Holy Spirit
The True Evidence of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit: The Fruit of the Spirit and Liberation from Sin
Introduction: Today, many Christians misunderstand or hold superstitious beliefs about being filled with the Holy Spirit. However, the Bible clearly teaches what being filled with the Holy Spirit truly means. Genuine fullness of the Spirit is accompanied by clear evidence manifested in one's life. This evidence includes the fruit of the Spirit, recognized by others, oneself, and most importantly, by God, as well as liberation from sin.
Part 1: The Fruit of the Spirit as True Evidence
Galatians 5:22-23 (Greek: "καρπὸς τοῦ Πνεύματος" [karpos tou Pneumatos] "the fruit of the Spirit"):
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
"καρπός" [karpos], meaning "fruit," is singular, indicating that these virtues collectively manifest the work of the Spirit in the believer's life. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is not just shown through external power or spiritual gifts but is evident through life changes. When filled with the Spirit, our lives will be marked by these fruits, clearly seen by everyone around us.
Part 2: The Law of the Spirit and the Fulfillment of the Law
Romans 8:2-4 (Greek: "νόμος τοῦ Πνεύματος τῆς ζωῆς" [nomos tou Pneumatos tes zoes] "the law of the Spirit of life"):
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
"νόμος" [nomos], meaning "law," is used here in two ways: "the law of the Spirit of life" and "the law of sin and death." The first indicates that through the Spirit's life-giving power, we fulfill the true meaning of the Torah (Law). "πληρωθῇ" [plērōthē], meaning "might be fully met," is in the aorist passive subjunctive, emphasizing that the fulfillment of the law is achieved not by our own actions but through the work of the Spirit. This fulfillment involves external obedience and also represents an inner transformation aligned with God's will.
Part 3: Guided by the Spirit to Avoid Sin
Matthew 5:27-28 (Greek: "ἐμοῦ" [emou] "of me," in the context of Hebrew Torah):
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Jesus’ teaching here shows the spiritual meaning beyond the literal interpretation of the law. If Torah (תּוֹרָה [Torah]) were taken literally, adultery would only be defined by the act itself. Fallen humanity has failed to adhere to the spiritual truth of the Torah, considering only outward acts as sin, ignoring the sins of the heart. This tradition continues today, leading to hypocrisy and legalism, as people fail to meditate on the true teachings of Torah and become blinded by superficial religious practices. Jesus teaches that true fulfillment of the law is about purifying the heart and avoiding even the thoughts and desires that lead to sin. The verb "ἐμοῦ" [emou] in the genitive case indicates that this teaching was delivered directly by Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law. This teaching is part of the law of the Spirit, guiding believers to reject sin and even the thoughts and desires that lead to it.
Those who have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit do not treat others hypocritically. The work of the Holy Spirit manifests the transformative power of heaven in a clear and certain way. Mature saints of God genuinely exhibit Christ's love and form relationships of service where the fruit of the Spirit naturally appears. Most of Paul’s letters were written to guide disorderly churches, addressing the immature faith of new believers, often mistaken for mature faith by false theology. Such errors are the products of those who do not realize they are deceived by Satan. The way to overcome this is to find joy in the true meaning of the Torah through Jesus Christ and to meditate on it individually, which is a joyful, honeymoon-like experience with Christ.
Part 4: Ultimate Victory Over Sin
Romans 6:14 (Greek: "ἁμαρτία" [hamartia] "sin, wrongdoing"):
"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."
"ἁμαρτία" [hamartia], meaning "sin," is singular, indicating the singular and powerful authority of sin. "οὐ κυριεύσει" [ou kyriēsei], meaning "shall not master," in the future active indicative, firmly declares that the power of sin has been broken. The Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome sin, which is achieved not by our own strength but through God’s grace given on the cross.
Conclusion: True Baptism of the Holy Spirit Leads to a Life Filled with the Fruit of the Spirit
The true evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just emotional experiences or outward expressions. It is manifested in a life bearing the fruit of the Spirit, distancing from sin, and fulfilling the law in Christ. In the Spirit, we experience the victory of the cross and live faithfully and steadfastly through the grace given to us. This life represents the internal transformation that is evident externally, testifying to genuine fullness of the Holy Spirit before God and others.
Hebrews 6: 1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. 9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.