WORKS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

“However, when He, the SPIRIT of TRUTH, has come, He will guide you into all truth” – John 16:13a

The Works of the Father and Mission of the Son are intricately tied to the WORKS of the HOLY SPIRIT: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the SPIRIT of TRUTH, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (Jh.16: 12-14).

God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in harmony. The uniqueness of the Spirit in the New Covenant is His Presence, not just with us, but within us. Jesus said: “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another HELPER, that He may abide with you forever, the SPIRIT of TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells WITH you and will be IN you” (Jh.14: 16-17). We’re temples of the Holy Spirit (1Cor.3:16).

The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity. He is not a mere force, but has unique roles in the affairs of all souls, particularly Believers. The Holy Spirit confirmed Ministry of Jesus: “And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Lk.3 :22). Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit, to fulfil all dimensions of His Ministry while physically here on earth (Lk.4: 18-19). The Holy Spirit empowers us to become who God created us to be. Without Him as our Helper, we are powerless; hence, we’re encouraged to ask Him to fill us up regularly (Eph.5:18). When we feel depleted or weak, He is here to replenish us.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, showing that no one in the flesh can attain the righteousness of Jesus. He also reveals the judgment that is coming to those who die without a Saviour: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (v.8). As we repent, confess our sins and receive the gift of Salvation, the Holy Spirit regenerates our dead human spirit to become alive to God’s spiritual realities: “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). When we believe the Gospel and trust Jesus as Lord, we are sealed with the indwelling Spirit (2Tim.1:14).

The Holy Spirit empowers us for Service: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with POWER FROM ON HIGH” (Lk.24:49). Being baptized with the Holy Spirit gives us His Power to Witness (Acts 1:8; 2: 1-4). This blessing is available to all: “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39). The Holy Spirit helps us to live a holy life, to become more like Jesus, and to be directed to do the Father's will.

The Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of Revelation: In the words of Billy Graham, “The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us.”

The Holy Spirit works to enliven and strengthen us (Rom.8:11). He opens doors for us, empowers, guides, and leads us by God’s Word. He engages with us as the still, small voice of comfort when we need it the most. The Holy Spirit will be with us forever; hence, we are confident that God will never leave us or let us down as we follow Him all our days (Jh.14:16-18).