Seattle, October 04, 2005. (97)
THE TRIUNITY REVEALED IN THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT. The baptism of the Spirit is an imperative for every believer today. We desperate need every ability, power and instruction available to us, through the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The virtues, the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit are given for the growth and benefit of His church. The Spirit is He who illuminates the WORD to us making Christ ever so real and personal. The filling of the Spirit is a fulfillment of the promise of the Lord Jesus that He would send another comforter to guide His people into all truth. The one making the promise is the Lord Jesus. These are His words, “I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter.” John 14:16 The Comforter was to be commissioned by the Father and was to be sent in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:26 Immediately the Triunity of the living God is in evidence. It is the Father who has given the Spirit to the believer that they might be instructed in the ways of the Lord. The Spirit is the great teacher and revelator. He makes the Lord Jesus very real to us.
THE COMFORTER. From the very beginning, please note the words of Jesus concerning the visitation of the Spirit. He, the Spirit will “abide with you forever.” John 14:16 It was not to be something that just the early church experienced but His presence was to abide forever. He was to remain and dwell in the church of all ages. Performing in each generation the wonderful and glorious anointing so vital to the well being and growth of the church of the Lord. The Spirit proceeds from the Father. Therefore, He would have the character of the Father and will make known that very being in the life of the person who receives the Spirit. Jesus said that the Spirit would be sent in His name, that is the Lord Jesus Christ. In requesting the presence of the Spirit our petition should be directed to Jesus, who said He would pray to the Father for us. A beautiful act of intercession by the Christ. Jesus referred to the Spirit, as another Comforter. Not the same as Himself, but one like Himself. In this case, not one who would die for the people but one who would make known the one who died for the people. The Holy Spirit will always exalt the Lord Jesus and take those things which pertain unto Him and reveal them to the church. John 16:14 We must also consider that in the references to Him, by the scriptures, the personal pronoun “He” is used. Verifying His being and personality, even His masculinity.