Why was the Spirit not yet given according to John 7:39? The Text in Focus “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: Streams of living water will flow from within him.’ He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7:37-39) What “not yet given” Does Not Mean • God’s Spirit was absent from the world—Scripture shows the Spirit active from Genesis 1:2 to the prophets (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:13; Ezekiel 2:2). • Believers of earlier ages had no relationship with the Spirit—He still regenerated and empowered (Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 51:11). What “not yet given” Does Mean • The permanent, indwelling, covenant-sealing ministry promised in the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26-27) had not yet become reality. • The worldwide, church-forming outpouring anticipated by the prophets (Joel 2:28-29) was still future. • The disciples had not yet experienced the Spirit as “another Advocate” who would be “with you forever” (John 14:16-17). Why Jesus Had to Be Glorified First 1. Completion of Redemption – His sacrificial death paid sin’s penalty (Hebrews 9:12). – His resurrection conquered the grave (Romans 4:25). 2. Ascension and Exaltation – Glorification includes enthronement at the Father’s right hand (Acts 2:33-36). – From that place of authority Jesus “received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit” and poured Him out (Acts 2:33). 3. Covenant Ratification – Only after the blood of the covenant was shed could its promised blessings—chiefly the Spirit—be dispensed (Galatians 3:13-14). The Moment the Promise Arrived • John 20:22—A preview: “He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” • Acts 1:4-5—Command to wait for “the promise of the Father.” • Acts 2:1-4—Pentecost: the tangible fulfillment. Key Outcomes of the Post-Glorification Gift • Permanent indwelling for every believer (1 Corinthians 6:19). • Empowerment for witness (Acts 1:8). • Formation of one Spirit-baptized Body, the church (1 Corinthians 12:13). • Ongoing sanctification and guidance (Romans 8:9-14; Galatians 5:16-18). Takeaways for Today • The Spirit’s arrival hinges on Christ’s finished, glorified work—assuring believers that their salvation is secure. • Every follower of Jesus now lives in the age of fulfillment, enjoying what Old Testament saints only anticipated. • The river of “living water” is available to any who will come to Christ and drink—overflowing into a life that refreshes others. |
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