Topical Bible: the Comforter, Holy Spirit: The: The World Cannot Receive

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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 His role as an advocate, helper, and guide for believers. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. One of the key aspects of the Holy Spirit's work is His relationship with the world, particularly the inability of the world to receive Him.

Scriptural Basis

The concept that the world cannot receive the Holy Spirit is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Gospel of John. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus promises His disciples the coming of the Holy Spirit: "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 distinction between the followers of Christ and the world. The "world" in this context refers to those who are not in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, often characterized by unbelief and spiritual blindness. The inability of the world to receive the Holy Spirit is attributed to a lack of spiritual perception and understanding.

The Nature of the World

The world, in biblical terms, often represents a system of values and beliefs that are contrary to God's will. It is marked by sin, rebellion, and a rejection of divine truth. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 2:14 : "The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."

This spiritual discernment is a gift given to believers, enabling them to understand and accept the truths of God, including the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. The world, lacking this discernment, remains unable to receive the Holy Spirit.

Role of the Holy Spirit

For believers, the Holy Spirit serves as a Comforter, providing guidance, strength, and encouragement. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11), but His indwelling presence is reserved for those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live according to God's will, producing spiritual fruit and gifting them for service within the body of Christ.

Implications for Believers

The distinction between the world and believers underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. While the world remains in spiritual darkness, believers are called to be light, reflecting the character and love of Christ. The Holy Spirit equips and enables them to fulfill this calling, providing the necessary resources to live a life that honors God.

In summary, the inability of the world to receive the Holy Spirit highlights the unique relationship between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual realities that govern the lives of believers and the divine assistance available to them through the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 14:17
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy Spirit.
... and go away in order that the Comforter might come. ... is a manifestation of the Father,
so the Holy Spirit is the ... The enjoyment of the Spirit is confined to the ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit.htm

The Holy Spirit of Promise
... and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even
the Spirit of truth; whom ... But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter iv the holy spirit.htm

The Holy Spirit is one and the Same who Spake in the Prophets and ...
... and He will give you another Comforter [Paraclete], that ... Nature, when the world cannot
see even the Spirit? ... the Lord, that the same is the Holy Spirit Who is ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iv the holy spirit.htm

John Chapter xiv. 15-17.
... the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it ... and He shall give
you another Comforter;" when He saith so of the Holy Spirit, without [having ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxiv john chapter xiv.htm

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
... Even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive, because it ... of the coming
of the other Comforter and of ... we come to study the names of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter i the personality of.htm

The Holy Spirit and the World.
... By the Comforter is meant the Holy Spirit, which was ... when they "saw him no more,"
the Holy Spirit "convicted of ... was the prince of this world, the spirit of the ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the holy spirit and the.htm

The Gift of the Spirit
... and He shall give you another Comforter, that He ... the Spirit of truth; whom the world
cannot receive, because it ... to the time when the Holy Spirit should come to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm

The Advocate Promised.
... and the Holy Spirit," and God "gives the Holy Spirit to those ... obey him," but in its
unconverted condition the world cannot "see" or "know" the Comforter. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the advocate promised.htm

The Comforter Given
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another
Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of Truth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the comforter given.htm

The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... His disconsolate disciples, He said, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you
another Comforter." This law ... The Holy Spirit was in the world in measure ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xiii the holy spirit and.htm