The Holy Spirit gives life to those who believe in Christ, and guides the Church on earth. The Holy Spirit is equal to the Father and the Son in every way, being the third person of the Trinity. The Spirit was at work from the beginning (I Pt. 1) and it was the Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus following His baptism (Lk. 3). In the same way, followers of Jesus are indwelt with the Holy Spirit immediately after receiving Him as Savior and Lord. This makes them capable of becoming like Jesus, saying what He said and doing what He did. The Holy Spirit is present at every step on our spiritual journey, calling people to God (inducting), bringing understanding, preserving and protecting in Truth (indwelling) and guiding God's people in mission and ministry (empowering).
Even before the truth is accepted, the Spirit guides people toward salvation (Acts 10). This grace from God is mediated by the Holy Spirit to all people so that all have the opportunity to be saved. Thus, the Holy Spirit causes the Truth to be revealed to people who are outside of Christ so that they might come to know Him. The Spirit then inducts people into the faith. Once they receive Christ, one is guided and taught by the Holy Spirit (Lk. 12, Jn. 16, I Cor. 2, etc.) so their faith can grow and deepen.
The Holy Spirit enters into one's life so that they might be transformed into the image of Christ, becoming more and more like Jesus. Every follower of Jesus experiences the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (Holy Spirit baptism). All are called to “repent and be baptized” so that this indwelling might come (Acts 2) and this indwelling is a gift of God to all who say yes to Jesus. The evidence of this work is in the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5). Therefore, the authenticity a person's conversion to Christ is seen in the work of the Spirit in his/her life. This indwelling of the Spirit is the power to: (1) do good works, (2) follow in obedience and (3) bring unity among all God's people. The Spirit also infills God's people (the Church) to serve the Lord through the manifestation of gifts that build up the Body (Rom. 12, I Cor. 12, Eph. 4). This infilling is for all people too, but may look different in each person and in differing circumstances.
If this is true, then the Holy Spirit is not optional and isn't limited to just the higher class of Christian. In fact, if this is true, the Holy Spirit is present even before we are aware of Him, drawing us to Christ. However, once one received Jesus the Spirit's role changes to become the central, driving force of our life - all of our life.
Christians of different denominations debate this all the time, but is there any other essential thing left out of this description?
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The Role of the Holy Spirit...
ReplyDeleteHe is God's roust-a-bout, He keeps tabs on the righteous, and seeks salvation for the sinners. You're in good hands, with the Holy Spirit. You can trust Him to be in your corner, always. What a consolation.
There is no one in the flock, that escapes the scrutiny of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a godsend to the mortals. All are considered equal under His guide line.
His invitation is all inclusive, shuck the sinful ways, and become a part of the good life, under His guidance. You'll love your new surroundings, without a doubt.