Who Sent You the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Triune Godhead. He is the manifest presence of God in the world throughout human history. Upon Jesus’ departure from His earthly ministry, our Lord explained the two primary tasks of the Spirit moving forward from the cross.
The Spirit of truth was to be sent to Jesus’ disciples in a way that was known to certain Old Testament saints (e. g. Joshua; Daniel; Ezekiel; and Micah). The Spirit of Christ would take up a permanent indwelling presence (Jn 14:17); whereby He would teach Jesus’ disciples and testify to the world through Christians regarding Christ (Jn 14:26; 15:26).
Those indwelt by the Spirit in the Old Testament were empowered for certain tasks, too. The difference between the saints of each dispensation was the scope and magnitude of the Spirit’s presence. It also included an increase in the knowledge of Christ. A fuller revelation had come with Jesus’ first advent.
The presence of the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin (Jn 16:8). This is the reason the world hates those who serve Christ as His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). Just as Jesus chose His disciples in His earthly ministry (Jn 15:16), so we are graciously chosen to continue the work of serving the living God (Rom 11:5–6; 1 Thess 1:9; Heb 9:14). They were, from the beginning His prototype disciples; and we follow them as they followed Him.
The church experienced schism (East vs. West) in A.D. 1054 over John 14:26 and John 15:26. The eastern church said that only the Father sent the Holy Spirit. The western church (Rome) said that it was both the Father and the Son who sent the Spirit to Jesus’ disciples. This became known as the Filioque (“and the Son”) Controversy. The schism was never resolved.
The irony in this division is that the Holy Spirit is the One who brings unity to Christ’s church. He does that without ever compromising the truth, as it is in Jesus (Eph 4:21). Wherever schism exists in Christ’s body of believers, the Spirit is grieved (Eph 4:30). Therefore, all who name the Name of Christ must humbly walk in the truth (Mic 6:8) and work to preserve unity in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3). This demonstrates that we are walking by the Spirit (Gal 5:16, 25), being led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18; Rom 8:14), who guides us into all truth (Jn 16:13).
The Jewish Pentecost at Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 2, was followed by the Gentile Pentecost at Caesarea Maritima in Acts 10. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as the administrative Agent of the New Covenant was initially accompanied by cloven tongues of fire. This sign reminded the earliest disciples of the pillar of fire — a sign of God’s presence and protection for the wilderness generation as they wandered for forty years (Exodus).
The second sign was the rushing wind in the room filled with the 120 in Acts 1:15. Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit being likened to the wind, when He explained the new birth to Nicodemus in John 3. The wind is invisible but it accomplishes many things and can display stunning force at times.
A third sign was the disciples speaking with Pentecost pilgrims to Jerusalem, hearing them preach in their native languages. This miracle was recognized by those who were recipients of the Spirit. Those who did not receive the Spirit accused the regenerate of being drunk with wine. Peter explained the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy; and we also see the reverse of God’s judgment at Babel, where He confused their languages (Gen 11). Truly, this Pentecost was a day of grace.
Just as Jesus bore witness to God the Father; so, the sent Spirit testifies about Jesus (Jn 15:26). First, He has given us the Bible (2 Pet 1:20–21) through inspired human authors (2 Tim 3:16). The Holy Bible is God’s Word of witness (Jn 5:39–47). To deny the Word of truth is to deny the Spirit of truth, which is the same as calling God a liar. Wherever this abomination occurs, one must look for the father of lies (Satan) behind it (Jn 8:44).
Disciples must be taught the way of the Master (Heb 3:10). Our Lord and Master (Jude 1:4), Jesus, has sent us the Teacher (Jn 14:26). The Spirit causes us to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18). Our task is to learn Christ, who is Himself the truth (Jn 14:6), revealed to us by God’s will. In general, knowledge puffs the learner up with pride (1 Cor 8:1). Learning Christ, however, has the opposite effect. Jesus’ disciples are humbled by the beauty of His holiness.
Prior to Christ’s first advent, Yahweh revealed Himself to Israel through types and shadows; as well as Torah, the prophets, and the writings (wisdom literature). The Hebrew Scriptures informed the Jewish people about their God with whom they were in covenant. Still, ignorance led many to idolatry and superstition. This hardened the hearts of God’s chosen people who did not believe and certainly disobeyed (Rom 9:6).
If anything, Yahweh showed the people of Israel that apart from Him they could do nothing. The whole Old Testament is Yahweh showing His wisdom and power to a helpless people. Jesus’ first advent was a potent display of divine power. The Spirit was upon Him to teach and testify of the Father. Jesus was limited to space and time. He prophesied of the paraclete to come, who would not be restricted in the same way.
The Holy Spirit did come, as He was sent by the Father and the Son because of their union of mutual indwelling. There is therefore no reason for the church to be divided in this matter because the will and the work of the Father and the Son are one (Jn 10:30). This is true, even if one member of the Trinity undertakes a unique task that brings glory to our Triune God (e. g. the Son died on the cross; the Spirit baptizes).
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been disseminated throughout the world and across history (Mt 24:14; Rev 5:9; 7:9). Since the advent of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel of grace has been spreading to more and more people. The unstoppable Gospel advance is the enterprise of the Holy Spirit. It has gone global, as the prophets of Israel had prophesied. The uttermost part of the earth will see the revelation of the sons of God, as will every generation until the Judge of the whole earth declares that His court is now in session (Gen 18:25; Rev 19:11–21). Those who have waited anxiously for His glorious appearing will be satisfied with Him as their portion, even as they were satisfied with the pledge of their inheritance (2 Cor 5:5), who is the Spirit sent to them by the Father and the Son.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
July 31, 2024
John 15:26–27
