SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
John 4:21-24

“For ever, O LORD,
thy Word is settled in heaven.”

THE TITLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture ascribes to the Holy Spirit names and titles signifying certain aspects of His personality and deity. While some of these are peculiar to Himself, others are shared in common with the Father and the Son. In the eternal plan of redemption, Father, Son and Holy Spirit are revealed as three Persons, each with a distinct function. Nevertheless their Triune Oneness or Trinity must never be detracted from. In their every operation the Three Persons are in ever closest collaboration and concurrence.

For this reason, the Third Person of the Trinity is called “Spirit of your Father” (Matt 10:20) as well as “Spirit of his Son” (Gal 4:6), for the Spirit is always acting in conjunction with Father and Son, and operations of the one are in effect operations of the other. Therein lies the indivisible essence of the divine Godhead. “The Spirit” describes His divine nature, for “God is a Spirit” (John 4:24). He is without any material or visible substance, and therefore must on no account be represented by any image or material thing. The Spirit’s operation on men’s hearts is invisible and intangible, like a “breath” or movement of “wind” (Ezek 37:9, Acts 2:2).

“The Holy Spirit” is His most common title, the term “holy” expressing two thoughts. First, it concerns His nature, so different from that of false gods (Exod 15:11). Second, it concerns His works, all of which are perfect and pure – absolutely holy. “The Spirit of Christ” (Rom 8:9) reminds us that our Lord Jesus sent Him to further His cause on earth (Acts 2:33; John 16:14). “The Spirit of the Lord” (Acts 8:39) is His title because He possesses divine authority from God the Father and thus requires unhesitating submission from us. “The eternal Spirit” (Heb 9:14) refers to His divine Godhead and timeless origin. “Paraclete” or “Comforter” (John 14:16) signifies that the Spirit is coming to take the place of Christ, now bodily ascended to Heaven, and to do for His disciples what Christ had done for them before.

THOUGHT: Increased knowledge of the Holy Spirit must increase my reverence in worship.

PRAYER: Teach me, O Lord, to worship Thee in Spirit and in truth.

PRAYER: Teach me, O Lord, to worship Thee in Spirit and in truth.