Jesus said to His loved ones on earth, “I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth,” (John 14:16, 17).
And again, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you” (John 16:7).
This blessed promise was fulfilled when Jesus had ascended to the right hand of God. As Peter said on the day of Pentecost, “Having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” Acts 2:33. Disciples on earth received the Spirit. He had wrought in men in the ages which had passed, and He will work again in the age to come; but on the day of Pentecost the Comforter came from heaven to earth, henceforth making the body of the believer His temple, and also dwelling in the church. This is a special characteristic of the present interval (Acts 2; 4:31; 10:44, 45; 13:2).
People often speak of the Spirit as if He were merely an influence; but while it is perfectly true that He influences, and that powerfully, the Holy Ghost is a divine person.
John 16:13-15 is exceedingly plain as to this: “Howbeit 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. He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. . .”
He sanctifies (or, sets apart). (1 Peter 1:2). Dwells in believers. (John 14:17).
Joins them to the Lord and each other. (1 Cor. 6:17; 12:13).
Is the anointing. (2 Cor. 1:21).
The seal for the day of redemption. (2 Cor. 1:22).
The earnest of future blessing. (Eph. 1:13, 14).
And also dwells in the house of God. (Eph. 2:22; 1 Cor. 3:16).