THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT by J. O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1877

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT.

By J. O. Corliss

It has been a question with some as to whether the Holy Spirit, as manifested among men, operated under the old covenant the same as under the new; and if so, why did Christ just prior to his departure from the world say, if he went away he would send the Spirit to his disciples?

Nothing is more evident than that the Spirit of God has been the source through which his work has been carried on in the earth from its infancy. Even in its chaotic state the “Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2), and brought order out of confusion. When Balaam uttered his memorable prophecy concerning the future of Israel, and the advent of Christ, he did it by the Spirit of God. Num. 24:2.

Isaiah, when referring to the disobedience of Israel, said: “But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit.” Isa. 63:10. David prayed when in distress on account of sin: “Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.” Ps. 51:11. Peter, also in speaking of the sure word of prophecy, says that it came not by the will of man, “but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Pet. 1:21.

Thus we see that in the old dispensation the spirit of God operated in various ways. It not only pointed out to David the heinousness of his sin, and caused him to cry for mercy, but it was grieved by the continual disobedience of Israel. Also when men cultivated holiness of heart, it pointed out the ways of righteousness, and moved upon them to speak and write of it for the benefit of future generations.

So it is now. It moves upon individuals in different ways. By it the sinner is convicted of sin. To the Christian it marks out the path of duty, in which, if he walks faithfully, it will bear witness of his acceptance, and administer comfort in affliction. It can also be grieved by disobedience (Eph. 4:30); and will surely bring upon every unrepenting offender the sore judgments of God. Heb. 10:29. At one time when Jesus was casting out devils, the Pharisees stood by and said the work was done by Beelzebub; but Jesus affirmed that he did it by the Spirit of God; and, knowing their thoughts, he condemned them for wilfully speaking against that Spirit, and thereby uttering blasphemy. Matt. 12. When he sent out the twelve, he gave them power also to cast out devils and heal the sick as he had done. Mark 3:14, 15.

But in the strong attachment formed for their Lord, the disciples had evidently lost sight of the medium through which the work had thus far been carried on, by not looking beyond the personal presence of Christ, and therefore could not endure the thought of ever being separated from him.

When Jesus was about to leave the world, and must break to them the sad intelligence, he, understanding the situation of affairs, consoled them by saying, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27.

Again he says, “It is expedient for you that I go away.” Jesus must go away to officiate as high priest above, and make an atonement for sin; but he assures his followers they shall not be left destitute. He will leave the means of support provided for them, which they had been indirectly receiving without fully recognizing it. And in order that they may realize the fulfillment of the promise, he sends it upon them in great measure, soon after his ascension.

To illustrate: A man on his death-bed is surrounded by his sorrowing children, who have been nourished at his hand all their lives. He says, “Do not weep for me, children. I will not leave you comfortless. I have provided means of support for you after I am gone.” They had always received good things from him, yet they had come through the means which had ever been at his command, and they had not considered it. After his death, however, each one gets a large portion of his wealth, and by frugality has enough to carry him through life.

So may we after receiving the gift of the Spirit retain it all the journey through. And when our work is ended, and we come to the final distribution, we may each receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away. J. O. CORLISS.