How many times did you ask God for the Holy Ghost?

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by jfrog

Yes, there are some people who really do have sin in their lives and don't get the Holy Ghost because of that. I'm all for self examination at anytime!

And that is all I have been saying, really.

However, just because one doesn't receive the Holy Ghost doesn't mean that they must find something wrong when they self examine themselves.

Right!

Self examination should be objective. Pentecostalism doesn't teach it as such.

I know where you are coming from.

Pentecostalism says that if you don't receive the Holy Ghost then there is something wrong with you. Instead it should be: examine yourself to see if there might be something holding you back from the Holy Ghost.

I could not agree more.

The statement of yours I bolded is the most important. For those special cases of people that don't do anything wrong, (you already conceded that they exist by saying you agree in some cases), then how will God fulfill his promise of giving the Holy Spirit to them?

It could be a simple introversion, too. But I always encourage people to keep seeking and believing and not think there is something wrong if they sincerely examine themselves and see nothing wrong. I encourage GOD WILL GIVE HIS SPIRIT! And I do not say nor believe they are lost, though.