Topical Bible: The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Wind: Sensible in Its Effects

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is often symbolized by various emblems throughout Scripture, each revealing different aspects of His nature and work. One such emblem is the wind, which is particularly significant in illustrating the Spirit's invisible yet powerful and perceptible effects.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The emblem of wind is prominently featured in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word "ruach" is used, which can mean wind, breath, or spirit. This multifaceted term underscores the dynamic and life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, the Greek word "pneuma" carries a similar range of meanings.

One of the most illustrative passages is found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus explains the work of the Spirit to Nicodemus: "The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8). Here, the wind symbolizes the mysterious and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration. Just as the wind is invisible yet its effects are undeniable, so too is the transformative work of the Spirit in the hearts of believers.

The Day of Pentecost

The emblem of wind is also powerfully depicted in the account of Pentecost. Acts 2:2 describes the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles: "Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting" . This event marks the birth of the Church and the empowering of believers for ministry. The "mighty rushing wind" signifies the Spirit's overwhelming power and His role in equipping the Church to fulfill the Great Commission.

The Effects of the Spirit as Wind

The effects of the Holy Spirit, symbolized by wind, are manifold and profound. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8), drawing individuals to repentance and faith in Christ. He regenerates and renews believers, imparting spiritual life where there was once death (Titus 3:5). The Spirit also sanctifies, progressively conforming believers to the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Moreover, the Spirit's presence is essential for the believer's empowerment and guidance. As the wind directs the course of a ship, so the Spirit leads and directs the lives of those who are in Christ. Romans 8:14 states, "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" , highlighting the Spirit's role in guiding believers in their daily walk.

Conclusion

The emblem of wind effectively communicates the Holy Spirit's invisible yet powerful presence and work. Through this symbol, Scripture reveals the Spirit's role in regeneration, empowerment, and sanctification, underscoring His essential presence in the life of every believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 3:8
The wind blows where it wants, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell from where it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Power Hindered.
... I would further call attention to the emblems of the ... in its effects, and reviving;
how the Spirit of God ... read of the wrath of the Holy Spirit"gentle, innocent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm

Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church.
... Luke, or the chronology of the Holy Week, or the ... always interpreted, according to
the English spirit, in the ... Arianism or Pelagianism"as what sensible man in ...
/.../seances historiques de genevethe national.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... triumphal pillars, designed to support statues or divine emblems. ... the most beautiful
portions of its temples. ... on the western side of the Holy Mountain, Taharqa ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a ... the least pollution, either of flesh or
spirit, had utterly ... High-priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... The wind sits always on my face, and the foaming rage ... highest and Supreme Being,
even with the holy God of ... to the greater wounding of the spirit; wherefore now ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Man's Chief End
... the saints having harps in their hands, the emblems of praise ... 1 Peter 2:2. Ye are
an holy nation, that ye ... be perfumed with the graces of the Spirit, those sweet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 mans chief end.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... to us by, and standeth in the Spirit, faith and ... Wherefore the holiness that hath
its original from us, from ... out of them, nor other, than the holy scriptures of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine holy temple' (Jonah ... but I cannot tell how, for
my spirit now struggled ... They also prevailed with one Short-wind, with one No ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... of Christ and the graces of the Spirit, without which a ... It may be the child looks
like its father; so those ... to your former conversation; but be ye holy in all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... known before his conversion, as the effects of the ... off my mind, and my heart returned
to its old course ... have had no conception that the Holy Spirit was blessing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm