The Gift of the Holy Spirit (Part 1)
Those on Pentecost, who inquired about what they should do in regards to their brutal murder of Jesus, were told to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins, "and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). What is "the gift of the Holy Spirit" referred to here? This is a difficult question that has been the subject of a great deal of study by brethren for a long time. Although brethren have come to different conclusions as to what "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is, they have usually conducted discussions on this subject with an attitude of love and respect. Likewise, it is my intent to approach this study with that kind of attitude. You may have a different understanding as to what "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is, and that's okay as long as you can defend your position with the word of God in a reasonable way. Frankly, there are many Bible scholars whom I respect greatly who hold a different view than I do on this subject. Of course, there are also a good number who affirm the same view I do.

Let us begin by noting that in the Greek language the phrase ("the gift of the Holy Spirit") can mean one of two things: (1) A gift given by the Holy Spirit, or (2) The Holy Spirit Himself as a gift. The context, either immediate or remote, must be studied to determine which of these two possibilities God intended in this verse. And we will do that, but first I would like to list and analyze several of the conclusions that brethren have drawn concerning "the gift of the Holy Spirit." I believe all of these popular views have flaws, as I will endeavor to show.

THREE COMMON VIEWS REGARDING "THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" AS A GIFT FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

Although I certainly respect brethren who have drawn these conclusions, I do not believe these views are correct based upon the Biblical evidence available. Let me explain what I mean, one view at a time.

First, is the gift of the Holy Spirit spiritual blessings, including salvation and eternal life? I do not believe that it is. As we have seen in our study of Acts 2:38, Peter gave those sorrowful believers a conditional command in response to their question. He said that if they would repent and be baptized, then they would receive forgiveness of their sins. The word "and" between the words "repent" and "be baptized" tells us that there are two separate and different conditions, and a person must do both. After showing that forgiveness of sins was the result of obeying that conditional command, Peter added another "and" before he gave the promise of "the gift of the Holy Spirit." In other words, Peter was saying that those who repent and are baptized will receive something in addition to forgiveness of sins. He promised them that they would receive "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in addition to forgiveness. Why use the word "and" if the gift here is the same as forgiveness? Surely no one would argue that repentance and baptism are the same (and they are linked with an "and"), so why contend that forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit are identical (since they are also linked with an "and")? Thus, I conclude that "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is different from the forgiveness of sins or the gift of eternal life.

Second, was "the gift of the Holy Spirit" miraculous powers received through the laying on of the apostles' hands in the first century? I do not believe that "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in this verse, which was promised to all of the obedient, involved miraculous powers--either then or now--for the following reasons:

It seems clear to me that the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:38 was not the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit described in I Corinthians 12-14 and other passages. Yes, those gifts certainly existed, but they were never promised to all Christians. Acts 2:38,39 seems to be a promise for all Christians for all time! Our understanding of "the gift of the Holy Spirit" must take this into consideration. Also, it does not seem reasonable to suggest (as some have done) that the promise was unlimited with respect to forgiveness but limited in regards to the gift of the Spirit.

Third, is "the gift of the Holy Spirit" (as mentioned in Acts 2:38) the word of God revealed in the first century through the Holy Spirit? This also is incorrect in my estimation. The brethren who hold this view believe that "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is the word of God and that the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian through the word and only through the word. There is no doubt the Holy Spirit revealed and confirmed the word of God through the apostles and other inspired men in the first century (cf. John 16:13; Heb. 2:3,4). Additionally, there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit uses the word of God as His sword to influence our minds today (cf. Eph. 6:17) rather than any direct, mysterious influence. Also, there is no doubt that God's word is a wonderful gift of tremendous value (cf. Psa. 119:127). But, all that being said, I personally have serious doubts that "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in Acts 2:38 is the word of God. It seems to me that there are some logical problems with holding such a view. In this context, please notice that these people received the word of God before they were immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins. The people, by the word of God, were pricked in their hearts. They were told, by the word of God, what to do to receive forgiveness. According to Acts 2:41, those who gladly received the word of God were baptized. Thus, in this context, it is abundantly clear that these people received the word of God before they were baptized into Christ for the remission of sins. The problem is, however, that Peter promised these people that they would receive "the gift of the Holy Spirit" after they repented and were baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Did Peter promise them something they already had prior to baptism? That doesn't make any sense at all. Therefore, we can safely conclude that "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is not the word of God because "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is received after one is baptized for the forgiveness of sins, but the word of God must initially be received before one can be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

"THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" IS THE HOLY SPIRIT HIMSELF AS A GIFT

It is my personal belief that "the gift of the Holy Spirit" promised in Acts 2:38 is the Holy Spirit Himself as a gift. More specifically, "the gift of the Holy Spirit" is the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Christian, although this indwelling does not enable the Christian to work miracles or receive direct leading or guidance from the Holy Spirit. This belief is based upon study of the grammar, this verse itself, the context surrounding this verse, and the remote context of the New Testament. I will explain this view in detail in our next feature lesson.

Thank you for listening, and may the Lord bless you as you strive to do His will.