Holy Spirit: What does it mean to be “filled” with Him?
It was over fifty years ago that I first faced the challenge of understanding what this means. Here’s the command I was looking at in the Bible.
Ephesians 5:18
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled [PLEROO = fully influenced] with the Spirit; [Emphasis added]
It is amazing how sometimes the answer to a question or the solution to a problem can be right before our eyes, but we don’t see it. Such was certainly the case with this. But what I was being told was that the means to being “filled” with the Spirit was to keep short accounts on my sins by being faithful to confess them to God to be compliant with this verse—
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [Emphasis added]
I was even told that if I confessed my known sins, my unknown ones would also then be forgiven. Is that true? And where is there Scripture that says that? Should we confess our known sins to get forgiven of them all? It seemed to make sense when I first heard this. We certainly don’t need to be ignoring our sins but are we to see confession of them as the means to our forgiveness of all our sins? Furthermore, is this act of confession the means to this which is called the filling of the Spirit? A pastor I had followed for some years said it was, so who was I as a much younger pastor to question his teaching, let alone say he was wrong? But over a period of time, I began to wonder about this, especially when I would read verses like these—
Ephesians 1:7
7 In whom [speaking of Christ] WE HAVE redemption through his blood [His death], the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [Emphasis added]
Isn’t this verse saying that we already have complete forgiveness of our sins? We even have other verses that tell us the same thing—
Colossians 1:14
14 In whom [speaking of Christ] WE HAVE redemption through his blood [His payment for them all on the cross], even the forgiveness of sins: [Emphasis added]
Are these verses connected to 1 John 1:9? Was it by confessing my sins that I could gain forgiveness? A problem with that is that these verses in Ephesians and Colossians are saying I ALREADY HAVE complete forgiveness of all my sins. Is this to be seen as a contradiction in Scripture? My thinking was that surely this can’t be the case, and it isn’t. There are NO contradictions in the 66 books of the Bible. I fully believe what the Bible says about the accuracy, authority, and purpose of the Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God [THEOPNEUSTOS = God-breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect [ARTIOS = complete or mature], thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [Emphasis added]
Still another false idea concerning this is that Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14 are talking about positional forgiveness whereas 1 John 1:9 is talking about experiential forgiveness. However, such is only an inadequate attempt to make a false belief acceptable. Such a distinction is nowhere taught in Scripture. It is even a distraction to what Christ accomplished on the cross to make full payment for the sins of everyone in the world.
1 John 2:2
2 And he [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. [Emphasis added]
The apostle Paul also tells us this—
1 Timothy 2:6
6 Who [Jesus Christ] gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [Emphasis added]
Man’s acceptance of that payment is irrelevant to what He accomplished. Even if no one believed it, what Christ accomplished would still be true. He died, making full payment for the sins of all mankind.
But what are we to see as the means to this filling of the Spirit? In the process of trying to get a correct answer to this, I began to see that there are a lot of things in Ephesians that are also discussed in Colossians. There’s clearly some overlap especially when you compare what’s in Ephesians 5 to what’s in Colossians 3. The similarities are many. If you read through them both, you’ll see what I mean. Here’s the example we need to consider when trying to understand exactly what is meant by being filled with the Spirit.
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing [ANECHO = bear with, endure] one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity [AGAPE = impersonal love], which is the bond [SUNDESMOS = used figuratively for that which unifies] of perfectness [TELEIOTES = completeness].
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Then we have this defining phrase for this in verse sixteen—
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Even this first phrase in verse seventeen certainly relates to it—
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. [Emphasis added]
It is here that we find the “filling” of the Spirit defined for us. It is also defined that way earlier in this same epistle.
Colossians 1:9-10
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [Emphasis added]
Being “filled” with the Spirit is the same as “walking” in the Spirit. Just as we often do, sometimes Paul uses different terms or words to say the same thing.
Ephesians 5:17-18
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled [PLEROO = fully influenced] with the Spirit; [Emphasis added]
Don’t we speak of “driving under the influence.” Here in this case, we have “living under the influence.” And how specifically are we able to live under the influence of the Spirit? Answer: By living under the influence of the Word of God as presented in the 66 books of the Bible. In Galatians, instead of speaking of this as the “filling” of the Spirit, Paul calls this “walking” in the Spirit. Just as he tells us to be “filled” with the Spirit in Ephesians, he tells us to “walk” in the Spirit in Galatians. All this is speaking about the exact same thing. We’re being exhorted to cause our decision-making to be in accordance with what we’re taught in the Scriptures. Here are Paul’s words to the Galatians about this.
Galatians 5:15-17
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh [speaking of one’s sinful nature—the flesh].
17 For the flesh [our sinful nature] lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do [with perfect consistency] the things that ye would [choose]. [Emphasis added]
The verb to “do” here in the original Greek text from which this is translated is written in the present tense [meaning this is to be ongoing], the active voice [meaning that as believers we’re to produce this action], and the subjunctive mood [meaning we may or may not always choose to do this, but we should]. Can you identify with that? Do you always follow the Spirit’s leading and that of the Word of God in your decision-making? You might desire to do this, but none of us do this with perfect consistency. None of us! We have something similar stated in Paul’s other writings. In Romans 7 we have the longer version of this where he explains in more detail this same situation in which every believer lives today.
Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law [speaking of God’s teaching] is spiritual: but I am carnal [having a sinful nature], sold under sin [bound with a sin nature I’ll have as long as I’m in this present body].
15 For that which I do I allow [GINOSKO = know or understand] not: for what I would [THELO = wish or desire], that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would [THELO = wish or desire] not, I consent [SUMPHEMI = agree] unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do [KATERGAZOMAI = perform or produce] it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
This is not to say we’re not responsible for the sins we perform, but that it is sin and not the Spirit of God in us that’s producing this.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will [the desire] is present with me; but how to perform that which is good [with ongoing perfect consistency] I find not.
19 For the good that I would [THELO = wish or desire] I do not: but the evil which I would [THELO = wish or desire] not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would [THELO = wish or desire] not, it is no more I [with my new nature] that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law [NOMOS = law or principle], that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after [KATA = according to or with] the inward man:
This is consistent with the principle of Christ [His thinking] being formed in us as mentioned in Galatians 4:19. This develops in us as we grow spiritually through our intake of God’s Word.
23 But I see another law in my members [the various parts of my body], warring against the law of my mind [principles of doctrine that have been learned], and bringing me into captivity [making me a prisoner] to the law of sin which is in my members [the various parts of my body, especially my mind].
24 O wretched [TALAIPOROS = distressed, miserable] man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. [Emphasis added]
This gaining of a new body that’s without sin will occur when we acquire a resurrection body with all the wonderful attributes of Christ’s resurrection body.
Philippians 3:21
21 Who [the Lord Jesus Christ] shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. [Emphasis added]
For the details about this event and this change, please see my article about it—
Resurrection: What will your resurrection body be like?
There have always been some people who foolishly thought they could somehow gain sinless perfection in this life now, but such is not the case for any of us. Even a great man like the apostle Paul was unable to reach such a state. Notice again his words of frustration about this—
Romans 7:24
24 O wretched [TALAIPOROS = distressed, miserable] man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? [Emphasis added]
Galatians 5:17
17 For the flesh [our sinful nature] lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do [with perfect consistency] the things that ye would [choose]. [Emphasis added]
Certainly, reaching such a state is a worthy goal, but not one to be obtained now in this life. In fact, the more we grow spiritually, the more we realize how sinful we really are. As I once read it, the closer one comes to a bright and shining light, the more one becomes aware of one’s need of a bath. That “light” in our case is our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was completely without sin in His life.
God’s grace is truly amazing. None of us will ever deserve salvation and the many blessings that come with it, including that new and perfect body we’ll someday have. We get reminded of this every day by our sinful body. Our knowledge of all this should make us more and more aware of our need to be serving the One who became a Savior for us. It is in that way that we can display our love and appreciation for Him. That’s why we have the apostle Paul making commands like this one—
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God [speaking of the many blessings that are now ours as believers], that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [Emphasis added]
So, if 1 John 1:9 is not about gaining the filling of the Spirit, what is that verse addressing? If we’re to understand that, the first thing we need to realize is that the apostle John was never an apostle to the Gentiles, speaking to us. That’s not to say he didn’t write anything at all that pertains to us, it’s just that for the most part, his message was addressed to Israel. These things must be sorted out. Therefore, we’ve been commanded to do that—
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study [SPOUDAZO = be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [Emphasis added]
This “sorting” is what “rightly dividing” Scripture is all about. For more information about that, please see my article about it. Here is the link to it—
There are also some videos about this.
#185 – What is the 4Us2Us about? Part 1
#186 – What is the 4Us2Us about? Part 2
Therefore, there are things in our Bible that are not addressed to us. For instance, we’re not commanded to offer animal sacrifices, observe the Sabbatical Year, the Year of Jubilee, the Day of Pentecost and MUCH more. Again, this is a major part of why we’re commanded to get our thinking under the influence of the Bible rightly divided. It is because most churches have not done that that we have so many church denominations today. Nearly all of them can quote Scripture to back up their beliefs, but so much of it is not “rightly divided.” They’re quoting things that are not addressed to us. That is especially the case with a verse like 1 John 1:9—
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [Emphasis added]
Probably the first thing we all need to realize is that all our personal sins have already been forgiven. That was taken care of on the cross of Calvary where Jesus Christ died, paying the full penalty for all our sins long before we were saved or even born.
2 Corinthians 5:19-21
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, NOT imputing their trespasses unto them [because they were imputed to Christ when He was on the cross]; and hath committed unto us the word [the message] of reconciliation.
Having been reconciled means we have peace with God about our sins because He no longer holds them against us. Our sins were all held against Christ on the cross where He was judged and paid the full penalty for them.
20 Now then we are ambassadors [personal representatives] for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
This complete reconciliation occurs when we first put our faith in Christ for our salvation. And please do not confuse this with the false teaching of what is often called universal reconciliation. Then next in this passage we see how this complete or what is sometimes called two-way reconciliation was made possible for us—
21 For he [God the Father] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us [having been judged for all our sins on the cross of Calvary], who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. [Emphasis added]
As you can see in this passage it is complete reconciliation and the righteousness of God that we gain at salvation, not forgiveness of sins. Again, we already had forgiveness provided for us at the cross of Christ WHEN He paid the full penalty for them. So, again, it isn’t forgiveness of sins that people need; it’s the righteousness of God and the resultant justification and salvation that’s needed. That all comes by grace through faith in Christ’s work alone. No works of righteousness of any kind on our part are demanded of us to gain that. None at all!
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that [speaking of our salvation] not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Emphasis added]
Now let’s look at the context of 1 John 1:9.
1 John 1:4-10
4 And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
He’s addressing this to the people of Israel in times past and in a future time known as The Tribulation, not to us today even though great joy is available to all of us through our relationship with Him.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
6 If we [again, he’s speaking of himself and the people of Israel] say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we [again, this is a reference to the Israelites] confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
It is very important to realize that the ones who are “we,” “us,” and “our” in this passage is about the people and nation of Israel, not us today.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. [Emphasis added]
You’ll notice that I’ve underlined the people to whom this is addressed. So, again, this isn’t about you and your sins personally, but THE PEOPLE of Israel. THEY, as a nation, had turned against God, having rejected the Messiah He provided for them. And they’re still doing this even NOW. It is rare even for an individual Jew, let alone the nation, to acknowledge that Jesus of Nazareth is their Messiah and their only hope of salvation. The people of Israel today are an unbelieving people. Even though people often mistakenly speak of them as “God’s chosen people,” they’re just as unsaved as any unbeliever because they continue to reject Jesus Christ as their Savior. But they’re told that if they’ll confess their sins of rejection, He’ll forgive them. Question: Doesn’t this sound familiar to what they’ve been told before. Let’s look at one well-known example of that.
2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name [speaking of the people of Israel], shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will FORGIVE their sin, and will heal their land. [Emphasis added]
Again, this promise was given TO ISRAEL and only Israel. Not to America or any other nation! People can take Scripture out of its context and make it say all kinds of things. Also, this promise was not given to any individual regarding their personal sins. It was given as a promise to the nation Israel exclusively. Will Israel ever respond to this appeal with faith? Yes! The words of prophecy tell us it’ll happen in the middle timeframe of the coming seven-year period often called The Tribulation. Prophecy tells us that the people of Israel living then will finally accept Jesus of Nazareth as their promised Messiah. It is then that all Israel of that time will be saved.
Romans 11:26
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer [what is called the second coming of Jesus Christ], and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob [speaking of Israel]: [Emphasis added]
It is after this coming of Jesus Christ that He establishes His promised Millennial Kingdom to rule and reign over the Earth for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:4-6
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands [this first part of this verse is all about Israel in the coming seven-year period known at The Tribulation]; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
This thousand-year period follows this period known as The Tribulation. It is often called the Millennial [thousand-year] reign of Christ.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. [Emphasis added]
A priest is one who represents God serving as a go-between. No believer today is serving in that capacity. Among other things this means believers today are NOT believer priests. OUR Priest is the Lord Jesus Christ and no other. And that’s a subject for another article, a study for another day.
Conclusion—
To be filled with the Spirit simply means to be fully influenced by Him in our decision-making. Probably the verse of Scripture that tells us this most clearly for us today in words easily understood is this one—
Again, Colossians 3:16a
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;… [Emphasis added]
There’s other terminology used in Scripture for this but it fundamentally means the same thing. Verses like 1 John 1:9 have nothing to do with gaining the filling of the Holy Spirt. For some years I was wrong about this myself, thinking it did. But I have an article about this that certainly relates to the subject of being wrong about one’s beliefs—
Spiritual Growth: What are three of the hardest words to utter?
If you’re having trouble accepting what I’ve said about this matter, please read my other article on this website that is quite similar to the one you just read. Here’s the link to it—
Confession: Is this the means to the filling of the Holy Spirit?
Why should we have to go to another book in the Bible, even one written by a different author [John] to find out how to be obedient to a command to be filled with the Spirit given to us by the apostle Paul? Does that make any sense at all? That’s such a violation of the simplest of principles of interpretation, what is called hermeneutics. In this case, it is the apostle Paul who gives the command to be filled with the Spirit as well as the meaning of such, not the apostle John or anyone else. If we’re to have a clear and complete understanding of this, it is the apostle Paul’s input that is most important. Still another article you may want to read about all this is this one—
