Since the first of the year we have been considering the work of the Holy Spirit (if you haven’t noticed then you haven’t been reading). However, I wanted to conclude this series for now. Later on hopefully we will continue this study. However, before we finish up I would like to say that I feel it is unfortunate that there is often controversy surrounding the Holy Spirit.
A study of the Holy Spirit is a subject that cannot be overlooked. He was involved in the creation (Genesis 1:1-2), in the early church (Acts 2), and in the process of salvation (Romans 8). The Holy Spirit was needed in order for the disciples ministry to be complete. This is why Jesus was planning on sending Him to them (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit was being sent to help them remember and also to teach them. This promise to send the Holy Spirit was also a promise that said He would stay with Christians forever.
In the time of the apostles the Holy Spirit came in a miraculous way. The apostle Paul tells us that after those days the miraculous power of the Sprit would pass away (I Corinthians 13). However, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was promised as a Comforter that would never leave God’s people (John 14) and He is given at baptism (Acts 2:38).
We need to learn how the Spirit of God works today. To get a real understanding of how the Holy Spirit works, it is essential to consider the Scriptures. There are many scriptures in the New Testament that teach about the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16-17, I Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 8:9-13, Ephesians 4:30, I Thessalonians 4:8).
The Holy Spirit has some of the same divine personality traits as the Father: (1) He is eternal (Hebrew 9:14), (2) He is omniscient (I Corinthians 2:10-11), (3) He is omnipotent (Micah 3:8), (4) He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7).
The Holy Spirit bears at last 13 different names and titles. My favorite include the “dove” indicating purity, peace, and modesty (Psalm 56:6, John 1:32), “water” which indicates life and cleansing (Isaiah 43:3, John 7:37-39), “oil” which represents light, healing, and anointing for service (Luke 4:18, Acts. 10:38), a “seal” which shows ownership, a completed transaction, identification marker, security, value, and authority (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30, II Corinthians 1:22), “wind” to demonstrate unseen power (John 3:8, Acts 2:1-2), and “fire” to show presence, approval, protection, purifying, gift, and judgment (Exodus 3:2, 13:21, Leviticus 9:24, Isaiah 6:1-8, Acts 2:3, Hebrews 12:29).
There are so many other things we have not considered in this series. The Holy Spirit allows us to worship God in Spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The Holy Spirit makes our prayers possible and meaningful (Romans 8:26). And He empowers us for service (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 2:10). I feel this study has been a very profitable one for me. However, no matter my opinion on these things, we should all study the Scriptures without preconditions or presuppositions. We need to open our ears, eyes, and mind to God’s Word. The Lord simply said, "I am who I am" (Exodus 3:14). Period. He will reveal Himself to us.
I am confident that we could spend the next six months covering this subject and only scratch the surface. I want to encourage you to open your Bible and explore a fruitful study of God’s Holy Spirit. Start in Genesis and let your study carry you into the book of Revelation. It may be your most rewarding study. May God bless you as you study His word! May His Holy Spirit refresh you! God is good! Have a great week!
You are loved.
Dr. Ray Reynolds
#HolySpirit #Christianity #Scripture #onpoint