Topical Bible: the Comforter, Holy Spirit: The: Given by Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Comforter" refers to the Holy Spirit, a central figure in Christian theology, particularly in the context of the New Testament. The Holy Spirit is described as the third person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. The role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ, who promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be sent to them after His ascension.

Biblical Foundation

The promise of the Comforter is most explicitly found 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."

The term "Advocate" in this passage is translated from the Greek word "Parakletos," which can also mean Comforter, Counselor, or Helper. This indicates the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, providing guidance, support, and encouragement.

Role and Function

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, plays a crucial role in the life of a Christian. In John 14:26 , Jesus further explains, "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." This highlights the Holy Spirit's role in teaching and reminding believers of the teachings of Christ, ensuring that His words remain alive and active in their hearts.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit is described as the Spirit of truth, guiding believers into all truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus says, "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." This guidance is essential for understanding and applying the truths of Scripture in daily life.

Empowerment and Presence

The Holy Spirit also empowers believers for service and witness. 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 presence of the Holy Spirit is a continual assurance of God's presence with His people. In Romans 8:16 , Paul writes, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." This internal witness of the Holy Spirit provides comfort and assurance of one's identity and relationship with God.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter given by Christ, is an indispensable presence in the life of believers. Through His teaching, guidance, empowerment, and assurance, the Holy Spirit fulfills the promise of Jesus to be with His followers always, even to the end of the age.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... ever will be, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek ... the Father, and He will give
you another Comforter." This law of prayer for the Holy Spirit presses on ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xiii the holy spirit and.htm

Petilianus Said: "For Although There is Only one Baptism...
... when you wished to prove that the Holy Spirit was given ... were displayed on the coming
of the Holy Ghost, how ... your head to say, "And the Comforter Himself came ...
/.../chapter 32 72 petilianus.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... By the Comforter is meant the Holy Spirit, which was first shed ... The Holy Spirit fills
all these offices ... This Spirit, given only to a few inspired men, under the ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

On the Holy Spirit.
... but when the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, is come ... grade by the sanctification of the
Holy Spirit, will nevertheless ... to the power and working of the Spirit of God ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iii on the holy spirit.htm

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Other than in the Old.
... that the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus ... the resurrection, altho the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the ... If I go not away the Comforter will not ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the holy spirit in.htm

On the Holy Spirit Respondent: James Mahot
... for another purpose, prove "that the Holy Spirit is distinguished ... part of the
description which we have given. ... He shall give you another Comforter." (John 14:16 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 6 on the holy.htm

The Holy Spirit as a Teacher.
... His crucifixion said, "But the Comforter which is the ... Third, The Spirit-given message,
the Word, the Bible ... and apprehended under the Holy Ghost's illumination ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xvi the holy spirit.htm

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

The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Ratification of the ...
... to send His disciples another Comforter, even the ... and authoritative information
communicated by the Holy Spirit Himself, for ... grace of God which is given you by ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/iii the redeemers return is.htm

The Holy Spirit's Chief Office
... has all things, and all power is given unto Christ ... And the Comforter is better for
us that the personal ... is better for the Church to have the Holy Spirit in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the holy spirits chief office.htm