Holy Spirit And Redemption

Holy Spirit And Redemption:

Christians are instructed to read and hear Scriptures,

Revelation 1:3, “Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy.”

2 Timothy 2:15, “Study (be diligent) to show (to present) thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (to go the right way) the word of truth.”

We are to be guided, instructed, and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

John 15:26, Jesus said, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things.” God is said to have anointed us, that is, we have an unction from the Holy One.

1 John 2:20, “Ye (Christians) have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One (Jesus Christ), and you know all things.”

The word unction means to be rubbed by oil, or an anointing. It is described as an anointing in gifts and graces. The Holy Spirit imparts these gifts to us. Scripture speaks of Kings and priests as being anointed in this manner. It is emblematic of a divine Spirit descending and abiding upon them.

The effect of this anointing is that Christians’ are instructed to know all things concerning salvation. This anointing will be whatever brings knowledge to us, and therefore teaching. So the anointing is started and finished by the Holy Spirit, whose office is to teach all things, and to guide us into all truths.

These gifts and graces are dispersed throughout the church, and imparted to every living member of it. To those who teach, as well as to those who hear. He enlightens the mind, cleans up our thoughts, develops compassion in us, and moves us to action. Not only to begin, but to continue in the developing of a new and spiritual life.

The expression in 1 John 2:20, “and you know all things,” is not to be understood as concerning all worldly wisdom, but is to be limited to those things that are necessary for man’s salvation.

Every Christian will know theoretically that they not only have an idea of God’s gifts and of His graces in their minds, but also a practical and experimental knowledge, experience, and/or proof of them, which will produce obedience. The suffering and death of Christ, who is here called the “Holy One,” is He who has purchased wonderful gift for us.

So what is a spirit creature? Spirit creatures do not consist of matter, or body. They have a mental capacity, are intelligent, cannot die, cannot be sacrificed, they move as the wind moves, and are not obstructed by space, time, or matter.

Man consists of body, soul, and spirit. The body or fleshly part of man can be stimulated and excited by his desires and emotions. These three things can make us feel either good or bad, driving us to make decisions.

The same can be said for touching, seeing, smelling, experiencing. These things which touch our senses may stimulate us physically, mentally, and emotionally. These varied stimulations will cause us to make decisions which may affect our lives, mold our way of thinking, or can possibly take control of our lives.

The spiritual part of a person can also be motivated to do things through outside influences. If not protected by God, man’s spirit will come under attack by Satan. Satan will introduce to that person through the flesh, any evil that stimulates this usually in opposition to God. This form of stimulation corrupts a person’s spirit, it becoming a stumbling block.

The Holy Spirit is Christ’s gift to the Church. He is referred to as the third person of the Godhead. First let us define who and what the Holy Spirit is. The Holy Spirit is always referred to as He, masculine in gender, singular, third person of the godhead.

1. He is a real and distinct entity.

2. He has a full understanding of the will and works of both the Father and the Son. He is in full agreement with them and in this regard, He is one with them.

3. He is of the same purpose, teaches the same doctrine, His actions and thoughts are those of the both Father and Son. He affects the work of God.

4. He is to be honored, for He is the ambassador of Jesus Christ to the church.

5. He is both a fountain of spiritual blessings and information. To release His power we need to read and understand God’s direction to us, be obedient to it, pray continually, and honor and glorify the Lord. This releases the blessings, teaching and desires needed to gain knowledge with understanding, find peace, and have eternal life later.

6. In the Greek, a masculine article = (Him, He) or epithet like Holy, is connected to His name. This means the word Holy, is joined to the word Spirit, or Ghost. The word Spirit is always in upper case, when referring to Him. (Upper case meaning capitalized). In this way, Bible readers will understand that they are reading about the Holy Spirit.

The Greek word for spirit is, “Pneuma,” and also means breath, breathe, wind, etc. When referring to these things, they are found in lower case, small s = (spirit.) Spirit then would in lower case is neuter gender = (neither male or female).

Acts 2:1-2, “When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they (the apostles) were all with one accord = (purpose, or mind) in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.” This was the Holy Spirit sounding as a mighty wind, giving the words of life to the apostles, and breathing power into them. Through the Holy Spirit, the church began.

Verse 41, “They (the people) that received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them = (the apostles) three thousand souls = (people.)

7. The Holy Spirit has shown Himself to men in many forms. (tongues of fire, a dove, a voice, etc.)

8. As a intercessor (mediator), He has many personal offices and titles in which He functions. He translates our prayers, guides us, comforts us, etc.

9. As the chief executive of these offices, He performs personal acts, such as teaching, guiding, witnessing, etc.

The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the Holy Ghost. The word “Ghost,” is also taken from the same Greek word (Pneuma). He is never referred to as the Holy Ghost in the Old Testament. The word Spirit gives the idea of immateriality, and of having a spiritual nature. This compared to man’s human fleshly nature. He is immortal, and in intimate union with both the Father and Son.

He can, and does communicate with man’s spirit, in this way only, can we have any knowledge of the true and living God.

He is a fountain for blessings, teaching, guidance, gifts, etc. to Christ’s church. He is united to, is of one mind-set with, and of one work with both the Father and Son. In this respect, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are said to be one. Jesus said in,

Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

The Gospel was brought to the Jew first, and to the Gentile nations of the world after. All men are to hear and receive the Gospel message.

Water baptism is not done in order to produce certain effects; or to draw to ourselves the Divine nature of God. It is only meant to be a public announcement of our acceptance of the Christian life. But the baptism of the Holy Spirit will produce certain changes in us, these changes leading us to salvation.

The cults teach, the Holy Spirit is not a person, but a quality or attribute of the Divine Nature of the Father, like the breath of, or an active force coming from the Father. This is a false and very dangerous teaching! The Holy Spirit has an equal partnership in the Godhead.

The idea of the phrase, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” is meant for the calling to, the praying to, the swearing by, and the declaring to, any of the three persons of the Godhead. It also means, by virtue of, for the sake of, on behalf of, in their stead, for their sake, any or all three of the Godhead. So when we say, “in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” it can be concluded that the Holy Spirit shall be, and is considered as one with them. Therefore, we can lay authoritatively for direction to one, or all, being assured of all promises and blessings given by God.

Among the Christian Jews, the controversy was about who is the true Christ.

Among the Christian Gentiles, the controversy was about who is the true God. So there are two questions posed. Who is the true Christ? And who is the true God?

The Christian Jews were Baptize in the name of Jesus, so that Christ would be vindicated to be the true Messiah. Among the Christian Gentiles, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, meant, that the Gentiles may be instructed in the doctrine of the true God. Both are equally important:

1. That Jesus is the accepted as the true Messiah or Christ (anointed of the Father).

John 1:41, Andrew one of Jesus disciples said to his brother Simon Peter, “We have found the Messiah, which is interpreted, the Christ.”

Matthew 1:16, “Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

Mark 8:29, Jesus asked His disciples, “Whom say ye that I am? And Peter answered and said unto Him (Jesus) Thou art the Christ.”

2. Scripture teach that Jesus is the true God, the Creator; this taught and then understood by us, through the Holy Spirit.

A. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God (the Father), and the Word (Jesus) was God (the Creator, Supreme over all things).”

B. Colossians 1:16, “For by Him (Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.”

C. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

D. 1 Timothy 3:16, “…God = (Jesus) was manifest = (appeared, approved) in the flesh.”

E. Revelation 1:8, Jesus said, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, said the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

F. Isaiah 9:6, “Unto us (people of the world) a child is born, unto us a son is given (from the Father) and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

The Old Testament prophets, Jesus, and now the Holy Spirit have, and are still revealing Scriptural truths.

In Matthew 17:5, after the Lord Jesus had been transformed (changed) before His apostles, they heard a voice come from above which said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” The law, and the prophets had been heard by the people until the birth of Jesus. Now they were to give way to Jesus.

He alone was to be attended to as the Way, the Truth, and the Life; He is the Light and life of men. Only through Jesus Christ can we come to the Father. This is the New Testament covenant, the Gospel of Christ.

The Son is fully revealed to us by His Holy Spirit; 

1 Timothy 3:16, King James Version, “God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.”

Jesus power and authority can be seen and understood by his miracles and His doctrines. He alone is born of the Father in heaven. He was the first to be resurrected from death. He was the first to ascend into heaven, and sit at the right hand of the Father. He has inherited all things, given all power, authority, and glorified by the Father. He alone bears the exact Image and Brightness of the Father’s glory. He will return for His church, and He alone will sit in judgment on sinful men.

He is known by the gifts He gives. He is in intimate union, or oneness with both. This can be affirmed in,

John 15:26, Jesus said, “When the Comforter (Holy Spirit) is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth = (Holy Spirit), which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of me: (Jesus”)

The term Comforter signifies not only a comforter, but also an advocate, a defender of the faith, a counselor for Christians and one who can and will free us from Satan’s hold. He will protect us, support us, and mediate for us.

He is called the Comforter because He,

1. Transacts and performs the causes of the will of both Father and Son with us.

2. He explains the nature and importance of the atonement = (restoration).

3. Shows us why the atonement is necessary.

4. Counsels us to receive Jesus atoning sacrifice.

5. Instructs us to understand this atoning sacrifice of the Lord.

6. He defends, justifies, supports, and maintains the Christian claim to it.

7. He is our intercessor with unutterable groanings.

The Holy Spirit is the witness to our adoption, and son-ship. He makes intercession for us. We must fully understand this help and influence which comes from Him. It is not so much about our praying, but of our asking for the right things. Because our spiritual vision is dim, we are to,

2 Corinthians 5:7, “Walk by faith and not by sight.”

8. Also; just as the Lord Jesus attended to, taught, and moved to action his disciples while traveling with them, so also will the Holy Spirit likewise move to action all who believe.

You may not know, or understand what the atonement is, so here is the idea of it.

1. The word atonement in the Greek is a verb, and literally signifies, “to cover.” As a noun, it means a covering.

2. How is this word applied to sin? The Lord is the injured party. Our sin’s are a condition, or a permanent state of separation between mankind and God. Jesus was sent to fix this problem. Only through a sacrifice or offering of Himself could this breach, this broken relationship, be healed. He came as a peace offering, to seek and to save those who are lost, and to save us from the wrath to come.

3. This satisfaction for sin was made, by giving something for our offences to His Father. Jesus gave His life for our freedom. This is how it works.

Example, if someone is taken into slavery, usually a ransom or sum of money is required to free that person. The slave will need someone to love him enough, and willing to give up what they have in order to gain his freedom. When the ransom is paid, the slave is to be set free. Satan’s hands are tied when it comes to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Satan must abide by the law and release that person from his bondage.

Yet many are not willing to accept, because they have fallen in love with their captors. Their choice is to remain, for their desire is toward sin, thus becoming a slave to it. If the desire for freedom is real, they will be given a share of Jesus’s inheritance, and a part in His Kingdom. If not, they will share in God’s judgments.

Through sin, the serpent deceived mankind plundering the thing of God. Adam and Eve sold themselves. Also all future generation have a part in that sin. This until a Redeemer came along. This redeemer fulfilled the qualifications, and the law. His ransom was worthy enough to free us from the devil’s captivity. He showed us the way. All we need to do is believe, repent, and be baptized.

Death and hell are real issues for all. Choose eternal life with God, or eternal damnation with Satan. Death is put for rejection. Rejected from the kingdom of God, this including the idea of physical death as aggravated by eternal condemnation.

Hell refers to the place of punishment, or the world of the dead.

Revelation 20:14-15, “Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

4. As for Jesus atoning sacrifice, it was, and still is a moral transaction and not a commercial one.

A crime may be atoned for, but a debt cannot be. A debt is transferable, but a criminal act is not; Debts may be mere accidents, but crime enters into the area of a person’s nature, and/or moral character. If a debt is assumed and paid for by a third person, the debt is acquitted from further obligation.

But when an atonement is offered by a third person (Jesus) for crimes committed by the first party, = (man,) and the atonement is accepted by the second party,  (the Father) the acquittal of the first party (man) from punishment is an act of grace, even though the criminal = (man) is still personally deserving of punishment. This is our justification before God the Father, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, which is said to be,

Romans 3:24, “freely, by His grace” and,

Ephesians 1:7, “according to the riches of his grace.” This is the meaning of the word, “atonement,” and the teaching which comes only from the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:4-5-6: Verse 4, “Now there are diversities of gifts, (various kinds) but the same Spirit.” In other words all Christian gifts come from one source, that being the Holy Spirit.

Verse 5, “And there are differences of administrations, (God’s government concerning man’s affairs) but the same Lord. (Jesus)

Verse 6, And there are diversities of operations,= (agencies, and the exertion of power) but it is the same God (the Father) which works all in all.”

In the above we find more than a casual reference to the doctrine of the Trinity.

1. Verse 4, Gifts, are attributed to the Holy Spirit.

2. Verse 5, Administrations, to the Lord Jesus.

3. Verse 6, Operations, to the Father.

The apostle here speaks of the glories of the Gospel. So as far as truth essential to our salvation is concerned, the Spirit:

1. Inspires our hearts, thoughts, and our minds, this developing Christian growth.

2. He works by instructing, and then moving our spirit, Thus revealing the councils of God.

3. He interacts with us only as we are capable of understanding God’s councils, and able to act on that which is given to us.

1 Corinthians 2:10-11, “God hath revealed them = His councils) unto us (Christians) by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things = (councils) of God. For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man but the Spirit of God.”

The spirit of a man knows the heart and thoughts of his own mind, that is, he is conscious of his own plans, and purposes. Therefore, no one knows our personal thoughts, and to what purpose, unless we reveal them, because the Spirit of God understands all the council’s and determinations of the Father and Son, He can and will reveal them to us.

He will not speak of Himself, but shall reveal things concerning our Christian faith. Whatever has been spoken in the Scriptures we therefore know as true, so God’s council’s can be understood, trusted, and depended upon. The words of Scripture are alive, always instructing in truths.

The Holy Spirit is a living witness to these truths, for these council’s are a testimony to God, and we Christians are also witnesses to them. Because of these two witnesses, the church, and the Holy Spirit, the world has positive evidence that the Holy Bible is truly the word of God.

Let’s examine some Old and New Testament verses, concerning the Holy Spirit, and how it refers to Him. Lets begin by comparing Isaiah 6: 8-9, with Acts 28: 25-26.

Isaiah 6:8-9. He records the following. “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, (Isaiah) Here am I: send me. And he (the voice of the Lord) said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.”

Compare with, Acts 28:25 and 26. Paul informs us that it was the Holy Spirit that spoke to Isaiah. Here the Holy Spirit is referred to as, “the voice of Lord.”

“And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, well spake the Holy Ghost by E-sa’ias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:” Paul confirms that the Holy Spirit was that voice of the Lord speaking to Isaiah.

Compare Exodus 17:7, with Hebrews 3:7-8-9.

Exodus 17:7, The LORD is speaking to Moses in verses 5-6, and tells him to strike the rock in Horeb and water shall flow from it. Moses did so.

Verse 7, “And he (Moses) called the name of the place = (where he struck the rock) Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding = (contention) of the children of Israel,= (the Jews) and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not? Comp. with Hebrews 3:7-8-9.

Hebrews 3:7-8-9, “Wherefore as the Holy Ghost said, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me (the Lord), proved me, and saw my works forty years.” Hebrews 3, states that it is the Holy Ghost speaking to Moses. The Holy Spirit is her called, “the LORD.”

Jeremiah 31:31-34, “Behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them said the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, said the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, said the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Compare the above with Hebrews 10:15-16-17.

Hebrews 10:15-16-17, “Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, said the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;”

Verse 17, “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” These words are quoted from Jeremiah. Here in the book of Hebrews, we are assured that Jeremiah spoke by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The unpardonable sin:

Matthew 12:31-32, “Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men, and whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man = (Jesus,) it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”

The word “blasphemy” signifies detraction, or slander. It is to blame, or to censure against God, and is to be understood as an aggravated form of sin. So what is the unpardonable sin? It is to ascribe, or credit to the spirit of devils, the miracles of the Lord Jesus, miracles given and done by the power of the Father, through the Holy Spirit. The glorious and wonderful gifts of the Spirit are not to be laid at the feet of Satan.

Some of the wonderful works of the Holy Spirit: Luke 1:27 to 35. Mary the mother of Jesus is given a message by the angel Gabriel. She is told that she has found favor with God, and that she shall conceive a son. In verse 35 we read, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:” This is the miracle working power of the Most High God.

As there is an allusion to the Spirit of God moving or brooding over the face of the waters in Gen.1:2, so also did He brood over the womb of the Virgin. The human nature of Christ being a real creation in the womb of the Virgin, by the power of the Father’s Holy Spirit, as the divine nature (Spiritual nature) of our Lord could not be born in Mary, the human nature (fleshly part) was born in her. Christ’s divine nature had no beginning. He is God, “God manifest in the flesh.”

1 Timothy 3:16, K.J.V. This is the Wonderful and glorious works coming from the Father of Glory.

The Holy Spirit anoints Jesus for his works. Luke 4:18 to 21, Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the LORD. And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And He began to say unto them. This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”

In the above, we read that the Holy Spirit anointed the Lord Jesus. The word anointed is the Greek word, “Chrio.” It means to rub with oil, as in a sacred rite, to consecrate by unction to any office.

3. The Holy Spirit communicates supernatural gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul indicates that, “No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”

When a Christian confesses Jesus as Lord, this is to acknowledge Him as Supreme Lord of the gospel dispensation, and Head over all things to the church, thus, He is Lord over all. Paul also states that there are diversities of operations, administrations, and gifts. The various gifts given to the children of God are, wisdom, knowledge, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues, (Known languages) and to others, the interpretation of languages.

The true Church is described as one body with many parts, and to each part, the Spirit gives a gift. This same Spirit established some in the church, first as apostles, than as prophets, and teachers. Than come the working of miracles, healing, helps, and governments (directors of a church.) Also to some members of the church are given the gift to speak in other languages (tongues) the Gospel of Christ. The gift is to interpret from one language to another language the Gospel, coupled with understanding.

Acts 2, many devout men, from many different nations (Gentiles,) began to hear either in there own language, or dialect, the Good News concerning Jesus Christ. These men were being inspired by the Holy Spirit, through the lips of the apostles, thus the office of communication, or interpretation.

4. The Spirit of God convinces man of sin.

John 16:8, Jesus said, “And when he (the Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”

The Greek word for “reprove” is “elegeho,” it means to shame, to disgrace, to convict. The word reprove is actually not strong enough to express what is truly meant in this verse. To “convict,” or “convince,” is what is intended. The word “convict,” would express the work of the Spirit on the unbelieving, and the word “convince,’ on the believing. We should not restrict it to either meaning, but to both. To those who do not believe on the Lord Jesus, this being the root of unbelief, the Holy Spirit will attach the above truth to their conscience, and then will carry to the utmost extent the sense of all the other sins they are guilty of. This is the conviction of sin to the world.

“Of righteousness:” There is no doubt, it is Christ’s personal righteousness that the Holy Spirit is bringing home to the heart’s of sinners. The evidence of this lies in the fact that Jesus had gone to His Father and was no longer visible to men. Only through the ministry of the Holy Spirit can truths like the following be understood.

Question: is Jesus a liar? Of course not! He was, and is the “Faithful and True Witness,” the Father’s “Righteous Servant;” “His Elect, in whom His (the Father’s) soul delighted.” So the Lord’s departure was a fitting consummation, the magnificent and majestic reward of all that He did here. This is the Father’s seal on Jesus mission, the glorification of the testimony which He bore on earth.

Mission accomplished, the Father now receives His Son into the Sanctuary of His Heavenly throne.

Romans 8:33-34, “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God (the Father) that justifies: Who is he that condemns?” Jesus needs no justification by any man. “It is Christ that died: yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God (the Father.)”

Phillip Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com