Topical Bible: The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice: Speaking

Bible > Topical > The Emblems of the Holy Spirit

◄ The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: A Voice: Speaking ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is often depicted through various emblems and symbols, each revealing different aspects of His nature and work. One such emblem is the "voice" or "speaking," which signifies the Spirit's role in communication, guidance, and revelation.

Biblical Instances of the Holy Spirit as a Voice:

1. The Voice at Jesus' Baptism:
At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is associated with a voice from heaven. Matthew 3:16-17 records, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Here, the voice of God, accompanied by the descent of the Spirit, affirms Jesus' divine sonship and mission.

2. The Spirit Speaking to the Churches:
In the Book of Revelation, the Spirit's voice is a recurring theme in the messages to the seven churches. Revelation 2:7 states, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." This phrase is repeated to each church, emphasizing the Spirit's role in conveying divine truth and instruction to the believers.

3. The Spirit's Guidance in Acts:
The Acts of the Apostles provides several instances where the Holy Spirit speaks to guide the early church. In Acts 13:2 , during a time of worship and fasting, "the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" This directive illustrates the Spirit's active involvement in the mission and expansion of the church.

4. The Spirit's Testimony:
The Holy Spirit also speaks by bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel. In John 15:26 , Jesus promises, "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." The Spirit's testimony is a voice that confirms the identity and work of Christ to the world.

Theological Significance:

The emblem of the Holy Spirit as a voice underscores His role as the divine communicator. The Spirit speaks to reveal God's will, to guide believers, and to testify to the truth of Jesus Christ. This speaking is not limited to audible words but includes the inner witness and conviction brought about by the Spirit in the hearts of believers.

The voice of the Holy Spirit is also a reminder of the personal and relational nature of God. Through the Spirit, God communicates directly with His people, offering guidance, comfort, and instruction. This communication is essential for the believer's spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes.

Practical Implications:

Believers are encouraged to be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, discerning His guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the inner witness of the Spirit. As the Spirit speaks, He leads believers into all truth, as promised in John 16:13 : "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."

In summary, the emblem of the Holy Spirit as a voice highlights His essential role in communicating God's truth and guidance to His people, ensuring that the church remains aligned with the divine will and mission.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 10:20
For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Power Hindered.
... I would further call attention to the emblems of the ... we read of the wrath of the
Holy Spirit"gentle, innocent, meek, loving; and that Spirit wants to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm

On Fruit Bearing.
... your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which ... These are beautiful emblems of the
Christ-life in the ... A young heart filled with the mild, meek spirit of Christ ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on fruit bearing.htm

Effects of Messiah's Appearance
... which sin has subjected the body, are but emblems of the ... and prospects, inspire them
with a holy vigour to ... that they themselves live in the very spirit of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xii effects of messiahs.htm

Holy Song from Happy Saints
... But not only when the emblems are before us, but when you ... to gird up the loins; it
pours a holy anointing oil upon the head and upon the spirit; it gives ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/holy song from happy saints.htm

Thy Redeemer
... partaking of that bread and wine, the emblems of the ... up our spirits through the power
of the Holy Ghost, and ... can do, when his promise is applied by the Spirit. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/thy redeemer.htm

The Introduction: Chapter 1
... words, He spoke in parables and used emblems (Matthew 13 ... Epistles addressed to believers
by the Holy Spirit through Paul ... or by the power of the Spirit"by which ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the introduction chapter 1.htm

The Necessity of Divine Influences.
... and how often does he disregard the warning voice! ... and insensibility of conscience,
is the Holy Spirit obliged to ... his wickedness, are but faint emblems of that ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the necessity of divine influences.htm

'In the Holy Mount'
... highest word was transcended, its faintest emblems were explained ... convent in Florence
is true in spirit whatever it ... grave and appeared in the Holy City unto ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/in the holy mount.htm

The Publication of the Gospel
... for rebellious men, descended with visible emblems, and a ... conscience, by the power
of the Holy Spirit, produce faith. ... receive the things of the Spirit of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxx the publication of.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
... the tabernacle, were constituted types and emblems of spiritual ... the Most Holy." And
the Most Holy is none ... manifested Himself, said to them, "The Spirit of the ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm