Part II contained a brief explanation of the translation and in this part the meaning of some of the prepositions will be explored. John 1:32-33 gives more information on the Holy Spirit and at the same time the translation renders a preposition differently than its actual meaning. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. John saw the Spirit descend like a dove; God spoke to him (John) and told him that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, but the verse does not mean baptism of the Holy Ghost. The words which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost are used only in verse 33; the use of with distorts the message in the verse. (There is no difference of meaning between (Holy) Ghost and (Holy) Spirit as both are translations of pneuma--pronounced: pnyoo'-mah G4151.)

Many veer off into doctrines not found in the scriptures due to the mistranslation of the Greek word en--pronounced: en (G1722). It means in (a location within something) or a position of place. With water in the verse is en-meaning being in something, water in this case. The same meaning is in Matthew 3:6, in the Jordan. Given the definitions of baptizo--immerse, cover, bury, surround and overwhelm, with something; in this case it is water of the Jordan River. The same is true of with the Holy Ghost in John 1:33. It should be in instead of with, which doesn’t convey the correct meaning. In addition, the case in the verses is dative which means that what takes place is for the benefit of the one receiving the action of the verb.     

It is necessary to state what isn’t found in the scriptures relative to baptism and the Holy Spirit/Ghost. By introducing a series of words that aren’t scriptural the reader and the ones hearing a message can be led to believe doctrines that aren’t true. Baptism of the Holy Ghost/Spirit isn’t in the Bible and neither is baptism in the Holy Ghost/Spirit, but those phrases are used by many preachers and teachers; by their use the door is opened to emotional experiences said to be caused by the Holy Ghost/Spirit but foreign to the gospel message.

Jesus said in John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. The Spirit does not call attention to itself or to the one who claims to have the Spirit. It can be concluded that the Spirit (called Spirit of truth in John 14:17; 15:26; Comforter, Holy Ghost, John 14:26; Counselor John 16:7) does not act on its own since there is no authority to do so even though the Spirit of God does dwell in the believer, Romans 8:9. There are two instances where the Spirit appears to act on its own, but they are part of his work as a witness, Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: the Spirit helps the believer to pray, Romans 8:26. All t                                                                                                                                                         hat the Spirit does is to glorify Jesus and help the believers with their struggles to live the new life in Christ.

Part IV will begin with the identification of those who received the Spirit, the manner of the reception, the duties of the Spirit and the operation of the Spirit. Those subjects will be studied in several parts of the series since all are related.

  © 05-23-2014 DEC

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