“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
(John 14:26)
Perhaps the most often overlooked person of the Godhead is the Holy Spirit. And yet, Scripture makes is very clear that the Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity. He is referenced as being one with God the Father and God the Son (Matt. 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14, John 14:16-17, 1 John 5:7-8, 1 Peter 1:1-2). Further, some of the names for the Holy Spirit in Scripture are used interchangeably for God the Father and God the Son. He is called Yahweh, (Isa. 6:9 with Acts 28:25-26; Exod. 17:1,7 with Ps. 95:7-8; Heb. 3:7, 9; 4:3, 7, 8; likewise Lev. 16:2 with Heb. 9:7-8; Jer. 31:31 with Heb. 10:15-16). He is called God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 3:16-17 with 6:19), and He is called Lord (2 Cor. 3:17).
In addition, the Spirit is as essential in the work of redemption as the Father and the Son. God the Father in His infinite wisdom designed the plan of redemption before He even created the world. God the Son accomplished the work of redemption, according to God’s perfect plan, by His death and resurrection. And God the Spirit is continually applying and completing that work individually in the heart of each person God has chosen to be in His family.
After accomplishing the conversion of a sinner to Christ (John 3:5-8), the Spirit is charged with the ministry of our sanctification (Rom. 15:15) and the strengthening of our faith (Eph. 3:16). He also comforts and preserves those who belong to God and abides with them forever (Gal. 4:6-7; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; John 14:26; Eph. 4:30).
But perhaps one of the most significant ministries of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is that of opening our spiritual eyes to the truth of God (Eph. 1:17). The Word of God shines forth in the heart of the believer like the sunrise covers the earth with warmth and light. But without the illumination of the Spirit of God, our Helper, we are wholly incapable of understanding the mysteries of God found in His Word. The Spirit heals our spiritual blindness and restores sight for spiritual truth (John 14:26) that allows us to grow in the knowledge of God as we should.
John Calvin said the Spirit “either gives eyes or opens them, because, whatever is not illuminated by his Spirit is wholly darkness. The Apostles had been duly and amply instructed by the best of teachers. Still, as they needed the Spirit of truth to complete their education in the very doctrine which they had previously heard, so, they were ordered to wait for him (John 14:26).”
Do you recognize the work of the Spirit, your Helper, in your day-to-day walk with God?
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
- O Lord, by Your Holy Spirit bring Your Word to my mind and strengthen my faith to trust in You. Comfort me under pressure, and direct me in difficulties. Help me focus my thoughts on Christ and His words for life and godliness. Shine Your light on my heart and open my eyes that I too might see wonderous things out of your law.
- How may I cultivate a sensitivity to Your Spirit, Lord? Remind me continually of His work to sanctify me and build my faith in You and Your Word.
- Father, in Your Word I find direction, hope and strength. Impress Your truth on my heart, Lord. Send Your Spirit in great measure to me, that I might have a heart to follow You all the days of my life. Help me believe and embrace Your truth, that I may be guided by it. Help me by Your Spirit to have a discerning mind and heart, that I might see and adore Christ through the Word and His directives for my life.
Further References for John 14:26
John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7, 13; 1 John 2:20, 2:27; Acts 2:33; Neh. 9:20
