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 THE HOLY SPIRIT
Among the various denominations of contemporary
Christianity there appears a wide spectrum of diverse teachings on this
vital subject. Initially, it might be well to state that practically every
Christian denomination, (with a few exceptions), teaches the doctrine
of the Trinity. When this doctrine is defined by theology, we are
informed that the three persons of the deity are all equal in eternity,
power, and glory, all three one, while three separate personalities.
Sadly, this predetermined theory seems always to be superimposed
upon the entire message of the Bible, although this definition does not
appear anywhere in the Bible, nor does the word “TRINITY”! Let us
examine this doctrine to see if the Scriptures substantiate and confirm
it, or refute it absolutely.
1. Who is the greatest member of the Elohim (Mighty One) family? Is
it Yahshua the Messiah? Eph. 3:14; 1st Cor. 15:28; John 14:28
COMMENT: The verse of John 14:28 in itself prohibits any teaching
resembling a Trinitarian doctrine if we are not to deny any Scripture.
The Heavenly Father Yahweh stands at the head of the Spiritual family
and He is still the supreme power, delegating authority to the son for
this age. This authority will be returned to Yahweh voluntarily by the
son, at the end of this 7000 year age.
2. Occasionally someone will point to John 10:30 to confirm that the
Bible teaches a Trinitarian doctrine. Does it?
COMMENT: The word which is employed in the Greek is “hen”
(neuter) meaning a unity in purpose, not “heis” (masculine) which
would be one person. This means that the verse should read, “I and
Father are in one accord or in unity”, not as it has been translated in
the King James version. Again I reiterate that so many denominations
establish their doctrinal foundation upon the King James version, a
pitfall which it is imperative that we avoid. Additionally, I would
underscore that no reference is made in this passage to include the
Holy Spirit, so once again we will be forced to conclude that a doctrine
(the Trinity) has been based upon an assumption. If a Trinitarian
doctrine is taught, the Holy Spirit would have received special
mention.
Additional Comment: As I stated in my introduction to this lesson,
many of the doctrines which are believed and taught by nominal
Christianity are derived from pagan mythology. The trinity is one of
these. In such ancient religions as Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt and
Rome, etc., there are trinities which are formed from a Father, Mother,
and Child combination. In fact today the letters “IHS” which appear on
many church altars, are derived from the Egyptian Trinity, Isis, Horus,
and Seb. Theologians have changed them to mean “Iesous Hominum
Salvator” (Yahshua the Savior of men), but the pagan connotation
stands nevertheless.
In the idolatrous worship of Baal, various portrayals of him reveal that
a trinity was a part of his worship. Statues show him with three horns,
three stars, and three arms. In the King James translation there is
reference to this Trinitarian Baal in 2nd Kings 4:42. “Shalisha” means
“having a third or trinity.” In view of all the above evidence, the
Assemblies of Yahweh renounce the doctrine of the trinity because it
is not Scriptural. In order to comprehend more completely the correct
message of the Bible, we must cleanse our minds of past error which
we may have believed and proceed from this point into a factual
analysis of what the Bible teaches so that we may become enlightened
by the Truth.
What Do the Words “Holy” and “Spirit” Mean?
In order to understand more clearly the meaning of the Holy
Spirit, we must begin with a basic point of origin and obtain the
definition of the words themselves. The term “Holy Spirit” has taken
on a meaning of something mysterious in recent decades, an
interpretation which has not been derived from the Inspired Scriptures.
The following definitions are taken from leading Hebrew and Greek
Lexicons.
In the Hebrew the term for Holy Spirit is “Ruach ha Kodesh”.
Ruach is defined as wind or breath. The prime root means to blow. It is
air in motion, a breeze, and as a consequence has been interpreted as
exhalation or to respire. “Ha Kodesh” means in the Hebrew literally,
“The Holy”, when translated into the English. Further defined it mans,
to be pure, sacred, consecrated, hallowed. Therefore we must conclude
that the Holy Spirit is none other than the breath or life from the
Heavenly Father Yahweh, who is the Holy One, Psalm 99:9. In the
Greek the term employed is “Pnuema Hagion or Hagion.” Pnuema
answers in every way to the Hebrew word “Ruach” and is defined as a
breath, an air current, a breeze. Hagion or hagios has been used by the
Greeks to render the word “ha Kodesh.” It means something sacred,
pure, sanctified. Perhaps we may receive a more crystal clear
understanding of the Holy Spirit by noting especially the instances
when the Greek text utilizes articles preceeding each word, “to
Pnuema to Hagion.” The literal translation here would be “the Spirit,
the Holy (Spirit).” I feel certain that already you are able to detect a
totally different thought emerging from this explanation as you allow
these facts to register on your mind. It is interesting to note that most
language make breath and spirit the same word.
Since the King James translation uses “ghost” in various
passages, many people have become accustomed to the term, “holy
ghost.” Fundamentalist churches seem to emphasize the term to a
greater extent than other groups. However, we must understand that
the instances in which this term is found in the King James Version,
and the places “holy spirit” appears, the identically same words are
used in the Greek. Again we may view an additional occurrence where
pseudo ideas have crept into the True Worship through a perverted
translation. The English word “ghost” brings to mind an apparition,
and this is totally contrary to the meaning of the word “Ruach” or
“Pneuma”. In ancient idol worship the “Ghost” was the child, who was
the third member of the Trinity, the person who was an incarnation of
the deceased father, for example Nimrod and Tammuz.
At this point I would like to urge you to review hurriedly the
first lesson of this Correspondence Course. Please note how I showed
that the basis for our Faith is in the Old Testament and that the New
Testament complements the Old. There are almost countless instances
in the New Testament which are actual quotes from the Old or
references to it. Should you have occasion to read translations of the
Mishnah or the Talmud (Jewish Rabbinical writings) you will
comprehend immediately that the early Apostles wrote and thought
exactly the same as the Jewish Rabbi. In addition, it is much more
reliable to derive the basis for our Faith from the Old Testament since
the Hebrew language was not used in the Classics and Theater as was
the Greek, and therefore did not become adulterated by wide ranging
interpretations of the words. As in previous lessons, we shall return to
the Old Testament to develop a firm foundation upon which to build
an understanding and then allow the New Testament to complement
the Old and clarify it.
1. When is the first time that we encounter the word “Ruach” (spirit) in
the Bible? Gen. 1:2.
COMMENT: We might draw an important lesson here as we
understand that in order to reform a waste and desolation, it will take
the Spirit, the spirit of Elohim or Yahweh. The earth had become
waste and a desolation (tohu va bohu) and the Spirit of Elohim moved
to correct the situation. The work of the Spirit then is rehabilitation.
2. Can man have life except by the Spirit of Elohim? Please ponder
Gen. 2:7.
COMMENT: Here we may observe the creation of mortal man. Prior
to the time that Yahweh Elohim breathed into his nostrils the breath of
life, Adam had no animation. The breath of life from Yahweh made
Adam a living soul (Hebrew is nephesh).
3. Do animals also enjoy this spirit (ruach) and rely upon it for life?
Please note carefully Ecclesiastes 3:18 to 22. (The word for spirit in
verse 21 is “ruach” in the Hebrew.) Please see also Genesis 6:17 where
all flesh indicates both humans and animals.
4. Does Elihu illustrate his discourse to Job with a similar reference?
Job 33:4
COMMENT: Again please note that in the Hebrew the word for spirit
is “ruach”. Breath is translated from the Hebrew word “neshamah” in
this passage.
5. Can we see from additional Scriptures that all physical life is
derived from the Spirit of Elohim? Please see Job 12:10; Job 34:14;
and Isaiah 42:5.
6. Does the Scripture show that when the “ruach” is taken from a
person, he dies? Psalm 104:29 & 30.
COMMENT: The word “breath” in verse 29 and “spirit” in verse 30
are “ruach” in the Hebrew.
7. Is Yahweh the Almighty ever called the Elohim of Spirits? Numbers
16:22 and 27:16; Heb. 12:9
COMMENT: The word for “spirits” in the Hebrew is the plural of
ruach. So we can see that Almighty Yahweh is characterized as the
Mighty One of Spirits, different forms of energy or life emanating
from Him.
In the above passages I have brought out that the Hebrew word
for spirit (ruach) is used for the breath of life which animates and
brings to life both men and animals. However, the majority of people
in the Christian churches refuse to accept this sound teaching from the
Word of Yahweh itself. Our Heavenly Father has placed His life
giving spirit within us at birth. When we die, He takes back this
animating spirit again and we no longer have any life within us.
However, this particular spirit is the physical breath which cannot ever
be understood as the life which is for the endless ages of eternity, and
which will be explained in subsequent segments of this lesson.
I feel compelled to reiterate here that the members of the
Assemblies of Yahweh do not approach the Bible to substantiate their
beliefs, but to allow it to teach them. When we learn the vital Truths
which the Bible holds, then we see at some point nominal religion has
departed from the Truth. Man of himself does not have any intrinsic
quality which even remotely hints at immortality, as the Christian
Churches teach. Man is completely physical, mortal, destined to die.
At death the physical spirit of life is taken from him and the Almighty
Yahweh takes back His gift of life. When the four Evangelists speak of
Yahshua our Messiah “giving up the ghost” when He died upon the
tree of Calvary, they mean that His breath left Him. The word “ghost”
in the Greek is “pneuma” and means “spirit”. It does not mean
anything even remotely resembling the interpretation usually attached
to it by misguided ministers of Christian denominations. I might add
that no student of the Hebrew Scriptures would mistake what the
writers meant since they would interpret this statement from the
viewpoint of the Old Testament.
Who Was Given the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?
A further clarification about the Holy Spirit is necessary here
so that we may grasp accurately what is meant by the Holy Spirit. The
Jewish Rabbinical writings, the Mishna and the Talmud use the term
“Holy Spirit” where the inspired Scriptures use the term “Spirit of
Elohim” or “Spirit of Yahweh”. The Jewish writers use a term
“Shekinah Glory” for the divine glow of energy which emanated from
the ark of the covenant. This Shekinah Glory was synonymous with
the Holy Spirit in the eyes of the Rabbis. Interestingly, there is no term
in the Greek to equal this Hebrew word. The diligent Bible student
will recognize the description of this Shekinah Glory in such places as
Exodus 13:21 & 22; 16:10; 24:16 & 17; Numbers 6:25 & 26, and 12:5.
This Holy Spirit Shekinah Glory is a different Spirit than the human
breath of physical life. It is a divine power which causes the one who
receives it, to think and act like the Almighty Himself. Let us pay
special attention to this Holy Spirit power and how it was used in the
Old Testament.
1. Did Old Testament characters receive the Holy Spirit of Yahweh as
a gift? Did this gift of the Holy Spirit of Yahweh bring forth fruit?
What was the fruit in this particular instance? Ex. 31:1 to 6.
2. Did Moses himself receive this gift of the Holy Spirit from
Yahweh? Numbers 11:17.
3. Was this Holy Spirit from Yahweh given to more individuals than
merely Moses and Aaron? Numbers 11:25 to 29.
4. As prophets, did the Patriarchs of antiquity receive this Holy Spirit?
Gen. 41:38.
COMMENT: The Holy Spirit of Yahweh has always been that force
which has lived within the people of Yahweh to raise them above their
times. With this Holy Spirit they were able to see into the future and
trust Yahweh to lead them.
5. What does the Apostle Peter indicate was one of the fruits of the
workings of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? 2nd Peter 1:19 to
21.
COMMENT: The term “Holy Ghost” in the Greek is “Pneuma
Hagion”, with no articles. The Holy Spirit of Yahweh worked through
men and they could see clearly, the vast differences between the life
which Almighty Yahweh has blueprinted for us in His Word and the
life which is being lived by the people of this world. This Holy Spirit
of Yahweh then caused these dedicated men to speak out with
boldness as they predicted judgment upon the wicked people. From
reading the books of the Old Testament prophets, it is readily
ascertained that these dedicated servants of Yahweh did not speak
from their own human minds, but were instructed by the Holy Spirit of
Yahweh and consequently their writings are inspired.
6. Did our Heavenly Father occasionally use outsiders and motivate
them by His Spirit to bring a special message? Numbers 24:2.
7. Did David have the Holy Spirit of Yahweh? Psalm 51:10-12 and
2nd Samuel 23:2.
COMMENT: From these passages we may learn that the Holy Spirit
was indeed given to a select few people in the Old Testament. The
Holy Spirit was given to the leaders of the people to guide them in
their duties, Judges 3:10. However, we may observe that it was for the
Messianic age, that the Holy Spirit was given to everyone.
8. Was the “Shekinah Glory” manifested to Israel as a sign for future
ages? Exodus 40:34-35; 1st Kings 8:10-11; 2nd Chronicles 7:1 to 3.
COMMENT: Today the people of Yahweh are the Temple of true
worship. This Shekinah Glory which is typical of the Holy Spirit of
Yahweh has now been placed within the hearts and minds of His
people, enlightening them, causing them to do His will.
How Do We Receive the Holy Spirit?
1. Can you fully comprehend now the meaning of the verse in John
20:22?
COMMENT: The disciples were chosen to be leaders among the
people of Israel. They were to be special tools of our Savior to preach
His Kingdom message. He breathed on them and they received the
Holy life which He Himself had received from the Father.
2. How do we receive this Holy Spirit power? How did the Savior
Yahshua the Messiah receive it? Matt. 3:13 to 17; Mark 1:9-10; Luke
3:21 to 22; John 1:32 to 34.
COMMENT: We must enter the fold the same way that our Savior
did, and this is through baptism. Immersion has been a form of
cleansing from ancient times in the Scriptures, Lev. 14:1-9. A Holy
man would pray over the person to be cleansed be a ritual washing.
We cannot hope to receive the Holy Spirit without a ritual cleansing,
baptism.
Additional Comment: It is interesting that the Holy Spirit should be
depicted as a dove. Great lessons can be learned from this incident and
it should increase our understanding of Genesis 8:8 to 12. Also a
familiar passage to many of you can be found in Song of Solomon
2:12. The Targum (Aramaic), translates, “the voice of the Holy Spirit,”
instead of, “the voice of a dove,” as in the Hebrew.
3. In Acts chapter 2 when the Messianic Assembly received the Holy
Spirit in abundance, what were the accompanying outward signs which
were manifested? Acts 2:2 and 3.
COMMENT: While the modern Pentecostal Churches declare that
they have the same signs as did the Messianic Assembly on the day of
the Pentecost, they have never been able to produce these phenomenon
which were visible then.
4. What is the primary prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit? Acts
5:32.
COMMENT: Many people today are terribly deceived into believing
that they have the Holy Spirit of Yahweh when in fact they do not
have it. Unless someone is obedient to the Heavenly Father they will
not receive His Holy Spirit power and life. The power which is to be
found in the Holy Spirit will be given only to those who keep all the
commandments.
5. Will this Holy Spirit power be withheld from anyone who yields
himself in obedience to Yahweh? Acts 2:38 and 39.
6. Will Almighty Yahweh ever withhold the Holy Spirit from His
obedient children? Luke 11:13.
7. Was this Holy Spirit even in the Old Testament predicted to be for
Yahweh’s people in the last days? Joel 2:28 and 29. Please see also the
exact quote from this passage by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:16 to 18.
COMMENT: Do you recognize that this Holy Spirit outpouring was
for a purpose? It was given to the people of Yahweh so that they
would be able to offer an effective witness to the world about them.
This Holy Spirit power caused Yahweh’s people to speak for Him, to
be converted and act, think, and speak like Yahweh would.
8. Will the Holy Spirit finally be given to all people at the
resurrection? Ezekiel 37:13 & 14. (Please read verses 1 to 14 for
context.) Please see also Ezekiel 36:25 to 29.
9. Was ancient Israel rejected because they in effect, provoked the
Holy Spirit of Yahweh? Isaiah 63:9 to 11.
COMMENT: In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit of Yahweh was
given only to the leaders of the people. Israel did not receive this Holy
Spirit individually as we may today in this Messianic era.
10. Does the message of Yahshua the Messiah in John 7:37 to 39
indicate from whom we must receive the Holy Spirit?
COMMENT: The above message was delivered be the Messiah on
the Last Great Day (of the Feast of Tabernacles). This special
observance carries us forward to the great beyond, after the Messianic
Kingdom or the Millenium, when all people will have access to the
Holy Spirit through having been born again, this time from the Holy
Spirit.
Obedience Is Imperative
1. Where do we go to find the words to eternal life? John 6:68
2. What does the Messiah inform us will result from accepting His
words? John 6:63.
3. Does the keeping of the commandments determine if we shall be
recipients of the Holy Spirit? John 14:15 to 26.
COMMENT: Please read this entire passage carefully and ponder the
implications. Remember that the commandments means all the
directives of our Heavenly Father, beginning with the basic ten as
found in Exodus 20, and ending with the least one in the book of
Deuteronomy. This will be explained more thoroughly in the next
lesson of this course.
4. What is the love of Yahweh and how may we express it? 1st John
5:3.
COMMENT: The Holy Spirit from Yahweh will be given only to
those who obey. Obedience shows love.
5. Does this Holy Spirit from Yahweh mean taking on the actual
personality of the Father and the Son? John 14:23, 1st John 2:5.
COMMENT: When we begin to obey our Heavenly Father’s
commandments, He, Yahweh, and Yahshua the Messiah, in effect
enter our bodies, take up residence, and make their home with us. In
this way Yahweh teaches us to live the similar perfect life which was
lived by our Messiah while on this earth and which was responsible for
the gift of the resurrection which Almighty Yahweh gave Him. Have
you ever thought that you could become like Yahweh the Almighty, to
think, act, and even look like Him in every way, to be an obedient
child? This is what is promised to you when you obey. The only way
that you can really understand how our Heavenly Father thinks and
why He does the things as He does, is to keep His commandments and
obey Him in all Spiritual aspects. Then we will be taking on His divine
personality. The route which the Messiah took, described in Hebrews
5:8-9, led Him to perfection. 1st Peter 2:21-22.
6. Will the Holy Spirit teach us to live perfectly? John 14:26, 1st John
2:26-29.
7. It is unquestionable that we have absorbed the erroneous thinking of
this world through pseudo education from our childhood. What will be
one of the principal results of the teaching of the Holy Spirit? 1st
Timothy 1:7.
Begotten Again
Fundamental Christians emphasize that “born again”
experience. They have believed that when one is baptized and receives
the Holy Spirit of Yahweh, they are born again at that moment. In the
Greek text, the word for “born” and “begotten” are the same,
“gennau”. It indicates a point of origin. Now which is the point of
origin of a baby? Is it conception or is it birth? This is academic and
debatable, especially in our world today with its twisted concepts.
However, the context of the Greek text must provide the answer to this
puzzle.
To understand this thought more clearly, we must take a
Scriptural example of someone who was born twice, once physically
and one of the Spirit. This is what the Messiah states would occur in
John 3:3 to 7. In verse 8 Yahshua describes the appearance of one who
has been born of the Spirit and no human bears these characteristics, of
being invisible and yet able to manifest himself.
1. Can you see an enlightening thought in 1st John 5:18? Please see
also verse 1.
COMMENT: The words born and begotten are the same word in the
Greek.
2. How does this begettal take place? 2nd Cor. 1:21-22 and 5:5.
COMMENT: The English word “earnest” in the Greek means a
pledge or foretaste of some future benefit. Some commentators render
it a “down payment”. When we have been faithful and obedient,
Almighty Yahweh places His own life giving spirit within us, a small
pledge which must grow to reach fruition (2nd Peter 3:18) if we are to
be born again from the dead at the resurrection as was the Messiah,
Rev. 1:5 and 18; Col. 1:18.
3. Does the true body of the Messiah and its elders, have a part in
transmitting this Holy Spirit? Acts 8:14 to 17; Acts 19:6; 1st Tim. 4:14
and 2nd Tim. 1:6.
COMMENT: Our Heavenly Father gave one man the keys to the
Kingdom and this was the Disciple Peter (Hebrew Cepha) Matt. 16:18-
19. This commission meant that it was through Peter and the
Messianic organization that the Holy Spirit of Yahweh was transmitted
to all individuals who desire to enter the fold of the body of the
Messiah. Did you know that a commandment keeping group of people
has always existed since the Apostalic days and that it came down
through history parallel with the religion of Roman Catholicism and
her daughter churches? This can be proved through various historical
texts. The Assemblies of Yahweh today are the product of that line of
Apostalic succession, not Roman Catholicism.
4. Is he born again body, the Spiritual body described for us in the
Scriptures? Rev. 1:13 to 18.
COMMENT: Our Savior was the example and we shall be like Him
for we shall see Him as He appears now, 1st John 3:2. To attain this
majestic Spirit power will take a period of training and growth. Our
personalities must change and we must develop divine nature and
character. With this mighty power of a spirit body at our disposal, we
must think and act like Yahweh so that this power will never be
misused. It must always be subject to the Heavenly Father and be
motivated by love. Do you grasp now why we are living in human
flesh? We may attain to the position of sons of Yahweh, but first we
must prove ourselves in a period of training. While we are flesh the
Holy Spirit can be removed from us. We have then had our chance at
salvation and we will perish. However, if we are faithful and learn the
lessons of life, we shall be made into the image of the Messiah and be
taken into the Spiritual family of the Heavenly Father.
What are the Evidences of the Holy Spirit?
1. How did the people who were immersed by the Holy Spirit
respond? Numbers 11:25; Acts 19:6.
COMMENT: Erroneous ideas have led to a wrong understanding of
this subject in recent decades. In Acts chapter 2 we find that the
Apostles spoke in tongue when the Spirit came upon them on the day
of Pentecost. (Incidentally, this was the Scriptural Feast of Weeks
called in the Hebrew, Shavuoth, Lev. 23:15-16.) Then in 1st Cor. 14
we find that the King James translates the same word for “tongues” as
“unknown tongues”. Subsequently, uneducated ministers have allowed
their imaginations to run wild and they have fabricated yet another
pseudo-doctrine. Let us understand the Truth!
2. What is the meaning of the word “tongue”? Is it really some
mysterious contact with the spirit world?
COMMENT: The definition of the Greek word “glossa” specifically
is, a known language which the person speaking has not acquired
naturally. For example, I was raised to speak the English and German
languages. If I were to begin to speak Russian without having learned
it naturally, this would be an example of the miracle that happened in
the book of Acts. Again I would like to emphasize that “glossa” is an
actual, intelligible language, not some mysterious, meaningless
babbling. (You may be familiar with the word “glossary” which is
derived from “Glossa”. By checking a good Bible edition you will
notice that the word “unknown” (1st Cor. 14) is in italics, meaning that
it is not found in the Greek text.
3. Can we prove that an intelligible language is meant by Paul in 1st
Cor. 14:9?
COMMENT: The correct translation of this verse reads from the
Greek, “So even you by the tongue, if you do not give intelligible
speech, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you will be
speaking to the air.” Consequently, from a corrected translation of 1st
Cor. 14 we are forced to conclude that the “tongues” of the Apostles
was intelligible speech. No other conclusion is valid or Scripturally
based.
4. Did the language being spoken on Pentecost serve a purpose? Acts
2:6, 7, 8, & 11.
COMMENT: The people of the 15 different nations were able to hear
and comprehend in their own native languages, the wonderful works
of Yahweh.
5. What about additional evidences? Prophecy? Acts. 19:6. How about
Acts 10:44?
COMMENT: The Greek word for “prophecy” means to “speak under
inspiration or to speak in an inspired manner”. This harmonizes with
Numbers 11:25 perfectly, Acts 19:6 should read, “…and they spoke
with foreign languages and gave inspired messages.”
What is the Fruit of the Spirit?
1. Must all things be tested by the Word? 1st The. 5:21.
2. How do we test or prove the Holy Spirit? 1st John 4:1 to 3 and Matt.
7:15-16.
COMMENT: Although we are definitely instructed to judge (1st Cor.
14:29) we prefer to call this “fruit inspecting”.
3. What is the fruit of the spirit? Gal 5:22-23.
COMMENT: It is imperative that we try the spirits and find that they
bear all of the fruit (characteristics) which are listed in this passage.
There is no law against these fruits, but there is a law against the
works of the flesh, verses 19-21. If even one of the items which has
been listed by Paul is missing, the Holy Spirit has not been producing
this product. Note each particular fruit individually. Then ask yourself
the question, “Do the churches who say they have the Holy Spirit
today actually produce these results?” The answer must be a
resounding “NO!”
4. Does Satan try to duplicate the Holy Spirit of Yahweh? Revelation
16:13 & 14; 2nd Thes. 2:2 & 9; 1st Tim. 4:1-6.
COMMENT: Satan is an adept counterfeiter. He attempts to duplicate
Almighty Yahweh and thereby draw worship to himself. We must be
alert and prove each spirit, step by step, as we continue down the
narrow pathway to everlasting life.
5. Should we associate intimately with the spirit of the world? Could it
be that we might find some of the worldly spirit adhering to us if we
do? Eph. 5:5-21; Col. 3:1-3; 1st Cor. 5:9-13.
COMMENT: Since we have proved that the “spirit” means “breath” it
is words uttered by the breath which will cause an evil spirit to
flourish. In the Latin, the word “conspiracy” means to “breath
together”. Now can you see why the early Apostles were so insistent
in urging that the brethren live apart from the world? Satan seeks to
perpetrate his evil spirit by words, playing on carnal nature, causing
people to sin. It is the guiding spirit of Yahweh and obedience to His
words that will separate between us and satan. As true worshipers, we
are called out of this world. This is the reason why the Assemblies of
Yahweh teach that we must come out from among the people and be
separate, especially in worship, Rev. 18:4.
 The Personality of the Holy Spirit
Nominal religion teaches that the Holy Spirit is a person. It
teaches that the Holy Spirit is a separate personality, one of the
persons of the deity. Here is where a good understanding of the
original Scriptures is necessary. The doctrine that the Holy Spirit is a
person is derived only from the New Testament. Without articles, the
Greek “pneuma Hagion” means “power from on High”, and it is so
translated in Luke 24:49 and Acts 7:8. The Holy Spirit is a dynamic
energy, force and character such as is possessed by our Heavenly
Father. How then has so grave an error invaded theology?
Occasionally in the New Testament we find that the Holy Spirit is
called “He”, for example, John 14:26. The answer is simple. The
Hebrew has no neuter gender (it). When the translators were
translating the Scriptures from the Hebrew or Aramaic into Greek,
finding the Holy Spirit called “He”, they rendered it faithfully, and the
English translators followed this slavishly. Certainly the Holy Spirit
could not be called feminine (she) in the Hebrew since it is a dynamic
force, power. It demanded a masculine pronoun. However, now that
we know the Truth, we must return to the original meaning.
In What Name Does the Holy Spirit Come?
1. Who sends the Holy Spirit? John 14.26.
2. In whose Name does the Holy Spirit come? John 14.26
COMMENT: From this verse you will be able to understand why it is
imperative to be immersed into the Name of the Messiah, since in His
Name the Holy Spirit is sent.
Summary
From this lesson it should be obvious that the Holy Spirit
which has been given to the True Worshipers in this Messianic Age is
not the same as most Christian Churches present it today. The Holy
Spirit of Yahweh is His divine energy, personality, and life, which has
been placed within the believer at baptism. If the Holy Spirit is
nurtured properly by a close association with Almighty Yahweh,
prayer and Bible study, and then a childlike obedience to the Word, it
will bear fruit and we shall receive the gift of everlasting life at the
resurrection. The Holy Spirit is not some mysterious influence of
absurd indecency which is usually presented to be from the Heavenly
Father by various Pentecostal groups. Rather, it is the very personality
and dynamic power from our Heavenly Father living within us and
impelling us to become like Him, aiding us to live up to the example
which our Savior Yahshua the Messiah laid down for us in His
righteous life while He was here on this earth. By nurturing this
precious gift which has been placed within us by our Savior at
baptism, we may one day be resurrected into everlasting life with a
powerful spirit body such as He possesses. In this way we may enter
the spirit family and be adopted as children by Almighty Yahweh. This
Holy Spirit life will give us the strength and determination to
overcome the influence of satan the devil which he exerts upon our
carnal nature. The Holy Spirit will assist us to become more obedient
each day and to understand the Spiritual significance of the
commandments of Yahweh.
Quiz 5
1. In the ancient pagan religions of Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, and
Rome, the trinity was derived from a combination of:
A. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
B. No Trinitarian doctrine was taught
C. Father, Mother, and Child
D. Sun, Moon, and Star worship
2. Ruach and Pneuma are Hebrew and Greek words which have
been translated:
A. Spirit
B. Soul
C. Trinity
D. Elohim
3. Almighty Yahweh has placed a spirit (ruach) within the human
being at birth. What is this spirit?
A. A never-dying soul
B. Immortal spirit
C. A physical trinity
D. The breath of life C. Begin a new trinity
D. Hold a tarry meeting
4. Who received the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?
A. Angels 10. Yahweh’s obedient people will receive the new birth (to be
B. The leaders of Israel born again), when?
C. All Israel individually A. At the moment of baptism
D. No one received the Holy Spirit before Pentecost B. When the new convert begins to speak in tongues
C. When the new convert is baptized with fire
5. What important step must preceed our receiving the Holy D. At the resurrection
Spirit?
A. Repentance and baptism 11. The fruit of the Spirit is described for us in Galatians 5:22-23.
B. Reading the Bible What is the first fruit which is listed?
C. Fasting 40 days A. Love
D. Speaking in tongues B. Conversion
C. Fasting
6. When Yahshua the Messiah received the Holy Spirit from D. Prayer
Yahweh, it came in what form?
A. Raven 12. After our Heavenly Father has taught His people from His
B. Stork Word, what does He command them to do?
C. Dove A. Hold a tarry meeting to seek the baptism
D. Eagle B. Worship with all the churches of the community
C. Breathe on sinners
7. Speaking in tongues means: D. Come out of false worship and be separate
A. Speaking in a foreign language
B. Speaking an “unknown” tongue 13. Who sends the Holy Spirit?
C. Speaking the language of angels A. The Apostles and Elders
D. The evidence that one has received the Holy Spirit B. The Heavenly Father Yahweh
C. Angels
8. Almighty Yahweh gives His Holy Spirit to which of the D. A rushing mighty wind
following groups of people?
A. Those who attend church every Sunday 14. In whose Name does the Holy Spirit come?
B. Those who speak in tongues A. In the Name of Yahshua the Messiah
C. Those who obey Him B. In no name at all
D. He does not withhold His spirit from anyone C. In the name of Peter
D. In the name of Paul
9. When Almighty Yahweh sends the Holy Spirit, it means that He
and His Son Yahshua the Messiah: 15. To say that the Holy Spirit is a person is a serious
A. Baptize that person in the Jordan River misunderstanding originating from the fact that there is no
B. Take up residence within the obedient person _________ gender in the Hebrew language.
A. masculine
B. feminine
C. Hebrew has no gender
D. neuter

16. In your own words, give below a brief explanation of what you
have learned about the Holy Spirit from this lesson.