Spiritual Gifts

PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT

That Peter understood this promise to cover the Lord’s working to the end of time is set forth in these words: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38-39. Then as long as the Lord calls people to His service, so long is the promise of the Holy Spirit extended to them. SGL 13.3

With the idea in mind that the Spirit of God was to have much to do with the believers during the Gospel age, we can more fully comprehend the words of the apostle Paul when, comparing the past dispensation with the present one, He says: “How shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious?” 2 Corinthians 3:8. If this entire dispensation is the “ministration of the Spirit,” it surely must be that the Spirit is to have much to do with those who will accept its working. SGL 13.4

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, says, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7. The manifestation of the Spirit must refer to its manner of working. The Spirit may and does come to the sinner in his sins, as a reprover; but after he yields to the Lord, and it leads the mind to the blessed assurance of God’s promises, it is an approver. Ephesians 1:13. Then it is that “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” Romans 8:26. SGL 14.1

Man, in his fallen state, is infirm, “being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Ephesians 4:18. “Alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works.” Colossians 1:21. There is “given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4. After yielding to God and becoming partakers of the divine nature, we are recognized as “the sons of God;” being “led by the Spirit of God.” Romans 8:14. That Spirit dwelling in us “quickens (gives life-even the life of God-to) your mortal bodies.” Romans 8:11. It then “beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God,” and seals us as His. Romans 8:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22. When thus yielded to the life of God we are “strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.” Ephesians 3:16-17. Then we may say with the prophet Micah, “Truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.” Micah 3:8. Then the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4. SGL 14.2