payment in full … for sins we’ve committed.

“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22)

“Your lamb shall be without blemish…” (Exodus 12:5)

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things … But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

7.) The New Birth
The ONLY way to have eternal life (in Heaven with God) is to acknowledge that you are a sinner, to accept the sacrifice of Jesus’ own precious Blood as payment for your sins, and to unconditionally surrender your life to Him. You must make HIM your Lord, your Master, your Boss, and the ONE who “calls the shots” in your life. You must strive to obey HIS WORD in every area of your life. No person can earn eternal life through Church Membership or service to mankind. Eternal Life is a “gift of God” bestowed ONLY upon those who will completely surrender their lives to Jesus. Jesus called this surrender … being “Born Again”.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

It’s surrendering your life to Jesus and making Jesus your Lord … the Master of your life … (and not just praying some “quickie prayer”) that results in Eternal Life with God in Heaven.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)

“Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved”. (Acts 4:10-12)

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

It’s not enough to call Jesus your Lord. Only by serving Him and obeying Him do you demonstrate His Lordship over your life. There will be a change of lifestyle when Jesus truly becomes your MASTER.

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7:22-23)

Jesus stated that on Judgment Day there would be many who “addressed Him as Lord”; and they would try to make the case that “He was their Lord” by citing their works. However, Jesus responded that they didn’t live a Godly lifestyle as He commanded, but … instead had worked iniquity. It’s not enough that we do the works that Christians are commanded to do. We must truly surrender to a Holy God and live a Holy life. These “workers of iniquity” hadn’t turned their lives over to Jesus and followed His example.

8.) Acknowledging Jesus as Lord
Each person must believe that God raised Jesus from the dead; and must openly, and unashamedly acknowledge HIS Lordship in their life…in order to be saved. (There are no “Secret Service Christians”.) Your failure to acknowledge Him openly as your LORD … will result in His failure to acknowledge you, as HIS…when He returns for those who belong to Him.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:9-11)

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

9.) Water Baptism
Water Baptism (being immersed in water) is an Ordinance of God for “Born Again” Christians. It is an outward, symbolic act, depicting what happened in the “spirit realm” when a person was “Born Again”. Water Baptism (accomplished following the “New Birth” experience) serves as a “visual testimony” of the transforming and cleansing power (washing) of the Shed Blood of Jesus Christ. There is no scriptural basis for infant baptism. Since it would not be possible for an infant to be “born again” … infant baptism would signify nothing. However, we should note that infants who die, as well as babies who’ve been aborted, will be in heaven since they’ve not reached the point in their lives that they know right from wrong.

“…a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians … had come to Jerusalem for to worship, was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandestthou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:” (Acts 8:27-32) This portion of the Book of Isaiah is prophetic about the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice for the sins of the people.

“And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” (Acts 8:34-35)

“And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” (Acts 8:36-38)

Philip must have explained that water baptism (by immersion) washes away the outward dirt and grime, just as Jesus’ own precious Blood washed away all that is unclean inwardly. He must have explained to the Ethiopian Eunuch that Water Baptism is a “symbolic ordinance”, depicting to any witnesses… that just as the outward body has been cleansed by immersing in water … there has been an inward cleansing brought about by immersing oneself into Christ. Something new and clean has been “born” within. Philip answered the Eunuch’s inquiry as to what was to prevent him from being baptized, by responding that he could be water baptized… if He believed upon Jesus as His Lord. It’s important to recognize that “your believing” upon Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and surrendering to HIM as your Master, is the crucial requirement for Water Baptism. Hence…since an infant can’t yet believe anything … “Infant Baptism” would have no scriptural basis or validity.

10.) Sanctification
“Sanctified” means “Being Set Apart or … Separated unto God.” Sanctification is our call to Holiness. Being “separated unto God” and living a Holy life is a progressive work, subsequent to salvation (the New Birth). God expects His people to be pursue Sanctification. If we ask, the Holy Spirit will help us and enable us to live a “set apart life”. Many Christians can name the very day when they were “born-again”. Some can also name the exact day when they were “Baptized in the Holy Ghost”. But … no person can name a particular day that they were sanctified because it is an ongoing process.

As a Christian grows in Christ and matures in the things of God, they become more “set aside” (sanctified) for God’s purposes. Some, who claim to be Christians, feel that they can live like sinners (telling filthy jokes, cussing, drinking, cheating people, lying, being sexually impure, and doing many other un-Godly things) and still go to heaven. They think that just because they prayed a quickie “Sinner’s Prayer” they can go to heaven … no matter how they live. The Holy Scriptures emphatically refute that idea. The “Sinner’s Prayer” is an acknowledgment that we are turning from our previous, wicked lifestyle to a Godly lifestyle.

The Apostle Paul understood the importance of living a Godly lifestyle. He knew that “sanctification” was an ongoing process. He stated that it was his daily endeavor to walk in such a manner that he wouldn’t be a “castaway” (thrown off the ship) on judgment day.

“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:14)

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

11.) Divine Healing
God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die for us (even when we didn’t love Him). That love is demonstrated in many ways. Not only did He send Jesus to shed HIS Blood for the remission (casting away) of our sins, but HE also allowed Jesus to take “STRIPES” on His body for our healing.

“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”(Psalms 107:15, 20) Receiving and acting upon God’s promises can heal a person.

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias (Isaiah) the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” (Matthew 8:17)

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

“And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” (Exodus 23:25)

“For to one is given by the Spirit … the gifts of healing;” (1 Corinthians 12:8-9)

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2 Peter 1:3-4)

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” (Hosea 4:6)

12.) Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The Lord Jesus commanded Believers to be “Filled with the Holy Ghost” after they had received Him as their Lord. He said the Holy Ghost would empower them for Christian service. (Interchangeably called the “Baptism in the Holy Ghost” … or … “Baptism in the Holy Spirit”).

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39)

Here, Jesus, who had not yet been crucified, is instructing those who would listen … that the scriptures prophesied that those who “believe on me” (Born-Again Christians) should receive the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit). He further instructed them that out of their “belly” (innermost being) would flow “Rivers of Living Water” (a supernatural prayer language from the Throne of God).

“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am notyet ascended to my Father … I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God … Then the same day at evening … came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side … Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” (John 20:15-22)

It’s important to note “the time line”… when Jesus spoke these statements, He had already risen from the dead, but has not yet ascended into heaven. If Jesus breathed on someone and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” … then … “they received the Holy Ghost”! However, it’s obvious that this is NOT the “Baptism of the Holy Ghost” which He referred to later, because He told them to receive this now! He was referring to the role of the Holy Ghost, as “Agent” in regeneration of the human spirit … regeneration, which results in a person becoming a “new creature” at the “New Birth”. Concurrent with the Holy Ghost’s role in the New Birth, Jesus commissioned Christians to … go ye into all the world” (“as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you”).

After Jesus had ascended into Heaven, He returned to instruct His disciples for 40 days. Jesus told Believers they’d have to wait to be “endued with power by the Holy Ghost”. (They needed to be “Baptized in the Holy Ghost”, in order to be effective doing God’s work,) The reason Jesus told them they’d have to wait, was because the Holy Ghost had not yet been given, and … would not be given until the “Day of Pentecost”. The “power for service from on High” would then be available to every Christian … from that time forth. Being “baptized” (immersed) in the power of the Holy Ghost is the only thing that will enable Christians to fulfill the “Great Commission” and accomplish the things that we’re commanded to do.

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

Jesus spoke these words after His resurrection and after His first ascension, which He described to Mary. (John 20:17) This was Jesus’ very last recorded statement, before His finalascension into Heaven, to be ever seated on the “Right Hand of God”. It’s important to note that He had previously breathed upon these people and said to them, “receive ye the Holy Ghost” (that was the role of the Holy Ghost as “Agent” in the New Birth). Here … Jesus further instructed them of the Holy Spirit’s role in “empowering” Christians for service (subsequent to the New Birth).

Jesus taught that it’s not enough to be “Born-Again” … or even to accept the commission to be “sent into all the world” … but now He told them to wait to be supernaturally “endued with power from on high” (Heaven) … by the Holy Ghost. No one knew this better than Jesus. (He did no miracles, no healings, no supernatural works at all … until after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and empowered Him).

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lightingupon him:” (Matthew 3:16)

“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son ofGod.” (John 1:32-34)

John told us that Jesus (the Son of God) is the One who baptizes us with the Holy Ghost. In other words … Jesus is the “Agent” in the “Baptism in the Holy Ghost”, just as the Holy Ghost is the “Agent” in the “New Birth”. Jesus found it necessary to be baptized in the Holy Ghost, and He commanded Believers to do the same.

The following, amazing statements were penned by the hands of the Apostle Paul, who also penned the largest part of the New Testament. In them, Paul recognized the importance of Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the outward evidence of speaking in tongues … and was so very thankful that God had made that “power for service” available to him.

“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:” (I Corinthians 14:18)

“Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:39-40)

In many churches today, there is a strict admonition against speaking in tongues. This policy is a direct violation of the scriptures, and as such … is displeasing to God.

13. Transforming Power of the Holy Ghost
The Holy Ghost is the “Agent” in the “New Birth”. It is HE that transforms each person into a “new creature” when they accept Jesus Christ their Lord … when they truly make Jesus their Master. When people are serious about making Jesus the Lord of their life, there will be a major lifestyle change.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself byJesus Christ …” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)

The Holy Spirit is the One who transforms every believer into a “new creature” … at the very moment that they make an unconditional surrender to Jesus Christ and invite Him to become the “Lord” of their life.

In addition to “transforming someone from an un-forgiven sinner … into a “new creature”, the Holy Spirit also “empowers Believers” for Christian service. We need only look at the Bible example of faithless, wavering, misguided, denying Peter to see a wonderful example of this. Before being “Baptized in the Holy Ghost”, Peter was ineffective as a Christian. However, after being baptized in the Holy Ghost, Peter was remarkably and miraculously transformed into a “Mighty Man of God”. He was “Endued with Power from on High” (He was “Baptized in the Holy Ghost”.)

Faithless, Wavering Peter: “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side …But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matthew 14:22-31)

Jesus told Peter that he had little faith, and asked him why he had allowed doubt to influence him. Peter’s doubt caused him to react to the circumstances surrounding him, rather than continue walking in the supernatural, as he had been doing.

Misguided Peter: “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” (Matthew 16:21-23)

In this amazing discourse, Jesus began to describe to His followers what would take place in His life and Ministry … and Peter (in his own flesh) began to rebuke the Lord Jesus Christ, and tell Him that He was wrong. Jesus “didn’t pull any punches”. He told Peter to get behind Him, because He was listening to the wrong spirit (Satan). Jesus, who loved Peter, told Peter that his actions were an offense to HIM (because Peter was listening to the wrong spirit).

Denying Peter: “Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny methrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:69-75)

Peter, like so many Christians of today, had a desire to be faithful to the Lord Jesus. The desire of Peter’s heart was to serve Jesus. He wanted do God’s will. The only problem was: hedidn’t have the power to triumph during the temptations, tests, and trials of life. But after the “Day of Pentecost” (when Peter received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost) a magnificent transformation took place in his life. Let’s examine the effects of that transformation in Peter’s life … after he was “Baptized in the Holy Spirit”.

Empowered Peter … (Endued with Holy Ghost Power from on High): “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch … Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.” (Acts 5:12, 15–16)

People recognized the fact, that once Peter had been “Baptized in the Holy Ghost”; he’d become a “Reservoir of God’s Power”. It was evident to everyone! So, they lined the streets with the sick. It was obvious that the Anointing of God was so strong upon Peter, that even his shadow would heal them. What a transformation! Faithless, wavering, misguided, denying Peter had been transformed through the “Baptism of the Holy Ghost” into a “Reservoir of God’s Power”. Peter had truly become “endued with power from on high”.

Faith-Filled Peter…(Endued with Holy Ghost Power from on High): “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle (ankle) bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God … And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” (Acts 3:1-9, 16)

After being baptized in the Holy Ghost, Peter became bold in his faith. He developed a tremendous confidence (faith) in the name of Jesus. Jesus previously had foretold that “IN HIS NAME”, empowered Christians would do remarkable things. (Mark 16: 15-20) Jesus even went on to say that empowered Christians would do the same works that He did … and greater works.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father … And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:12-15)

Anointed Peter– “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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. 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. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:37-41)

This is the same Peter who, (before he’d received the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”) denied that he even knew Jesus. Now, emboldened by the “Power of God for Service” he’s become a mighty orator for God.

Being “Baptized in the Holy Spirit”, and having the ability to “Pray in the Spirit” (praying in other tongues), has many benefits including: giving God thanks well (1 Corinthians 14:15-18); communicating with and receiving direction from God (Isaiah 28:11-12); building oneself up (Jude 20); praying effectively when we don’t know how we should pray (Romans 8:26-28); and supernatural refreshing from the Throne of God (Isaiah 28:12).

Some have mistakenly thought that this wonderful “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” was just for the “Early Church”. God knew this deception would be Satan’s tactic, so He put an end to speculation, by having Peter address the issue:

“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. For the promiseis unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off …” (Acts 2:38-39)

When Peter used the phrase “be baptized” in this passage of scripture, he was NOT speaking of water baptism (submersing ourselves in water)but rather, immersing our life into Christ. (Note: There are 7 different baptisms mentioned in the Bible.) Peter said that if we’d repent of a sinful lifestyle and immerse ourselves into Christ … then we become a candidate to receive the “Gift of the Holy Ghost”. (“Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit”)

Even though Water Baptism is an ordinance of God, and we need to observe that ordinance … it’s not a requirement that a person be water baptized in order to get into heaven When Jesus was crucified between two thieves, one surrendered his life to Jesus while on the cross, and publicly addressed Jesus as �?Lord”. Jesus said to this (un-baptized) man, “… Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

Concerning the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit”, Peter had just witnessed the transforming effects of the “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” in his own life. He’d also seen those effects in the lives of the rest of the 120 Born-Again Christians who’d gathered on the day of Pentecost. He told everyone who’d listen: repent (have a change of heart about a life of sin); be baptized into Christ (immerse your life into Christ and avoid going back into sin); and then you’ll be a candidate to receive this very special gift (Baptism of the Holy Spirit) that God has prepared for you. He said that everyone could be “Endued with Power … for Service … from on High”. Peter went on to say that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit wasn’t just for the Believers of that day, but “for allthose that afar off”.

When Peter spoke of being “Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ”, he was speaking of immersing one’s life in Christ. Water Baptism is a ceremonial baptism that’s intended to be a witnessto others. It’s telling those that view it: “Just as this water has washed the dirt off of my body … the BLOOD of Jesus has cleansed the inner man and washed my sins away.”

Peter was talking about accepting Jesus’ sacrifice and having a lifestyle change when he said “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”. We’re to be “immersed into Christ and His sacrifice … for the remission of our sins. Only the BLOOD OF JESUS can wash sins away!!! Water baptism is a symbolic act, signifying: “I’ve made an unconditional surrender to Jesus and HIS BLOOD washed me and made me clean.”

Water Baptism, while commanded, has nothing at all to do with receiving the “Baptism of the Holy Ghost, with its outward evidence of speaking in other tongues”.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit (“Holy Ghost Power from on High”) is God’s supernatural way of empowering His people for service. It’s so very vital that the Holy Scriptures command: “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:39)

14.) Christian “Works”
While nobody can earn their way to heaven by doing “works”, there is a definite place for “works” in the life of every Christian. We get to heaven by receiving the sacrifice of the Shed Blood of Jesus, and making Him the Master of our life. But the rewards we receive when we arrive in heaven are based solely upon our service to God. A helpful illustration that I often use is this: Suppose that someone who loves you said, “I purchased this ticket to the State Fair. I’d like to give it to you.” If you accepted that gift (a free general admission ticket), it would be on the basis that “you did nothing to earn it”. You did nothing to “deserve it”. It was a free gift from someone who loves you. However, that was a “General Admission Ticket” to get into the gates. Once inside the Fair Grounds, if you wanted something to eat or drink, you’d have to pay for that yourself.

Salvation (eternal life with God) is kind of like that. God loves you so much that He
offered you a free ticket to heaven. If you accept that gift of eternal life (by surrendering your life to Jesus) you’ll spend eternity in heaven with Him. However, the “WORKS” that you do while here on earth, are what entitle you to “REWARDS”, once you get to heaven.

“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God …” (1 Corinthians 3:8-9)

Some Christians are deceived into thinking that attending church is “serving God”. Not so!!! Going to Church is like going to an “old fashioned Service Station”. (Young people might not remember this but some of the “more experienced” of us will.) A person would pull their car up to the gas pump and place their order with the attendant. As he began pumping the gas, he’d check the radiator for the proper level of coolant, check the battery for electrolyte, check the tire pressure, check the radiator hoses and fan belt for condition, and clean the windshield and headlights. All this was done in order to prepare the car to do the work it was designed to do.

Going to church is like going to a “Spiritual Service Station”. We get filled up (with the Word of God) and have other things in our lives checked in order that we can function in an effective manner. Once outside the doors of the church, we should be prepared to do the WORKS that Jesus said we’re to do:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized (immersed into Christ) shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents (accidentally); and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:15-18)

We’re to follow Jesus’ example (and be about our Father’s business). It’s called “THE GREAT COMMISSION”.

“ …I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49)

It’s our Christian Service that determines our REWARDS in heaven.

15.) Two Resurrections & Two Judgments 
The Bible teaches that there are two different Resurrections and two different Judgments!!!

~Resurrection and Judgment of those who are “Born-Again”~

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:25-30)

Jesus clearly taught that there were two different “Resurrections”. In one “Resurrection”, those who made Jesus their Lord and “lived right” will be raised and stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, where they will receive rewards for their own Christian service.

Those who have given themselves to Christ and have lived for Him will be rewarded for the WORKS they’ve done for God. They’re already in heaven because they surrendered their lives to Jesus and received “His Free Gift of Eternal Life” (Salvation). But now they’re about to be REWARDED for their Christian Service,

Unfortunately, a great many Christians don’t realize that the basis of heavenly rewards is their own Christian service. They spend their lives focusing on themselves. They’re all about “self”. As a result, many will be disappointed on Judgment Day. The Apostle Paul wrote to both the Church at Rome and the Church at Corinth, concerning this matter.

“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then every one of us(Christians) shall giveaccount of himself to God.” (Romans 14:10, 12)

“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God …”
(1 Corinthians 3:8-9)

“If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”(1 Corinthians 3:14-15)

“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work …” (1 Peter 1:17)

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:11-14)

~Resurrection and Judgment of those who “Rejected Jesus as LORD”~

The other “Resurrection” is for those who did NOT surrender their lives to Jesus. Since they rejected Jesus as Lord and lived to please themselves, they’ll be resurrected … in order that they may stand before the “Great White Throne Judgment”.

At the “Great White Throne Judgment”, people will NOT be judged for lying, stealing, homosexuality, murder, abortion, or other sins. They’ll be judged on only ONE THING. “What think ye of Christ?” The very fact that they’re standing before this Judgment Throne demonstrates that they rejected HIS LORDSHIP over their lives.

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14) (That will include EVERYONE who was NOT “Born-Again”.)

There is only one possible outcome of standing before the “Great White Throne Judgment”. Everyone who stands before this Judgment Throne will be “sentenced” to the same thing. It is there that they’ll hear their “sentence” pronounced: “ETERNITY in DARKNESS … in the Lake of Fire”.

Since all who stand before the “Great White Throne Judgment” rejected Jesus as the Lord of their life, The Bible says they’ll be cast into outer darkness, into a lake of eternal fire, and will suffer eternal separation from God.

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-14)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:16-18)

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:22-24)

If you’ve never made Jesus the Lord of your life, it’s not too late to do that, right now!!! If you’ll pray this prayer from your heart, you’ll be “Born-Agai”n and have eternal life with God.

“Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus, I ask you to forgive me of my sins and to help me live a life that’s pleasing to you. Lord Jesus, come into my heart. This day, I surrender my life to you. Jesus. I ask you to become the LORD of my life … and my MASTER. Help me to learn of you and learn your ways. Thank you that you came into my heart, and that I’m now a “Born-again Christian.” Lord, help me to find a church that will teach me Your Word and Your Ways, so that I may grow in the things of God and be pleasing to you. Thank you Lord. Amen.”

Signature: __________________________________________

Date “Born-Again”: ______________________________

Date “Baptized in the Holy Spirit”: ________________________________

Now go tell someone what you’ve just done!!!