THEOLOGY
What Does "Grieving the Holy
Spirit" Mean?
By Dr. J. Rodman Williamsr
Professor of Renewal Theology Emeritus
I have heard the expression "Grieving
the Holy Spirit" most of my Christian life and wonder if you
could give me more detail.
The following questions was asked by visitors to CBN.com.
The answers are provided by Dr. J. Rodman Williams, theology professor
at Regent University's
School of Divinity.
I have heard the expression "Grieving
the Holy Spirit" most of my Christian life and wonder if
you could give me more detail.
The expression relates to Paul's words in Ephesians 4:30
- "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were
sealed for the day of redemption." Since the Holy Spirit is
a holy person who dwells within the believer, He will be grieved
by any sinful actions. Read also verses 29 and 31 for Paul's
description of some of the words and deeds that may bring
pain to God's Holy Spirit. (See Renewal
Theology 2, p. 152.)
When a person has been saved, is that person "Spirit-baptized,"
or "filled with the Holy Spirit," at the some moment? Is "speaking
in other tongues" evidence?
Spirit-baptism, or Spirit-filling, may or may not occur at
the time of salvation. The first disciples in Jerusalem had
been saved (see John 20:22) for some time before they were
Spirit-baptized, or filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8
and 2:4). Years later, in Caesarea, the Holy Spirit was "poured
out" (equals "baptized") on Cornelius and his household (Acts
10:45) in conjunction with their coming to salvation. In both
cases, in Jerusalem and Caesarea, speaking in tongues (Acts
2:4 and Acts 10:46) immediately followed. Tongues were specifically
said to be evidence in Acts 10:45-46. Since then many people
have spoken in tongues as confirmation of a profoundly spiritual
experience. (See Renewal
Theology 2, chapter 8, "The Coming of the Holy Spirit,"
and chapter 9, "The Phenomenon of Tongues.")
Order Dr. Williams book, Renewal
Theology on CBN.com.
More Theology Q & A from Dr. J. Rodman
Williams.
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