Forward
It’s pretty clear; opinions are rather divided on the matter of being. Some claim we are the product of our environment, the result of spontaneous generation, which produced humankind and shaped the world we know. Others believe the opposite; mankind, the Earth and the Heavens from an unseen intelligence that designed and built it all.
Such opposing views have ignited ill-feeling, even open hostility over the years. Yet, while we can all feel the wind when it blows, some will argue the mental state of those who accept the unseen. On the other hand, there are equally derisive opinions against those who claim we sprang from unprompted beginnings. But, here’s an odd thing. While we dispute deity, intelligent design or the particulars of evolution or nature, spirituality is alive and well.
Spirituality exists across all manner of living; found in the great religions and diverse places, from the so-called new age and spiritualism, to the religions of the east, and the ways of the Middle East and Europe. Even some non-believers will accept this unknown thing in some form or other. It gives the impression spirituality has a place of its own; that a type of celestial code exists, which we are pulled in varying degrees by and toward. Many seek a connection to it be they of religious belief, or secular persuasion. So, one must wonder if there is more to us than we are prepared to admit.
The notion of things spiritual in the affairs of men is found in the earliest cultures. In many traditions we find this spirit forming the Heavens and the Earth, a hidden beneficence shaping our lives. Native Americans know it as Wakan Tanka; the Great Spirit or the Great Mystery. To the Maoris of New Zealand it is Rangi, in China Shang di; literally the King above. Traditions of a creating and gracious spirit are worldwide and enduring.
William Blake wrote; we who dwell on Earth can do nothing of ourselves: everything is conducted by spirits, no less than digestion or sleep. If this is so, what then of our nature and being: what sort of creatures are we?
Are we simply the stuff of flesh and bone or as Blake surmised, is there more to us than meets the eye? If we are in the grip of an illusion, then the phenomenon is universal, across all cultures and timeless. But, if we aren’t imagining this unseen dimension and this thing truly exists, what is it and where did it come from?
The oldest verifiable record of a Spirit touching mankind is in the early writings of the Middle East. For many, it is held in the highest regard, called Holy in Christian belief ranked equal with God. It is found throughout the sacred works of the Hebrews and Israel recorded by Moses, Aaron, Joshua and the Prophets. Its wellspring is the Book of Genesis and our starting place.
As we move through these next sections, we will glimpse the effect of this Spirit unfolding throughout our brief history, and in our lives. We will begin to see its purpose and nature; connection, belonging, and desire in creation. It is about love. This thing we call the Spirit, the great mystery to some, is as much a truth as the air we breathe. It is part of our very existence.
For all we know, it may be all of it…
The Holy Spirit
The majority of books and websites dedicated to explaining the Spirit are constrained by the fact; the Holy Spirit is seen as part of a trinity interacting and dependent upon it. The reason for this sits at Nicaea, when a Council of men divided God into Father and Son. God’s Spirit as we understand it today didn’t get a mention, but the idea of a Paraclete (John 14) was acknowledged.
The first mention of a divine or spiritual being in any ancient writing is in the context of creation. Jesus also informed us in John 4:24 that God is a Spirit, so there is clearly much more to this aspect of deity than we might think. Therefore, we will look first at the Spirit in terms of divine power, a dispensation of God that reveals thought or His will dispensed.
The words, spirit and ghost come from the Greek pneuma, which means: a current of air; a blast or gust, or breath. The King James Bible renders pneuma (nu-ma) as ghost, life, spirit or mind; also given as superhuman, namely an angel (or demon) divine, Godly, or Christ’s spirit. The Hebrew, nshamah, (Gen 2:7) means similar. It translates as wind or vital breath, also as divine inspiration rendered like the Greek as blast of breath, soul or spirit, with the extra dimension of life and intellect. The essential meaning is God’s breath; His breath upon, or life and existence.
As used in earlier translations, Ghost is from the Old High German, geist; the word, gast a legacy from the Saxons. They were both in use when the 1611 King James was first issued, which is how we got both ghost and spirit.
The Holy Spirit is also understood as the consequence of God within us, and in this frame, the conduit through which God interacts with who we are. As such, it cannot be thought an entity outside God, but God Himself. If we acknowledge this effect of the Spirit in our lives then things begin to fall into place. The Spirit of God then has a ubiquitous quality, which we will look at in the order of its appearing in the Holy Bible. The first is Power and Authority. It is by this attribute all things were created; therefore the antecedent of all that exists, visible and invisible.
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The Power of the Most High
There are only three mentions of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. The first is in Psalm 51, a plea from David for forgiveness. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. The others are in Isaiah 63, which speak of Israel grieving the LORD’S spirit and like the Psalm a plea for clemency. The first mention of the Holy Spirit (Ghost) in the New Testament is Luke 1:35.
The first chapter of Genesis shows the power of the Most High clearly evident in the act of creation. And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Gen 1:2)
Here, the Spirit of God is thought made evident; in other words, the visible expression of the divine will. We see it in the Heavens, the Earth and in all living things. In the New Testament, we see God’s will implement the announcement from Isaiah a virgin shall conceive and bring forth the Christ.
And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee: (Luke 1:35)
This authority is also found in the Book of Job. After God had put His indisputable case setting the terms of relationship between man and creator, Job replied; I know that thou can do all things, and that no purpose of thine can be restrained.
The Prophet, Jeremiah confirmed Job and the power, wisdom and the mind of God. He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding has he stretched out the heavens. (Jer 10:12)
The Farrar Fenton translation of 1901, gives further insight into the manner and expression of God’s will. Fenton’s rendering of Genesis 1 reads; by Periods God created that which produced the Suns; then that which produced the Earth. His attached note reads, literally by Headships; essentially by His thought. The Spirit then, seen in the context of the Power of the Most High, is the active authority of the Ever-Living God. It is the foundation and cause of all things; the Divine Force that lays down all we can know and experience.
The Spirit of Witness
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
We see this form of Spirit throughout the Bible, the power to declare God before men. We find it in Israel’s leaders of good standing (not that there were many); in the Prophets, the Apostles, Paul and Stephen. It is audacity, tenacity and subverting fear through faith. It is the Godly compass, directing the LORD’S desire amid His creation. By the spirit of witness we hear the truth of the Gospel declared with courage and passion, the same inspiring Abraham, Moses, Isaiah and David: the implanted voice of the Spirit of God.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)
It is this Spirit that moved Samuel to say; the Spirit of the LORD Spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. (2Sam 23:2)
Through His Spirit, the Prophets were the authorized bearers of His counsel. The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach… (Isaiah 61:1)
And James writes this witness is dependable. Take, brethren, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spake in the name of the Lord. (Jas 5:10)
It is The Word of God Made Available To All
The spirit of witness inspired the Old Testament, the Gospels, the Epistles, and those who through trial and adversity brought us the Holy Bible; the witness of truth for all who would seek Jesus and His Kingdom. A testimony delivered through the Spirit of Christ. Paul wrote; but I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:11-12)
The Spirit of Faith
But the hour comes and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)
Jesus again confirmed this truth with Pontius Pilot. My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from hence. Pilot therefore said to him, art thou a king then? Jesus answered; you say that I am a king. To this end I was born, and for this cause I came into the world that I should bear witness to the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice. (John 18:36-7)
Those who worship in spirit and truth are not cult followers; they do not believe false teaching like the prosperity gospel preached by Osteen, Hinn, or Jessie Duplantis who wants to buy Jesus an executive jet. They do not follow errant ministers who speak of a supposed rapture to come, or that Jesus will return to a city stained with His blood. They know the Word of God speaks of the enduring Spirit and not of things, which rust and decay. Jesus told us all, His kingdom has nothing whatsoever to do with this place of filth, evil, corruption, conflict and ruin. While His true followers live in it, they are not of it; knowing it is a stepping stone to a greater glory. They render unto God the things that are God’s.
Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. (Rev 14:12)
The twelve commands they keep are the two from Jesus found in Matthew and Mark; on which hang all the law and the Prophets (Matt 22:40) and the ten given to Moses. Those who keep the commands are seen in the Book of Revelation as the woman standing on the moon, clothed in the sun, with the crown of twelve stars upon her head. (Rev 12:1) They are the bride. They have changed their ways and are baptised into the Name of her husband, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38) They are the saints.
Now, Peter who declared the Lord and Christ at Pentecost shows us the path to a clean and simple faith. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. And to knowledge add temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacks these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, you shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (2Peter 1:5-11)
Paul writes; if any man is in Christ he is a new creature: the old things are passed away. (2Cor 5:17) We are changed; become free of doctrine and creed for it is Jesus we honour above all else. We live outside the judgment of others in the spirit of faith. Amen. Peter urges us to not worry about the stuff of this world, but to secure our life in the next. It’s what Jesus told us to do. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? (Mark 8:36)
We live in Christ’s spirit and He in us, no longer charmed by material things. No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other… (Luke 16:13)
How? We repent and are baptised into His Name. We realign ourselves to the correct order with the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the potter and we the work of His hand. In living this way, we awaken to the truth of the presence that dwells within all who believe. We now see the truth of Scripture, and the Word of God. Let’s look at that. And he was clothed in vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Rev 19:13) Yes, it’s Jesus.
And, we see the certainty of it revealed by Paul there is: One Lord (Jesus); one faith (Jesus); and one baptism (Jesus) (Eph 4:5) Amen.
We are assured in peace and await the hour of our eternal emancipation, resting in His Grace. We are not strait-laced or pious, just regular folk and sinners; it is a requirement for salvation when all is said and done. But, Jesus and His Gospel are central to the lives of those who believe as He asks.
God is a Spirit
Of the Father, Jesus declared; you have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (John 5:37) Jesus also stated it was the same who sent Him that He lived among us because of Him. Jesus was the personification of the Father in a form we could see, touch and hear; the season of His Good News for us all. Until He broke into our history to declare the Gospel, He remained hidden from His creation. Thou cannot see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. (Exo 33:20)
The Ever-Living turned His back to Moses, for no man can withstand the full glory of His essence. When writing to Timothy, Paul explained why no one can see God in His natural state; the reason He became the living form of Jesus Christ among us. Notice how Paul transitions Jesus from spotless to eternal, setting out the inescapable truth. Paul also completely dismantles the Trinity creed.
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and by Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time; he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1Tim 6:13-16) ESV
God is a Spirit. He speaks through His image established in us; let us make man in our image, after our likeness… (Gen 1:26) This is the image of spirit. The likeness is our mutual habitation, the unseen connection to the one who made us; our God-given duality animated and quickened. It is through this conduit of image and likeness we pray and worship. With Christ’s Spirit within us it is also in truth: …because the spirit is truth. (John 5:6)
The Comforter
As the Holy Spirit marks the dividing of time, the Comforter marks the division of the Testaments.
Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter. (Ecc 4:1)
For these things I weep; mine eye, mine eye runs down with water; because the comforter that should refresh my soul is far from me: (Lam 1:16)
But now, through the Grace of Christ Jesus, the Comforter is given to all who believe on His Name. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:18)
The Comforter and the Spirit of Jesus are one and the same. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeded from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26) Notice how Jesus gives the Comforter a living quality… he shall testify. But, what is that testimony? How does the Comforter bear witness of the Christ?
Webster’s defines comfort as; strengthening aid, a sensation of relief or encouragement, and to give strength and hope to. A Comforter is the one who gives these things. In Scripture, the Comforter is the Spirit of Jesus given as a sign of His Kingdom within that gives hope, wisdom and discernment. …he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I, said unto you. (John 14:26) The Comforter then, testifies in our spirit, He feeds us with the good bread; the Prophets and the Gospel. He opens the Scripture to us in new and profound ways revealing the truth concerning Him. We rest in the knowledge that; Jesus is the same yesterday, and today and for ever. (Heb 13:8)
But, if the Comforter is the Peace of Jesus inside us, why do we not sense it, or feel something is missing? It’s because we haven’t invited him; have rejected Him, refuse some of the Gospel, or simply don’t know Him, yet the offer is there. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20)
Now, Note This From John
When the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but what things so ever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you. All things the Father has are mine: therefore he takes of mine, and shall declare it unto you. (John 16:13-15)
Spirit to spirit
The reflection we see every day that interacts with the world, is made from a variety bio-chemical compounds and elements. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground. Our other image, which is unseen we call the soul or spirit. …and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. The soul then, is the spark of our sentient nature: …and man became a living creature. (Genesis 2) While they are in union we have life. When they are separated we die. The owner of the spirit is the one who made it: …and the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit return unto God who gave it. (Ecc 12:7)
This is who we are; dual beings of flesh, bone and God-given spirit, which we receive when we draw our first breath. Job confirms the consequence of the Spirit and the breath. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. (Job 33:4) But, it’s not easy coming to grips with the dispensations of God. In truth it is all but impossible, and why faith is important.
The Almighty God is an omnipresent being outside our limitations of time and space, so He makes Himself known to us, Spirit to spirit. In Matthew we find: … for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you: (16:17)
The Spirit of the LORD then, is the only revealer of truth. Yet, at times, much is outside our ability to adequately explain, or immediately comprehend, even though we know it as truth in our heart. It’s because our spirit, like the Kingdom, is not of this world.
In love and peace, James.