Introduction
The Holy Spirit has always existed, was present before and at creation, has been present on those who believed God, in those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, and will be present at the making of the new heaven and new earth, as described in Revelation twenty-one.
But of course, not everyone believes that.
Years ago, I needed an elective to fill my schedule, so I enrolled in an advanced psychology course. I had always found the human mind to be fascinating, so I thought, “why not?” But after a few weeks I noticed there was no content or discussion regarding the human spirit. So, after class I approached the lecturer. “Professor, I noticed you haven’t mentioned the human spirit.” “Why would I; it doesn’t exist.” “Oh. What about God’s Spirit?” “That’s a myth.” “So…, humans aren’t eternal?” “Nope. That’s religious talk, and all religions are man-made, designed to control civilizations through fear, guilt, restrictions, and certainly war. When you’re dead, you cease to exist.”
I dropped that class faster than a hot potato right out of the oven.
Contrary to that professor, and certainly multitudes of others, God’s Spirit does exist. Not only does He exist; He is active within the spirit and life of every human being who has repented and called on the name of Jesus Christ for salvation. If a person is a True Christian, they trust that Jesus Christ has paid the price for their sin and bridged the chasm between them and God. The Holy Spirit regenerates (quickens) their previously dead spirit to new life. They are at that instant, born again, as Jesus attempted to explain to Nicodemus.
Over and over, Jesus told His disciples that He would be leaving to go to His Father, and they would not be alone; He would send His Spirit to live in them. (See John 14-17). They struggled to understand, and pleaded with Him not to go, but as we see in the book of Acts, they eventually trusted everything He told them. And by being filled with God’s Spirit, they turned the world upside down.
The Bible provides a detailed and multifaceted view of the Holy Spirit, describing His role in the world today, His divine attributes, and His work in the Church as it is being perfected for the return of our Savior Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures present the Holy Spirit as a divine person who plays a central role in the life of the believer. He is God, indwells believers, convicts the world of sin, empowers believers for service, guides and teaches them, produces spiritual fruit, and intercedes for them in prayer. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live holy lives and fulfill God’s purposes.
It is my hope and prayer that followers of Jesus Christ will be encouraged and strengthened; that the lost will be drawn to Jesus; and that lukewarm church-goers will repent, get off the fence, and start living for Jesus with every ounce of strength they have.
Every single person will eventually hear one of two statements from the Lord: (1) “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” Or (2) “Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I never knew you.”
The mission of the Holy Spirit now is to build and refine the Church. To prepare the bride for the Bridegroom. To restrain evil until He is taken out of the way. As followers of Jesus, let’s learn to yield to Him Who lives within us, as we prepare to meet the Lord in the air, and live with Him for all eternity. Let’s be Spirit-filled believers.
May our Lord Jesus Christ be praised and honored and glorified by all that we say, all that we think, and all that we do.
H.K. Holevinsky