Whenever most people hear or think of the Holy Spirit, the major things that come to their minds are: speaking in tongues, falling under the anointing, signs and wonders. But the Holy Spirit is of much more significance than the above listed manifestations.
From the Lord Jesus’ statements concerning the Holy Spirit in the scripture, it is very clear that the Holy Spirit is the best gift of God to his children—the Church. Yet many believers pay so little importance and attention to the person of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Instead, they pay much more attention to his gifts or manifestations.
They give more importance and attention to the gifts of the Holy Spirit than the person of the Holy Spirit, who is the giver of the gifts. So in this post we will be scripturally exploring the significance or the importance of the Holy Spirit to the Church and saints of Jesus Christ.
The Significance of the Holy Spirit
Listed and briefly explained below are the scriptural significance or importance or the essence of the Holy Spirit to the Church—the body of Christ:
- The Holy Spirit is Our Seal: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” – Ephesians 1:13. The word “sealed” as used in the above scripture, means: a stamp of attestation, authentication or confirmation. For instance, in bible times if a king issues a decree in writing, he seals it with a signet-ring; for authentication that it is truly a decree from the king. In a similar manner, the word of God tells us that the Holy Spirit is our seal of divine sonship and heritage. So anyone with the Holy Spirit of God in his or her life is a confirmed child of God. While anyone without the Holy Spirit indwelling in him is not a child of God (see Romans 8:9).
- The Holy Spirit is the Earnest of Our Redemption:”Now he that wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.” – 2 Corinthians 5:5
The term ‘earnest’ is from the Greek word: ‘arrhabon’ meaning a pledge, that is, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest. So when the scripture say God has given us the earnest of the Spirit, it means the Holy Spirit is the pledge or advance deposit of God in the lives of believers, as security or guarantee of our eternal redemption.
- The Holy Spirit is Our Power Giver: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”—Acts 1:8
In the above scripture, the word of God says we receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon us. So the Holy Spirit gives believers power to witness about Jesus Christ; in word, character and signs and wonders. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to live above sin (Romans 8:13). It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, with boldness and with signs and wonders. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit for a sinner to be convicted and converted on hearing the gospel. In short, it takes the power of the Holy Spirit for every true, supernatural and remarkable result in Christ Jesus. - The Holy Spirit is the Witness Bearer: “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” – 1John 5:6
The witness bearing role of the Holy Spirit is a very important function of the Holy Spirit on earth and in the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit bears witness of the reality of God and Christ’s existence and his word. He bears witness or confirms the truth of God’s word in the hearts of believers and the entire world. It is the Holy Spirit that bears witness of our divine sonship and heritage in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:16). By the witness bearing role or functionality of the Holy Spirit, in the spirit of believers, we receive divine guidance to God’s best plans and purposes for our lives. - The Holy Spirit is Our Comforter: “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”—John 16:7
The word translated as ‘comforter’ in the above quoted scripture is from the Greek word “parakletos” meaning an intercessor and a consoler. So the Holy Spirit helps the believers in intercession in prayers. Then the Holy Spirit is given to the believers for consolation from every and any affliction or burden of life. As a matter of fact, the Lord Jesus also calls him the living water (John 7: 38-39). So the Holy Spirit quenches every thirst of life. He comforts us in every discomfort of life. - The Holy Spirit is Our Teacher: “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”—1 Corinthians 2:13
Amongst other things, one of the greatest significance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers is his teaching role. The Holy Spirit teaches believers scriptural truth. As we study the scripture or listen or read teachings of the word of God, if we don’t understand any matter, as we seek the Holy Spirit for clarification, he expounds the truth to us. Then apart from scriptural revelation, the Holy Spirit also teaches us any other thing ( such as academic or business knowledge) that we lack understanding of, as we seek him for guidance by faith.
So the six listed points above are the major significance or importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers—the Church. If you do know other scripturally backed significance of the Holy Spirit not mentioned here, you can share with us in the comment section below.
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