This brief outline on the subject of the Holy Spirit is not the presentation of anything new, but the writer has felt the need of putting before the beloved saints of God the Scriptural teachings on this very important subject. His desire is that it may lead to a careful meditation thereon, through the Scriptures that are referred to constantly throughout. Those who desire a ministry that will give a larger exposition of the subject are referred to the writings of J. N. Darby, Wm. Kelly, and Dr. W. T. P. Wolston.
May the Lord abundantly bless His own Word to all who may read this outline.
- H. E. H.
The Holy Spirit—His Person—His Coming—His Operations
Careful attention to Scripture will show that every work of God has been, and always will be, in Trinity. It is always God the Father, in counsel; Christ the Son, the One who carries out those counsels; and the Spirit, the power by which they are carried out.
He, the Holy Spirit, speaks in John 16:1313Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 16:13), Acts 13:22As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:2), 1 Tim. 4:11Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1), Rev. 14:1313And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:13).
He also dwells in every believer. (1 Cor. 6:1919What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19).) He is the witness to us of all that Christ is, and of what He has done for the glory of God. It is by the Spirit, too, that we are brought into the good of our present place of acceptance in Christ and of the coming glory with Him. He may be grieved by our conduct, but He will never leave us. (Eph. 4:3030And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30), John 14:1616And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16).)
The Spirit of God came upon the Old Testament saints, but He did not indwell them. (2 Chron. 15:11And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: (2 Chronicles 15:1).) This was sometimes true of those who were not of the household of faith, as Balaam and Saul, in the Old Testament, (Num. 24:22And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. (Numbers 24:2), 1 Sam. 10:1010And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. (1 Samuel 10:10)), and of Caiaphas, in the New Testament. (John 11:5151And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; (John 11:51).)‘
Eternal life, now received by faith, is enjoyed by the power of an ungrieved Spirit. (John 7:37-3937In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (John 7:37‑39).)
The Spirit of God will always occupy the mind, and fill the heart with Christ, never self, saving only to judge self. This keeps us humble and happy. Humble because we are so little like Him, and happy because He loves us so much, BORN OF THE SPIRIT
Now every believer has, "life abundantly." (John 10:1010The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10).) This is life in Christ risen (John 20:2222And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (John 20:22)), so that we possess a life over which sin has no dominion, (Rom. 6:1414For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14)), over which death has no claims, (1 Cor. 3:2222Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; (1 Corinthians 3:22)), and over which Satan has no power. (1 John 5:1818We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (1 John 5:18).) This will be manifested at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ as in 1 Thess. 4:15-1715For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑17).
Old Testament saints possessed life by the Spirit, but not what Scripture speaks of as, "life abundantly". The coming and abiding presence of the Spirit has given us the knowledge of sonship, which means conscious relationship, so that we are able to say, "Abba Father". (Gal. 4:66And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6).) Now possessing that life, we have community of thought in oneness of life, through having life in the Son who has revealed the Father. The Spirit testifies of Him and of His work, so that the joyful knowledge of relationship is ours through faith.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit took place on the day of Pentecost when the whole company of those in the upper room received the Holy Spirit. Then the Holy Spirit "filled all the house", (Acts 2:22And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2).), and also filled each one in the house. (verse 4.) "Cloven tongues"
would refer to the purpose of God to make both Jew and Gentile one in Christ, while the fact of their being "as of fire", (figurative of judgment), would tell us that "holiness becometh Thine house, 0 Lord, forever". (Psa. 93:55Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. (Psalm 93:5).) This was made evident in the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira. (Acts 5.) Something similar to this baptism of the Spirit, took place when the Gentiles were publicly received in Acts 10:4444While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10:44), and 11:15. This is what is referred to in 1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13), when Paul was given the revelation of the truth of the Church as the body of Christ.
The Church having been formed, the baptism of the Spirit is not repeated today. Now believers are "added", as each receives the Holy Spirit individually, consequent upon his or her faith in Christ and His work. (Eph. 1:1313In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13).)
It is well to note here that the Spirit is not communicated today by the laying on of hands. Moreover, even in the early church, the Spirit was not always received in this way, (see Acts 10:4444While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 10:44)), but God used this means on special occasions to preserve the Church from national groups independent of each other. It was the fulfilling of John 11:5252And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (John 11:52). This we see when the Samaritans were brought in. (Acts 8:1717Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:17).) Also when Saul of Tarsus was brought in, that he might own the truth that believers in Christ are "one with Him" and identify himself with them. (Acts 9:44And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (Acts 9:4), also verse 28.) We see it again when a few Gentiles who knew only John's baptism were brought in. (Acts 19:1616And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (Acts 19:16).) "There is one body and one Spirit". Precious truth! (Eph. 4:44There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4).)
The Anointing of the Spirit
The anointing of the Spirit is for service. (Luke 4:1818The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18).) The priest in Israel was anointed for service. (Ex. 29.) Anointing was to set apart to, and for, the Lord, whether it be persons, or (as in the worship of Israel) those things used in worship. Now, we who are saved are anointed by the Spirit. (2 Cor. 1:2121Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; (2 Corinthians 1:21), 1 John 2:2727But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27).)
The Sealing of the Spirit
The sealing of the Spirit is to mark out those who believe as belonging to Christ. (2 Cor. 1:2222Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:22).) Thus it is said: "Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His," (Rom. 8:99But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)) for a man is not yet manifestly declared as belonging to Christ until sealed by the Spirit, though a work of God by the Spirit may have begun in His soul. In such a case, God will complete the work He has begun. (Philip-plans 1:6.) Every believer, once sealed, is sealed unto the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:3030And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30).)
Earnest of the Spirit
Filled With the Spirit
We are exhorted to be "filled with the Spirit," (Eph. 5:1818And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18)) for when thus filled we yield to the energy of the Spirit who desires to occupy our minds and fill our hearts with Christ, in the glory of who He is, and in the fullness of His work. His perfect work has glorified God, and made it possible for grace to come out in all the fullness of the purposes of God. To yield thus, we must mortify the deeds of the body, that we may live in the power of the Spirit, and when thus filled, we live unto Christ. (Rom. 8:1313For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13).) This is not an act done once for all, but the practical application of the truth daily. (Luke 9:2323And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (Luke 9:23), 2 Cor. 4:1010Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:10).)
A Spirit-filled man will not be occupied with himself, nor even with the Spirit, but with Christ, the One of whom the Spirit speaks. (John 16:13,1413Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 16:13‑14).) Stephen is a beautiful example of this. (Acts 7:5555But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (Acts 7:55).)
The Gift of the Spirit
Some of the gifts of the Spirit were for "signs", and as such they were to confirm the Word to those who were unbelievers. (Acts 14:1313Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. (Acts 14:13), 1 Cor. 14:2222Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 Corinthians 14:22).) They were not to be used, even when possessed, except for edification. When it was speaking in tongues, a man was to be silent unless some one could interpret what he said, so as to edify the assembly. (1 Cor. 14:27,2827If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. (1 Corinthians 14:27‑28).)
As to the gift of tongues in the above Scripture, there is no promise of its continuance, nor of any other of the "sign gifts". (1 Cor. 12:28-3128And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:28‑31).) Continuance is promised in those gifts that expressed Christ's love to the Church. (Eph. 4:11-1611And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:11‑16).)
The gift of tongues was to signify the unity of all believers of all nations which God formed by the coming of the Spirit. (Acts 2:4-114And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? 8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:4‑11), 1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13).) Since the Church of God has failed so signally in the outward manifestation of this unity, this, along with all the other sign gifts, is gone today. Those who profess to have these gifts may be tested in the light of Scripture. The gift of tongues in Scripture was not unintelligible tongues, but tongues well known and spoken in the world. (Acts 2:88And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (Acts 2:8).) When there was healing done, no one went away disappointed. All were healed. (Acts 5:1616There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (Acts 5:16).) It is well to test those who claim to have the gift of tongues and of healing today, by these Scriptures. (1 Cor. 4:19,2019But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:19‑20).)
Moreover "the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets". The Spirit of God does not force a man to speak at any time, or in any manner, and when one does minister, his ministry is to be the subject of spiritual judgment by his brethren. Moreover, those who speak, are to speak one at a time, otherwise there is confusion. (1 Cor. 14:27-3327If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:27‑33).)
The gifts of the Spirit are not just "sanctified ability" but the positive communication of that which was not formerly possessed, though put in a vessel prepared of God for its use.
The gifts spoken of in 1 Cor. 12 were the various manifestations of the Spirit, set there by God, administered by the Lord, and their operations were by the Spirit. Their use was to be for edification.
(1 Cor. 14.)
When the Church of God became a "great house", then the word in 1. John 4 is this: "Try the spirits whether they are of God". Two things would characterize true ministry by the Spirit: first, there would be the confession of the true Deity and Manhood of Jesus Christ; secondly, there would be subjection to the apostles' doctrine as given in the Word. This is very important. (1 John 4:22Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (1 John 4:2) and 6.)
Appendix
Our enjoyment of that which we have received, depends upon our walk. (Rom. 15:1313Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13), Eph. 4:3030And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30), 1 Cor. 2:1515But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (1 Corinthians 2:15).) Let us walk carefully, prayerfully, subject to the Word, and judging all that would hinder the blessed Spirit of God taking of the things of Christ and showing them to us.
It is important to remember that the Scriptures are inspired by the Spirit of God, (2 Peter 1:2121For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)), and that the Spirit will never lead any one into a path contrary to the Word.
What moved Thee to impart
Thy Spirit from above,
Therewith to fill our heart
With heavenly peace and love?
'Twas love, unbounded love to us,
Moved Thee to Give Thy Spirit Thus.
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