The Spirit and Known Duty
“HOWBEIT when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. We have known people grievously to misapply this text; and use it as an excuse for not doing known duty. Acknowledging that all the commandments of God are still binding on mankind, they will say, “If it were my duty to keep the Sabbath, the Spirit would reveal it to me, for the Spirit is to lead us into all truth.” But how does the Spirit lead us into truth? In this way: “He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. The Spirit brings truth to our knowledge, but its office is not to push us into it. When truth is brought to our knowledge, the Spirit can do no more unless we are willing to receive it. Now those who say, “I will keep the Sabbath when I am led into it,” really mean that they will keep the Sabbath if the Lord forces them into it. And this position, freely rendered, means, “I will not keep the Sabbath if I can keep from doing so.” The sad fact is, that the Spirit, instead of leading, or pushing such people into the truth, leaves them alone.