At Pentecost, we focus on the person and work of God the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately, throughout Christian history, this emphasis has been associated with some extreme statements and approaches. So Christians must always be on guard. We do not want to neglect the Holy Spirit, but neither do we wish to be carried to dangerous extremes. The best way to maintain a sound perspective on the Holy Spirit is to focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ about the Holy Spirit. In today's gospel from John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (ESV)
In these words of our Lord, we are reminded of the origins of the Spirit's work among believers. The Holy Spirit comes among Christ's followers as a gift from God the Father at the intercession of Jesus Christ. Although Scripture speaks of many functions and gifts of the Spirit, here our Lord stresses two chief characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our Helper who strengthens us, and He is our guide in appreciating and applying divine truth that has already been revealed, especially the revelation in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit must be distinguished from the spirits of the surrounding world. For the Holy Spirit who comes from the Father and the Son reflects their holy nature with us and in us. The work of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from the truth of the divine Word.
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