I believe much of the confusion can be settled when we consider the difference between the gift of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit. God can prophesy through the ungodly (Saul) and even speak through a donkey but doesn’t mean the Spirit dwells within. The key is to consider Galatians and 1 John for the appearance of the Spirit filled life and the reassurance of being filled with the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 John 3:18-19
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before him.
Thank you for bringing out an important subject that needs scriptural clarification.
"We rest on the sufficiency of faith in Jesus Christ to save us." Excellent post Dr. Milhoan. Thank you. I am currently reading "Thinking Orthodox" - an excellent book that looks back at the original church. Men can introduce philosophical and deductively-reasoned concepts into theology that really do not belong there. Kirk's comment below, especially 1 John 3:18-19, emphasizes the faith + action exhibited by the apostles. Happy Holy Week! Peace.
I believe much of the confusion can be settled when we consider the difference between the gift of the Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit. God can prophesy through the ungodly (Saul) and even speak through a donkey but doesn’t mean the Spirit dwells within. The key is to consider Galatians and 1 John for the appearance of the Spirit filled life and the reassurance of being filled with the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
1 John 3:18-19
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before him.
Thank you for bringing out an important subject that needs scriptural clarification.
"We rest on the sufficiency of faith in Jesus Christ to save us." Excellent post Dr. Milhoan. Thank you. I am currently reading "Thinking Orthodox" - an excellent book that looks back at the original church. Men can introduce philosophical and deductively-reasoned concepts into theology that really do not belong there. Kirk's comment below, especially 1 John 3:18-19, emphasizes the faith + action exhibited by the apostles. Happy Holy Week! Peace.