Topical Bible: The Power of the Holy Spirit: Exhibited in Promised by Christ

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The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Holy Trinity, is a central figure in Christian theology, known for His divine power and presence in the lives of believers. The power of the Holy Spirit is not only a transformative force but also a promise given by Jesus Christ to His followers. This promise is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing the Spirit's role in empowering, guiding, and sustaining the Church.

Promise of the Holy Spirit by Christ

The promise of the Holy Spirit is explicitly articulated by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry. In the Gospel of John, Jesus assures His disciples of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will be their Helper and Advocate. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus states, "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 promise is reiterated in John 16:7 , where Jesus emphasizes the necessity of His departure for the Spirit's arrival: "But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."

The Power of the Holy Spirit Exhibited

The fulfillment of Christ's promise is vividly demonstrated in the events of Pentecost, as recorded in the Book of Acts. Acts 2:1-4 describes the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit: "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

This event marks the beginning of the Church's mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. The apostles, once fearful and uncertain, are transformed into bold witnesses for Christ, as seen in Peter's powerful sermon in Acts 2:14-41, which leads to the conversion of about three thousand souls.

Role and Impact of the Holy Spirit

The power of the Holy Spirit is not limited to the early Church but continues to be a vital force in the life of every believer. The Spirit's work includes convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11), guiding believers into all truth (John 16:13), and glorifying Christ (John 16:14).

Moreover, the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to believers for the edification of the Church, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. These gifts, ranging from wisdom and knowledge to healing and prophecy, are manifestations of the Spirit's power and presence.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit also assures believers of their adoption as children of God, as Paul writes in Romans 8:15-16 : "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."

In summary, the power of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ, is a dynamic and essential aspect of the Christian faith. It empowers believers to live out their faith, equips them for service, and assures them of their identity in Christ. The Holy Spirit's presence is a testament to the ongoing work of God in the world, fulfilling the promise made by Jesus to His followers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 1:8
But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and you shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... by possession and use, employed the Holy Spirit at pleasure ... the law, neither as being
the power of God ... the poor;" (Matthew 11:5;) because it exhibited GRACE and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

Christ, Though Known to the Jews under the Law, yet Only ...
... consist in being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise ... Paul frequently understands
that rule of holy living in ... Paul, after calling the Gospel "the power of God ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 christ though known.htm

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ...
... A visible symbol of this grace was exhibited at the baptism ... of vigour in us save
what the Holy Spirit instils, who ... For the Father has given all power to the Son ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 three things briefly.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... from its contrast to what Heathenism exhibited, affording such ... the cause of Christ
which the Holy Spirit as the ... Mission in the exercise of Divine Power, but by ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

The Everlasting Covenant of the Spirit
... Let us seek, above everything, for the Holy Spirit's teaching, to ... of the conscience
and of the Spirit that convinces ... meant to meet the need for a power of not ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter vi the everlasting covenant.htm

Against Heresies
... been separated from herself, or exhibited special tendencies ... deceits, wickedness,
and apostate power of Antichrist ... this point being reserved by the Holy Spirit. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/

The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ...
... in whom ye believed, and were sealed with His Holy Spirit of promise ... 5967] For in
another passage the Spirit says to ... to be called the prince of the power of the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvii the epistle to the.htm

John Chapter xvi. 12, 13
... sacramental privileges of believers are not exhibited to them ... minds themselves may
have the power to perceive ... and assert that it is the Holy Spirit's agency that ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcvi john chapter xvi.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... infinitely more shall by the Judge be exhibited in sad ... and shall then remember, God
by His power wiping away ... The Holy Spirit is a defender; the evil spirit is ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

Fourth Sunday after Easter Second Sermon.
... to judge correctly every doctrine and every kind of conduct exhibited in this ... are
these: the Gospel, Holy Baptism, the power of the Holy Spirit, and comfort ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fourth sunday after easter second.htm