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Do We Know The Holy Spirit?
Short explanations to 335 Bible texts that speak of the Holy Spirit
Introduction: Who can Reveal the Mystery of the Holy Spirit? Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, With whom did He take counsel, Introduction: Who can Unveil the Mystery of the Holy Spirit? No one can explain the glory and the power of the Holy Spirit, apart from the Spirit of Grace Himself. No one can receive or bestow this sinless Spirit except the one to whom this comforting Spirit of God has revealed Himself. Therefore, we ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help us take hold of the relevant words of the Bible, that we might receive from them the power of His Spirit and the eternal life He offers. At the same time, we ask Him to give grace to the readers of God´s word and to open their eyes, for without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Many Christians honour God the Father and believe on Jesus Christ, the crucified One who was resurrected. At the same time, they are hesitant to approach the Holy Spirit closer, not knowing how to make a beginning with Him. Nevertheless, we confess with all of Christianity the words of the Apostolic Confession of Faith: “I believe in the Holy Spirit!” We should not relinquish this confession merely to the Charismatic movement, but open ourselves to the power of Christ, so that His Spirit might quicken and enlighten us. In this sense, we recommend to everyone who reads from the Word of Life to memorize as much as possible, to ponder the words and keep them in his heart, that the riches of the Holy Spirit and the fullness of God´s power might take form in him. Whoever reads the texts of the Bible will discover that the Holy Spirit is described by different names and titles. We will, however, limit ourselves to the names and titles that most frequently appear. Besides several verses from the Old Testament, we will especially refer to the testimonies of the reality of the Spirit of God in the New Testament, including among others: The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, My Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Spirit (from God), the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Glory, the New and Meek Spirit, the Comforter, along with other names and titles of God´s eternal Spirit. In the concordance to this book we have attached a statistical composite of the verses corresponding to the titles and names of the Spirit of God. We will briefly attempt to shed light on the content and meaning of each verse by showing the intent of the prophets and apostles within the context of each text. In so doing, we must confess that the Holy Spirit does not reveal Himself to the logic of man alone, but much more, when man´s repentance and faith are present. The comments over each verse, designed for our meditative consideration, are intended to lead us to prayer, praise, faith, and love. The Holy Spirit resembles the quiet flowing stream of blessing from the atoning death of Christ, when He reconciled us to the Father. Since then, it is possible for this Spirit to indwell all those who have trusted Him. He is ready and available to be freely received by all men as a gift (Rev. 22:1-4). |