In The Testimony for August 1949, appeared an article by the present writer under the above heading; and more recently a somewhat detailed criticism of it has been received. Even the very title of the article has been assailed, it being suggested that this might be better worded “Should the Holy Spirit be a present possession?” The critic added, “For obviously a non-recipient cannot judge” and quoted 1 Corinthians 2:11-14 to support his view. Superficially regarded, this reference would appear to be to the point; but when more closely examined it is not established. The 16th verse was not quoted, yet it governs the whole; but even this needs comprehension. This “mind of Christ” is not a thing flashed upon one, but is attained by “judging all things” (v. 15) with “spiritual discernment” (v. 14). This discernment arises from considering “the words which the Spirit teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things” (v. 13). We learn elsewhere that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” and that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”1 We are also expressly told that “faith cometh by hearing the Word of God.”2 No man unacquainted with the “things of God” can “know” such things—he is so “natural” (uninstructed) that he “cannot know” them, yet he is often more highly mentally endowed than the spiritually minded one.
We are told, “There is evidence of men being moved by the Holy Spirit today—though I am unaware of it.” The present writer, however, can most definitely assert that not a single person he has known to lay claim to such (and the number is not small) has been certified so by circumstance or demonstration. For the most part, they have been proclaimers of doctrines subversive to the Truth of the Scriptures. They are preachers of lies, Roman Catholics and others claim and vaunt miraculous Holy Spirit operations, Fortune-tellers, fanatics) and skilled “go-getters” in religious excitements (called “conversions”) all lustily claim the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—but with what justification? Some exception appears to be taken to my previously published statement, “Possession of the Holy Spirit could always be demonstrated”—Luke 16:27-31 being quoted in refutation, How this should be cited is difficult to understand, especially when it is known that this “one” did indeed rise from the dead. The object of the possessing of the Holy Spirit was in its being a “confirmer” (demonstrator).3 Surely it will not be said we should acknowledge the claims of all and sundry to this gift!
We are told, “One cannot receive the Holy Spirit in other than a real, actual, and literal sense.” This is plausible, but it is not a wise pronouncement. The Apostle John says, “The Spirit is the truth.” Here, clearly, is a sense other than actual. The Holy Spirit has been styled “the Spirit of truth.” The very truths which have been transmitted through the Holy Spirit are precisely the truths which the present writer and many others have imbibed; and in that indirect sense we possess that Spirit, It is notorious, on the other hand, that those who claim bestowment of the Holy Spirit as a direct bestowal are, for the most part, engulfed in mythology or false theology.
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Author: James B. Watson
Keywords: Holy Spirit gifts, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Ghost, Holy Ghost gifts, Gifts of the spirit, Spirit gifts, Tongues, Speaking in tongues, Spirit filled gifts, Gift of healing, working of miracles, charismatics, pentecostal, Pentecostals, filled with the spirit, spirit of God
Bible reference(s): Mark 16:17-18, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:45, 1 Corinthians 12:10, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 1 Corinthians 12:30, 1 Corinthians 14:5-6, 1 Corinthians 14:18, 1 Corinthians 14:22-23, 1 Corinthians 14:39, Hebrews 2:4, Luke 11:13, John 14:17, John 16:7, John 16:13, John 20:22, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:18-20, 1 Co 6:19, 1 Cor. 12:1-11, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Galatians 3:14, Eph. 1:13, Ephesians 4:30, 1 John 5:6
Source: “Is the Holy Spirit a Present Possession?,” The Testimony, Vol. 23, No. 267, March 1953, pp. 71-3.
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