Twice Dead

Jude 1:11-12 says “Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;” This is a process where someone was made alive to God through repentance, but never was filled with the Spirit of God. Once a person is filled with the Spirit of God, they are sealed unto the day of redemption, meaning when Christ returns they will be saved. Those who have the Spirit of God are saved, they are being saved, and ultimately they shall be saved receiving their bodies at the resurrection. There are many that teach that upon belief the Holy Spirit enters a believer, but this is not true: Acts 8:12-17 says “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.” The Passion Translation says verse 16, this way “ For they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and were yet to have the Holy Spirit fall upon them.” John 20:22 is also another scripture many use to teach that the Spirit of God enters upon belief, but this was a prophetic release of what was going to happen on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came in as a rushing mighty wind: John 20:21-22 says “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” We must also understand that the Holy Spirit could not be given until after Christ ascension into heaven: John 16:7 says “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Simple belief begins the process of salvation, but don’t stop there, receive the sealing of the Holy Spirit who wants to abide with you forever.

-Anthony Booker