The Comforter

"It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come unto you."  (John 16:7)


The very office to which the Holy Spirit was appointed is personal. He is described as the Comforter ("another Comforter," says our Lord in John 14:16), and a comforter is one who stands by our side and helps us. The same word is sometimes translated "advocate." So our Lord was saying in effect, "As I have been with you during these three years, as I have taught you and guided you, and as I have sent you out on your missions, I will not leave you comfortless. I am going to send you another Comforter. You must not be troubled; you are not going to be left as orphans." The Holy Spirit is one who takes the place of our Lord. He is within us to lead us and guide us, and that is why our Lord was even able to say, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you" (John 16:7). Obviously this is a personal office.


Another big proof of the personality of the Holy Spirit is that, according to the teaching of the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit is susceptible to personal treatment. In other words, we are told that we can do certain things to the Spirit and that He reacts as only a person can react.


First, we are told that the Holy Spirit can be lied to. In the terrible case of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, notice what Peter said: "Ananias, why hath satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?" Ananias and Sapphira had declared that they had given everything, but Peter charged them with having lied to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not an influence therefore, not some vague power, but clearly a person. Second, we are told that we can "blaspheme" against the Holy Spirit (Matthew12:31-32). Third, we see that He can be "insulted" (Hebrews 10:29). Finally, He can be "grieved" (Ephesians 4:30).


A Thought to Ponder:


The Holy Spirit is susceptible to personal treatment.


~Martyn Lloyd-Jones~  "Walking with God Day by Day"