The study we are going to be looking
into here relates to the nature and work
of the Holy Spirit...
As with earlier research, we will utilize
inspired references from the Bible in
an effort to establish the light of truth regarding this topic.
The Scriptures state in Isaiah 8: 20
:
To the law and to the testimony:
if they speak not according to this word,
it is because there is no light in them.
The Bible offers an abundance of evidence
to help people understand that the
Holy Spirit is more than just an impersonal power.
It must be kept in mind however, that
while we are striving to comprehend
all that has, so far, been revealed, we are still studying a Divine mystery;
a subject that has elements which probably will remain hidden from our
understanding until after the second coming of Jesus.
When people think of a personality,
or a person, they think in human terms,
because this is what they are most familiar with; but the Holy Spirit is
not
human... He is Divine; so while we are looking at the parts of His personality
that are familiar to us, we need to remember that beyond that, there is
much
more to know. The Holy Spirit is not bound within a physical, human body,
as we are; and He is not limited in His power, or ability. He also can be
in
more than one place, at one time. He is invisible to our sight, but
nevertheless very real.
One simple example of something that
is real, yet not able to be seen (unless
affected in some way) is the air we breathe. Without pure air we would not
survive for more than 8 - 10 minutes. Although unseen, it is very real,
and
such is the case with the Holy Spirit. We need Him to fill, and work within,
us and to help us develop characters which reflect the image of Jesus, as
preparation is made for eternal life. We need to learn about this subject
so that we will be able to cooperate with God's efforts to save us, and
not
find ourselves fighting against Him.
One day, before too long, the power
of the Holy Spirit is going to poured
out in it's fulness, upon all faithful Christians, to complete God's plan
of
salvation upon the earth.
And it shall come to pass
in the last days, saith God,
I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams:
And on my servants and on my handmaidens
I will pour out in those days of my Spirit;
and they shall prophesy:
And I will shew wonders in heaven above,
and signs in the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
And it shall come to pass, that
whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord
shall be saved.
Acts 2: 17-21, taken from Joel 2:28-32
We are going to have to know more about
the Spirit if His power is to fill us.
Without such help we won't be able to survive the events that are soon to
come
upon the world... so you see, this is a very important subject to understand
well.
It has been one of Satan's greatest
efforts to cloud from human minds the truth
about the Godhead, but there's no need to let this happen. We need the Father,
Jesus (His Son), and the Holy Spirit, to transform and prepare us for eternity,
and there is much yet that remains to be understood.
With the word of God as a valuable resource,
you should become well educated
to impart to others the truth.
One note of caution needs to be included
here... Everyone who has looked into
this particular subject does not share the belief that the Holy Spirit is
the third
Person of the Godhead. There has been great disagreement throughout the
history of Christianity relating to this.
There are a few who believe that He is only an "impersonal" power.
They
sometimes become very agitated or offended over discussions on this point.
If one day, in your missionary work, meet with someone who holds such a
view, I encourage you to let the inspired references of Scripture become
the
source for evidence and authority; and do not argue, or debate, over these
things.
In due time the glory of God will clearly reveal what is only a shadow now.
Study, investigate, pray... and believe...
but please... don't argue !
If, as your studies continue, you discover additional references for this,
or
any, subject presented on Visda Point's website, we would appreciate having
you share them with us, so they can be reviewed, and perhaps included, with
future presentations.
Best wishes in your studies... |