Topical Bible: the Comforter, Holy Spirit: The: Given: Through Christ's Intercession

Bible > Topical > the Comforter, Holy Spirit

◄ the Comforter, Holy Spirit: The: Given: Through Christ's Intercession ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, is a central figure in Christian theology, particularly in the context of the New Testament. The Holy Spirit is understood as the third person of the Holy Trinity, alongside God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ. The role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and is a fulfillment of His promise to His disciples.

Biblical Foundation

The promise of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter is explicitly mentioned in the Gospel of John. Jesus, in His farewell discourse to His disciples, assures them of the coming of the Holy Spirit. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus states, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you."

This passage highlights the intercessory role of Christ in the giving of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, through His relationship with the Father, requests the sending of the Holy Spirit to His followers. The term "Advocate" (Greek: Parakletos) is often translated as "Comforter," "Helper," or "Counselor," indicating the supportive and guiding role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Role and Function

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, serves multiple functions in the life of a Christian. He is a source of divine comfort, guidance, and truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus further explains, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come."

The Holy Spirit's role is not only to comfort but also to teach and remind believers of the teachings of Christ. John 14:26 states, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you."

Intercession of Christ

The giving of the Holy Spirit is intricately linked to the intercessory work of Christ. After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus continues His ministry by interceding for believers at the right hand of the Father. This intercession is a key aspect of the New Covenant, where Jesus acts as the mediator between God and humanity.

In Romans 8:34 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us." This ongoing intercession ensures that believers have access to the Holy Spirit, who empowers and equips them for their spiritual journey.

Empowerment and Mission

The Holy Spirit, given through Christ's intercession, empowers believers for mission and service. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

This empowerment is not only for personal edification but also for the advancement of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts and boldness to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, is a divine gift given through the intercession of Christ. His presence in the life of a believer is a testament to the ongoing work of Jesus and the fulfillment of His promise to never leave nor forsake His followers. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are comforted, guided, and empowered to live out their faith and fulfill the Great Commission.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Comforter Given
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... obedient spirit of that Great Spirit, who is the
Comforter and the ... the larger measure given to us of that divine Spirit by whose ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the comforter given.htm

On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ...
... And He is called the Comforter, because He comforts and ... pray for as we ought; but
the Spirit Himself maketh ... But the Holy Ghost softly whispers to him, "Wait ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xvi on the article.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... not understand him, but when the Comforter was come ... and prayers." Those filled with
the Holy Spirit engage in ... the Father, who "has sent his Spirit into their ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

Christ's Priestly Office
... This was typical, to show that our holy duties need to ... Whence is this comforting
work of the Spirit? ... I will pray the Father, and he shall give the Comforter.'. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 christs priestly office.htm

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... Again, Christ, in speaking of the Spirit as the Comforter, uses the masculine definite
article, and thus, by ... 1. DIVINE NAMES ARE GIVEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

Twenty-Sixth Lesson. I have Prayed for Thee;'
... and He will give you the Comforter." This prayer ... prayed thus ever since the Lord
had given them His ... become, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, life and ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/twenty-sixth lesson i have prayed.htm

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
... context in which the name is found in the passage given above, beginning ... The Comforter.
The Holy Spirit is called "the Comforter" over and over again in the ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter v the person and.htm

The Comforter
... many, like infants, destroyed by elixirs, given to lull ... up, he is an ever-present
Comforter, so that ... a great mistake about the influence of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the comforter.htm

Consolation in Christ
... will not give way before the divine energy of the Holy Ghost the Comforter, when
he uses ... of Jordan, in the hour of the departure of your spirit from your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/consolation in christ.htm

Twenty-Fourth Lesson. In My Name;'
... Thou didst say of Him, The Comforter, whom the Father shall ... To pray in the Spirit,
to pray according to the ... Christ the Advocate above, and the Holy Ghost, the ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/twenty-fourth lesson in my name.htm