Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes of the Holy Spirit: Consecrating

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The Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Trinity, plays a vital role in the consecration of believers, setting them apart for God's purposes. Throughout Scripture, various symbols and similitudes illustrate the consecrating work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His role in sanctification and dedication to God.

Anointing Oil

One of the most prominent symbols of the Holy Spirit's consecrating work is anointing oil. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a physical act that signified the setting apart of individuals for specific roles, such as priests, prophets, and kings. This act symbolized the Holy Spirit's empowerment and consecration. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , we read, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." The anointing of David with oil was accompanied by the Holy Spirit's presence, marking him as God's chosen king.

Fire

Fire is another powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit's consecrating work. It represents purification and the burning away of impurities, preparing believers for holy service. In Acts 2:3-4 , during the day of Pentecost, "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." The appearance of fire signified the Holy Spirit's purifying and empowering presence, consecrating the apostles for their mission.

Wind

The Holy Spirit is also symbolized by wind, illustrating His invisible yet powerful presence in consecrating believers. In John 3:8 , Jesus explains, "The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." The wind signifies the Holy Spirit's sovereign and mysterious work in setting apart individuals for God's purposes, transforming them from within.

Water

Water serves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's cleansing and consecrating work. In John 7:38-39 , Jesus declares, "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: 'Streams of living water will flow from within him.' He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive." The imagery of living water highlights the Holy Spirit's role in purifying and refreshing believers, consecrating them for a life of holiness and service.

Seal

The Holy Spirit is described as a seal, marking believers as belonging to God and consecrating them for His purposes. In Ephesians 1:13 , Paul writes, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." The seal signifies ownership and authenticity, indicating that believers are set apart by the Holy Spirit as God's own possession.

Dove

The dove is a gentle symbol of the Holy Spirit's consecrating presence. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, as recorded in Matthew 3:16 : "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him." The dove represents peace and purity, signifying the Holy Spirit's role in consecrating Jesus for His earthly ministry.

These symbols and similitudes collectively illustrate the multifaceted work of the Holy Spirit in consecrating believers, setting them apart for God's service, and empowering them to live lives that reflect His holiness and purpose.

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Exodus 29:7
Then shall you take the anointing oil, and pour it on his head, and anoint him.
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Exodus 30:30
And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to me in the priest's office.
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Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
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Library

Of the Sacraments.
... when words have preceded, then by such symbols of covenant ... We might refer to other
similitudes, by which ... by means of the sacraments, the Holy Spirit is given ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... the patena with the host, as symbols of the ... But any man who would class such similitudes
with sacraments ... in a sacrament the gift of the Holy Spirit is conferred ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm