The Gift of the Holy Spirit: To Christ Without Measure
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The concept of the Holy Spirit being given to Christ "without measure" is a profound theological assertion that underscores the unique and unparalleled relationship between Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This idea is primarily derived from John 3:34, which states, "For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit." This passage highlights the fullness of the Spirit's presence and power in the life and ministry of Jesus.

Biblical Context and Meaning

In the Gospel of John, the phrase "without measure" (Greek: ἐκ μέτρου) signifies the limitless and abundant nature of the Holy Spirit's presence in Christ. Unlike the prophets and leaders of the Old Testament, who received the Spirit in specific measures for particular tasks, Jesus embodies the complete and unrestricted presence of the Holy Spirit. This fullness is indicative of His divine nature and His unique role in the redemptive plan of God.

The Anointing of Jesus

The anointing of Jesus with the Holy Spirit is a pivotal event that marks the beginning of His public ministry. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." This passage, fulfilled in Christ, illustrates the comprehensive empowerment by the Holy Spirit for His messianic mission.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' Ministry

Throughout the Gospels, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus. From His conception (Luke 1:35) to His baptism (Matthew 3:16), and through His miracles and teachings, the Spirit's presence is evident. The miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, are manifestations of the Spirit's power working through Him. In Matthew 12:28, Jesus states, "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."

The Unique Sonship of Christ

The giving of the Spirit without measure to Jesus is intrinsically linked to His identity as the Son of God. In John 1:14, it is declared, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The fullness of the Spirit in Jesus is a testament to His divine sonship and His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Implications for Believers

While Jesus received the Spirit without measure, believers are also promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2:38, Peter proclaims, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Although believers receive the Spirit in a different measure, they are empowered to live out their faith and participate in the mission of the Church.

Conclusion

The gift of the Holy Spirit to Christ without measure is a foundational truth that affirms His divine authority and mission. It highlights the unique relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, setting Him apart as the ultimate revelation of God's presence and power in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 3:34
For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure to him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy Spirit in the Mediator.
... in limited degree according to their individual calling or destiny; and Christ,
in whom ... that He never could feel the lack of any gift of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx the holy spirit in.htm

The Holy Spirit in the Glorified Christ.
... The same Spirit which dwelleth in Christ as the ... The same Holy Spirit who performed
His work in the ... human nature, who brought into activity every gift and power ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiii the holy spirit in.htm

The Holy Spirit Twice Given by Christ. The Procession of the Holy ...
... understood and believed of the man Christ, of whose ... Holy Spirit, and shed forth the
Holy Spirit: [1065] seeing ... And we indeed can receive that gift according to ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 26 the holy spirit twice.htm

The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... presence of Christ at the right hand of God, and this gift of the Holy Spirit, together
with all the other gifts of the enthroned Christ, are secured ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xiii the holy spirit and.htm

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is the Principle of all Good Actions ...
... Apollonia cast herself into the fire: the love of Christ burning in their hearts
and ... So that it is God, or the gift of his Holy Spirit (very predominant in ...
/.../chapter vi the gift of.htm

The Holy Spirit is Called the Gift of God in the Scriptures. By ...
... given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ;" and then, that he might
show that by the gift of Christ he meant the Holy Spirit, he has ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 19 the holy spirit is.htm

The Gift of the Spirit
... why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the ... will avail to bring to men the
Holy Spirit's aid in ... Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 5 the gift of.htm

John Chapter xiv. 15-17.
... It is in speaking of this gift that the apostle says ... the Holy Spirit, we can neither
love Christ nor keep His ... either to him who has not [the Holy Spirit], or to ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lxxiv john chapter xiv.htm

The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ ... been sent from heaven "a
quickening Spirit," (1:Cor ... time adds, "the communion of the Holy Ghost," without ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm

The Ministration of the Spirit and Prayer
... The Holy Spirit had been promised by Christ "not many days ... windows of heaven, that
brought down the promised gift. ... on earth, the power of the Spirit must be ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ii the ministration of.htm

Resources
What does it mean for salvation to be a gift from God? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of faith? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of helps? | GotQuestions.org

Gift: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Gift

Gift Giving

Gift of Tongues

Matithiah

The Gift of the Holy Spirit by the Father

The Gift of the Holy Spirit by the Son

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is Abundant

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is Fruit Bearing

The Gift of the Holy Spirit is Permanent

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: A Pledge of the Continued Favour of God

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: An Earnest of the Inheritance of the Saints

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: An Evidence of Union With Christ

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given for Comfort of Saints

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given for Instruction

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given in Answer to Prayer

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given: According to Promise

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given: Through the Intercession of Christ

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given: To the Gentiles

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given: To Those Who Obey God

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given: To Those Who Repent and Believe

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Given: Upon the Exaltation

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Received Through Faith

The Gift of the Holy Spirit: To Christ Without Measure

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The Gift of the Holy Spirit: Received Through Faith
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