The Gift of the Holy Spirit, as described in the New Testament, is a pivotal aspect of Christian theology, marking the fulfillment of divine promise and the empowerment of believers. This gift is intrinsically linked to the exaltation of Jesus Christ, following His resurrection and ascension.

Biblical Foundation

The giving of the Holy Spirit is prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. Joel 2:28-29 foretells the outpouring of the Spirit: "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions." This prophecy finds its fulfillment in the events of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2.

Exaltation of Christ

The exaltation of Christ refers to His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement at the right hand of God. This exaltation is a prerequisite for the giving of the Holy Spirit. In John 7:39, it is noted, "By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified."

Pentecost and the Outpouring of the Spirit

The Book of Acts provides a detailed account of the Holy Spirit's arrival. Acts 2:32-33 states, "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear." This passage underscores the connection between Christ's exaltation and the subsequent outpouring of the Spirit.

Role and Function of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit serves multiple roles within the life of a believer and the Church. He is a Comforter, Advocate, and Guide, as described in John 14:16-17: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Spirit empowers believers for service, grants spiritual gifts, and produces the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.

Theological Implications

The giving of the Holy Spirit upon Christ's exaltation signifies the inauguration of the New Covenant, where the law is written on the hearts of believers (Jeremiah 31:33). It marks the beginning of the Church's mission to spread the Gospel to all nations, empowered by the Spirit's presence and guidance.

Conclusion

The Gift of the Holy Spirit, given upon the exaltation of Christ, is a cornerstone of Christian faith, enabling believers to live out their calling and participate in the divine nature. Through the Spirit, the presence of God is made manifest in the world, continuing the work of Christ through His followers.Psalm 68:18
You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive: you have received gifts for men; yes, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 7:39
(But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Holy Spirit in the Mediator.
... He never could feel the lack of any gift of the ... Not only did the Holy Spirit adorn
the human nature of Christ ... Son He knew it, for He Himself had given it to ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx the holy spirit in.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... His ascension to heaven causes the descension of the Holy Spirit into our hearts ...
the clouds, as his triumphant chariot, he gives the gift of his Spirit to us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

Peter's First Sermon
... The Apostle was eager to share the gift. ... Swift conviction followed the Spirit- given
words, as it ever will ... the speaker is filled with the Holy Spirit, and has ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters first sermon.htm

The New Covenant: a Ministration of the Spirit
... the throne of the heart by His Holy Spirit given to us ... To believe fully in the Holy
Spirit, as the present and abiding and all-comprehending gift of the ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter vii the new covenant .htm

On the Holy Spirit.
... 1230] to those beings who have been given a composite ... slight the Being who imparts
the gift, let them ... must extend its profanity beyond the Holy Spirit to the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the holy spirit.htm

Second Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
... Heaven and on earth, and for His holy Incarnation, and ... Next is given to him the spirit
of charity, which ... Thirdly, he receives the gift of knowledge, so that he ...
/.../xxiii second sermon for the.htm

Inspiration and the Canon
... They are not, however, made to all believers personally; but were given, once for
all, through the apostles to the ... The gift of the Holy Spirit is indeed ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter vii inspiration and the.htm

New Covenant Obedience
... a possible thing, but the most delightful and attractive gift He has ... for this, that
it maybe our actual experience, the Holy Spirit has been given and is ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiii new covenant obedience.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... a difference between the power of the Spirit as a gift, and the ... God"to be a man or
a woman separated and given up unto ... Yes, separated unto the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

"Let not Your Heart be Troubled"
... Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs
to us as ... But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 73 let not your.htm

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