The Gift of the Holy Spirit by J. H. Rogers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 23, 1915

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

By J. H. Rogers

J. H. ROGERS

GREATEST of all spiritual gifts is that of the Holy Spirit. Its operations come to us in many distinct manifestations, all contributing to our benefit in developing Christian perfection of character. In accordance with the promise of our Saviour, and in fulfillment of prophecy, on the day of Pentecost there was a wonderful demonstration of power and an intelligent announcement of gospel truth to the understanding of the eighteen nationalities assembled in Jerusalem. The effect of this preaching caused the conversion of many.

But the great adversary, ever intent on simulating the work of God, has brought in a counterfeit representation of the Holy Spirit, which deludes the credulous and disgusts the sensible and sober-minded. For instance, in the claim respecting the gift of tongues, the great adversary knows that God has promised this with other gifts; and so he devises a gibberish, and calls it tongues.

Counterfeit claims will be more in evidence as we near the end. We need to be filled with the Spirit and with power from on high, successfully to stand against these influences. We have the promise of power over all the power of the enemy.

As to this promised power we have this statement by the spirit of prophecy:— “The life that Christ lived in this world, men and women can live, through his power and under his instruction. In their conflict with Satan, they may have all the help that he had. They may be

more than conquerors through him who loved them and gave himself for them.” “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. IX, page 22.

Again we read:—

“So mightily can God work when men give themselves up to the control of his Spirit. To us today, as verily as to the first disciples, the promise of the Spirit belongs. God will today endow men and women with power from above, as he endowed those who on the day of Pentecost heard the word of salvation. At this very hour his Spirit and his grace are for all who need them and will take him at his word.”— Id., Vol. VIII, page 20.

We are to be in readiness to receive the latter rain, being sanctified through obedience to the truth. Now, when “the Holy Spirit is awaiting our demand and reception,” we are to bring ourselves into right relation to God; then all that he has promised is for us. If we are not Spirit-filled, we shall be shaken out as chaff. Now that we are in the time of the latter rain, how important that we be where God can use us to the praise of the glory of his grace, that we may receive a preparation for service in finishing the work, and gain the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ at his appearing.

San Fernando, Cal.