Family Churchman John 16:13 However, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself… The Holy Spirit, who was given for the reproof and conviction of the world, was given also for the enlightenment and edification of the Church. I. THE DESIGNATION OF THE HOLY GHOST. The Father is the absolute Truth, the one eternal source of all truth. The Divine Son reveals, embodies, and bears witness to the truth. But the Spirit, coming into contact with souls, brings the truth home to them with power. II. HIS COMING. Whilst believing in the eternal existence and activity of the Third Person in the Trinity, Christians apprehend what has been called "the temporal mission of the Comforter." As there was a time for the advent of the Son, so was there a time for the full gift of the Spirit, viz., when the full truth had been revealed in Christ. The Spirit "came" conspicuously on the Day of Pentecost to remain for ever. III. HIS OFFICE. 1. Generally — to lead Christians, not into every kind of truth, but the truth as in Jesus. As a master leads a pupil through a picture gallery, as a tutor leads a scholar through a science or a language, so does the Spirit lead us through the realm of spiritual truth. 2. Specially — to reveal what is Christ's to His people: "He shall take of Mine." Not only did He inspire apostles to record the facts of Christ's ministry, and to expound the doctrines growing out of those facts, but He enables every Christian to realize and appropriate the blessings Christ brings to man. 3. Prophetically — to unfold things to come. Thus to Peter was unfolded the mystery of the inclusion of the Gentiles in the fold; to Paul the doctrine of the resurrection; to John the glories of the eternal future. IV. HIS END AND AIM. The glory of Christ, as secured by the achievement of the purposes of our Saviour's ministry, and as manifested by the praise and fame accruing to Him both on earth and in heaven. (Family Churchman.) Parallel Verses KJV: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. |
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