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The Holy Spirit

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 16, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 50.

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The Holy Spirit

By M. W. DE L’HORBE

M. W. DE L’HORBE
If we, as Young People’s Missionary Volunteers, are to be successful in doing the work which the Lord Jesus left us to do, we must become familiar with the methods he employed in his work, and follow his example; for, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps.” He says to us, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me.”
We find that Christ did nothing of himself. He said, “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10. But how did God dwell in Christ?—By the Holy Spirit. Matt. 12:18. This unseen power protected and guided him in all his work here upon earth.
It was by the Holy Spirit that he was anointed for his work. Luke 3:21, 22. This was positive proof to John’s mind that Jesus was the Son of God. John 1:33, 34. It was the Holy Spirit that led him into the wilderness to be tempted. Luke 4:1. The same power led him back into Galilee to begin his ministry. Luke 4:14. The Holy Spirit dictated every sermon. Luke 4:18. It was this mighty, unseen power, working through him, that raised the dead, cast out devils, healed the sick, made the blind see, the deaf hear, the dumb speak, and the lame walk. Acts 10:38.
How precious to us should be the promise Jesus made when he was about to leave for the heavenly courts. He said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also. . . . I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth, . . . for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. . . . The Comforter, which, is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:12, 16, 17, 26.
Then since these promises are sure to us, let us plead for the Holy Spirit until we receive it in its fulness, for without it all our efforts in this cause are useless. Jesus is more willing to give it to us than are our fathers and mothers to give to us those temporal things which we need. If we will only permit this blessing to come into our lives and take possession of our hearts, it will quickly cleanse us from sin and worldliness, and prepare us for the Lord’s work. Col. 3:5; Rom. 8:13.
It is just as essential for Christ’s workers to possess the love of Christ as it is to possess the Holy Spirit. In fact, we can not have the Holy Spirit without the love of Christ. Paul says: “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Cor. 13:2, A. R. V.
“The love of Christ constraineth us” to work to-day in his vineyard, persuading men and women to forsake their sins and accept the third angel’s message; but we might as well go out into the field to mow hay with a piece of wood as to go out to work in the Lord’s vineyard without the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and without hearts full of the love of Jesus. The only reason why we are so slow in giving the message, why our efforts are so fruitless, is because, instead of being filled with the love of Christ and the Holy Spirit, our hearts harbor pride, worldliness, and self-love. How are we to get rid of these things, and be filled with the love and spirit of Christ instead? Let the Word of God answer: “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Col. 3:5. How can we do this? “If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Rom. 8:13. Then how do we become filled with the love of Christ? “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:5.
Do you not believe that God is just as able and willing to pour out these blessings upon us as he was to pour them out upon the waiting disciples on the day of Pentecost? He says he is. Then if we prepare for it as the disciples did, by searching our own hearts and putting away sin, God will surely visit us. And what will be the result if all our people everywhere will do this?—The gifts of the Spirit will be manifested among us, the message will go with power, and Jesus will soon come. “The works that I do shall ye do also; and greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto the Father.”
So while the Spirit of God is pleading with us to forsake the world, with all its sinful lusts and desires, and give our hearts and lives to his service, in Christ’s name let us make a full and complete surrender now, that the Lord may make us a power for good in the accomplishment of his glorious work.
“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5.
Niagara Falls, Ontario.