SOME FUNDAMENTALS - THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Just before He was carried up into heaven the Lord instructed His disciples to remain in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from on high. He also said, "John indeed baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit after now not many days", Acts 1: 5. Previously He had promised them ti.at He would beg the Father who would give them another Comforter, to be with them for ever. On the day of Pentecost, after waiting ten days, all were together in one place when the Holy Spirit actually came.

John the baptist had said of the Lord Jesus, "He shall baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire", Matt 3: 11. John was privileged to see the Holy Spirit in a bodily form descending as a dove from heaven and abiding complacently and uniquely upon Jesus at His baptism less than four years previously. But when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost there was suddenly a sound out of heaven of a violent impetuous blowing which filled all the house where they were sitting. There is no suggestion this time of the sensitive feet of a dove, but there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them. "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them to speak forth", Acts 2: 4. Moreover, by the reception of the Holy Spirit, they were all baptised into one body and that remarkable vessel the assembly was formed (see 1 Cor 12: 13).

The coming of the Holy Spirit caused a great stir in Jerusalem. All were amazed, although some mocked. Peter took the opportunity to address the crowd, who could see that something extraordinary had happened, and quoted what had been foretold by the prophet Joel that in the last days God would pour out of His Spirit upon all flesh. Then he was able powerfully to witness to the glory of the resurrection of Jesus and His exaltation to God's right hand. He whom they had crucified, God had made both Lord and Christ. This powerful testimony by the Spirit resulted in three thousand souls being added in one day. God still delights to give the Holy Spirit to those who believe in Jesus if they are obedient to His word, and this results in their becoming an integral part of Christ 's body, the assembly. Individually they can experience the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, and are given the inward power by the Spirit to walk pleasing to Him. By the same power they can worship God and witness for Christ, and know a joy which can only be experienced by the presence of the Spirit within.

What happened at Pentecost was stupendous; a divine Person, one of the Trinity, came into this scene, not in incarnation but, remaining as His name implies the Holy Spirit, He took up His residence in human beings. So His presence is to be realised and reverenced. He is fully able to take charge of the affairs of the assembly until the Lord comes. May we all give Him the place that is His.

W.E.Ellis