Sometimes we hear people say they, "Have the Spirit", or they are, "Spirit-Filled". This is truly a wonderful thing, and we are not saying a single word against the Holy Spirit, but could there be unsaved people who also may "have the Spirit"?
NOW HOLD ON HERE!
A person can really "have the Spirit" and STILL NOT BE SAVED? Yes, that is EXACTLY what we are saying.[1]
Let us to the Scriptures
But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who receives the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when persecution or tribulation arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Matthew 13:20,21
We see here that the person (we will call him the reprobate) actually receives the word. This he does with "joy". He is filled with joy upon "receiving the word" inwardly. The reprobate has "no root" in himself however, and at some point "falls away" because of "tribulation or persecution" about the word.[2]
"DEPART FROM ME"
Many will say unto Me in that Day; "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name? and in Thy Name have cast out devils? and in Thy Name done many wonderful works?"
And then will I Profess unto them, "I never Knew you: Depart from Me, ye that work iniquity". Matthew 7:22,23
These ones were "spiritual leaders" who had "experienced" everything that seemed "christian". No doubt they would have had a personal "Spiritual experience" also, as persons of religious influence. Yet, they were not Saved. Go HERE for more on this subject.
THE UNSAVED CALL THEMSELVES "SAVED"
The reprobate can introduce false teaching into the Assemblies very quickly at this point. Having "fallen away", he can refuse to admit that he is indeed reprobate. He may attempt to "turn the tables" as it were, and find promotion to some "religious office" or "authority over religious matters" and declare the Elect not saved!
For example, denying the Doctrines of Predestination and Election using every means possible, they may devise ways of recognizing whom they will as being "Saved". This they do by assigning certain "works" for Salvation which can include "being slain in the spirit", "speaking in tongues", Scripture memorization, Church attendance, :being responsible", being Baptized into their Church, or any number of other "good deeds".[3]
The reprobate, outwardly "appearing good" by doing "good works" and quoting Scripture that seems to apply, can pass himself off as "being Saved".
MORE FOLLOWING SOON!
PEOPLE OF G-D MINISTRIES
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FOOTNOTES
[1
[2
He still remains unregenerate and unsaved, no matter how many "good works" (human good deeds) he performs. G-d only respects Divine Good (His Own Good), not any human works man may try to do to replace Yeshuas' Atoning sacrifice. (Philippians 2:13)
This is how the reprobate is truly deceived. He separates thinking his claims to "being Spirit-Filled", "having more Love", "having more Faith" or any number of other "good works" make him "Saved". The unsaved can flock to such preachers in droves.
The Elect person, on the other hand, is Regenerated by the Spirit of G-d (John 4:4) and Truly Receives the Holy Spirit of Adoption whereby he cries, "Abba, Father" in Truth.
[3
"Furthermore, they add that all believers ought to receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands after baptism so that they may be found complete Christians: 'for there will never be a Christian who is not annointed with chrism by episcopal confirmation'. (Gratian. Decretum III, v. 1. 6. [MPL 187. 1855, 1857 f.; Friedberg I, 1413 f.]). These are their own words. Yet I thought that everything pertaining to Christianity was prescribed and included in the Scriptures? Now, I see the true form of religion is to be sought and learned elsewhere than the Scriptures? Therefore, the wisdom of God, heavenly truth, Christs' whole teaching, only 'begin' Christians; oil 'perfects' them?" Calvin, John. Institutes.
By the reference above, we see once more that these "works" have their roots in Roman Catholic doctrine. Specifically Conditional Salvation found therein.
Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion. 2 Volumes. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Westminster Press. 1960.