Great Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

By Bishop Taiwo Akinola

Introduction:

To duly move forward in destiny, we must study to be part of God’s quintessential move in our generation. The Church of Jesus Christ began with power, purity and purpose, and it must continue so if we are to properly glorify God on earth.

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit refers to the pouring out of His personality, power and virtues to indwell believers, and to create an atmosphere soaked with Holy Ghost fragrance, which is a major requirement for revival in any age.

This sweet outpouring was prophesied in the Old Testament, and fulfilled first at Pentecost after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 2:16–21). Ever since, our world has continually enjoyed its gracious thrills, times and times again.

The prophecy of Joel in Joel 2:28-32 was major in regards to this outpouring, and God also spoke to Israel through prophet Isaiah about it in Isaiah 44:3, where the Holy Spirit was pictured as the “water of life” that saves, heals, sustains, blesses and refreshes a dying people.

These prophesies portrayed a vision of an outpouring that would be available for all people — all flesh. And, this was made possible through the accomplished works of Jesus Christ on the Cross, His death and resurrection, and the eventual coming of the Holy Spirit.

The Great Outpouring & the New Church Age

Indeed, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon humanity ushered in a new era — the Church age — of grace and glory. It was also the inauguration of the New Covenant, which was ratified by Jesus’ blood (Luke 22:20).

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was a rare gift that was given only to a few people, and usually for a season and for a special purpose.

When Saul was anointed king of Israel, the Holy Spirit came upon him, but when God removed him from his kingly office, the Holy Spirit left him (1 Samuel 10:10; 16:14). The Holy Spirit also came upon Othniel (Judges 3:10), Gideon (Judges 6:34), and Samson (Judges 13:25; 14:6). This enabled them to do God’s will and to serve Israel in their various generations.

However, things became remarkably different in the New Testament. For example, at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers in Christ that were there at the Upper Room, and that time, He came to stay with them permanently. This marked a major change in the Holy Spirit’s work and operations.

Before He concluded His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ had foretold that the Holy Spirit would come as a promise from the Father, to “dwell with” and “be in” the disciples (John 14:15-18). He also told them to “tarry” for an “endue-ment” with His power from on high (Luke 24:49). This indwelling of the Spirit is very distinctive to the Church age.

There were notable outpourings of the Holy Spirit throughout the book of Acts on various people groups. We observe at least three of these “outpourings”, to three different groups at three different times. And, all these came with demonstrable signs, to fulfill the Great Commission.

The first was to Jews and proselytes in Jerusalem (Acts 2). The second was to a group of believing Samaritans (Acts 8). And, the third was to a group of believing Gentiles (Acts 10). Quite significantly, Peter was present at all the three instances.

The same Holy Spirit coming upon the Jews, the Samaritans, and the Gentiles in the same manner in the presence of the same apostle kept the early Church truly unified. There was not a “Jewish” Church, a “Samaritan” Church, or a “Roman” Church. Rather, there was only one holy catholic Church with “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). All of these showed that there is no discrimination in Christ. He came to save all people (Galatians 3:28).

Ever since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit makes His permanent abode in every believer in Christ at the moments of salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13). Yes indeed, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is a completed prophecy that ushered in the Gospel era in which all believers are given the Holy Spirit according to the terms of the New Covenant (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Today, the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are God’s children, and brings to our remembrance the Words of Christ (Romans 8:15–17; John 14:26). He is within us to enable us to boldly say yes to God and no to sin.

In-between the Outpouring and the Infilling

The outpouring of the Spirit is different from the individual personal experiences of infilling by the Holy Spirit. The outpouring is the unique coming of the Holy Spirit to earth, but the infilling happens only whenever we fully surrender to God’s control, and are submitted to Him in trust, obedience, and worship (Philippians 2:12–13).

It is possible, therefore, for the believer either to be “filled with the Spirit” or to “quench” the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Wisdom therefore admonishes us to choose to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-21). The infilling of the Spirit comes as a direct result of submission to God, and the quenching is a direct result of rebelling against His Will.

The Holy Spirit is ever present with all believers in Jesus Christ, and He is very active in our world today. Even when we act like naughty children and misbehave, and our fellowship with God and effectiveness for His kingdom suffer, He still shows us mercy in the hope that we will repent and be restored.

The only time He departs is when we commit the unpardonable sin through blasphemy and turn our hearts against Him. And, that is an error with eternal consequences!

Holy Ghost Outpouring & Notable Signs and Wonders

The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is the sign of our salvation being sealed. However, we must keep it in mind that we are saved for signs and wonders, to get other people saved!

With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in a powerful, visible and audible way (Acts 2:2-4). The newly Spirit-filled believers went into the streets of Jerusalem and preached Christ, and immediately, there were several signs and wonders. Three thousand people were saved and baptized that day.

Friends and brethren, that is the great goal of this sweet outpouring of the Holy Spirit today as ever! May we not miss the wonders of the trail, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!

Bishop Taiwo Akinola is the Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church and Towers, Sango Ota, Ogun State.