THE HOLY SPIRIT, OUR FRIEND AND HELPER

While on earth, Jesus was the disciples' constant companion and friend. However, Jesus had explained that it was necessary for him to return to heaven so that the Holy Spirit might come. (John 16:7) Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus' presence could be with believers everywhere at all times. He would no longer be limited to a physical body. And his presence would no longer be outward friendship only, but inward spiritual life and power. And what Jesus promised actually happened. Jesus went back to heaven and the Holy Spirit came forth.

A. The Third Person

Though the Holy Spirit is referred to as the third person of the Trinity, the ministry of the Holy Spirit is not "third" in importance or power. The Holy Spirit is first introduced in the very first chapter of the Bible, moving over the waters at creation. (Genesis 1:2) In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit was present with God's people and worked in many wonderful ways. (Numbers 11:25; Judges 6:34; I Samuel 16:13) Jesus promised a special coming of the Spirit of truth that would take place after his return to heaven. (John 14:16, 17) This unique coming is recorded in the second chapter of the Book of Acts. From that day on, the Holy Spirit is present to indwell each believer. (John 14:17)

The Holy Spirit is not just some force or power of God; he is a divine person. He is so closely identified with God that lying to the Holy Spirit is said to be lying to God. (Acts 5:3, 4) He expresses intellect, (Romans 8:27) emotion, (Ephesians 4:30) and will. (I Corinthians 12:11) The Holy Spirit says what he has heard, (John 16:13) teaches, (John 14:26) witnesses, (John 16:14) convicts, (John 16:8) helps, comforts, (John 14:26) intercedes, (Romans 8:26) guides, (Romans 8:14) calls, (Acts 13:2) and can be grieved. (Ephesians 4:30) He can be tested, resisted, insulted, and blasphemed. (Acts 5:3,9; 7:51; Hebrews 10:29; Matthew 12:31) None of these are true of an impersonal force or power.

Symbols of the Spirit

The Bible uses different symbols to illustrate who the Holy Spirit is and the work he does.

B. Works of the Spirit

In the World

The Spirit was active at creation and in the preservation of the world. (Genesis 1:2; Psalms 104:30) He has a role in God's providential guidance. (Isaiah 40:7; 34:16) As mentioned, in the Old Testament era special men were anointed to accomplish special works. He also seems to be active in restraining the full force of evil. (II Thessalonians 2:7)

In Salvation

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8-11) Before the Gospel is preached (though people don't realize it) the Holy Spirit is preparing them to receive the Good News about Jesus. When one responds in repentance and faith, the Holy Spirit gives saving grace that results in new spiritual life. He is the personal guarantee that the heavenly inheritance will one day be ours. (Ephesians 1:13,14) And "the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." (Romans 8:16)

In Sanctification

The Holy Spirit dwells in every believer-however immature. (Romans 8:9) On one hand this is sanctifying grace which sets us apart for a relationship with God. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit's indwelling, helps to gradually transforms us until we are conformed more and more to the likeness of Christ. (II Corinthians 3:18) As we walk in obedience to God, he produces in us the "fruit of the Spirit" which is the beautiful character of Christ blooming in our lives (Galatians 5:22,23) - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

As Our Teacher

The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. (John 16:13) Jesus promised that the Spirit of truth would teach all things and remind us of his words. (John 14:26) First of all, the Spirit inspired the biblical writers to write what they have written. (II Peter 1:21) Through scripture, he teaches us the things of God. He speaks to us through God's Word and to our conscience when we are tempted. He gives discernment in distinguishing right from wrong, truth from error. We can depend on him because he reveals even the deep things of God. (John 16:14; I Corinthians 2:9-16)

C. The Holy Spirit Empowers for Witness

Jesus told his followers about the promised coming of the Holy Spirit, and directed them to wait in Jerusalem until the promise was fulfilled. He said "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) The initial out pouring of the Spirit upon the Church was on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-4) The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:11). It was a powerful coming during which "about three thousand were added to their number..." (Acts 2:41)

This experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit is available and important to all believers. After responding to their question concerning the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter said, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:39) This says that the experience is for every generation. Jesus repeatedly encouraged his disciples to ask for the Spirit, assuring them that the Father would give him. (Luke 11:13; John 14:16, 17)

Evidence of Spirit Baptism

Though people interpret the evidence of being filled with the Spirit differently, the Book of Acts records speaking in tongues as evidence of Spirit filling or Spirit baptism. (Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-6) Evidence that a person is Spirit filled should also be a pattern of obedience to God (Acts 5:32; Ephesians 5:17-21) and a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23) Luke, the author of Acts, also associates boldness as an evidence that the Spirit has come upon a person. (Acts 2:14-41; 4:13, 29-33; 9:27, 28; 18:26)

The Spirit Gives Gifts

The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers for the benefit of the Church. (I Corinthians 12:4-11) These gifts include spiritual ones like: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophesy, distinguishing spirits, different kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues. (I Corinthians 12:8-10) Other more common gifts include such things as serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leading, and showing mercy. (Romans 12:6-8) Yet again Paul lists apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastors, and teachers. (I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11)

The word used for gifts is charismata, from which we get our word charisma, meaning "gifts of grace." The gifts are given by the Spirit for the good of the whole body of Christ. They are not badges of spirituality, but tools for service. The greater gifts are those that benefit more people. (I Corinthians 14:4, 5) We are not to forbid the use of the gifts, (I Corinthians 14:39) but exercise them in love, the most excellent way. (I Corinthians 12:31)

D. Friend and Helper

The Holy Spirit has come to be our special Friend and Helper. In fact this is the name that is prominently given to him - the Paraclete. (John 14:16) The Greek word, Paracletos, literally means "one who is called alongside to help." For years translators have wrestled over how to best translate Paracletos into English. The reason is because the word's meaning varies according to one's need. If we need comfort, the Paraclete is our Comforter. If we need counsel, the Paraclete is our Counselor. If we need advocacy, the Paraclete is our Advocate. If we need exhortation, the Paraclete is our Exhorter. If we need to be strengthened, the Paraclete is our Strengthener. The Paraclete is one called along side to help. He is our Friend, our Advocate, our Comforter, our Counselor, and more!

In the beginning of this chapter we mentioned Jesus' promise to his friends about sending the Holy Spirit. Here I want to emphasize what Jesus said. Jesus told them he would ask the Father and the Father would give them "another Paraclete." The word "another" means "another of the same kind." The Holy Spirit is a wonderful friend and help, the kind that Jesus himself is. Jesus didn't send a lower quality helper; he sent one like himself. Through the Spirit, Jesus himself comes to us. What a friend we have in Jesus through the Holy Spirit!

Previous: So Great Salvation Back to About GOD