Rediscovering the Holy Spirit

Scripture: Hebrews 9:14 (KJV)

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God...”

Personal Reflection

The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, a religious feeling, or an emotional experience. He is the eternal Spirit of God—the third Person of the Trinity, equal in divine essence, majesty, and power with the Father and the Son.We are called to rediscover this biblical truth because confusion concerning the Holy Spirit inevitably produces confusion concerning salvation and the Christian life.

We must therefore guard against reducing the Holy Spirit to something we merely “feel.” He is Almighty God. He was present at creation. He executes divine judgment. He regenerates sinners, indwells believers, produces holiness, and glorifies Jesus Christ.

This truth should radically affect our worship. We should reverence the Holy Spirit, obey the Word He inspired, and never casually attribute foolishness or fleshly emotionalism to His work.

The Puritans understood that genuine Christianity requires the inward work of the Spirit. Doctrine without the Spirit becomes mere intellectualism; claims of spiritual experience without biblical truth become dangerous enthusiasm. We need both the Word and the Spirit.

When you think about the Holy Spirit today, think not first of gifts, manifestations, or experiences. Think of God Himself dwelling within His people, applying the redemption purchased by Christ and transforming sinners into saints.

Contemplation

Do I reverence the Holy Spirit as Almighty God, or have I sometimes thought of Him merely as an influence or experience?

Puritan Quote

John Owen wrote:

“The Holy Ghost is the immediate author of all grace in us.”

Prayer

Holy Spirit, forgive me for every inadequate thought I have entertained concerning Your majesty. Teach me to reverence You as God and submit myself to Your sanctifying work through the Word. Glorify Christ in me. Amen.

Application

Read John 14–16 and note everything Jesus teaches concerning the Person and ministry of the Holy Spirit.