We read, in the first chapter of the Acts, that the Lord Jesus, when risen from the dead, commanded, through the Holy Spirit, the apostles whom he had chosen not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father (which ye have heard of Me); for ye shall receive “power after that the Holy Spirit is come” [or, “of the Holy Spirit coming”] upon you.
He then was seen to ascend, and a cloud received him out of their sight (Acts 1:2-102Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (Acts 1:2‑10)). The coming down of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost is traced by Peter (Acts 2:3333Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:33)) up to its source. He was to come down with power to the apostle as witnesses of the Lord’s life down here (Acts 1:2-82Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:2‑8)), and of His resurrection (1:16-26). He came to the company. Afterward Paul knew the same power for witnessing to an ascended Lord as center and end of a new system. But the Spirit has not left the people of God down here. He abides still with them (John 14:1616And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16); Revelation 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17)). His taking up His abode in and among the company which the Lord Jesus had gathered was altogether a new thing; never known before. It made them and, those of their company to become the habitation of GOD (through the Holy Spirit there, Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)), and was power for witnessing unto the Lord Jesus, from whom it came—unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Observe, it was the Holy Spirit Himself—a person in the Godhead—who came down (John 14:1616And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16)) to earth from the Father and the Son in heaven, and took up His abode on earth (not in a tent, however ornamented, made of skin and curtains—nor in a temple built of stone with hands of men—but) in and among living men on earth, whom the Lord Jesus loved and who loved Him; and He came to be the Paraclete (or Guardian, translated 5:16 and 26 “Comforter”) down here when Christ became the Paraclete in heaven with the Father, 1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1) (here translated “Advocate”).
This company is looked upon in after parts of Scripture in different aspects. 1St, as the habitation of God; Secondly, as the family adopted of the Father and committed by Him to the Son to bring to glory; and thirdly, as the spiritual body of Christ—one Spirit, and so one with Himself—the Bride. But in each of these blessed aspects the Holy Spirit has His own full and distinctively peculiar place. Quite true is it that men have been entrusted with a new revelation [in that called the New Testament], and a new place of obedient dependence upon the Holy Spirit in a new position, and men have failed in the responsibility again, as ever—forgotten both Holy Spirit and the truth which He came as witness of. But He has no more failed than God can fail; no more failed than the father on high has failed in His counsels and plans about the Son of His love, and therefore there is to faith a habitation of God down here still, and there is to hope the New Jerusalem to come. There are those that say I am a “son (hu-ois) of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)), and into whose hearts God has sent the Spirit of His Son, crying Abba, Father”(4:6), and if Abba’s heart be our present blessing, Abba’s house is our hope (John 14:2, 32In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:2‑3)), where Abba’s self and Abba’s Son will be together for our joy in the Spirit. So there are those now that hold the Head and know themselves members in particular, cared for by Him, to whom eternity is as time, and who nourishes and cherishes His body (Eph. 5:28-3028So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Ephesians 5:28‑30); see also 1:22 to 2:10), and means to present it to Himself a glorious bride without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.
Remark, in chapter 1, how the Lord himself, through the Spirit, gave commands (v. 2): we, too, now ought to—and in the glory to come we shall—know what “by the Spirit all-pervading” means; He was promised by the Father, as the Son Himself had told them (comp. Heb. 2); He was come in an all-covering baptism (v. 5); as power for testimony to Jesus [for us] unto the uttermost part of the earth (v. 8).
As the taking possession of the tabernacle and of the temple was in either case attended with most signal marks, so in chapter 2 The Holy Spirit’s taking possession of the new sort of habitation (the old sort of temple itself was left standing with its rent veil) had its indications too; suddenly came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind—the house where they were sitting filled with it; cloven tongues as of fire upon each of them; all of them filled with the Holy Spirit; each spake in tongues as the spirit gave them utterance (v. 4). When this got noised abroad the multitude were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language (read v. 5-11). Eighteen localities are named whence they came. The confounding of the tongues at Babel’s tower to stop wickedness found its contrast here when the wonderful works of God in Christ had to be proclaimed.
Then, again, this was not the result of drunkenness—but of a promised pouring of my Spirit upon all flesh (v. 17, 18); connected with what went beyond Israel and set it aside in its then state. Whosoever shall call, &c., went beyond Israel, as whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord did not describe Israel’s then state. Peter’s testimony is contained in one sermon of twenty-six verses (14-40). One sermon gained 3000 souls. Verses 42-47 describe the favored company. Its marks were peculiar, but very beautiful before God and man.
And the Holy Spirit, who had come down, took into His own hands the reins of government and administration; the arrangement, settling, and carrying out of every part of what He meant to be done. The will was and is in God, not in man, though voluntarily did those that knew the Blesser go along with Him, taking the lead, and Himself working out what He would. In chap. 4:8, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit, and has a bold and wise testimony to give (10-12 and 19, 20). They return to their own company—prayer ascends—the place is shaken, and all, filled with the Holy Spirit, spake the word of God with boldness (23-31); and then follows another beautiful account of the company.
If anyone would take the trouble to read through the Acts, and mark in the margin with an S all verses in which the Spirit is named, such an one will be astonished to see how the presence of God the Holy Spirit, and His using men and working by men, is marked upon every part of it.
It seems to me that the redemption of Israel out of Egypt was so arranged by Jehovah that every part of it threw out His presence into light. If there was an Exodus, it proved that He was there; if there was no being locked up at Pihahiroth, it was because He was there whose word the Red Sea heard and obeyed. The pillar of fire and cloud marked the presence of Him who had water and manna to give. He present, the way into Canaan was patent, and made good by Israel. If He was dishonored, forgotten, disobeyed, there was no possible tenure of blessings given. And afterward His temple could not stand without Himself. God is all and in all to faith—and man is nothing. If in subjection, dependent and obedient, then blessed. If unbelievingly out of subjection, independent and disobedient—where and what is he? What could the twelve apostles have done, or what do, without a living Lord to look after them. If subject—dependent and obedient—they were as John—in the bosom; if true but self-complacent and not self-judged, then they were as Peter; if not real, but self-honoring, as Judas. But as to the good, the Lord was alone—and the all in all was in Him. And what can I do if I forget the Holy Spirit came down from the Father and the Son in heaven, that I may have power to look up and be taught of God to see Jesus Lord of all at the right hand of God, and the Father in heaven Himself, firstborn, among many brethren; Himself head over all things to His company down here; Himself, who made and upholds all things—making the throne on high to be the mercy-seat, and all His springs of life to be known as His people’s, and the light of the blessing resting upon all them that believe (Rom. 3:2222Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 3:22)). Let Paul plant, let Apollos water; ‘tis God alone that gives the increase to his own seed.
Has the Father given us another Paraclete “that He may abide with us forever;” even the Spirit of truth—whom we know, and who is in us (John 14:16, 1716And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:16‑17)). Is this a blessing now enjoyed by us (15:26, 27): “But when the Paraclete is come whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me?” Most surely it is a blessing now existent. Does the Spirit of God dwell in us—even the Spirit of Christ; then let us, the body being dead because of sin, mortify its deeds. Led by the Spirit of God—we are sons of God, have received the Spirit of adoption whereby we cry, Abba, Father. We have the testimony of the Spirit with our spirit that we are the children of God; and then follows the blessed verse 17, and that other, 21, Rom. 8. And note it in 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1716Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Corinthians 3:16‑17); believers collectively are the temple in which the (comp. 2 Corinthians 6:1616And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Corinthians 6:16)) Spirit of God abides. And in 6:19 the individual is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit wrought in creation, providence, government, also in eternal redemption (Luke 3:3535Which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Ragau, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Sala, (Luke 3:35); Acts 10:3838How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 10:38) Heb. 9:1414How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14), &c.), and in eternal salvation as applied to us. All our knowledge of God and of the things of God is through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-149But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:9‑14). The Bible, too, He wrote it (2 Peter 1:2121For 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)). He is the Spirit of truth and testifies of Christ (John 15:2626But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)). We received Him by the hearing of faith (Gal. 3:2, 52This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:2)
5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? (Galatians 3:5)). Our access to the Father is by the Spirit (Eph. 2:1818For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (Ephesians 2:18)). Our union with the Lord is by Him (1 Cor. 6:17; 12:13, 1417But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is not one member, but many. (1 Corinthians 12:13‑14)). We may be filled with the Spirit; Paul speaks (Philippians 1:1212But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; (Philippians 1:12)) of a supply of the Spirit, of standing fast in one Spirit (27), of common fellowship of the Spirit (2:1), of worship in the Spirit (3:3). See also Ephesians 1:1717That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Ephesians 1:17). He is wisdom and revelation, and as strength in the inner man to those who seek Him (3:16). He warns us, too, not to quench Him (1 Thess. 5:1919Quench not the Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 5:19)), nor grieve Him (Eph. 4:3030And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)), and speaks of some having done despite to Him (Heb. 10:2929Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29)).
It is a great thing (without being wise above what is written) to be wise according to what is written, and to have a solemn sense of the dignity of Him who ministers Christ to us and can enable us through faith to do all things.
If the dignity of Him, the promise of the Father, who has come down to earth and ministers as the Spirit of truth, Christ to us individually and collectively, and is the one charged with the administration of God’s house down here, were more thought of—there would be more reverend awe, perhaps, in our assemblies, more sense of our nothingness in ourselves, and more courageous confidence of Christ’s strength going, made perfect in our weakness.
One habitation—one heavenly family of God—one body (called also the Espoused, 2 Cor. 11:22For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2), and the Bride, Rev. 22:1717And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17), and the Wife, Rev. 19:77Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7), of the Lamb) until the Lord comes: One, and but one, till all is finished and perfected.
Who could know the counsel, and the plan, and the way, and the energy needful to form a company which would meet all this? None but God and those to whom He reveals it Who could undertake and be entrusted with the work of atonement (making the throne, of God to be the mercy seat), and of being in that throne the giver and sustainer of eternal life? None (says Scripture) but the Son, Jesus the Lord and Christ. And who (in spite of the world, and the flesh, and Satan) is in administration down here for God, even the Father, and for the Christ, Son of His love? God Himself, even the Holy Spirit. He who came down at Pentecost and will be in sole administration until the Lord Jesus takes to Himself that which is His and the Father’s.
Would to God that we might all see this—and, owning Him, might be true and real, dependent and obedient in all things and times.
Taught of God in His book, you will find that the Spirit does not occupy us with Himself, but with the Lord Jesus, to witness to whom He came. Himself is the divine power of our intelligence as to all the realities of that world into which He has brought us. The Holy Spirit Himself, and the pure word of His testimony (both are from the Father and through the Son), are that which we have, now, to count upon.
The love of God is a love that gathers us into the presence of God Himself: a love that communicates the life of His Son to those dead in trespasses and sins; and they possess a life that is locked up in the Son, never to be touched. Is it true that you can turn to God and say that is the manner of life you possess? Life hid with Christ in God! If Christ Himself, up there, is my life, it links me up with Him in whom is the whole bundle of life. If the Head could not say to the feeblest member passing through the difficulties and sorrows of the wilderness down here, “I have no need of thee,” why is it? Because of being bound up in one bundle of life, that life being communicated by the Father, and being so in us that Chris cannot say He has no need of us. Did you ever look up in the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the consciousness of having one life with Him? If so, you cannot entertain a single question about the place you are in before God. If you have the eternal life that is in the only begotten Son, you cannot look up: without seeing that you are in a new place altogether before God.
Looking round Eden, man might have said, what a large giver God is! But what can we say, as those to whom this life has been given? Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son!
If I begin with self, there is nothing but ruin. Is there anything to be got out of the ruin? any want felt there of God? Impossible that there could be! I begin with God, not with self. If God uses my sin to show out the virtues of the blood of His Son, am I to be occupied with Him, or to be saying, “My leanness, my leanness!” Your leanness! how came you to be calculating on anything in yourself? If you bring an empty vessel, you can keep it full to overflowing if you put it into a cistern of water, even if there be a crack or flaw in the vessel.
The proper expression of a redeemed soul is thanksgiving that such a manifestation of the divine will should have come out—the deepest, highest, brightest, fullest, most blessed counsels of God, having their expression in Him who said, “Lo, I come to do thy will.”
Who was that babe laid there in manger? What could it mean, those angels saying, “Glory to God on high”? God could look down on that babe, and see there the perfect expression of His glory. All God’s glory came out connection with the person of Him who said, “No one knoweth the Father but the Son, and he who hath seen the Son hath seen the Father.”
After all the self-denial of Christ for me, is there to be none from me for Him? When He says, “I bought ye with my own blood, I charged myself with all your guilt,” am I never to say “Anything that is not for the glory a Christ I will renounce?”
G. V. W.