Being Well Clothed In The Spirit Is What Covers Our Shame, Part 1

[Vindicator]

Being Well Clothed In The Spirit Is What Covers Our Shame, Part 1




Ever felt as though you were not good enough? That you were not like some great Christian leader, or you are nowhere near as holy and righteous as some sister in the Lord, and no matter what you do you will never measure up or be as "worthy" of God as they are? Maybe your sins have caused you to have a poor self-image, or you were put down and ridiculed your whole life, and made to feel as though you didn't amount to anything.

The question believers need to ask themselves, however, is "should I be seeking a righteousness of my own, or should I seek to become "clothed" in the Holy Spirit to where my righteousness is of Him instead?" The reality is, we cannot have a holiness in and of ourselves, so whatever the form of shame you might be susceptible to, the answer is not to try becoming sanctified in your own power, but rather to clothe yourself in the Spirit of God. Biblically, this was especially evidenced through things like operating in the supernatural gifts or divine revelation from God. Operating in things that were unquestionably the work of the Holy Spirit confirmed to believers that He loved them and was using them in spite of their sins.

This principle was alluded to several times in the Book of Revelation, like where our Lord told the Laodiceans that they needed to "buy" from Him white garments that would cover over their shame:

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich. And white garments, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. (Revelations 3:17-18)

Unfortunately, the Laodiceans were blessed in material things and not spiritual ones, and as a result they needed to pray for the Holy Spirit to cover them, lest they remain spiritually "naked" and the shame of their sins remain visible to the world and the church. They had no real evidence of being spiritually wealthy other than material wealth, which any carnal man could attain yet still not be close to God. But when God is using you supernaturally, whatever sins you have committed get covered over by the simple fact that His Spirit is using you and rests upon you, and as Paul said, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Friends, family, people in the world may know we have failings and that we have messed up in the past - even we ourselves know and would rather not be reminded - but if the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is vindicating us in spite of them, who is anyone to judge and condemn us? Even our own self-condemnation becomes invalid.

The opposite is also true, however. If the Spirit is NOT present to cover our sins, our nakedness will get exposed sooner or later, for we are all human and all have failings. When the Lord returns for His saints to rapture them away, scripture says that only those who remain clothed in the Holy Spirit will be taken. Why? Because those who quench Him out of their lives and voluntarily walk out from under the covering of the Lord Jesus Christ that was meant to hide their shame will be wide open to the ridicule of the enemy. Unlike those who are clothed in the Spirit by His grace, the spiritually naked will have nothing to protect them against the vitriol and blasphemies coming from the accuser of the brethren and his wrath.

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:15-16)

This same principle applies regarding those who seem to have no great place of recognition in the body of Christ. In speaking of members who were not receiving recognition as leaders, the apostle Paul said that in New Testament times congregations were nevertheless "clothing them with greater honor," and by that he meant that they were praying over them to receive greater gifts. Though they were not apostles, they could still be used of God to speak in tongues during a service. Though they were not a prophet, they could still be used supernaturally to interpret by the same Spirit. This is why Paul said our attitude should never be "I don't need you" towards anyone in the body of Christ. Though they might be "less presentable," every part of the body of Christ could be clothed upon in a greater honor through the riches of being clothed upon in finer spiritual gifts.

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant... there are many members, and yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:1, 21-25)

This is found in the context of an extended teaching on the spiritual gifts, and that we each have different gifts but all are supposed to work together. And in that framework, no one was to be left out. All were to be clothed upon in the Spirit of God that all be honored in some way, and all view each other as having importance in the body of Christ.

As I will demonstrate in Part 2, there are some simple ways to operate in the supernatural that help to clothe the new believer in the Spirit of God. But lest anyone think this is something only the novice Christian needs, think again. Even great spiritual leaders never lose sight of this principle, because although they might walk in great righteousness, the closer we get to God the worse our sins look in comparison to Him. It is what led the apostle Paul to once declare, "Oh wretched man that I am, who will save me from the body of this death?" and cause Isaiah to confess before the presence of God, "I am a man of unclean lips." Yet the closer we get to Him, the more He will clothe us in Himself.

Blessings in Christ,
Vindicator

 

[jswauto]

Being Well Clothed In The Spirit Is What Covers Our Shame, Part 1

View attachment 2261


Ever felt as though you were not good enough? That you were not like some great Christian leader, or you are nowhere near as holy and righteous as some sister in the Lord, and no matter what you do you will never measure up or be as "worthy" of God as they are? Maybe your sins have caused you to have a poor self-image, or you were put down and ridiculed your whole life, and made to feel as though you didn't amount to anything.

The question believers need to ask themselves, however, is "should I be seeking a righteousness of my own, or should I seek to become "clothed" in the Holy Spirit to where my righteousness is of Him instead?" The reality is, we cannot have a holiness in and of ourselves, so whatever the form of shame you might be susceptible to, the answer is not to try becoming sanctified in your own power, but rather to clothe yourself in the Spirit of God. Biblically, this was especially evidenced through things like operating in the supernatural gifts or divine revelation from God. Operating in things that were unquestionably the work of the Holy Spirit confirmed to believers that He loved them and was using them in spite of their sins.

This principle was alluded to several times in the Book of Revelation, like where our Lord told the Laodiceans that they needed to "buy" from Him white garments that would cover over their shame:

17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich. And white garments, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. (Revelations 3:17-18)

Unfortunately, the Laodiceans were blessed in material things and not spiritual ones, and as a result they needed to pray for the Holy Spirit to cover them, lest they remain spiritually "naked" and the shame of their sins remain visible to the world and the church. They had no real evidence of being spiritually wealthy other than material wealth, which any carnal man could attain yet still not be close to God. But when God is using you supernaturally, whatever sins you have committed get covered over by the simple fact that His Spirit is using you and rests upon you, and as Paul said, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" Friends, family, people in the world may know we have failings and that we have messed up in the past - even we ourselves know and would rather not be reminded - but if the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is vindicating us in spite of them, who is anyone to judge and condemn us? Even our own self-condemnation becomes invalid.

The opposite is also true, however. If the Spirit is NOT present to cover our sins, our nakedness will get exposed sooner or later, for we are all human and all have failings. When the Lord returns for His saints to rapture them away, scripture says that only those who remain clothed in the Holy Spirit will be taken. Why? Because those who quench Him out of their lives and voluntarily walk out from under the covering of the Lord Jesus Christ that was meant to hide their shame will be wide open to the ridicule of the enemy. Unlike those who are clothed in the Spirit by His grace, the spiritually naked will have nothing to protect them against the vitriol and blasphemies coming from the accuser of the brethren and his wrath.

15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. (Revelation 16:15-16)

This same principle applies regarding those who seem to have no great place of recognition in the body of Christ. In speaking of members who were not receiving recognition as leaders, the apostle Paul said that in New Testament times congregations were nevertheless "clothing them with greater honor," and by that he meant that they were praying over them to receive greater gifts. Though they were not apostles, they could still be used of God to speak in tongues during a service. Though they were not a prophet, they could still be used supernaturally to interpret by the same Spirit. This is why Paul said our attitude should never be "I don't need you" towards anyone in the body of Christ. Though they might be "less presentable," every part of the body of Christ could be clothed upon in a greater honor through the riches of being clothed upon in finer spiritual gifts.

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant... there are many members, and yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:1, 21-25)

This is found in the context of an extended teaching on the spiritual gifts, and that we each have different gifts but all are supposed to work together. And in that framework, no one was to be left out. All were to be clothed upon in the Spirit of God that all be honored in some way, and all view each other as having importance in the body of Christ.

As I will demonstrate in Part 2, there are some simple ways to operate in the supernatural that help to clothe the new believer in the Spirit of God. But lest anyone think this is something only the novice Christian needs, think again. Even great spiritual leaders never lose sight of this principle, because although they might walk in great righteousness, the closer we get to God the worse our sins look in comparison to Him. It is what led the apostle Paul to once declare, "Oh wretched man that I am, who will save me from the body of this death?" and cause Isaiah to confess before the presence of God, "I am a man of unclean lips." Yet the closer we get to Him, the more He will clothe us in Himself.

Blessings in Christ,
Vindicator

How many times have we seen that great evangelist or leader fall from grace by some despicable act, sexual sins, embezzlement, and many others. Has anyone seen the movie "Facing the Giants" or heard the famous sports announcer describing how that great team has got away from the fundamentals?

When you look at unrepentant sin and other basic Christian fundamentals, it is greatly overlooked when involved in the greater things of God, like the gifts of the Spirit, or even basic church duties in alot of cases.

So what can we do? Focus on Him: Jesus! Make it a daily affair, without delay or diversion. Grab a hold of that Solid Rock, The Lord God Almighty, and never let go!

 

[Vindicator]

So what can we do? Focus on Him: Jesus! Make it a daily affair, without delay or diversion. Grab a hold of that Solid Rock and never let go!

Exactly! And the central teaching of the apostle Paul was Christ in us, our hope of glory, and abiding in Him. The church has no righteousness apart from Christ. and is clothed in righteousness when she is in Him. But one of the problems I see in some Christian circles is in assuming that just because one is saved that he is abiding "in Him," and I don't think it's Biblical. They were constantly urging the churches to abide in Him, which would insinuate they were not yet saved if it was all automatic. But it is NOT actually simply a given in the life of the believer, any more than the baptism in the Holy Spirit is. We must seek His presence through prayer, and worship, and the word, if we would abide in it. It's why Jude wrote, "Dearly beloved, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourself in the love of God." It was am alternate expression for the same thing. We must maintain spiritual practices that invite His presence to truly continue adding "In Him." Doesn't mean we are not saved if we do not. But we have no chance at walking in holiness unless we remain clothed in Him, because all our righteousness are as filthy rags. and we have no true righteousness apart from Him.

Blessings, and thank you for the response!
- H

 

[Lamb]

My pastor brought up an excellent point in his sermon today.

When we're baptized at the font, Jesus reaches out to us through the waters and clothes us in righteousness.

Galatians 3:26-27 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

 

[Vindicator]

Galatians 3:26-27 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

I love the verse!

Before I respond theologically, I'm never a fan of theological contentiousness. I will back off almost immediately unless I think it's between friends. Permission to speak freely, Lamb?

 

[Lamb]

I love the verse!

Before I respond theologically, I'm never a fan of theological contentiousness. I will back off almost immediately unless I think it's between friends. Permission to speak freely, Lamb?

Of course. That's what we're here for

BTW, Lutherans believe that God works in baptism, in case you don't know much about Lutheranism?

 

[Vindicator]

Of course. That's what we're here for

BTW, Lutherans believe that God works in baptism, in case you don't know much about Lutheranism?

I believe God works in baptism aa well, as this was the intention of God from the beginning. I think He laid down the pattern of water baptism immediately followed by Spirit baptism, however, as this is what happened in His own baptism. I do not take the latter as a given for the water baptized. But I can get to that later. Let me touch on the verse you cited as the basis for the discussion.

Galatians 3:26-27 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Ok, there is a clear distinction in theology between two different camps on what a verse like this one would mean. One camp generally says that it means that anyone who has been baptized is automatically "clothed" with Christ, though this is usually a reference to the outpouring such as what Cornelius and his household experienced. The point there is that water baptism was clearly a distinct and separate experience because when the Spirit was poured out upon them they had not actually been baptized in water yet.

The other view holds that they are distinct experiences even to this day, and that the phrase "baptized into Christ" is actually a reference to Spirit baptism rather than water baptism. This is in part because of the phrase itself, but also because of the dependent clause "those who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ." This is the language of spiritual outpourings, just as is the expression "Put on the whole armor of God." These exhortations were not given to the unsaved but the saved, which means it is a separate experience from water baptism.

Please feel free to give me your viewpoint and other verses in support of your position, as I would like to learn more about the Lutheran doctrine on this. I find discussing Christian traditions captivating as I view it as fun getting down to the basis of how they arrived at their doctrines scripturally : )

 

[Lamb]

I believe God works in baptism aa well, as this was the intention of God from the beginning. I think He laid down the pattern of water baptism immediately followed by Spirit baptism, however, as this is what happened in His own baptism. I do not take the latter as a given for the water baptized. But I can get to that later. Let me touch on the verse you cited as the basis for the discussion.


Ok, there is a clear distinction in theology between two different camps on what a verse like this one would mean. One camp generally says that it means that anyone who has been baptized is automatically "clothed" with Christ, though this is usually a reference to the outpouring such as what Cornelius and his household experienced. The point there is that water baptism was clearly a distinct and separate experience because when the Spirit was poured out upon them they had not actually been baptized in water yet.

The other view holds that they are distinct experiences even to this day, and that the phrase "baptized into Christ" is actually a reference to Spirit baptism rather than water baptism. This is in part because of the phrase itself, but also because of the dependent clause "those who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ." This is the language of spiritual outpourings, just as is the expression "Put on the whole armor of God." These exhortations were not given to the unsaved but the saved, which means it is a separate experience from water baptism.

Please feel free to give me your viewpoint and other verses in support of your position, as I would like to learn more about the Lutheran doctrine on this. I find discussing Christian traditions captivating as I view it as fun getting down to the basis of how they arrived at their doctrines scripturally : )

As a Lutheran I hold to the verse that says there is "one baptism" and don't separate water/spirit as other denominations want to do. I don't see that as being scriptural which is why I know that in my baptism, God worked through the waters, washed away my sins, clothed me in Christ and gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit. It's because scripture backs all that up. Just because the Spirit came upon some men before Jesus instituted baptism, doesn't take away from the verses of what baptism (which includes water) does.

It's also why I can safely say that I'm clothed by God, because I cannot baptize myself. Only He can do that, and it's why He wants all to be baptized.

 

[Vindicator]

As a Lutheran I hold to the verse that says there is "one baptism" and don't separate water/spirit as other denominations want to do. I don't see that as being scriptural which is why I know that in my baptism, God worked through the waters, washed away my sins, clothed me in Christ and gave me the gift of the Holy Spirit. It's because scripture backs all that up. Just because the Spirit came upon some men before Jesus instituted baptism, doesn't take away from the verses of what baptism (which includes water) does.

It's also why I can safely say that I'm clothed by God, because I cannot baptize myself. Only He can do that, and it's why He wants all to be baptized.

Ow, LoL. This may take a bit. Ok, let me address things piece by piece.

As a Lutheran I hold to the verse that says there is "one baptism" and don't separate water/spirit as other denominations want to do.

Ok, but now, how do you answer when someone points out that Hebrews talked about baptisms in the plural rather than the singular?

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Just because the Spirit came upon some men before Jesus instituted baptism, doesn't take away from the verses of what baptism (which includes water) does.

This answer confuses me a little. I gave the example of Cornelius which is in Acts. That would be after Jesus instituted baptism, so what are you referring to when you say "instituted"? Are you referring to when the creed was formally written? Not sure I understand you there.

It's also why I can safely say that I'm clothed by God, because I cannot baptize myself. Only He can do that, and it's why He wants all to be baptized.

Well we agree that only God cam clothe. That much is certain. Let me explain why the typical Pentecostal will tell you that "being clothed" is not automatic, however. I know some will say that experience cannot be the basis of what we believe, but I don't think it should be taken completely out of consideration either, and the typical Pentecostal will have experienced being clothed with the Spirit at times and not being clothed at others. For me, I have tangibly numerous times, and so have many others. Jesus sad in one place where the woman touched the hem of His garment to be healed, "For I felt power go out from Me." The Spirit, when the anointing is strong enough, is something you can tangibly feel. So this is how we interpret phrases like that, and what it means "being clothed" in the Spirit.

Not gonna grind on it, but if I can, Lamb, what was your reply to my point that the NT writers were talking to the saved with exhortations to clothe themselves, which would mean it can't be automatic? It's one of the more crucial points in my argument.

 

[Lamb]

Ow, LoL. This may take a bit. Ok, let me address things piece by piece.


Ok, but now, how do you answer when someone points out that Hebrews talked about baptisms in the plural rather than the singular?

1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. (Hebrews 6:1-3)


This answer confuses me a little. I gave the example of Cornelius which is in Acts. That would be after Jesus instituted baptism, so what are you referring to when you say "instituted"? Are you referring to when the creed was formally written? Not sure I understand you there.


Well we agree that only God cam clothe. That much is certain. Let me explain why the typical Pentecostal will tell you that "being clothed" is not automatic, however. I know some will say that experience cannot be the basis of what we believe, but I don't think it should be taken completely out of consideration either, and the typical Pentecostal will have experienced being clothed with the Spirit at times and not being clothed at others. For me, I have tangibly numerous times, and so have many others. Jesus sad in one place where the woman touched the hem of His garment to be healed, "For I felt power go out from Me." The Spirit, when the anointing is strong enough, is something you can tangibly feel. So this is how we interpret phrases like that, and what it means "being clothed" in the Spirit.

Not gonna grind on it, but if I can, Lamb, what was your reply to my point that the NT writers were talking to the saved with exhortations to clothe themselves, which would mean it can't be automatic? It's one of the more crucial points in my argument.

Instead of chopping things bit by bit, since I'm low on time at the moment, I'll address this:

Pentecost was a special time that needed to be done. But that's not what Jesus instituted for all of us, as when He told the disciples to go out and make disciples, baptizing them. They understood that to mean water because they regularly washed furniture and items for their homes as stated in scripture using "baptizo".

Here's what we need to keep in mind when it comes to God and how He has chosen to bless us with gifts, forgiveness, etc.. He uses means. And what I mean by means is that He uses something tangible and attaches promises to it. Those promises are not lies. So when God gave direction for people to look at the staff and not be harmed, that promise was true. The people had faith, trusting in God's word of promise.

When we're told in scripture that in baptism, our sins are washed away, we are clothed in Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, God delights in doing those things for us! God is a giver. He has attached promises to the waters of baptism so that He can give to us those things. Baptism is in no way empty, it contains His promises.

That's why I know that I have the Holy Spirit without having to look at myself. I can look to God's promises and know He hasn't lied. I haven't received a portion of the Spirit, I have received HIM! He doesn't do things halfway

 

[jswauto]

Let us take a moment to get clothed in the Spirit:

I Speak Jesus ​

Song by
Charity Gayle

I just wanna speak the name of Jesus
Over every heart and every mind
'Cause I know there is peace within Your presence
I speak Jesus
I just wanna speak the name of Jesus
'Til every dark addiction starts to break
Declaring there is hope and there is freedom
I speak Jesus
'Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like a fire
I just wanna speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety
To every soul held captive by depression
I speak Jesus
'Cause Your name is power
Your name is healing
Your name is life (yes, it is)
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like the fire
Your name is power
'Cause Your name is power (and we declare it)
Your name is healing (Your name is life)
Your name is life (break every stronghold)
Break every stronghold
Shine through the shadows
Burn like the fire

 

[Vindicator]

When we're told in scripture that in baptism, our sins are washed away, we are clothed in Christ and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, God delights in doing those things for us! God is a giver. He has attached promises to the waters of baptism so that He can give to us those things. Baptism is in no way empty, it contains His promises.

Well this is too beautifully written to pick it apart.

In a more combative context I would wish to take passages one by one to establish points for and against, but I don't see the need here. I do think the Spirit is present at the water baptism of any truly and genuinely converted believer in Christ, so in that we fully agree.

 

[jswauto]

Well this is too beautifully written to pick it apart.

In a more combative context I would wish to take passages one by one to establish points for and against, but I don't see the need here. I do think the Spirit is present at the water baptism of any truly and genuinely converted believer in Christ, so in that we fully agree.

Speaking of Baptism, I posted a story on a faith thread because it was such a great example of basic faith in the Lord and miracle working. Here it is:

The baptism

After I had received the Baptism of the Holy ghost (and I know that I received; for the Lord gave me the
Spirit in just the same way as He gave Him to the disciples at Jerusalem), I sought the mind of the Lord
as to why I was baptized. One day I came home from work and went into the house and my wife asked
me, 'Which way did you come in?" I told her that I had come in at the back door. She said, "There is a
woman upstairs and she has brought an old man of eighty to be prayed for. He is raving up there and a
great crowd is outside the front door, ringing the door-bell and wanting to know what is going on in the
house." The Lord quietly whispered, "This is what I baptized you for."
I carefully opened the door of the room where the man was, desiring to be obedient to what my Lord
would say to me. The man was crying and shouting in distress, "I am lost! I am lost! I have committed
the unpardonable sin. I am lost! I am lost!" My wife said, "Dad, what shall we do?" The Spirit of the
Lord moved me to cry out, "Come out, thou lying spirit." In a moment the evil spirit went, and the Lord
said to me, "This is what I baptized you for."

But I'm not understanding the baptism part completely.

 

[Lamb]

Speaking of Baptism, I posted a story on a faith thread because it was such a great example of basic faith in the Lord and miracle working. Here it is:

The baptism

After I had received the Baptism of the Holy ghost (and I know that I received; for the Lord gave me the
Spirit in just the same way as He gave Him to the disciples at Jerusalem), I sought the mind of the Lord
as to why I was baptized. One day I came home from work and went into the house and my wife asked
me, 'Which way did you come in?" I told her that I had come in at the back door. She said, "There is a
woman upstairs and she has brought an old man of eighty to be prayed for. He is raving up there and a
great crowd is outside the front door, ringing the door-bell and wanting to know what is going on in the
house." The Lord quietly whispered, "This is what I baptized you for."
I carefully opened the door of the room where the man was, desiring to be obedient to what my Lord
would say to me. The man was crying and shouting in distress, "I am lost! I am lost! I have committed
the unpardonable sin. I am lost! I am lost!" My wife said, "Dad, what shall we do?" The Spirit of the
Lord moved me to cry out, "Come out, thou lying spirit." In a moment the evil spirit went, and the Lord
said to me, "This is what I baptized you for."

But I'm not understanding the baptism part completely.

God's baptism will always point to Christ, the cross and the benefits from it.

 

[Vindicator]

The man was crying and shouting in distress, "I am lost! I am lost! I have committed
the unpardonable sin. I am lost! I am lost!" My wife said, "Dad, what shall we do?" The Spirit of the
Lord moved me to cry out, "Come out, thou lying spirit."

I have seen this spirit manifest itself numerous times on some of the forums I've been on. I think the primary purpose is to portray the Lord as unforgiving.

 

[jswauto]

God's baptism will always point to Christ, the cross and the benefits from it.

Great point!

 

[jswauto]

Clothed in the Spirit: A Christian Summary

1. The Struggle of Unworthiness

Many believers wrestle with feelings of inadequacy—comparing themselves to others, haunted by past sins, or shaped by years of rejection. But Scripture doesn’t call us to measure up to others. Instead, it calls us to be clothed in Christ.

“Should I be seeking a righteousness of my own, or should I seek to become clothed in the Holy Spirit?”

2. True Righteousness Is Not Our Own

• Human holiness is insufficient.
• We are called to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ—not to strive in our own strength.
• The Holy Spirit is our covering, our sanctifier, and our evidence of God’s presence.

“All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6)

3. Spiritual Clothing in Revelation

• The Laodiceans were materially rich but spiritually naked (Revelation 3:17–18).
• Jesus counsels them to “buy white garments” to cover their shame—symbolizing the covering of the Holy Spirit.
• Without this covering, shame remains visible; with it, we are vindicated and empowered.

4. Vindication Through the Spirit

• When the Holy Spirit operates through us—via gifts, revelation, or supernatural acts—it confirms God’s grace despite our flaws.
• This is not self-exaltation, but divine affirmation: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

5. The Danger of Spiritual Nakedness

• Without the Spirit’s covering, our weaknesses are exposed.
• Revelation 16:15 warns: “Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
• The rapture will gather only those clothed in the Spirit, not those who have quenched Him.

6. Every Member Clothed with Honor

• 1 Corinthians 12 teaches that all believers—regardless of status—are vital to the Body of Christ.
• Those who seem “less honorable” are to be clothed with greater honor through spiritual gifts.
• No one is unnecessary; all are to be empowered and esteemed.

“God composed the body… that the members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:24–25)

7. The Ongoing Need for Covering

• Even mature leaders need continual covering.
• The closer we draw to God, the more we see our need for His righteousness.
• Like Paul and Isaiah, we confess our unworthiness—but are clothed in His glory.

Clothed in the Spirit

Scenario-Based Gospel Module for New Believers

Core Message:

You don’t have to “measure up” to be used by God. You are not called to earn righteousness—you are called to wear His.

SCENARIO 1: “I’m Not Good Enough”
Common Thought:
“I’ve messed up too much. I’m not like those ‘holy’ Christians. God can’t use someone like me.”
Biblical Truth:
“All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags…” —Isaiah 64:6
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” —Romans 8:1
Insight:
You were never meant to clothe yourself in your own goodness. God offers you His righteousness through the Holy Spirit. You are accepted, not because of your perfection, but because of His presence.

SCENARIO 2: “I Feel Spiritually Naked”
Common Thought:
“I feel exposed. I know I’ve sinned. I don’t feel worthy to stand before God.”
Biblical Truth:
“Buy from Me… white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.” —Revelation 3:18
Insight:
The Holy Spirit is your covering. He doesn’t just forgive—He clothes you. When you walk in the Spirit, your shame is hidden, and your identity is restored.

SCENARIO 3: “I Don’t Have a Big Role”
Common Thought:
“I’m not a pastor or prophet. I don’t have a title. I guess I’m not that important.”
Biblical Truth:
“Those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary… on these we bestow greater honor.” —1 Corinthians 12:22–23
Insight:
God honors every part of His body. You may not have a platform, but you have a purpose. The Spirit gives gifts to all—tongues, prophecy, wisdom, healing—not based on status, but on grace.

SCENARIO 4: “I’m Afraid I’ll Be Exposed”
Common Thought:
“What if people find out who I really am? What if I fail again?”
Biblical Truth:
“Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” —Revelation 16:15
Insight:
Stay clothed in the Spirit. Don’t walk away from His covering. The Spirit doesn’t just protect you from shame—He empowers you to walk in victory.

TAKEAWAY MODULE: How to Stay Clothed in the Spirit

Step	Action	Scripture
1	Receive the Holy Spirit	Acts 2:38
2	Walk in the Spirit daily	Galatians 5:16
3	Ask for spiritual gifts	1 Corinthians 14:1
4	Honor others in the body	1 Corinthians 12:25
5	Stay Watchful for His return	Revelation 16:15

Summary

“You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. God doesn’t wait for you to get it all together—He gives you His Spirit to cover your shame and empower your life. Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned leader, the Holy Spirit is your clothing, your confidence, and your calling. Stay covered. Stay close. Stay ready.”