THE "MYSTERY" OF THE CROSS OF THE MESSIAH

The "mystery" which was revealed by God to the Apostle Paul forms the heart of the gospel which Paul preached. Any serious discussion about this "mystery" should begin with the crucifiction of the Messiah. To Paul, the message of the crucifixion is powerful, for it was at his crucifiction where Jesus the Messiah established the basis for the "mystery" or "secret administration." This may be confirmed through an examination of those key passages in Paul's letters where the "mystery" is discussed:

Ephesians 2:13-3:6:

But now you who were sometimes afar off were made near by the blood [sin-offering sacrifice] of the Messiah ... having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in dogmas; in order to create in himself of both [Jews and Gentiles] one new humanity, so making peace...

For this cause ... if you have heard of the administration of the grace of God - Yehovah ... How by revelation He made known to me a mystery...

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body and partakers of His promise in the Messiah by the gospel [the message of the kingdom of God].

Colossians 1:18-27:

And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the called-out assembly: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he [Jesus] might have the preeminence. For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in him [Jesus] should all the fullness dwell;  and through him [Jesus] to reconcile all things unto Himself, having made peace through the blood of his [Jesus] cross; through him [Jesus], I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.

And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now has he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of the Messiah in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the called-out assembly; whereof I was made a minister, according to the  dispensation of God - Yehovah which was given me to you-ward, to fulfil the word of God - Yehovah, even the mystery which has been hid for ages and generations: but now has been manifested to His saints - holy ones, to whom God - Yehovah was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is the Messiah in you, the hope of glory:

Colossians. 2:14-15 (Moffatt):

He canceled the regulations which stood against us - all these obligations He set aside when He nailed them to the cross, when He cut away the Angelic Rulers and Powers from us, exposing them to all the world and triumphing over them in the cross stake.

I Corinthians 2:6-8:

But we speak the wisdom of God - Yehovah in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God - Yehovah ordained before the eons unto our glory; Which none of the Princes of the eon knew, for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

The accomplishments of the Messiah at the cross are those which comprise the mystery. We may glean from the above quoted passages at least three major points:

1. The old testament (covenant) was "done away" or "abolished" along with the rules, rituals and dogmas contained in the Mosaic Law.

2. The authority of angelic powers was abolished: a condition pertaining not only to demonic powers, but to all angelic authorities including those angelic classes which exercised their control in the old testament.

3. The grounds for a "new humanity" were established: the "new creation" of the spiritual "body of the Messiah," wherein all members have peace and open access to their God and Father Yehovah, and are all equal members regardless of race, gender or social status.

The first point is held by most believing disciples at various stages; few would argue that the old covenant was in some sense "done away" or "abrogated" by Jesus the Messiah; many assert that the old covenant was actually "postponed" or "put in abeyance," but Paul was very insistent that it was "abolished." Although Paul stated that the old covenant was useful "for our learning" (I Corinthians 10:11), he nonetheless characterized it as a "dispensation" of "death" and "condemnation" (2 Corinthians 3:7,9).

The second point in regard to the abolishment of angelic authorities will perhaps prove most difficult for many to digest in regard to what we have been accustomed to believe about the spirit world being categorically divided between evil "demons" and purely-good "angels."

Nowadays, "angels" are commonly thought to be synonymous with "good spirits." But Paul and other writers of his time did not think this way. While the perception of demons as thoroughly evil held true for Paul as for us, the idea that "all" angels were "good" did not, because assorted classes of angels (outside of demons) were regarded as antagonistic as well.

As T. Johnson states: "In the world view of early Christian and other first century writers, there were many supernatural spirits to contend with, good and evil angels, demonic powers, and a host of invisible spirits variously named (e.g. Romans 8:38; Ephesians 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16; 2:10, 15; Hebrews 1:4, 14)."

A clear connection can be seen between the rules, rituals and dogmas contained in the old covenant and the "angelic rulers and powers" defeated at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15), because when the old covenant was "done away," the authority of these angelic powers went with it. What then was that connection?

First, both Paul in Galatians 3:19 and Stephen in Acts 7:53 proclaimed that the Law was "ordained," "prescribed," or "delivered" by angels. It is clear then that angels played a very active role at the formation and transmission of the OT legislation to Israel.

Secondly, Paul also stated that such regulations contained in the old covenant pertaining to "days, months, times, and years" (Galatians 4:10) and "in respect to meat ... drink ... holy days ... new moons ... and Sabbaths" (Colossians 2:16) were according to the "elemental spirits of the world" (Galatians 4:3,9; Colossians 2:8, 20 - Moffatt, RSV, NEB and TEV).

The "elements" was another title used by Paul to signify angelic beings, alluded to as such because these angels governed the forces of nature and employed such natural forces as fire, water, and air to prescribe penalties upon those who transgressed their laws (Hebrews 2:2). Their activity becomes noticeable through the numerous catastrophes which befell sinners throughout the OT scriptures, and is recognizable in Revelation 16:2-12. These same angels prescribed the "holy days" and "sabbaths," and also functioned as "guardians and administrators" which kept people in bondage under the Law until the Messiah came (Galatians 3:23; 4:2) and provided us freedom from their authority.

According to the Dead Sea Scrolls, angelic hosts were also the "holy spirits" which endowed the leaders of the congregation with "knowledge" along with other spiritual manifestations and participation with these angelic spirits of "knowledge" was zealously sought; even the "comforter" (Paraclete) in the Gospel of John was a title widely used of angels who functioned as mediators and advocates on behalf of the elect, though Jesus in the Gospel of John re-adapted this term to pertain to the gift of holy spirit which he would send. It is significant that the spirit of the Messiah residing in every believing disciple carries out the same functions previously performed by angels and empowers every believer with several spiritual abilities and manifestations, thus ending the need for dependence upon angels for access to God, spiritual empowerments and the resultant benefits.

A major problem perceived by Paul with the "Judaisms" of his day (regardless of whether this was always a problem, or one which later developed), was that of "angel worship" (Colossians 2:19), for people were enslaved to those "called gods" (I Corinthians 8:5), but "who by nature, are not gods" (Galatians 4:8). The extent of "angel worship" is witnessed from the writings of that era, and may be discerned from the Dead Sea Scrolls, as in the writing, "The Messianic Rule" (1QSa 2:3-10):

"No man smitten with any human uncleanness shall enter the assembly of God ... No man smitten in his flesh, or paralysed in his feet or hands, or lame, or blind, or deaf, or dumb, or smitten in his flesh with a visible blemish ... for the Angels of are [with] their [congregation], for he is smitten."

Herein we are brought to our third point concerning the "new humanity" and of its necessity in relation to the abolishment of the old covenant and the authority of angelic authorities. In contrast to Qumran, where people were turned away out of reverence for the "angels of holiness," Jesus turned away no one, and lovingly embraced the "rejectees"

...But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed ..." (Luke 14:12- 21):

The Gospels are filled with many examples of Jesus reaching out to the "blind," the "dumb," the "lame" and so on, and delivering them of their afflictions.

But not only did the Old Testament system magnify enmity between God and humanity, it also engendered "enmity" between human beings on the grounds of race, gender and social standing in addition to those ailments listed above. But this "enmity" was destroyed at the cross - stale of the Messiah:

…having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in dogmas; for to create in himself of both [Jew and Gentile] one new humanity, so making peace.

And that he might reconcile both unto God - Yehovah in one body by the cross ... (Ephesians 2:15-16).

In the body of the Messiah, there is no Jew, nor yet Gentile, there is no slave nor yet free, there is no male and female (Galatians 3:28);

From now on, "we are acquainted with no one according to the flesh" for everyone, "in the Messiah is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). Through the one spirit of the Messiah we now enjoy open access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). We have been "sealed with the promised holy spirit" (Ephesians 1:14), bestowed to us freely by God's - Yehovah's grace and making each one of us a member of the family of God - Yehovah:

Consequently, then, no longer are you strangers and foreigners, but you are joint-citizens of the saints [holy ones] and belong to the family of God 0 Yehovah, being built up on the foundation of ...Jesus the Messiah himself, in whom the entire building, being connected together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord [Messiah Jesus]; in whom you, also, are being built together for God's dwelling place, in spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).

On this behalf I, Paul, the prisoner of the Messiah Jesus for you, the nations, since you surely hear of the administration (gr. oikonomia) of the grace of God that is given to me for you, that by revelation the secret [mystery] is made known to me ... (Ephesians 3:1-3).

The word "administration" (gr. oikonomia) literally means "home-rule" or the "rule" or "reign" of a household. The administration spoken of in Ephesians 3:3 is the "home-rule" of the family of God - Yehovah referred to in Ephesians 2:19. Scholars often speak of the different Jewish sects in the first century as "home rule" parties (i.e. Pharisees, Sadducees, etc.), each possessing their own ideas as to how a theocracy should be run. However, God's "administration" established through the Messiah may best be understood as being the "family" that it is, rather than a political, governmental structure. In reality, Yehovah - God is our Father, and we are His children.

L.B. Paton noted that the "fundamental fact" and "foundation" upon which Jesus based his gospel was the "Fatherhood of God" as attested by Jesus' continual addressing God as "Father" throughout the Gospels. While this title is used in the Old Testament, Jesus advanced to this "a new meaning both extensively and intensively" going "well beyond the teaching of the OT scriptures" in magnifying that "parental love of God p Yehovah toward His children" with a love that transcended "the limits of race" and extends to whole world (cf. John 3:16).

God's very heart was brilliantly expressed through Jesus the Messiah and in contrast to the fiery swords, condemnants and judgments which were to accompany the expected Messiah, Jesus the Messiah came dispensing love, grace and truth. Because of that men had Him crucified. And yet even after that the Messiah forgave them while hanging from the cross! The Messiah responded to hatred with love. The message of the cross is indeed powerful, of which there is no need to be ashamed.

In conclusion, the "mystery" is a lot more than a "gap" in God's - Yehovah's chronological plan as often portrayed in colorful dispensationalist charts. The "mystery" is God's - Yehovah's "secret will" which He "purposed in the Messiah" - to have an "administration of the complement of the eras," of which God - Yehovah has appointed His Son as the "Head" – Lord over all - through which to reconcile all those in heaven and earth to himself (Ephesians 1:9-11).

As believing disciples, members of the body of the Messiah, we have been entrusted with the "service of reconciliation" and are emissaries for the Messiah to proclaim this "good news message of the coming kingdom of God" to humans and before angels (2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Ephesians 3:10). The "cross of the Messiah" may be considered our "spiritual declaration of independence" because the work of the Messiah resulted in true "liberty" (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1). In a dying world where wars, strifes and slaveries abound on account of fleshly and religious differences, the "mystery" of the cross of the Messiah is just as relevant and urgently needed today as it was almost two thousand years ago.

Written by Daniel J. Mahar and edited by Bruce Lyon

THE MESSIAH-LIKE LIFE OF A BELIEVING DISCIPLE

When a person accepts Jesus the Messiah as Lord he is born of God's Spirit and spiritually becomes a new creation in the Messiah, a member of the New Humanity. As a child in God's family and a member of the called-out Assembly - the body of the Messiah it is the joy, privilege and responsibility of a believer to live a Messiah-like life of love and service towards others, to have a foot washing attitude of mind.

In doing this, the disciple of the Lord Messiah Jesus is able to live in an intimate fellowship with his/her God and Father Yehovah, strengthen his/her fellow brothers and sisters in the Messiah and bring the good news of salvation by the grace of God - Yehovah to others in the world. Ephesians explains the proper relationship of God's - Yehovah's gift of salvation to the believer's corresponding responsibility of living a life of good works, as a slave of righteousness:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - Yehovah not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's - Yehovah's workmanship created in the Messiah Jesus to do good works which God - Yehovah prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Salvation is the gift of God - Yehovah. No one is, or ever could be, good enough to deserve it. That is precisely why the Messiah Jesus came into the world, as the uniquely created son of God - Yehovah; to become a sin-offering sacrifice and shed his blood and die for the sins of people, like you and me. Good works in the life of a disciple of the Lord Jesus are the disciples response to God's - Yehovah's gracious love, not the other way around. They are the fruit of salvation - not the means to attaining it. It is important that we always remember this because trying to be "good enough" for God, as most religions of the world endeavor to do, is a losing battle which is sure to tie a disciple up in frustration, doubts and condemnation. Remember, we have been reconciled by God - Yehovah because of His grace, through faith in the one whom He has sent, in the Messiah Jesus, not because of any worthiness on our own part. Good works must spring from this certainty of God's - Yehovah's forgiveness, acceptance and love for us as His children - as new creations in the Messiah Jesus!

The Mind of the Messiah

The principle key for the disciple in living a Messiah-like life of love and service towards others is learning to live with the "mind of the Messiah" so as to think and live as he did (I Corinthians 2:16; I John 2:6). This is a deliberate process accomplished by the free-will decision of each and every believer. It involves a moment by moment, day by day decision to think as the Messiah would think and live as the Messiah would live to become more like him in every way. As we do this, God works with us and in us by the enabling power of His Spirit helps us to mature as His children and to help us accomplish His will in our lives (Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). This way of life is, therefore, is a process of growing and maturing as a child in God's family. Though no one will ever master this way of life perfectly before the Messiah's return, it is still the goal and ideal for which we strive. As we endeavor to live with this mind of the Messiah, the Book of Ephesians states:

... we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, the Messiah. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work (Ephesians 4:14-16).

As each believer lives with the mind of the Messiah we all grow together in the called-out Assembly, the body of the Messiah. By speaking and living the truth in love, we are able to care for each other, as well as to bring the knowledge of the Messiah's message to the world so that others may hear, be saved - delivered, and be brought into the family of the living God - Yehovah.

The Renewed Mind

Living with the mind of the Messiah is accomplished by the process of renewing our minds by living out the words that God - Yehovah gave His son Jesus to give to us. This means that we consciously decide to change the way we think by replacing thoughts which are contrary to the Messiah's character with those which are in accordance with it. This renewed mind is enabled by the spirit of God - Yehovah to think and live as the Messiah Jesus did is a matter of becoming in practice what spiritually we already are as new creations, in the Messiah. The Messiah is in us by way of his enabling Spirit, but we must, by our own free-will decisions, choose to put on the mind of the Messiah in our day to day lives - to think as he would think and live as he would live. This is the essence of being a disciple, or follower, of the Lord Messiah Jesus. God's - Yehovah's Spirit will not take control of us and force us to live this way. Instead, the choice is always ours - to live as obedient children in a manner worthy of God's love - or to conform to the ways of the world (I Peter 1:13-16).

Look at Romans:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's - Yehovah's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - Yehovah this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's - Yehovah's will is; His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).

As disciples of the Lord Messiah Jesus who have been saved by God's - Yehovah's grace, we now offer ourselves in thankfulness as "living sacrifices", slaves of righteousness to our God and Father Yehovah. This we do by living a life that is holy [by walking in the spirit] and well pleasing to God. A "holy" life is a life that has totally different standards from the world. As children in God's - Yehovah's family we live by the principles, standards and goals which God - Yehovah has set forth within the scriptures rather than by what the world dictates. We do not learn what love is by watching television and saying, "Oh, that must be what true love is!" No, we base our understanding of love and truth on what the Scriptures teach rather than what the world would have us believe. The Bible, the holy Scriptures, must be our only standard for truth in this life - all else will lead only to confusion and error (Matthew 4:4; 22:29; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The Example of the Messiah

In learning to live a Messiah-like life a disciple should focus his or her study of the scriptures on two primary sections of the Bible:

1. The life and teaching of the Messiah as presented in the Gospels - in the light of their Old Testament background.

2. The New Testament Letters to the called-out assemblies and believers - in the light of the new covenant which the Messiah has established.

In studying the life of Jesus the Messiah in the Gospels we should always remember that it is the principles of love and truth by which Jesus lived that we are to imitate - not the specific tasks or ministry of the Messiah. In other words, we do not have to go to Jerusalem because Jesus went there, nor do we minister primarily to the Jews just because he did.

He has commissioned all of us to take his message of deliverance to the world, that the Kingdom of God - Yehovah is soon coming, and that people need to repent of their old way of living and die to self, and be baptised into the body of the Messiah Jesus in order to become new creations in the Lord Messiah Jesus.

The Messiah had a specific ministry to perform. He was commissioned by God specifically as His servant to Israel within his ministry of salvation, and then to die as the ransom sin-offering sacrifice for the sins of all mankind, to reconcile mankind to his God and Father Yehovah. It is, therefore, the principles of love and truth which he taught and exhibited that are of eternal relevance for us. These same principles must be applied by us today in the contexts of our own lives.

Jesus summed up the principles by which he lived in the two Old Testament commandments which he said were the sum and substance of all the ethical teaching of the Bible. The Gospel of Matthew records this:

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments" (Matthew 22:34-40).

Throughout his life and ministry Jesus taught and showed how to live a life of love. In doing this he went beyond the common understanding of the Old Testament Law of his day and showed that what God truly wanted were people who would love and reverence him "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:21- 24) - from a truthful heart - going beyond the external rules and regulations which govern the affairs of men (Matthew 9:13; Mark 12:32-34; Luke 6:1-11).

No matter how much of a knowledge of the Bible we may gain in our lives it is this law of love as summarized in the simple and succinct statements of the Messiah Jesus to love God with all our being, and to love your neighbor as yourself that will always be the foundation for right Christian living. These are statements that anyone of sound mind can understand and then apply to the many, many situations which life may present. Learning to think and live this way is learning to think and live like the Messiah Jesus, realizing that it is only by the indwelling enabling spirit of God and His son Jesus that we can do so!

The New Testament Letters

As a result of the Messiah's life, death, resurrection and the giving of the holy spirit on the day of Pentecost which he sent down, it is now possible for God's - Yehovah's people to love and worship God - Yehovah as their Father in spirit and in truth [in a truthful spirit] (Ephesians 2:18-22; Philippians 3:3). With the giving of the spirit on the day of Pentecost the age of the New Covenant began. This New Covenant is not based on external ordinances, rituals or a written code of law. Instead, it is based upon the once for all time sacrifice of the Lord Messiah for the sins of the world, and upon the spirit of God - Yehovah which is given to every believer in the Lord Messiah Jesus (Hebrews. 9:15; 2 Corinthians 3:6). As a result, the disciple of the Lord Messiah Jesus is now able to live in freedom and confidence as a child of God and to serve others with a Messiah-like love from the heart. Look at the following verse from the New Testament Letters:

So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of the Messiah ... but now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the spirit, and not in the old way of the written code (Romans 7:4-6).

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

The entire Law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5:13-14).

The lifestyle of living in love, or living in the spirit, is the very essence of the Messiah-like life of the believing disciple. This principle is called within the New Testament letters the "law of the Messiah" (Galatians 6:2). This is the rule, or principle, by which disciples in the Messiah within the age of the New Covenant are to live. Instead of being a legal code of rules and regulations, this law of the Messiah is summed up in the all encompassing concept of loving God with all your being, and loving one's neighbor as himself. This life of love is based on the life of the Messiah himself and is flexible enough to be applied to any historical or cultural situation which this life can bring. The law of the Messiah is "Messiah centered" rather than "rule centered." It tells us to think and live like the Messiah rather than focus on rules or laws which govern the affairs of men. The Messiah-like life goes beyond a written legal code of conduct (Galatians 5:23) so as to fulfill the intent of God's commands in the many varied situations which this life can bring. It focuses on loving and caring for people just as the Messiah did, enabled by the spirit of God - Yehovah to do so.

The New Testament Letters speak of this lifestyle as "living" or "walking" in: "love" (Ephesians 5:1-2; Romans 13:8-10; etc.), "the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16- 25; Romans 8:1-13; etc.) or "the light" (Ephesians 5:8-9; I John 1:5-9). Each of these phrases emphasizes the same basic truth - a the Messiah-like life of love and truth. Let's look at some examples from the NT letters:

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8-10).

So I say, live by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:16-23).

The contrast between the Messiah-like life of love and truth and the worldly lifestyle based on the works of the flesh (the sinful nature) is obvious. Disciples of the Lord Messiah Jesus should have no part in the works of the flesh since we are not to be conformed to the world but instead to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is what Jesus meant when he said we are in the world, but not of the world.

Since, however, we live in the world, it is certain that there will always be a battle taking place between the godly lifestyle of living in the spirit and the world's lifestyle of the works of the flesh. The "battlefield" for this ongoing spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:10-12) is primarily in the believer's mind and it is here that the believing disciple must learn to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to the Messiah" (2 Corinthians 10:5). We are to walk in obedience to the Lord Messiah no matter what the cost!

When we sin, as we all do at times, we come to our God and our Father Yehovah and express our regret and sorrow by confessing our sins to Him. Since He is our loving Father, we have His assurance that He will always forgive us so that we may continue to walk in intimate fellowship with Him and His son Jesus. Look at the Letter of I John:

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God - Yehovah is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus the Messiah, His son, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:5-10).

The disciples life is a life of living as the Messiah lived. As we live this way it is our joy and privilege to walk in intimate fellowship with God - Yehovah as our Father and with Jesus His Son. As children in God's family we are "heirs of God - Yehovah, and joint-heirs with the Messiah" (Romans 8:16-17) and we are able to share fully in all that is our rightful inheritance in the Messiah Jesus. Since we now have God's Spirit as the "firstfruits" of that inheritance, we are even now able to walk in fellowship with God - Yehovah day by day. The intimacy of that fellowship is directly proportional to our decision to put on the mind of the Messiah so as to walk in the light.

Our Christian Responsibilities

When we confessed Jesus as our Lord we became subject to him as our Lord and Messiah, bought and paid for by his shed blood. As his servants - slaves, and members of his called-out assembly, believers are responsible to live for him in every aspect of their lives (Colossians 3:24). This includes family responsibilities, job responsibilities or any other area of our lives.

In addition, believing disciples have two special responsibilities which God has assigned specifically to the called-out assembly.

First, we are responsible to care for and strengthen our fellow brothers and sisters within the body of the Messiah Jesus in whatever way that we can. Look at the Book of Philippians:

If you have any encouragement from being united with the Messiah, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of the Messiah Jesus (Philippians 2:1-5).

Though disciples are instructed to "do good to all men," they should make a special effort to do good "to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10). These same thoughts are repeated over and over within the New Testament and the basic idea is certainly not difficult to understand.

As brothers and sisters in the God's - Yehovah's household, and members of the called-out Assembly, the body of the Messiah, we are all uniquely bound together and therefore have a special obligation to care for each other (cp. Romans 12:1-15:7; I Corinthians 12-13; Ephesian 4:1- 6:9; Colossians 3:1-17). We are to "carry each other's burdens', and in this way ... fulfill the law of the Messiah" (Galatians 6:1-2).

The second responsibility which God has specifically assigned to the called-out Assembly is to share the good news message of salvation by grace through believing Jesus the Messiah's message of the kingdom  with others throughout the world (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:7-8; 2 Corinthians 3:6-5:21). This responsibility is called the ministry of reconciliation within the Book of 2 Corinthians. God has given the called-out Assembly a special role to play in the accomplishing of His plan of salvation.

If others are to hear about God's love and grace it must come through the efforts of those who have themselves received God's wonderful gift of salvation. As the called-out Assembly of God - Yehovah, and citizens under God's - Yehovah's Kingship and kingdom we are ambassadors for the Messiah Jesus in this world. Look at the following verses:

For the Messiah's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded the Messiah in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in the Messiah, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

All this is from God - Yehovah, who reconciled us to Himself through the sin-offering sacrifice of the Messiah Jesus and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God - Yehovah is reconciling the world to Himself in the Messiah, not counting men's sins against them. He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore the Messiah's ambassadors, as though God - Yehovah was making His appeal through us.

We implore you on the Messiah's behalf: Be reconciled to God - Yehovah. God - Yehovah made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him [Jesus] we might become the righteousness of God - Yehovah (2 Corinthians 5:14-21).

All that we as brothers and sisters have at this moment has come from the hand of God - Yehovah because we are new creations in the Lord Messiah Jesus and because by the spirit of sonship God - Yehovah has made us to be His sons and daughters in His household. Outside the Lord Messiah Jesus a man/woman can receive nothing from the hand of God - Yehovah!

As disciples of the Lord Messiah Jesus we have the joy and privilege of "shining like stars in the universe as we hold out the word of life" [the good news message of the soon coming kingdom of God - Yehovah] (Philippians 2:14-16).

We are ambassadors for the Lord Messiah Jesus, acting as his agents, and are such representing him in this world. As we share the truths of God's - Yehovah's  love and the good news message of His Kingship - Kingdom and the name of Jesus with others we are able to help them believe and be reconciled to God - Yehovah. What an incredible truth to realize that God has entrusted this responsibility to us, His people - His sons and daughters.

Though we may not all be wonderful speakers or evangelists we can all aid in the accomplishment of this ministry of reconciliation. In our daily lives and in our personal contacts with others we can be witnesses of the Lord Messiah Jesus by all that we say and do. Through our Messiah-like lives, our sharing of the message of the kingdom of God - Yehovah with others or helping those with special ministries in this regard, we can all do our part in helping others "to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth" (I Timothy 2:4). As Jesus stated, "...if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward" (Matthew 10:42).

Let us therefore be faithful to this responsibility which God has entrusted to us for there is no greater task or more noble purpose to be accomplished in this life.

The Judgment of Believers

After the Lord Messiah's second coming each believing disciples will "give account of himself before him" (Romans 14:9-12) and be judged as to his or her faithfulness in carrying out their disciple responsibilities in this life (2 Corinthians 5:10). Since "in the Messiah" we have already been judged and found "not guilty" as regards our acceptance with God and future salvation (Romans 3:22-24; 8:1-3), this judgment will be in respect to rewards which have been earned through faithful service to our Lord Jesus the Messiah (I Corinthians 3:8-15).

Believers will stand before the Lord Messiah Jesus in their already glorified bodies and in assurance of being with him forever since this transformation takes place instantaneously at the Messiah's return when believers are caught up to meet him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I Corinthians 15:50-57). As our Lord, Jesus will himself be our judge, on God's behalf [acting as His agent], and his judgment will be absolutely just (2 Timothy 4:1,8). It will be a judgment based not only on outward acts but also on the inward motivations of the heart (I Corinthians 4:1-5). All who have rendered faithful service for the Messiah will "receive their own reward according to their own labor" (I Corinthians 3:8). Those whose work will prove to be of poor quality will have their work "burned up" but they themselves "will be saved, though only as one escaping through the flames" (I Corinthians 3:10-15).

Though the Bible tells us little about these future rewards, it is evident that how we live our lives in this present life will have direct bearing on the privileges, honors, and responsibilities that will be ours in the kingdom of God - Yehovah of the coming age.

Salvation - deliverance is absolutely by the grace of our God and Father Yehovah, given to us as we come to believe and obey the one whom He has sent to deliver us. The believer in the Messiah Jesus is also assured that there will be glorious rewards for those who faithfully serve him. The Book of Colossians puts the entire Messiah - like life of the believer in proper perspective for us:

Since, then, you have been raised with the Messiah, set your hearts on things above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died [to self] and your life is now hidden with the Messiah in God - Yehovah. When the Messiah, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Notice: Our live is now hidden with the Messiah in God - Yehovah. How? because we are new creations "in him" and so we are always with him.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but the Messiah Jesus is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God's - Yehovah's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord - Yehovah forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of the Messiah rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of the Messiah dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged ...

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord the Messiah you are serving. 

Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism (Colossians 3:1- 25).

This is the Messiah-like life of the believing disciple. It is a life of loving service to others based on the truth of God's Word. As we live faithfully for  our God and Father Yehovah and Jesus the Messiah our Lord we can enjoy the fellowship of that relationship even now while looking expectantly to the "praise, glory and honor" that we will receive "when Jesus the Messiah is revealed" (I Peter 1:7).

Therefore, ...my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (I Corinthians 15:58).

THE HOLY SPIRIT SUMMARIZED

The Holy Spirit is the breath or wind of Yehovah Elohim - God. It is God’s controlling influence that interacts with man and the universe. Through the Holy Spirit, the “hand of God” is upon us and the Spirit is symbolic of the “finger” of God. In various ways, the Holy Spirit manifests the power of God to accomplish His will. It is God’s Spirit, given by God that “proceeds from the Father” as a “heavenly gift” that believers “receive,” are “filled with.” The Holy Spirit is an enabling power that can be “put on,” “put in,” and “put within.” It can be transferred from one person to another, is apportioned, and is divisible. The Holy Spirit “falls on” and is “poured out” when believers are “baptized with the Holy Spirit”. Believers are to “drink” and “taste” this “living water”. We are to speak and pray “in the Spirit” as it accomplishes many various works of Yehovah in our lives. Yehovah’s presence is made manifest through His Spirit as it comforts, counsels, and directs us. We must be careful not to rebel against, resist, grieve, quench, or blaspheme God’s controlling influence.  The Holy Spirit can be personified in what reflects God’s personality and character.

The Holy Spirit in Reference to Creation

The Holy Spirit is also an aspect of God's enabling power. All things were made by God’s word, through God’s breath, His Spirit. This is how the original creation (the first man Adam) came into existence, and this is how Jesus the Messiah (the second man, the last Adam) came into existence. 

Psalms 33:6: By the word of Yehovah the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their armies. 

Psalms 104:29-30: When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. 

Genesis 2:7: Yehovah Elohim - God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living creature. 

Job 33:4: The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty give me life. 

Luke 1:35: The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy child developing inside you will be called the Son of God. 

Meaning of the Hebrew and Greek for Spirit 

The word for spirit in Hebrew is ruach which means breath, wind, or spirit. Similarly, the word Holy Spirit in Greek comes from the combination of the words pneuma hagion (πνεῦμα ἅγιον), which most literally means, “air in movement – that is sacred”.  The Holy Spirit (Pneuma) is most literally the breath or wind of God that was used to create the universe and that God uses to interact with man.

Strong’s Dictionary

h7307. רוּחַ rûaḥ; from 7306; wind; by resemblance breath, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions): — air, anger, blast, breath, x cool, courage, mind, x quarter, x side, spirit((-ual)), tempest, x vain, ((whirl-))wind(-y). 

g4151. πνεῦμα pneuma; from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, the Messiah’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: — ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.

Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament

πνεῦμα, ατος, τό. (1) as derived from πνέω (blow), of the movement of air; (a) blowing, wind (John 3:8 and Hebrews 1:7); (b) breathing, breath (2 Thessalonians 2:8; and Matthew 27:50; in the sense “he breathed his last”) 

The correlation between the Spirit and God’s breath or wind is also  illustrated in the following verses:

Job 26:13: Βy His wind the heavens were made fair

****Job 32:8: But it is the Spirit in man, the breath to the Almighty, that makes him understand.

John 3:8: The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit is God’s enabling power

The Greek word for Spirit is pheuma. The use of this word in the New Testament and other early Christian writings is described in the foremost Greek-English Lexicon (BDAG) as follows: 

(1) air in movement, blowing, breathing

(2) that which animates or gives life to the body, breath, (life-) spirit

(3) a part of human personality, spirit

(4) an independent non corporeal being, in contract to a being that can be perceived by the physical senses, spirit

(5) “God’s being as His enabling power, with a focus on association with humans” is a key aspect to what the Holy Spirit is and does. 

That is, it is the extension of God (emanation), transmitted from God, that interacts with and influences people. This understanding is supported by numerous Scriptural references: 

2 Peter 1:21: For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 

John 3:34: For he [Jesus] whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit [to Jesus] without measure.” 

Exodus 31:3: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 

Numbers 11:25: Then Yehovah came down in the cloud and spoke to him [Moses] and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied.

1 Samuel 10:6: Then the Spirit of Yehovah will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you. 

Nehemiah 9:29-30: Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear… 

Isaiah 59:21: “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says Yehovah: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth…” 

Acts 10:38: …how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 

1 Corinthians 2:10-12: These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.

The Holy Spirit is Symbolic of the “Hand” or “Finger” of God

The “Spirit of God” is analogous to the “hand” or “finger” of God. Just as a man’s hand and finger are subordinate to the will of a man, so the Spirit of God is subject to the will of God. A person is doing what is done by their hands. Likewise, it is God Himself that is doing the work that is done by the extension of his hand and fingers.  Through the Holy Spirit, God’s will is put into action, performing what he sends it to perform.

Ezekiel 1:3: the word of Yehovah came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of Yehovah was upon him there

Ezekiel 3:14: The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of Yehovah being strong upon me.

Ezekiel 37:1: The hand of Yehovah was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of Yehovah and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones.

2 Kings 3:15-16: But now bring me a musician.” And when the musician played, the hand of Yehovah came upon him. And he said, “Thus says Yehovah, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’ 

Matthew 12:28: “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” 

Luke 11:20: “But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

The Holy Spirit Manifests the Power of God

The terms power and spirit are often used interchangeably, since God performs his mighty works through His Spirit.  It is accurate to say the Holy Spirit is the power of God. The enabling power of God, as demonstrated by miraculous works in people, is generally realized through a process that first involves being filled with the enabling power of God’s Spirit and then the subsequent work of the Spirit’s enabling power. By the Holy Spirit, the controlling influence of God, we can interact and be in union with the power and mind of God.  According to Jude 1:20, the power of God comes from the Holy Spirit: “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit”. Accordingly, Praying in the Holy Spirit is the means by which we interact with God to receive His anointing and empowerment. 

Several some examples are as follows: 

Judges 14:5-6: Then Samson went down with his father and mother to Timnah, and they came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion came toward him roaring. Then the Spirit of Yehovah rushed upon him, and although he had nothing in his hand, he tore the lion in pieces as one tears a young goat… 

Judges 15:14: When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting to meet him. Then the Spirit of Yehovah rushed upon him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that has caught fire, and his bonds melted off his hands.

Luke 1:35: And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. 

Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

Acts 2:4: And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Acts 4:31: And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 

Acts 10:38: …how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 

Romans 15:19: By the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God - so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of the Messiah.

The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit Given to People that proceeds from the Father

Numerous scriptural witnesses clarify that Holy Spirit, is a gift from God that proceeds from the Father. There is a distinction to be made between the “Giver” - God and the “Gift” that comes from God, the Holy Spirit - God’s enabling power. 

1 Thessalonians 4:8: Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you. 

John 15:26: “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father… 

Acts 2:33: “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.” 

Acts 5:32: “And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, that God has given to those who obey him.” 

Acts 15:8: And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, 

Acts 10:38: …how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 

Hebrews 2:4: …while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. 

1 John 3:24: Whoever keeps His commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He has given us. 

1 John 4:13: No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is Something to be “Received” (as a Gift)

Scriptural references that attest to Holy Spirit as being received:

Acts 1:4-5: And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

Acts 2:38: And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 8:14-19: Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon [Magus] saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 

John 20:22: And when he had said this, he [Jesus] breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” 

Ephesians 1:13: In him [Jesus] you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 

Hebrews 6:4: For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is an enabling power to Be “Filled With”

Scriptural references that attest to Holy Spirit as being an enabling power to be “filled with”:

Luke 1:15: …for he [John the Baptist] will be great before the Lord - Yehovah. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 

Luke 1:41: And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 

Luke 1:67: And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying.” 

Acts 4:8: Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders…” 

Acts 4:31: And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 

Acts 7:55: But he [Stephen], full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 

Acts 9:17: So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 

Acts 11:24: for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 

Ephesians 5:18: And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit

You can be in the Holy Spirit

We are enabled by the spirit of God to speak forth with diving inspiration and in prayer.  The Holy Spirit is “the enabling power” that guides us as we live out our lives according to the will of our God and Father Yehovah. The Holy Spirit is God’s enabling power He give to us that works in us and through us to live a victorious spiritual life.” True worshipers worship the Father in spirit and in truth, with a truthful spirit.

Mark 12:36: David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared, ‘Yehovah said to my Lord [the Messiah Jesus], “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ 

Romans 9:1: I am speaking the truth in the Messiah - I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit, 

1 Corinthians 12:3: Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit 

1 Thessalonians 1:5: …because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 

Ephesians 6:18: praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. 

John 4:23: But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.

The Holy Spirit Is Transferable, Apportioned and Divisible

Several Bible references attest that the Spirit is likened to a transferrable power that can be apportioned, and is divisible. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, reads: 

Acts 2:17: In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams; and in 1 John 4:13: This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. 

Understand, the Greek means “some of” or “part of”, indicating a share or portion. Accordingly, we know that the Spirit of God is His enabling power that can be distributed among many. 

Numbers 11:17: And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you [Moses] and put it on them [the elders], and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you may not bear it yourself alone. 

Numbers 11:25: Then Yehovah came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied… 

2 Kings 2:9-10: When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me” 

2 Kings 2:15-16: Now when the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho saw him opposite them, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. And they said to him, “Behold now, there are with your servants fifty strong men. Please let them go and seek your master. It may be that the Spirit of Yehovah has caught him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley” 

Acts 2:1-4: When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Acts 2:17: It shall be in the last days, says God: I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 

1 John 4:13: No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 

Hebrews 2:4: …while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

The Holy Spirit is “Put on” or “Put Within”, “Falls Upon”, or is “Poured Out”

Numbers 11:25: Then Yehovah came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it. 

Numbers 11:27-29: And a young man ran and told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all Yehovah's people were prophets, that Yehovah would put His Spirit on them!” 

Isaiah 42:1: Behold my servant [Jesus], whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations 

Ezekiel 36:27: And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules

Scriptural references that liken the Holy Spirit to an enabling power that “falls on” or “descends upon” and “remains”:

Luke 3:21-22: Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 

Luke 4:18: “The Spirit of the Lord – Yehovah is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed 

John 1:33: I myself did not know him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 

Acts 2:1-4: When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 

Acts 10:44: While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 

Acts 11:15: As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 

Scriptural references that describe the Holy Spirit as an enabling power that is “poured out”: 

Isaiah 32:15: …until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is deemed a forest. 

Isaiah 44:3: For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. 

Ezekiel 39:29: And I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel, declares Yehovah Elohim - GOD.” 

Joel 2:28-29: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. 

Acts 2:17: It shall be in the last days, saith God: of my Spirit I pour out on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 

Acts 10:44: While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentile.

The Holy Spirit is “Baptized With” and is “Living Water” that We Can “Drink”

The word baptize means to immerse. Numerous Scriptural references indicate the Holy Spirit is God’s enabling power believers receive when they are immersed in water - baptized Receiving the Spirit is analogous to being born again In contrast to ordinary water, the Spirit is analogous to living water. This spirit flows out of our hearts as rivers of living water for those who hear the words of salvation can drink – receive. 

Luke 3:16: John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Acts 1:5: …for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 

Acts 2:38: And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Acts 11:15-16: As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord [Jesus], how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 

John 1:33: I myself did not know him, but he that sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 

John 3:5-8: Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 

John 4:10: Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 

John 7:37-39: On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. 

1 Corinthians 12:13: For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 

Ephesians 5:18: And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

The Holy Spirit Accomplishes The Works of God

The Holy Spirit is referred to as the “Spirit of truth (John 14:17) and in various ways represents influence or power. The “spirit of the world” can be contrasted with the “spirit which is of God” (1 Corinthians 2:12). These competing influences are at work in the world. Each is an influence emanating from a source that produces various attitudes, behaviors, or “fruit”. The Holy Spirit directs people toward God’s will being his “breath,” “wind,” “hand,” or “finger”. The many works accomplished through God’s controlling influence are described in these verses: 

Luke 4:1: And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness. 

Luke 4:18-19: “The Spirit of the Lord - Yehovah is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s – Yehovah’s favor.” 

Acts 10:38: …how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 

1 Corinthians 2:9-13: But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him” -  these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 

1 Corinthians 14:1: Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 

1 Corinthians 2:10-12: These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 

Romans 8:13-14: For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 

Romans 8:27: And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because The Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 

Romans 14:17: For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:16: …to be a minister of the Messiah Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:19: …by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of the Messiah 

Galatians 5:22-25: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 

Ephesians 2:18-22: For through him [Jesus] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, the Messiah Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord - Yehovah. In him [Jesus] you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. 

1 Peter 1:2: …according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus the Messiah and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. 

Titus 3:5: he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit Can be Rebelled Against, Resisted, Lied To, Grieved, Quenched, and Blasphemed Against

When someone is rebelling against or despising God’s controlling influence, which is associated with God’s presence, that person can be said to be grieving, resisting, or quenching his Spirit:

Isaiah 63:10: But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; therefore He turned to be their enemy, and Himself fought against them. 

Acts 5:3: But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 

Acts 7:51: “You stiff-necked people [Israel], uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 

Ephesians 4:30: And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19: Do not quench the Spirit 

Psalms 51:11: Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 

Luke 12:10-12: And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is attributing the works of God to some other entity such as a demon or an unclean spirit. This is falsely attributing what is holy to what is unclean. 

Mark 3:22-30: And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “by the prince of demons he casts out the demons.” And he called them to him and said to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” -  for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Notice what the Holy Spirit Is:

The numerous scriptural witnesses in the sections above attest that the Holy Spirit is a gift that originates from God and it is an enabling power that someone can receive, be filled with, be in, put on, and be baptized with, and that it is transferable and can be apportioned. This all indicates the Holy Spirit is God’s Controlling influence. 

The Holy Spirit reflects God persona, it reflects His character, and it accomplishes His will. 

The Greek word for “spirit” (peneuma) is neuter indicating it as an impersonal abstract noun. Other nouns referring to the functions of the Holy Spirit are sometimes in the masculine gender. Greek, like many other languages including Spanish, French, German, Latin, and Hebrew assigns a gender to nouns, although they do not refer to a living being. A Greek grammar rule is that the gender of any associated pronouns must match the noun. For example, a lamp would be considered a “he” in the Greek, although a lamp is obviously not a living being or person. The gendering of nouns and pronouns often leads to some confusion with respect to translating passages related to the Holy Spirit, especially regarding the function of the Holy Spirit as an “Intervention” (parakletos) often translated as “Helper,” “Comforter,” “Counselor,” or “Intercessor.”

New Testament translators, carrying a Trinitarian bias, generally use masculine pronouns such as “he,” “him,” “who,” or “whom” that should be translated as “it,” “its,” “itself,” and “which” for pronouns that are in reference to the Holy Spirit.

Translated correctly, the case for identifying the Holy Spirit as a distinct person from the Father is absent. The understanding of foundational Christian theology cannot depend on a few pronouns, but rather should be founded upon the balance of Scripture and the weight of the biblical evidence presented in the revelation God has given to humanity through his servants.

The Holy Spirit is best understood as an enabling power that believers receive. Considering that the Holy Spirit is God’s controlling influence, it that not only reflects the mind and character of God but is an extension of God’s presence that comforts us and gives us revelation, and “speaks” to us. A clue that it is the Spirit doesn’t speak from itself, is in John 15:26 which says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, …it will not speak on its own authority, but whatever it hears it will speak.” Although poetic personification might be employed in reference to the Comforter/Helper, this is a figurative expression. The Holy Spirit can be personified in that it represents God’s nature and character - not because Holy Spirit itself is literally a person. Through God’s controlling influence, the Holy Spirit gives commands, forbids, indicates, says, or otherwise directs man. 

Acts 1:2: …until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 

Acts 16:6: And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 

Acts 20:28: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God… 

Acts 28:25: And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet. 

Hebrews 3:7-8: Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness 

Hebrews 9:8: By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 

Hebrews 10:15: And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying 

1 Peter 1:12: It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. 

Psalms 33:6: By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 

Psalms 104:29-30: When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. 

Genesis 2:7: …then Yehovah Elohim - God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 

Job 33:4: The spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty give me life. 

Luke 1:35: And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

Job 26:13: By his wind the heavens were made fair.

*****Job 32:8: But it is the Spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.

John 3:8: The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit is God’s Controlling Influence

2 Peter 1:21: For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit 

John 3:34: For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” 

Exodus 31:3: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 

Numbers 11:25: Then Yehovah came down in the cloud and spoke to him [Moses] and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. 

1 Samuel 10:6: Then the Spirit of Yehovah will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you 

Nehemiah 9:29-30: Many years you bore with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets. Yet they would not give ear… 

Isaiah 59:21: “And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the LORD: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth…” 

Acts 10:38: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 

1 Corinthians 2:10-12: These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.