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THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD
_A Treatise on the Holy Spirit in the Light
of a Rational Interpretation of
the Word of Truth_
_By Z. T. SWEENEY_
GOSPEL ADVOCATE COMPANY
Nashville, Tennessee
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION 5
I
THE SPIRIT AND THE OLD TESTAMENT 9
II
THE SPIRIT AND THE NEW TESTAMENT 15
III
THE PERSONALITY AND DIVINITY OF THE
SPIRIT 35
IV
THE SPIRIT AND JOHN THE BAPTIST 43
V
THE SPIRIT AND JESUS 53
VI
THE SPIRIT AND THE APOSTLES 65
VII
THE SPIRIT AND THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH 81
VIII
THE SPIRIT AND THE WORLD 98
IX
THE SPIRIT AND CHRISTIANS 117
X
THE PARTING WORD 141
INTRODUCTION
Christianity is differentiated from all the other religions by the fact
that it offers its followers a spiritual dynamic in living up to its
precepts. That dynamic is the Holy Spirit, that sets the word of God on
fire, warms the church from coldness to enthusiasm, and strengthens the
Christian with a power not his own in the great battle between the flesh
and the spirit.
Christianity is unique in making this offer. No other religion has any
equivalent for it. The Holy Spirit is not obtained from the deductions
of logic, the conclusions of philosophy nor from the investigations of
science. All these are as silent as the grave regarding his presence and
potency.
It is solely and distinctly a matter of divine revelation. It is not my
purpose, therefore, to view this subject in the light of philosophic
induction, logical deduction nor scientific investigation, but solely in
the light of God's revelation. I shall gather the teaching of God's word
around several important phases of the nature, mission and work of the
Spirit. I do not speculate upon what God may do through his Spirit; I
put no limit upon the power of the Spirit. He may work in a thousand
ways, for aught I know. I am treating solely of that work of the Spirit
which God has made plain in his revealed word.
For the sake of simplifying the treatment of the subject, I shall use
the words "Spirit" and "Holy Spirit" instead of other terms used in the
Scriptures. The Old Testament has eighty-eight distinct references to
the Holy Spirit. In these references there are eighteen names applied.
The New Testament refers to the Spirit two hundred and sixty-four times
and uses thirty-nine names. Five names are common to both Testaments,
which leaves fifty-two different appellatives for the Spirit. Seventeen
appellatives express his relation to God, five his relation to the Son,
five indicate his divine nature, seven describe his own character, while
seventeen are used to indicate his relation to man. He is called the
Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of
Jesus, the Spirit of his Son, of the Lord, of Truth, of Grace, of
Holiness, of Glory, and of Adoption. He is called the Comforter, but
this term never denotes his relation to man in general. It always
describes a special relation to the apostles and their work.
I wish my readers to bring to the perusal of this work the same spirit
of earnestness that I shall put into the task of producing it. We read
in the language of Jesus that "every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven
unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven"
(Matt. 12:31). "And every one who shall speak a word against the Son of
man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the
Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven" (Luke 12:10).
Whatever else these terrible warnings may teach, they undoubtedly teach
that the greatest care should be taken by those who venture to discuss
this subject or investigate such discussion. Let both writer and reader
therefore cast aside any flippancy of spirit, also any preconceptions or
prejudices, and say like young Samuel of old: "Speak, Lord; thy servant
heareth."
The subject may be made plain or simple according to the manner we may
treat it. If we view it in the light of psychological manifestation in
our own hearts, or in the lives of those around us, which are ascribed
to the Spirit, we shall find ourselves wandering in a maze of mystery.
If we follow the word of God, which is the only source of knowledge, we
shall find ourselves walking in a light that shall grow brighter as we
proceed. It is impossible in a book the size of this to treat all the
many passages that refer to the Holy Spirit, but we shall give those
that have important bearing upon the subject.
I
THE SPIRIT AND THE OLD TESTAMENT
The Old Testament does not give the same prominence to the Holy Spirit
as does the New Testament. This is doubtless true because the Old
Testament deals largely with material things, while the New Testament is
primarily and essentially dealing with the spiritual nature and actions
of man. It is, however, referred to in more than half of the books of
the Old Testament, while in sixteen of them there is no specific mention
of the Spirit. It is, however, mentioned specifically eighty-eight times
in the Old Testament. It is generally spoken of as the Spirit of God.
The New Testament refers to these passages in such a way as to identify
the Holy Spirit of the New with the Spirit of God of the Old. In Luke
4:18 Jesus says:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
Because he anointed me to preach good
tidings to the poor:
He hath sent me to proclaim release to
the captives,
And recovering of sight to the blind.
To set at liberty them that are bruised,
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
This is directly connected with the "Spirit of the Lord Jehovah" in Isa.
61: 1, 2.
In the second chapter of Acts we have a direct connection with Joel 2.
These are two of many such connections that bind together and identify
the Spirit of the Lord of the Old Testament with the Holy Spirit of the
New. In both Testaments we find God working by his Spirit. The Old
Testament gives three lines of work performed by the Spirit:
1. HIS RELATION TO THE MATERIAL UNIVERSE.
(1) In Gen. 1:2 we are told: "And the Spirit of God moved on the face of
the waters." The word "moved" carries the sense of "hovered" or
"brooded." The previous condition of the world was "waste and void," or
a "formless waste." In some way the Spirit of God fashioned this
formless waste into the multiplicity of contrasts that followed. It
bound together those elements that were homogeneous, and separated the
heterogeneous and so prepared the way for the dividing the light from
the darkness that followed. The mode of the operation we do not know,
but the fact of the operation is clearly revealed.
(2) "By his Spirit the heavens are garnished" (Job 26:13). The
expression could be better translated, "The heavens are made fair," or
beautiful. That is, he set the constellations in their order. He gives
one illustration when he says: "His hand hath pierced the swift
serpent." Reference is here made to the beautiful constellation of
"Serpens," or Draco, of graceful and striking appearance.
(3) God's Spirit made me man; 'twas the Almighty's breath that gave me
life. This higher life that was given to man by an inbreathing of the
Spirit distinguishes man (_homo_) from all other animal species.
2. THE RELATION OF THE SPIRIT TO CREATED MAN.
(1) Gen. 6:3. God tells Noah: "My Spirit shall not strive with man for
ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and
twenty years." Here the work of the Spirit passes from the form of
omnipotence to one of pleading or striving. The Spirit no more impresses
his will upon the material universe, but expresses (rolls it out) to a
rational creature. By the preaching of the faithful Noah the Spirit
plead with the antediluvians to do right and escape the destruction that
was coming upon a corrupt and wicked world. From this time onward the
Spirit comes on men in various ways, qualifying them with supernatural
power for the performance of special duties. (See Num. 11:25; Judg.
3:10; 1 Sam. 18:10; 10:11.)
(2) But we find no case of the Spirit falling on man to cleanse him from
sin, or to confer upon him a special blessing. Later on in the prophets
the Spirit becomes a revealing and inspiring Spirit. (See Isa. 61:1;
Ezek. 2:2; Zech. 7:12; 4:6.) As a result of this revealing power, we
have the great facts of the New Testament set forth in detail. The life,
nature, character and mission of the world's Redeemer stand forth in
beauty and symmetry.
3. THE RELATION OF THE SPIRIT TO THE INDIVIDUAL MAN.
The idea of holiness is not usually associated with the Spirit in the
Old Testament. The term "Holy Spirit" occurs but three times in it.
David prays (Ps. 51:11): "Take not thy holy Spirit from me." Isaiah says
(63:10): "They rebelled and grieved his holy Spirit;" and again (63:11)
he asks: "Where is he that put his holy Spirit in the midst of them?" It
is, however, called "good Spirit" twice (Neh. 9:20; Ps. 143:10).
It is mainly in reference to Messianic days that we find this ethical
and personal relation to the Spirit of God.
These three relations of the Spirit are in perfect harmony with God's
law of progressive development in the world. We find him at first
working upon a chaotic material universe; second, upon society, and,
third, upon the individual character.
The work of the Spirit upon the material universe makes it a fit
dwelling-place for man. His work upon society makes man fit to dwell in
the universe, and his work upon the individual character makes man fit
for a righteous and holy fellowship with similar characters.
II
THE SPIRIT AND THE NEW TESTAMENT
There are two hundred and sixty-four references to the Spirit in the New
Testament. But in many of them there is no allusion to the Holy Spirit.
In many places the expressions "the Spirit," and "the Holy Spirit,"
should be rendered "Spirit" and "holy Spirit," or frequently "a holy
Spirit." The passages in this chapter are arranged in two columns:
Column I contains the passages in which the definite article is to be
found in the Greek. These should always be translated "the Holy Spirit."
Column 2 contains the passages where the definite article is not found
and which may be often--but not always--translated "a holy Spirit." The
use of the article is often governed by other parts of speech. Where the
Spirit sustains a universal relation to mankind, the word is italicized.
MATTHEW
3:16. He saw the Spirit of God 1:18. She was found with child of
descending as a dove, and coming the Holy Spirit.
upon him.
1:20. That which is conceived in
4: 1. Then was Jesus led up of the her is of the Holy Spirit.
Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted of the devil. 3:11. He shall baptize you in the
Holy Spirit, and in fire.
10:20. For it is not ye that
speak, but the Spirit of your 12:28. If I by the Spirit of God
Father that speaketh in you. cast out demons.
12:18. I will put my Spirit upon 22:43. How then doth David in the
him. Spirit call him Lord.
12:31. The blasphemy against the
Spirit shall not be forgiven.
12:32. Whosoever shall speak
against the Holy Spirit, it shall
not be forgiven him.
28:19. Baptizing them into the
name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
MARK
1:10. Coming up out of the water,
he saw ... the Spirit as a
dove descending upon him.
1:8 He shall baptize you in the
Holy Spirit dove descending upon
him.
1:12. Straightway the Spirit
driveth him forth into the
wilderness.
3:29. Whosoever shall blaspheme
against the Holy Spirit hath never
forgiveness.
12:36. David himself said in the
Holy Spirit.
13:11. It is not ye that speak,
but the Holy Spirit.
LUKE
2:26. It had been revealed unto 3:16. He shall baptize you in
him by the Holy Spirit. [the] Holy Spirit and in fire.
2:27. He came in the Spirit into 4:18. The Spirit of the Lord is
the temple. upon me.
3:22. The Holy Spirit descended in 10:21. He rejoiced in [the] Holy
a bodily form, as a dove, upon _Spirit_.
him.
11:13. How much more shall your
4:1. Jesus ... was led in the heavenly Father give [the] _Holy
Spirit in the wilderness. Spirit_ to them that ask him?
4:14. Jesus returned in the power 1:15. He shall be filled with
of the Spirit into Galilee. [the] Holy Spirit.
4:1. Jesus, full of the Holy 1:35. [The] Holy Spirit shall come
Spirit, returned from the Jordan. upon thee.
12:10. Unto him that blasphemeth 1:41. Elisabeth was filled with
against the Holy Spirit it shall [the] Holy Spirit.
not be forgiven.
1:67. Zacharias was filled with
12:12. The Holy Spirit shall teach [the] Holy Spirit.
you in that very hour what ye
ought to say. 2:25. There was a man in
Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon;
24:49. Behold, I send forth the ... [the] Holy Spirit was upon
promise of my Father upon you. him.
JOHN.
1:32. I have beheld the Spirit 1:33. The same is he that
descending as a dove out of baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.
heaven; and it abode upon him.
3:5. Except one be born of water
1:33. Upon whomsoever thou shalt and [the] _Spirit_.
see the Spirit descending, and
abiding upon him. 7:39. [The] Spirit was not yet
given.
3:6. That which is born of the
Spirit is spirit. 20:22. He breathed on them, and
saith unto them, Receive ye [the]
3:8. So is every one that is born Holy Spirit.
of the Spirit.
3:34. He giveth not the Spirit by
measure.
6:63. It is the spirit that giveth
life.
7: 39. This spake he of the
Spirit, which they that believed
on him were to receive.
14:16. He shall give you another
Comforter.
14:17. Even the Spirit of truth.
14:26. The Comforter, even the
Holy Spirit, ... he shall teach
you.
15: 26. When the Comforter is
come, ... even the Spirit of truth,
... he shall bear witness of me.
16:7. If I go not away, the
Comforter will not come unto you.
16:8. He, when he is come, will
convict the world in respect of
sin, and of righteousness, and of
judgment.
16:9. Of sin, because they believe
not on me;
16:10. Of righteousness, because I
go to the Father;
16:11. Of judgment, because the
prince of this world hath been
judged.
16:13. When he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he shall guide you
into all the truth: for he shall
not speak from himself; but what
things soever he shall hear, these
shall he speak: and he shall
declare unto you the things that
are to come.
16:14. He shall glorify me: for he
shall take of mine, and shall
declare it unto you.
16:15. He taketh of mine, and
shall declare it unto you.
ACTS
1:4. He charged them ... to wait 1:2. He had given commandment
for the promise of the Father. through [the] Holy Spirit unto the
apostles.
1:8. Ye shall receive power, when
the Holy Spirit is come upon you. 1:5. John indeed baptized with
water; but ye shall be baptized in
1:16. The scripture should be [the] Holy Spirit.
fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit
spake before by the mouth of David 2:4. They were all filled with the
concerning Judas. Holy Spirit, and began to speak
with other tongues, as [the]
2:17. I will pour forth of my Spirit gave them utterances.
Spirit upon all flesh:
4:8. Peter, filled with [the] Holy
2:18. On my servants and on my Spirit, said unto them.
handmaidens in those days will I
pour forth my Spirit. 6: 3. Look ye out ... seven men
... full of [the] _Spirit_.
2:33. Having received of the
Father the promise of the Holy 6:5. Stephen, a man full of ...
Spirit, he hath poured forth this. the Holy _Spirit_.
2:38. Ye shall receive the gift of 7:55. He, being full of [the] Holy
the Holy Spirit. _Spirit_.
4:25. Who by the Holy Spirit, by 8:15. Who ... prayed for them,
the mouth of our father David, ... that they might receive [the] Holy
didst say. Spirit.
4:31. They were all filled with 8:16. For as yet it was fallen
the Holy Spirit, and they spake upon none of them.
the word of God with boldness.
8:17. Then laid they their hands
5:3. Why hath Satan filled thy on them, and they received [the]
heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit.
5:9. How is it that ye have agreed 8:19. Give me also this power,
together to try the Spirit of the that on whomsoever I lay my hands,
Lord? he may receive [the] Holy Spirit.
5:32. We are witnesses of these 8:39. [The] Spirit of the Lord
things; and so is the Holy Spirit. caught away Philip.
6:10. They were not able to 9:17. Jesus ... hath sent me, that
withstand ... the Spirit by which thou mayest ... be filled with
he spake. [the] Holy Spirit.
7:51. Ye do always resist the Holy 10: 38. God anointed him with
Spirit. [the] Holy Spirit and with power.
8:18. When Simon saw that through 11:16. Ye shall be baptized in
the laying on of the apostles' [the] Holy Spirit.
hands the Holy Spirit was given,
11:24. He was a good man, and full
8:20. Thou hast thought to obtain of [the] Holy Spirit.
the gift of God with money.
13:9. Paul, filled with [the] Holy
8:29. The Spirit said unto Philip, Spirit, fastened his eyes on him.
Go near, and join thyself to this
chariot. 13:52. The disciples were filled
with joy and with [the] Holy
9:31. The church ... walking ... Spirit.
in the comfort of the Holy Spirit,
was multiplied. 19:2. Did ye receive [the] Holy
Spirit when ye believed?... We
10:19. The Spirit said unto him, did not so much as hear whether
Behold, three men seek thee. [the] Holy Spirit was given.
10: 20. Go with them.... I have
sent them.
10: 44. The Holy Spirit fell on
all them that heard the word.
10: 45. On the Gentiles also was
poured out the gift of the Holy
Spirit.
10:47. Who have received the Holy
Spirit as well as we?
11:12. The Spirit bade me go with
them.
11:25. As I began to speak, the
Holy Spirit fell on them.
11:28. Agabus ... signified by the
Spirit that there should be a
great famine over all the world.
13:2. The Holy Spirit said,
Separate me Barnabas and Saul.
13:4. They, being sent forth by
the Holy Spirit.
15:8. God ... bare them witness,
giving them the Holy Spirit.
15:28. It seemed good to the Holy
Spirit, and to us.
16:6. Forbidden of the Holy
Spirit, to speak the word in Asia.
16:7. The Spirit of Jesus suffered
them not.
19:6. When Paul had laid his hands
upon them, the Holy Spirit came on
them.
20: 22. I go bound in the spirit
unto Jerusalem.
20: 28. Take heed ... to all the
flock, in which the Holy Spirit
hath made you bishops.
21: 4. These said to Paul through
the Spirit, that he should not set
foot in Jerusalem.
21.11. Thus saith the Holy
Spirit, So shall the Jews at
Jerusalem bind the man that owneth
this girdle.
28: 25. Well spake the Holy Spirit
through Isaiah the prophet.
ROMANS
8:2. The law of the _Spirit_ 1:4. Who was declared to be the
of life in Christ Jesus made me Son of God with power, according
free from the law of sin and of to [the] spirit of holiness.
death.
5:5. The love of God hath been
8: 10. The spirit is life because shed abroad in our hearts through
of righteousness. [the] Holy _Spirit_.
8: 11. If the Spirit of him that 8:4. The ordinance of the law
raised up Jesus from the dead might be fulfilled in us, who walk
dwelleth in you, he ... shall ... after [the] _Spirit_.
give life also to your mortal
bodies through his Spirit. 8:5. They that are after [the]
_Spirit_ the things of [the]
8:16. The _Spirit_ himself _Spirit_.
beareth witness with our spirit.
8:9. Ye are ... in the
8:23. Who have the first-fruits of _Spirit_, if ... [the] Spirit
the Spirit. of God dwelleth in you. But if
any man hath not the _Spirit_
8:20. The Spirit also helpeth our of Christ, he is none of his.
infirmity: ... the Spirit himself
maketh intercession for us. 8:13. If by [the] _Spirit_ ye
put to death the deeds of the
8:27. He ... knoweth what is the body, ye shall live.
mind of the Spirit.
8:14. As many as are led by [the]
9:1. I say the truth ... my _Spirit_ of God, these are
conscience bearing witness with me the sons of God.
in the Holy Spirit.
8:15. Ye received [the]
15:30. I beseech you ... by the _spirit_ of adoption.
love of the Spirit.
14:17. The kingdom of God is ...
righteousness and peace and joy in
[the] Holy _Spirit_.
15:13. That ye may abound in hope,
in the power of [the] Holy
_Spirit_.
15:16. The offering up of the
Gentiles might be made acceptable,
being sanctified by [the] Holy
Spirit.
15:19. In the power of [the] Holy
Spirit.
1 CORINTHIANS
2:10. God revealed them 2:4. My speech and my preaching
through the Spirit; for the were ... in demonstration of
Spirit searcheth all [the] Spirit.
things.
2:13 In words ... which [the]
2:11. The things of God none Spirit teacheth.
knoweth, save the Spirit of
God. 7:40 I think that I also have
[the] spirit of God.
2:12. But we received ... the
spirit which is from God. 12:3 No man speaking in the Spirit
of God saith, Jesus is anathema;
2:14. The natural man and no man can say, Jesus is Lord,
receiveth not the things of but in [the] Holy Spirit.
the Spirit of God.
14:2 In [the] Spirit he speaketh
3:16. Know ye not ... that mysteries.
the Spirit of God dwelleth in
you?
6:11. Ye were justified ... in
the Spirit of our God.
6:19. Your body is a temple of the
Holy Spirit.
12:4. There are diversities of
gifts, but the same Spirit.
12:7. To each one is given the
manifestation of the Spirit to
profit withal.
12:8. To one is given through the
Spirit the word of wisdom; and to
another the word of knowledge,
according to the same Spirit.
12:9. To another faith, in the
same Spirit; and to another gifts
of healings, in the one Spirit.
12:11. All these worketh the one
and the same Spirit, dividing to
each one severally even as he
will.
2 CORINTHIANS
1:22. Who ... gave us the earnest 3:3. Ye are an epistle of Christ,
of the Spirit in our hearts. ... written ... with [the]
_Spirit_ of the living God.
3:6. The letter killeth, but the
spirit giveth life. 3:18. We all ... are transformed
into the same image from glory to
3:8. How shall not rather the glory, even us from the Lord [the]
ministration of the spirit be with Spirit.
glory?
6:6. In kindness, in [the] Holy
4:13. Having the same spirit of _Spirit_, in love unfeigned.
faith.
11:4 If ye receive a different
5:5. Who gave unto us the earnest _spirit_, which ye did not
of the Spirit. receive.
12:18. Walked we not in the same 6:6. In kindness, in [the] Holy
Spirit? _Spirit_, in love unfeigned.
If ye receive a different
13:14. The communion of the Holy _spirit_, which ye did not
Spirit, be with you all, from receive.
glory to glory, even as from the
Lord [the] Spirit.
GALATIANS.
3:2. Received ye the Spirit by the 3:3. Having begun in [the]
works of the law, or by the _Spirit_, are ye now
hearing of faith? perfected in the flesh?
3:5. He ... that supplieth to you 4:29. He that was born after the
the Spirit. flesh persecuted him that was born
after [the] _Spirit_.
3:14. That we might receive the
promise of the _Spirit_ 5:5. We through [the]
through faith. _Spirit_ by faith wait for
the hope of righteousness.
4:6. God sent forth the
_Spirit_ of his Son into our 5:16. Walk by [the] Spirit, and ye
hearts. shall not fulfil the lust of the
flesh.
5:17. The flesh lusteth against
the _Spirit_, and the 5:18. If ye are led by [the]
_Spirit_ against the flesh. _Spirit_, ye are not under
the law.
5:22. The fruit of the
_Spirit_ is love, joy, peace. 5:25. If we live by [the]
_Spirit_, by the
6:8. He that soweth unto the _Spirit_ let us also walk.
_Spirit_ shall of the
_Spirit_ reap eternal life.
EPHESIANS.
1:13. Ye were sealed with the Holy 1:17. That God ... may give unto
Spirit of promise. you a spirit of wisdom and
revelation in the knowledge of
2:18. Through him we both have our him.
access in one Spirit unto the
Father. 2:22. In whom ye also are builded
together for a habitation of God
3:16. That ye may be strengthened in [the] _Spirit_.
with power through his
_Spirit_ in the inward man. 3:5. It hath now been revealed
unto his holy apostles and
4:3. Keep the unity of the prophets in [the] Spirit.
_Spirit_ in the bond of
peace. 5:18. Be filled with [the] Spirit.
4:4. There is one body, and one 6:18. Praying at all seasons in
_Spirit_. [the] _Spirit_.
4:30. Grieve not the Holy Spirit
of God, in whom ye were sealed.
6:17. Take ... the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God.
PHILLIPPIANS.
1:19. The supply of the 2:1. If there is ...any fellowship
_Spirit_ of Jesus Christ. of [the] _Spirit_.
3:3. We are the circumcision, who
worship by [the] _Spirit_ of
God.
COLOSSIANS.
1:8. Who also declared unto us
your love in [the] _Spirit_.
1 THESSALONIANS.
4:8. God, who giveth his Holy 1:5. Our gospel came not unto you
Spirit unto you. in word only, but ...in the Holy
Spirit.
6:19. Quench not the
_Spirit_. 1:6. Having received the word
...with joy of [the] Holy
_Spirit_.
2 THESSALONIANS.
2:13. God chose you ...in
sanctification of [the]
_Spirit_.
1 TIMOTHY.
4:1. The Spirit saith expressly, 3:16. He who was ... justified in
that ... some shall fall away from [the] spirit.
the faith.
4:14. Neglect not the gift that is
in thee.
2 TIMOTHY.
1:7. God gave us not a spirit of
fearfulness; but of power and love
and discipline.
1:14. That good thing ... guard
through [the] Holy Spirit.
TITUS.
3:5. He saved us through the ...
renewing of [the] Holy
_Spirit_.
HEBREWS.
3:7. Wherefore, even as the Holy 2:4. God also bearing witness with
Spirit saith, To-day if ye will them, ... by gifts of [the] Holy
hear his voice. Spirit.
4:3. Even as he hath said. 6:4. Were made partakers of [the]
Holy Spirit.
4:7. He again defineth a certain
day. 9:14. Who through [the] eternal
Spirit offered himself without
9:8. The Holy Spirit this blemish unto God.
signifying.
10:15. The Holy Spirit also
beareth witness to us.
10:29. Hath done despite unto the
_Spirit_ of grace?
JAMES.
4:5. Doth the _Spirit_ which
he made to dwell in us long unto
envying?
1 PETER
1:11. Searching what time ... the 1:2. In sanctification of [the]
Spirit of Christ ... did point _Spirit_.
unto.
1:12. Preached the gospel unto you
3:18. Put to death in the flesh, in [the] Holy Spirit.
but made alive in the spirit.
4:6. Live according to God in
4:14. The Spirit of glory and the [the] spirit.
Spirit of God resteth upon you.
2 PETER
1:21. Men spake from God, being
moved by [the] Holy Spirit.
1 JOHN
2:20. Ye have an anointing from
the Holy One.
2:27. The anointing which ye
received of him abideth in you.
3:24. We know that he abideth in
us by the Spirit which he gave us.
4:2. Hereby know ye the Spirit of
God: Every spirit that confesseth
that Jesus Christ is come in the
flesh is of God.
4:6. By this we know the spirit of
truth, and the spirit of error.
4:13. He hath given us of his
Spirit.
5:7. It is the Spirit that beareth
witness, because the Spirit is the
truth.
5:8. There are three who bear
witness, the Spirit, and the
water, and the blood.
JUDE
19. Having not [the]
_Spirit_.
20. Praying in [the] Holy
_Spirit_.
REVELATION.
1:4. The seven Spirits that are 1:10. I was in [the] _Spirit_
before his throne. on the Lord's day.
2:7. Hear what the Spirit saith to 4:2. Straightway I was in [the]
the churches. _Spirit._
2:17. Hear what the Spirit saith 11:11. The breath of life from God
to the churches. entered into them.
2:29. Hear what the Spirit saith 17:3. He carried me away in [the]
to the churches. _Spirit_ into a wilderness.
3:1. He that hath the seven 21:10. He carried me away in [the]
Spirits of God. _Spirit_ to a mountain.
3:6. Hear what the Spirit saith to
the churches.
3:13. Hear what the Spirit saith
to the churches.
4:5. Seven lamps of fire ... which
are the seven Spirits of God.
5:6. Seven eyes, which are the
seven Spirits of God.
14:13. Yea, saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labors.
22:17. The Spirit and the bride
say, Come,
III
THE PERSONALITY AND DIVINITY OF THE SPIRIT
Two views have been entertained concerning the Holy Spirit: (1) That it
is a divine influence proceeding from the Father, an emanation from or
manifestation of the divine, or a mere impersonal force. (2) That he is
a person and active in all the ways of a personality. That the latter
view is the correct and Scriptural one is evident from the following
considerations:
1. HIS WORKS PROCLAIM PERSONALITY.
(1) _He speaks._ "But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times
some shall fall away from the faith" (1 Tim. 4:1). A speaker is a
person; no influence or principle can speak.
(2) _He testifies._ "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send
unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth
from the Father, he shall bear witness of me" (John 15: 26).
(3) _He teaches and quickens the mind._ "But the Comforter, even the
Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you
all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you"
(John 14:26).
(4) _He guides._ "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye can not
bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall
guide you into all the truth" (John 16: 12, 13).
(5) _He leads and forbids._ "And they went through the region of Phrygia
and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word
in Asia; and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go
into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not" (Acts 16:6,
7).
(6) _He searches._ "But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit:
for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1
Cor. 2:10).
In the above passages the Holy Spirit is said to speak, to testify, to
quicken, to teach, to guide disciples, to lead, to forbid and to search.
All these things unite in showing the Holy Spirit to be a person, for
nothing but a person can do them.
2. HE HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A PERSON.
We will mention a few of them:
(1) _Mind._ "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the _mind
of the Spirit_" (Rom. 8:27).
(2) _Knowledge._ "Even so the things of God none knoweth, save the
Spirit of God" (1 Cor. 2:11).
(3) _Affection._ "Now I beseech you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ,
and by the _love of the Spirit_, that ye strive together with me in your
prayers to God for me" (Rom. 15:30).
(4) _Will._ "But all these worketh the one and the same Spirit, dividing
to each one severally even _as he will_" (1 Cor. 12:11).
(5) _Goodness._ "Thou gavest also thy _good Spirit_ to instruct them"
(Neh. 9:20). Goodness, will, affection, knowledge and mind are all
characteristics of a person. By no stretch of the imagination can they
be ascribed to a mere impersonal influence or principle. These five
characteristics form the fingers in the hand of certainty by which we
grasp the personality of the Holy Spirit.
3. HE SUFFERS SLIGHTS AND INJURIES THAT CAN ONLY BE ASCRIBED TO A
PERSONALITY.
(1) _He can be grieved and vexed._ "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of
God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph. 4:30).
"But they rebelled, and grieved his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned
to be their enemy, and himself fought against them" (Isa. 63:10).
(2) _He can be despited._ "Of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall
he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and
hath counted the blood of the covenant where-with he was sanctified an
unholy thing, and hath _done despite_ unto the Spirit of grace" (Heb.
10:29).
(3) _He can be blasphemed_. "Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and
blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the
Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whosoever shall speak a word against
the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak
against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this
world, nor in that which is to come" (Matt. 12:31, 32).
(4) _He can be resisted_. "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart
and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit" (Acts 7:51).
(5) _He can be lied unto_. "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan
filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the
price of the land?" (Acts 5:3).
A mere principle can not sustain any of the above slights. Nothing but a
personality can be blasphemed, lied to, resisted or grieved.
4. HE IS A DIVINE PERSONALITY. This will be seen from the following
attributes, which are the attributes of God:
(1) _Eternity_. "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through
the _eternal_ Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse
your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:14).
"Jehovah is great in Zion; And he is high above all the peoples" (Ps.
99:2).
(2) _Omniscience_. "But unto us God revealed them through the Spirit:
for the Spirit _searcheth all things_, yea, the deep things of God. For
who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man,
which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit
of God" (1 Cor. 2:10, 11).
(3) _Omnipotence_. "But as for me, I am full of power _by the Spirit_ of
Jehovah, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his
transgression, and to Israel his sin" (Mic. 3:8).
(4) _Omnipresence_. "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither
shall I flee from thy presence?... Even there shall thy hand lead me,
And thy right hand shall hold me" (Ps. 139:7, 10). "Can any hide himself
in secret places so that I shall not see him? saith Jehovah. Do not I
fill heaven and earth? saith Jehovah" (Jer. 23:24).
5. THE WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT MANIFEST DIVINITY.
(1) The work of _creation_. "And the earth was waste and void; and
darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon
the face of the waters" (Gen. 1:2). "By his Spirit the heavens are
garnished; his hand hath pierced the swift serpent" (Job 26:13). "By the
word of Jehovah were the heavens made, And all the host of them by the
breath of his mouth" (Ps. 33:6). "The Spirit of God hath made me, And
the breath of the Almighty giveth me life" (Job 33:4).
(2) The work of _providence_. "Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, they are
created; and thou renewest the face of the ground" (Ps. 104:30).
(3) The work of _regeneration_ and resurrection. "Jesus answered,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). "But if
the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he
that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your
mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you" (Rom. 8:11).
(4) He is the source of the _miraculous._ "But if I by the Spirit of God
cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you" (Matt.
12:28). "To another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of
healing, in the one Spirit; ... but all these worketh the one and the
same Spirit, dividing to each one severally even as he will" (1 Cor.
12:9, 11).
Thus in his works, his characteristics, the things he suffers, his
attributes and his achievements, we have a fivefold cord of testimony
that clearly demonstrates the Spirit's personality and divinity.
IV
THE SPIRIT AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
The first mention of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is in
connection with John the Baptist: "There was in the days of Herod, king
of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abijah: and
he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And
they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and
ordinances of the Lord blameless" (Luke 1:5, 6).
This Zacharias was taking his turn in the temple service, and an angel
appeared unto him and announced that in answer to his prayer his wife
Elisabeth should bear a son whose name should be called John; that he
should be great, and should drink no wine nor strong drink, and (Luke
1:15) "he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's
womb"; and "his father Zacharias was _filled with the Holy Spirit_, and
prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he hath
visited and wrought redemption for his people" (Luke 1:67, 68).
And the child John grew and "waxed strong in spirit, and was in the
deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel" (Luke 1:80). His
private life was spent in the desert solitudes, where he was being
strengthened in spirit for the great work God had prepared for him. This
work had been foretold by the Holy Spirit. It spake through Isaiah the
prophet (40:3), saying: "The voice of one that crieth, Prepare ye in the
wilderness the way of Jehovah; make level in the desert a highway for
our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill
shall be made low; and the rough places a plain: and the glory of
Jehovah shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Again,
Malachi (3:1) says: "Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare
the way before me."
In fulfillment of these predictions of the Spirit came John the Baptist
in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, preaching the
baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Great multitudes
flocked to his preaching and baptism. Among others came Jesus of
Nazareth, and "on the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,
Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world" (John
1:29). "This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man who is become
before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not; but that he should
be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water.
And John bare witness, saying, I have beheld the Spirit descending as a
dove out of heaven; and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he
that sent me to baptize in water, he said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou
shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon him, the same is he
that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit. And I have seen, and have borne
witness that this is the Son of God" (John 1:30-34).
The next mention of the Holy Spirit by John the Baptist is in reference
to the baptism in the Holy Spirit and in fire. In order that the reader
may have a clear understanding of this disputed and difficult subject, I
shall present the testimonies of the four Evangelists in parallel
columns [paragraphs]:
MATT. 3:10-12.
And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree
therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire. I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance: but he that
after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he
shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire: whose fan is in his
hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing-floor; and he will
gather his wheat into the garner, but the chaff he will burn up with
unquenchable fire.
MARK 1:7, 8.
And he preached, saying There cometh after me he that is mightier than
I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
I baptize you in water; but he shall baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
LUKE 3:9, 16, 17.
And even now the axe also lieth at the root of the trees: every tree
therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into
the fire.... John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you
in water; but there cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of
whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose; he shall baptize you in the Holy
Spirit and in fire: whose fan is in his hand, thoroughly to cleanse his
threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff
he will burn up with unquenchable fire.
JOHN 1:33.
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize in water, he said
unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and
abiding upon him, the same is he that baptizeth in the Holy Spirit.
John is preaching to a mixed multitude composed of those who would
accept his teaching and baptism, and of those who would accept neither.
Many the former would become disciples of Jesus and receive the baptism
of the Holy Spirit to qualify them to take up the work of the Master and
carry it on until the church would be established and the gospel fully
revealed to men. The baptism of the Spirit, a purely supernatural thing,
was necessary to qualify them for this work. Others would "reject for
themselves the counsel of God, being not baptized of him." These should
at last "have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and
brimstone." That such a division was meant by John becomes evident if we
examine the context carefully. In the above parallel columns the reader
will observe that Matthew and Luke use the expression "in the Holy
Spirit and in fire." They both use two illustrations to show what is
meant by "in fire." One of the illustrations immediately precedes and
the other immediately follows the expression "in the Holy Spirit and in
fire," seemingly for the specific purpose of guarding against a failure
to understand the expression "in fire." The illustration that precedes
in both instances is: "Therefore every tree that bringeth not forth good
fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire." The illustration that
follows in each instance is: "He will burn up the chaff in unquenchable
fire." With these forcible illustrations to guard the passage, can any
one fail to understand what is meant by the baptism in fire? The reader
will also observe that neither Mark nor John refers to the baptism in
fire, and neither uses any illustration to explain it, because no
illustration is necessary. Where the baptism of fire is used there was
always something destroyed by fire. This interpretation harmonizes with
the universal use of the word "fire" in the New Testament. (1) _In not a
single instance is it used to denote a spiritual blessing conferred upon
the good_. (2) _In not a single instance does it refer to the work of
the Holy Spirit in purifying sinners_. It is connected with judgments,
punishments, fiery indignation, devouring adversaries, consuming, and
even with hell itself; but in no case does it refer to the power of God
in the scheme of redemption to convert and save men.
Neither does the baptism of the Holy Spirit refer to cleansing men from
sin and saving them. _It was not given for that purpose_. This is a
foolish dream born out of the castaway doctrine of the total depravity
of man and his total disability to hear, believe and obey the truth.
Those who claim the baptism of the Holy Spirit to-day claim that it is
the regenerating, converting, purifying power of God. _But the Bible
does not so teach_. In every instance in which the word "purify" is
found in the New Testament it is an act of personal volition--_something
a man must do for himself._ John 11:55: "Now the passover of the Jews
was at hand: and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the
passover, to purify themselves."
Acts 21:24: "These take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges
for them, that they may shave their heads; and all shall know that there
is no truth in the things whereof they have been informed concerning
thee; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law."
Acts 21:26: "Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself
with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of
purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them."
Jas. 4:8: "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your
hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded."
1 Pet. 1:22: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to
the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the
heart fervently."
1 John 3:3: "And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth
himself, even as he is pure."
"Men must cleanse themselves from wrong in thought, word and deed, and
purify their souls in obeying the truth. The Bible teaches that this is
God's way of purifying sinners" (_H.R. Pritchard, "Addresses,"_ p. 323).
From this chapter the reader will obtain the following Scripture facts:
1. The Holy Spirit rested on John the Baptist from his mother's womb.
2. The Holy Spirit filled his father Zacharias so that he prophesied.
3. The Holy Spirit bore witness to Jesus by descending and abiding upon
him, enabling John to identify him.
4. John promised a baptism in the Holy Spirit to some of his auditors
and threatened others with a baptism in fire.
1 Pet. 1:11, 12: "Searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit
of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand
the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. To
whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they
minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through
them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth
from heaven: which things angels desire to look into."
V
THE SPIRIT AND JESUS
The relation sustained by the Holy Spirit to Jesus Christ is a twofold
one. First: He predicted by the holy prophets the great facts in the
life of the coming one. Second: He associated himself with that one
after he came.
1. THE TIME OF HIS COMING WAS CLEARLY FORETOLD. He was to come "in the
last days," or in the end of the Jewish Dispensation. "And it shall come
to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall
be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above
the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it" (Isa. 2:2).
2. HE WAS TO COME WHILE THE SECOND TEMPLE WAS IN EXISTENCE. "Behold, I
send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord,
whom ye seek, will suddenly come _to his temple_; and the messenger of
the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts"
(Mal. 3:1).
3. THE PLACE OF HIS NATIVITY WAS A MATTER OF PROPHECY. "But thou,
Bethlehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of
Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in
Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting" (Mic.
5:2).
4. HIS LINEAGE WAS DECLARED IN THE JEWISH SCRIPTURES.
(1) _He was to be a descendant of Abraham._ "In thee shall all the
families of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). "For verily not of angels
doth he take hold, but he taketh hold of the seed of Abraham" (Heb.
2:16).
(2) _He was to be of the tribe of Judah._ "For it is evident that our
Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing
concerning priests" (Heb. 7:14).
(3) _He was to be of the house of David._ "And it shall come to pass in
that day, that the root of Jesse, which standeth for an ensign of the
peoples, unto him shall the nations seek; and his resting-place shall be
glorious" (Isa. 11:10).
5. HIS CHARACTER WAS MINUTELY DESCRIBED BY THE PROPHETS.
(1) _His wisdom_. "And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the
spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the
spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah" (Isa. 11:2).
(2) _His obedience_. "For I am come down from heaven, not to do mine own
will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38).
(3) _His love of righteousness_. "Thou hast loved righteousness, and
hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the
oil of gladness above thy fellows" (Ps. 45:7).
(4) _His gentleness and tenderness._ "He will not cry, nor lift up his
voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street. A bruised reed will he
not break, and a dimly burning wick will he not quench: he will bring
forth justice in truth" (Isa. 42:2, 3).
(5) _His compassion_. "The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me;
because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;
he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to
the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound"
(Isa. 61:1).
6. HIS BETRAYAL AND TRIAL. As we approach the closing scenes of Christ's
life the prophecies become more minute and remarkable.
(1) _The betrayal_. "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my
hire; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my hire thirty pieces of
silver. And Jehovah said unto me, Cast it unto the potter, the goodly
price that I was prized at by them. And I took the thirty pieces of
silver, and cast them unto the potter, in the house of Jehovah" (Zech.
11:12, 13).
(2) _His demeanor when on trial_. "He was oppressed, yet when he was
afflicted he opened not his mouth; as a lamb that is led to the
slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb, so he
opened not His mouth" (Isa. 53:7).
(3) _When crucified, the soldiers were to part his garments among them
and cast lots for his vesture_. "They part my garments among them, And
upon my vesture do they cast lots" (Ps. 22:18).
(4) _He was to be numbered with the transgressors._ "Therefore will I
divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with
the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered
with the transgressors; yet he bare the sin of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors" (Isa. 53:12).
(5) _He was to perish amid cruel mockings._ "But I am a worm, and no
man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me
laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
Commit thyself unto Jehovah; let him deliver him: let him rescue him,
seeing he delighted in him" (Ps. 22:6-8).
7. HIS RESURRECTION AND CORONATION.