“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.” John 14:1
Paul in his letter to the Colossians makes it very clear that the mystery among the Gentiles, indeed, the mystery hid from the foundation of the world, but now revealed, is that of the believer’s union with Christ by the Spirit. The believer has been placed into Christ, and Christ comes to dwell in the heart of the believer. Paul makes this ever so clear when he declares: “…Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col.1:27) If we go a step further, we find that when the church, or the body of Christ, was born, and this by the new birth of every believer beginning at Pentecost, we are brought face to face with an even greater mystery, and that which has been hidden, but now revealed since the day of the outpouring of the Spirit. That great and wonderful thing is the church, indwelt by the Spirit of God, of Christ. She is particular to all that is in Scripture, as she is revealed as Christ’s bride, His dwelling place, and that means by which God’s glory will be revealed throughout the last days since Pentecost when this promise of the Father and sending forth by the Father and Son after his ascension, would be realized by Christ’s presence, and manifestation of the Spirit. Christ came once in the flesh to die for sinful men. Now the Spirit of Christ is given from heaven to forever dwell with, and in the believer. He came to give power, Christ’s Life and power to the church, so that in and through her by the Spirit, the witness of Christ should go throughout the world, revealing to the world that He alone is God, and the Savior of all men, particularly to those who would believe. In light of these facts, and Jesus’ testimony concerning the coming of the Spirit in a way that is particular to the age of the church, and the Spirit, what is the ministry of the Spirit to every believer in the body of Christ? What is the believer to trust in Christ for, specifically concerning the coming and purpose of the Spirit? And how are we to trust Him, walking by faith in the living Christ, fulfilling the will of God for His glory?
In John’s gospel, at a time just preceding Christ’s arrest, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, the Lord Jesus spoke to his disciples concerning things to come. He spoke of his death, but also of a time after His death when the Spirit of God would be given in a very special way, to minister to the believer in specific ways. He speaks first of all, setting the context for all that is to follow, by telling His disciples that they are not to have troubled hearts. His call to them is that they should believe in God, and also in Him. This would be the key of knowing Him, His presence, and His blessing, though He be in heaven. It is for this reason that He will the Spirit of God the name of “the Comforter,” that one called alongside to comfort, strengthen, encourage, and inspire. Christ by the Spirit, would not only be present with them, but be IN them.
The first thing we discover of the Spirit’s ministry to the believer is seen in the promise: “…He may abide with you forever.” (Jn. 14:16) There will henceforth not be a moment when the Spirit of God is not present, and accessible for every need. Jesus confirms this by saying, “…for He dwelleth with you, and shall be IN you.” (v.17) Secondly, this Comforter, coming “in Jesus’ name, “…will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (14:26) This He will confirm by His peace given. Thirdly, this Comforter, and Spirit of truth, “…shall testify of Me.” (16:26) The result will be, “…ye also shall bear witness.” (v. 27) Fourthly, the Spirit will speak, showing to the disciples “things to come.” (v.13)
Dear Father, Strengthen us to believe Thee. In Jesus’ name,