Salvation of the Soul, the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the Raising of the Church
Let us consider these three great biblical truths: the salvation of the soul, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the raising of the Church. Some believe that in the salvation of the soul one also receives the baptism in the Holy Spirit; others believe that if one does not receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, such a Christian will not participate in the raising of the Church. Let us see:
The Salvation of the Soul:
1. It is a new birth, or a birth from above, or a birth of the Spirit (John 3:8; 1 John 5:1; Ephesians 2:1). Whoever is born again will see God. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; John 3:8
1 John 5:1
Ephesians 2:1
2. It is a new life, a resurrection, eternal life (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:1, 6; Romans 6:4; John 3:16). Whoever receives this new life is saved and has eternal life. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 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. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 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. Colossians 2:12
Ephesians 2:1, 6
Romans 6:4
John 3:16
3. It is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 6:15). Whoever is made a new creature has the life of God. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Galatians 6:15
4. It is a cleansing (Titus 3:4-5; John 15:3; Matthew 5:8). Whoever has been cleansed is saved and will see God. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Titus 3:4-5
John 15:3
Matthew 5:8
5. So then, once a person is born again, receives new life, is made a new creature, is cleansed, is regenerated, is made a child of God, has eternal life, and will see the Lord, whether by death or by the raising of the Church. That is, to participate in the raising of the Church, it is enough to be saved, live in holiness, and obey the Word of God, even if one has not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
6. The salvation of the soul is to live eternally in heaven.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit:
1. It is subsequent to salvation. No one can receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit without first being saved.
- The apostles were saved (Luke 10:20; John 17:6; John 15:3), but they were told to wait in Jerusalem until they were endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49).
Luke 10:20
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
John 17:6
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Luke 24:49
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.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
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.
- The apostle Paul was saved on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6), but he did not receive the Holy Spirit until three days later (Acts 9:17).
Acts 9:1-6
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Acts 9:17
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 Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
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.
- The Samaritans were converted, were baptized in water, but did not receive the Holy Spirit until Peter and John came and laid hands on them (Acts 8:5-12, 17).
Acts 8:5-12, 17
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
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.
And there was great joy in that city.
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:
To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
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.
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
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.
And there was great joy in that city.
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:
To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
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.
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
- The "disciples" in Ephesus were saved, then were baptized in water, and afterward received the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2).
Acts 19:2
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
- Jesus, speaking to His own concerning the Holy Spirit, said to them: "He dwells with you and will be in you" (John 14:16).
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
2. It is an endowment of power upon the life of the Christian that enables him to be an effective witness of the Lord. That is its special purpose.
(Lucas 4:18-19; Lucas 24:49; Hechos 1:8; 4:8, 31; 6:10, 15; Hechos 8:29; 9:17; 11:24; 13:9; 16:6)
Lucas 4:18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Lucas 24:49
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.
Hechos 1:8; 4:8, 31; 6:10, 15
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Hechos 8:29; 9:17; 11:24; 13:9; 16:6
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
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.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
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.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
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.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
3. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Baptizer.
- Referring to the Lord, John the Baptist said: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11).
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
4. Simon the sorcerer wanted to buy with money the power to pray and lay hands on believers so they would receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Peter rejected such presumption and told him to repent, for he was in "the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity" (Acts 8:18-25). And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. Acts 8:18-25
5. Today, however, there are some who, with horrible boldness, are giving supposed baptisms in the Holy Spirit with programmed tongues and distributing wholesale supposed gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as supposed ministries.
6. A preacher, evangelist, or pastor cannot force a believer to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit or to speak in tongues; much less can he force the Lord to baptize the believer. When this is done, the results are spurious, false.
7. Biblically, what a minister of Jesus Christ can do regarding the believer receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to teach, preach, instruct in doctrine, intercede, pray, and lay on hands to lead the believer to surrender to the Lord, to strengthen his faith, and to be in attitude and expectation of receiving from the Lord's hands the baptism in the Holy Spirit, who is truly the only Baptizer (Acts 8:14-17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:1-6). Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 8:14-17
Acts 10:44-46
Acts 19:1-6
8. In the Holy Scriptures it is very clear that all the gifts and promises of God are conditional. God makes the promises and grants the gifts, but man must fulfill conditions.
9. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is to live victoriously on earth.
The Raising of the Church
1. Who will not be raised?
- The unbelievers, atheists, humanists (John 3:18).
John 3:18
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.
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.
- The idolaters and false religionists (Exodus 20:3-5).
Exodus 20:3-5
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
- Occultists, witches, sorcerers, spiritists with all their branches (Deuteronomy 18:10; Revelation 21:8; Revelation 22:15).
Deuteronomy 18:10
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 22:15
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
- The wicked (once godly and now gone astray) (1 Peter 4:18).
1 Peter 4:18
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
- Hearers but not doers of the Word (James 1:22-24).
James 1:22-24
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
- Nominal believers (Matthew 7:21).
Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
- Worldly believers (1 John 2:15; James 4:4).
1 John 2:15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
James 4:4
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
- Those who live and walk according to the flesh (Romans 8:1).
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
- The lukewarm (Revelation 3:16).
Revelation 3:16
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
- Those who alter and adulterate the Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19).
Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
- All who are on these lists (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8).
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
2. Who will be raised?
- Those who are born again (John 3:3).
John 3:3
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.
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.
- Whose names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:15; Revelation 21:27).
Luke 10:20
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Revelation 20:15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:27
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
- Therefore, they are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
- They live a life of holiness in spirit, soul, and body (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
1 Thessalonians 5:23
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.
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
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.
- They are waiting for the Lord (Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Philippians 3:20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Thessalonians 1:10
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
- Those who are prepared (Luke 12:37, 40; Luke 17:34-36; Matthew 24:42).
Luke 12:37, 40
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Luke 17:34-36
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Matthew 24:42
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
From all this evidence we can conclude that once a person is truly saved and is living in holiness, even if he has not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, he will participate in the raising of the Church. But at the same time, if a Christian has not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, he cannot live here on earth a victorious Christian life full of the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the flesh, the world, sin, demons, and the devil, and to be an effective witness of Christ.
Questions
1. What is the salvation of the soul?
2. What is the salvation of the soul for?
3. When do we receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
4. What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit for?
5. Who will not go in the raising of the Church, and who will go?