Topical Bible: the Comforter, Holy Spirit: The: Sent by Christ from the Father

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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 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 primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ, who promised His disciples that the Spirit would be sent to them after His ascension.

Biblical Foundation

The promise of 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."

The term "Advocate" in this passage is translated from the Greek word "Parakletos," which can also mean Comforter, Counselor, or Helper. This highlights the multifaceted role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Sent by Christ from the Father

The sending of the Holy Spirit is a divine act involving both the Father and the Son. In John 15:26 , Jesus further clarifies, "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 verse underscores the cooperative work of the Father and the Son in the mission of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's procession from the Father and being sent by the Son emphasizes the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity.

Role and Function

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, plays a crucial role in the life of the believer and the Church. The Spirit's functions include guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13), convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), and glorifying Christ (John 16:14). The Spirit also empowers believers for service, as seen in Acts 1:8 : "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."

Indwelling Presence

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of the New Covenant, marking a new era in God's relationship with His people. The Spirit's presence within believers is a guarantee of their inheritance and a seal of their redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). This indwelling presence provides comfort, guidance, and assurance of God's continual presence and work in the believer's life.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, is an essential and active presence in the life of Christians, sent by Christ from the Father to fulfill the divine purposes of guidance, empowerment, and sanctification. Through the Spirit, believers experience the ongoing presence of God, enabling them to live out their faith in accordance with His will.

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

John 16:7
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Subordination of the Spirit to the Father and to the Son.
... The exact words are, "But when the Comforter is come ... are elsewhere taught that Jesus
Christ was sent by the ... 42), we are here taught that the Holy Spirit in turn ...
/.../the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter iv the subordination of.htm

The Holy Spirit.
... the work of the Holy Spirit, or Comforter, that is ... chapters have found, 1. That while
the Holy Spirit might have ... He would be "sent from the Father;" the Savior ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit.htm

On the Holy Spirit Respondent: James Mahot
... and the Son is said to be sent and given by ... for another purpose, prove "that the
Holy Spirit is distinguished ... and He shall give you another Comforter." (John 14 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 6 on the holy.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... By the Comforter is meant the Holy Spirit, which was first shed forth ... of truth will
guide them into all truth; the Holy Spirit will not be sent to testify ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

The Objection that the Son, Being Sent by the Father...
... 2011] That this same Comforter is also to be sent by the Father He has already taught,
saying, "But the Comforter, that Holy Spirit, whom the Father ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix the objection that.htm

Of Prayer in the Name of Christ. He Promises the Spirit of Truth ...
... the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he ... as he had before spoken
of the Spirit: "Yet a ... he referred them again (v.26) to the Holy Ghost, to ...
/.../section 274 of prayer in.htm

Some Things Concerning the Holy Spirit are to be Understood ...
... doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me;" but ... take of mine"); it remains that
the Holy Spirit be understood ... have said above, "But when the Comforter is come ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 some things concerning the.htm

Of the Creed Sent by the Eastern Bishops to those in Italy, Called ...
... the Holy Spirit, that is, in the Comforter, whom the ... who say that the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit, are the ... For we know that the Father who sent, remained in ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xix of the creed sent.htm

John Chapter xv. 26, 27
... All this did that Holy Spirit when sent, who had ... But when the Comforter is come,
whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcii john chapter xv.htm

The Teacher Spirit
... Teacher which is here given: 'The Comforter, which is ... this designation of the teaching
Spirit as holy, there lie ... The Spirit, which is sent in Christ's name, has ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the teacher spirit.htm