October 5: The Spirit continues Jesus’ work

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

Our verses in John’s gospel supply us with some of the most profound teaching about the Holy Trinity, with special emphasis on the emerging role of the Spirit. We will highlight ways the Spirit continues the person and work of Jesus in believers.

• First and foremost, the Holy Spirit abides in believers (14:15-17). We appreciate something of the depth of His abiding in us if we go back to the word "mansions" in the second verse. It could be translated as "abiding places" in the Father’s house. Verse 10 tells us the Father dwells or abides in Jesus. Later (v. 23) Jesus startlingly states that both the Father and Son will make their abode ("abiding place") with those who love Him and keep His words (v. 23). The word abide, sometimes translated as "remain" in 15:11 and 16, occurs about nine times in 15:4-10.

When Jesus promised "another Comforter" (14:16), He spoke of another Being of the same divine essence He possessed, namely His Deity. The Holy Spirit, abiding with us, guarantees the presence of the Father and Son with us forever. We are being fitted or prepared for fellowship in eternity.

• As a second continuation of the work of Christ, the Holy Spirit confirms His person and ministry (vv. 25-26). Previously Jesus described the Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" (v. 17), assuring the disciples of the utter trustworthiness of the Spirit’s testimony about Jesus. Following the introduction of the role of the Holy Spirit as Comforter (v. 16), Jesus refers to Him again by that title (v. 26). The original Greek word, "paraclete", has almost assumed its place in Christian vocabulary. It could be translated as "One who is called alongside of," hence the translation as Comforter in the KJV and Counselor in the NIV. A designation I believe better fits the ministry Jesus described is Advocate, as used in the expression "Defense Attorney." When the disciples were later put on trial, the Holy Spirit would bring to their minds an effective witness for Jesus. Jesus Himself called the Third Person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit, alluding to His deity.

• This aspect brings us to the third way the Spirit continues Jesus’ work as He defends Jesus before the world (16:7—11). During the life of Jesus on earth, the Bible records no physical persecution of the apostles. Jesus knew the time of serenity was rapidly passing away. Peter would be among the first to experience the anger of religious leaders (Acts 4:1-3; 5:17-18). Stephen quickly became the first to lay down his life for Christ (Acts 6-7).

As the anointed believers witnessed to the Jews and eventually the Roman world, the Holy Spirit as Defense Attorney would use their testimony for Christ in three distinct areas: to convince the unsaved of sin because they did not believe in Jesus (v. 9); of His righteousness as the Holy One of God who died as a sinner; and of judgment in witnessing to the ultimate triumph of Jesus over Satan and the forces of evil. Paul’s defense before Felix reflects the sentiments set forth by Jesus (Acts 24:25). On that occasion the Defense Attorney brought vital words for Paul to preach about Jesus.

• Finally, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, reveals the teachings of Jesus (vv. 12-15). In beautiful imagery, Jesus pictures the Holy Spirit listening to Jesus and whispering the message in the spiritual ears of the apostles, just as Jesus listened to the Father to communicate His will and purposes (John 8:28; 10:18; 12:50).

The Spirit’s ministry brings glory to Jesus. In revealing the teachings of Jesus He glorifies the Lord and, at the same time, reveals the intimate relationship between Father and Son (v. 15).