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Misjudging the Work of the Holy Spirit

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 53.

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Misjudging the Work of the Holy Spirit

By E. HILLIARD

E. HILLIARD
SOME of the Jewish priests and many of the common people had cherished the teachings of Christ, and upon the day of Pentecost were among the thousands who were converted in a day. They were all united, and the Spirit descended in great power, “and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.” (See Acts 2:4.) The message relative to Christ’s resurrection and ascension was given in no uncertain manner. Every nationality heard in its own tongue the wonderful news of the risen Saviour. “Cloven tongues like as of fire” descended upon the heads of the believers, attesting that Jesus had broken the bands of death and had ascended to his Father.
This visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit was a great perplexity to many of the Sadducees, who believed in neither the Spirit nor the resurrection. “They were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?” Verse 12.
A spirit of inquiry was awakened in the minds of some, but “others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.” Verse 13. What a terrible misjudging of the work of the Holy Spirit, shed forth in such great power to enlighten and save sinful men!
Is it not much the same today? Are not the plain teachings of our Saviour, which, if received into the heart, will eradicate prejudice, cast out malice, and bring peace and joy to the soul,—are they not rejected because preconceived ideas and the traditions of men are enthroned within?
All who yield to bigotry are under the influence of Satan. Such will misapprehend the truth of God and persecute its advocates. But the same Jesus who defended his people in the days of the apostles will care for his faithful followers to the close of time. All the demons of darkness, reënforced by sinful humanity, cannot overthrow the work of God, nor destroy one of his little ones; for the promise to his people is, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” Ps. 76: 10.
St. Paul, Minn.