Topical Bible: the Comforter, Holy Spirit: The: Proceeds from the Father

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Comforter" is a title attributed to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role in providing solace, guidance, and support to believers. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, proceeding from the Father, and is integral to the life and faith of Christians.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter is primarily drawn from the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises His disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will serve as their advocate and helper. John 14:16-17 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 Holy Spirit's procession from the Father is a theological assertion rooted in the words of Jesus. In John 15:26 , Jesus declares, "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me." This passage underscores the origin of the Holy Spirit as proceeding from the Father, affirming His divine nature and mission.

Role and Function

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, fulfills several critical roles in the life of a believer. He is a source of divine comfort, providing peace and reassurance in times of trouble. The Spirit also acts as a guide, leading believers into all truth and helping them understand the teachings of Christ. John 16:13 states, "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."

Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and witness. Acts 1:8 records Jesus' promise, "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 essential for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and the spread of the Gospel.

Theological Significance

The procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father is a key element in Trinitarian theology. It affirms the unity and distinctiveness of the three persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian faith, reflects this belief, stating that the Holy Spirit "proceeds from the Father and the Son," a phrase known as the Filioque, which has been a point of theological discussion and divergence between Eastern and Western Christianity.

In the life of the Church, the Holy Spirit's presence is manifested through the sacraments, spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit's work is evident in the transformation of believers, the unity of the Church, and the conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, is a vital presence in the Christian faith, proceeding from the Father to dwell within and among believers. His role as advocate, guide, and empowerer is essential for the spiritual growth and mission of the Church. Through the Holy Spirit, believers experience the ongoing presence and work of God in their lives, drawing them closer to the truth and love of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:26
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished.
... or the Son, unable to say why and what in sense the Holy Spirit is especially called
Comforter. ... And the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/iv the work of the.htm

On the Holy Spirit Respondent: James Mahot
... in my name." (xiv, 26.) "When that Comforter is come ... God; (Psalm 139:7;) and that
the Spirit of the ... these particulars it clearly appears, that the Holy Ghost is ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 6 on the holy.htm

Some Things Concerning the Holy Spirit are to be Understood ...
... to that which we have said above, "But when the Comforter is come ... both the Son is
of the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, why both are ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 some things concerning the.htm

He Proceeds to Discuss the views Held by Eunomius
... He proceeds to discuss the views held by Eunomius, and ... Now let us see what he says
about the Holy Spirit. ... we believe," he says, "on the Comforter, the Spirit ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 14 he proceeds to.htm

The Comforter
... my will, but thine be done." Blessed news, that our Comforter is the Spirit who
comforted ... unity, and know and feel that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xiv the comforter.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... By the Comforter is meant the Holy Spirit, which was ... guide them into all truth; the
Holy Spirit will not ... Father hath are mine," and the Spirit "shall receive ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

The Manifestation of Holy Love.
... for if I go not away, the Comforter will not ... be felt:, not as something that proceeds
from ourselves ... conception merely charming us, but the Holy Spirit whom we ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix the manifestation of holy.htm

The Advocate Promised.
... himself limits and here declares that the Comforter shall teach ... saints in general
is that the Spirit will aid ... in the completed revelation of the Holy Scriptures ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the advocate promised.htm

The Objection that the Son, Being Sent by the Father...
... sent by the Father He has already taught, saying, "But the Comforter, that Holy
Spirit, whom the ... This is He Who saith: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix the objection that.htm

The Holy Creed which the 150 Holy Fathers Set Forth, which is ...
... And thus we believe in him, that he is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the perfect
Spirit, the Spirit the Comforter, uncreate, who proceedeth ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the holy creed which the.htm