Various symbols are used in the Bible to represent the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, God now including a dove, wind, light, oil, and fire and others, where each symbol emphasizes a different, permanent, aspect, attribute of the same the person of the Holy Spirit.
Oil- Note twenty-third psalm says, “Thou anointest my head with oil.” Isaiah 11:2, “The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, 1) the spirit of wisdom and understanding, 2) the spirit of counsel and might, 3) the spirit of knowledge and 4) of the fear of the LORD.” (See also Exodus 31:3.)-
Oil for healing “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14). The word here translated sickness in the next verse is astheneo, and literally means “without strength” and may refer to spiritual depression as well as physical sickness. In verse 15 the word sick is the Greek kamnos and is translated “be wearied” in Hebrews 12:3. http://pbulow.tripod.com/healing.html
Oil for medical treatment: “From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it, but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment” (Isaiah 1:6). The Good Samaritan “bound his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples two by two, among other acts they “cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:13).
Oil used as a moisturizer, Soap and toiletries. . It was with this balm that a woman ministered unto Jesus in the Pharisee’s house. Jesus said, “My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment” (Luke 7:46). Likewise the prophet writes, “Then washed I thee with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil” (Ezekiel 16:9).
Oil as fuel, source of light (John 16:13 KJV) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.
The concept of the oil of the Holy Spirit being used for a proper light is also shown in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). There the supply of oil distinguishes the one group from the other. This illustrates how professing Christians with a sufficiency of the holy spirit become a part of the final wedding party with Christ, while those having little or none next do not.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting . . . and they were all filled with the holy spirit.” – Acts 2:1,2,4 “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the holy spirit.” – John 20:22
“The spirit breathes where HE will, and YOU hear HIS voice, but YOU DO NOT KNOW FROM WHERE HE CAME , or where he goes; thus it is so with every one who has been born of the spirit” (John 3:8 ).
and what about you have you recieved the anointing of the Holy Spirit in full yet? Never to late to do so as well.
http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/10/16/who-founded-the-church/
Acts 1 V 8 says “ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” God wants our lives to be power full for him, with joy in the Holy Spirit, for as the Bible says in Romans 14 v 17 ” For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit “.
We should never take for granted, that we are filled with Gods Holy Spirit. Each and every day, would it not be a good idea to ask the Lord, ” Lord please fill me a fresh with your Holy Spirit, anoint my head again a fresh with the Holy Spirit, fill my cup and let it over flow with the peace, power and joy in the Holy Spirit “. Thank you Jesus.
May the Lord anoint you head with oil, may your cup over flow.”
do see also
http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/on-how-i-see-the-too-often-pretentious-christians/
http://wittnessed.wordpress.com/2008/10/10/wells-still-without-water/
http://witnessed.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/as-many-as-are-led-by-the-spirit-of-god/
https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/12/as-to-why-some-have-left-their-church/
https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/anointed/
https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/05/03/the-holy-spirit/
https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-consistent-ongoing-symbols-of-the-holy-spirit-in-the-bible/
http://pbulow.tripod.com/healing.html
http://groups.msn.com/HolySpiritCome
http://pbulow.tripod.com/
Biblical Symbols
Sun – represents the Gospel.
Sunshine cheers us. Sunshine warms us. The sun’s rays have the power to heal. What better picture could we have of the joy of the Gospel – Good News – of salvation and God’s planned Kingdom of Righteousness? It provides us with spiritual health and gladdens our hearts.
Even now, God has blest the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). In his Kingdom, he will give all mankind the opportunity for everlasting life on a perfect earth, demanding only their obedience.
Sun of Righteousness – represents Christ and his faithful followers in heavenly glory.
The scripture that speaks of the “sun of righteousness” is different from the more general symbol of “sun” meaning “Gospel.” Jesus is the center of the Sun, the Gospel, the Good News. His faithful Church, his joint-heirs, will be there with him to heal the nations, the people of the world.
“But unto that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.” Malachi 4:2
Moon – represents the Mosaic Law.
When Jesus died on the cross, the literal moon was at its full. This represents the fact that the Jewish nation could have then been ready to accept their Messiah. Their Law had led them to Christ.
Because Israel rejected their Messiah, the symbolic moon began to wane, just as the literal moon became smaller at that time of the month.
Stars – represent those who radiate light, spiritual instruction.
The twelve stars in Revelation 12 represent the twelve apostles. In the new Jerusalem, the wall will have twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The words of the apostles still speak to us, of Christ as Redeemer, as Savior, as Messiah.
The seven stars of Revelation 1:20 represent seven special servants of Christ’s Church during the Gospel Age. “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20 A different angel [messenger] received a message from the glorified Jesus during the existence of each of the seven churches of history. “I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.” Revelation 8:2
Earth – represents society, not literal dust or mud.
Ecclesiastics 1:4 correctly states: “The EARTH [meaning the land, the country, the field, the ground] will abide forever.” But Psalms 46:1-3 says, “Though the earth be removed,” and as we look around we see that things on the earth are indeed unsettled, disorganized, troubled, and in the process of disintegrating.
Isaiah 1:2 speaks to the earth – not that the land could hear or respond to his proclamations; he speaks to the PEOPLE of the earth.
Air – represents spiritual powers.
Satan is the prince of earth’s religious systems, which are sometimes symbolized by the term “heavens.”
In God’s Kingdom, there will be a new “heavens” and a new “earth.” They will replace and destroy the present powers of Satan.
Water – represents truth.
“Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and CLEANSE it with the WASHING of WATER by the word.” Ephesians 5:25,26
“Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14
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Sea – represents restless masses of society, usually unruly and lawless.
“The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.” Isaiah 57:20
“The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.” Isaiah 60:5
Isaiah is speaking to Israel – spiritual Israel, another name for the heavenly Church, and also natural, fleshly Israel, which will then be the capital of the world, as God’s chosen people, repentant and reformed for the sin of crucifying their Messiah.
Mountains – represent kingdoms or strong, powerful governments.
THE mountain usually refers to THE Kingdom of God.
“It shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains.”
Isaiah 2:2-4
Mountains in general often refer to worldly kingdoms.
Hills – similar to mountains, represent smaller kingdoms.
More specifically, “hills” sometimes mean a lesser government or kingdom than “mountains” – possibly less powerful kingdoms, or less dictatorial [like republics].
The “hills” of Satan’s dominion will be humbled and made low. Sometimes “hill” is used in a phrase like “the hill of the Lord” or “my holy hill of Zion.” THAT “hill” will NOT be made unimportant in God’s Kingdom.
Valleys – represent the lowly and meek, whom God loves, so it sometimes means a place of blessing.
Sometimes the meek and humble become discouraged. God will lift them out of their degradation or despair by encouraging and rewarding their obedience to Him. The conditions of society will be leveled.
“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.” Isaiah 40:4
Islands – represent republican governments, organizations of people.
Islands are slightly above the “sea” level. The “sea” represents unorganized masses of people. While kingdoms (“mountains”) give place to republics (“islands”), so the islands shall also in due time flee away. The spirit of liberty will overleap all bounds and order and end in anarchy.
“And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” Revelation 16:20
Wilderness – represents unfertile wilds, not cultivated as farmland nor industrialized as a city.
The nation of Israel had to travel through the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land.
The TRUE Church was taken into a “wilderness” condition for protection during the Dark Ages.
“And to the woman [church class] were given two wings of a great eagle [the support of the Old and New Testaments], that she might fly into the wilderness [of separation from the world], into her place [condition], where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time [1260 years from CE 539-1799], from the face of the serpent [civil Roman authority].” Revelation 12:14
Cities – represent religious governments.
The established Kingdom of God, the new Jerusalem, is referred to as a city wherein dwell those who do God’s commandments.
Babylon is called “that great city which rules over the kings of the earth” BEFORE God’s kingdom takes its rightful power. (Revelation 17:18)
Trees – represent prominent men.
Grass – represents masses of mankind.
“The first angel sounded…and the third part of the trees [prominent men] was burnt up [were converted], and all green grass [men sufficiently alive to receive or absorb the water of truth] was burnt up [were converted].” Revelation 8:7
Trees represent prominent leaders that stand above the grass, the masses of mankind. The righteous man is likened to a tree: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…” Psalms 1:3 The wicked are likened to the “green bay tree.” Psalms 37:35
Grass represents the common masses of men. “The grass withers, the flower fades…surely the people is grass.” Isaiah 40:7 It will require only a breath from the Lord to scatter all the might and glory and power of earthly institutions. All who oppose His plan will fade in the great Day of Wrath.
Field – represents the civilized world.
Jesus said, “The field is the world.” Matthew 1:38 The wheat and the tares both came from the world of mankind. After the true Church is glorified in heaven, the work must be done to clear, plow, and prepare the field [the world] for the next age.
Wheat – represents the children of the Truth.
In the parable of the wheat and the tares [Matthew 13:24], Jesus said the good seed [the wheat] are the children of the Kingdom, the product of Truth which the sower had sowed.
The wheat are the TRUE church, gathered with the sickle of Truth. “Gather MY SAINTS together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Psalms 50:5
Tares – represent children of error.
Tares stand tall and proud, while wheat bow humbly. Tares try to pose as true Christians, but are imitations. Tares are the product of false teachings.
Barn – represents the place where the ripe wheat is taken, away from the field and the tares; ultimately, heaven itself.
The wheat is gathered from worldly surroundings to be with other wheat. True Christians gather together to study God’s Word. In the final sense, the wheat, true Christians, are garnered to the heavenly barn.
Reapers – represent God’s servants.
Reapers are spirit begotten Christians who are gathering the wheat [other faithful Christians] into His barn [separate from worldly interests, and finally into heaven itself].
“The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37,38
Other saints have labored faithfully in the past, sowing the precious seed which we are now privileged to help in harvesting.
Rainbow – represents a promise.
What is more hopeful than the realization that the sun will come out after the rain?
“And God said to Noah: I will make a covenant with you. Never again will all men die because of a flood. This is my token to remind you of my promise. I will set a rainbow in the sky.” Genesis 9:11-17
Rain – represents blessings.
In Palestine, rain is greatly desired.
“If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments…Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase.” Leviticus 26:3,4
I Kings 18 tells of a great rain which finally came after 3-1/2 years of drought. Spiritually, there was a drought of Truth during the Dark Ages, followed by a wonderful rain of refreshment from God’s Word. Bible societies sprang up, education became accessible to many, and the common man could read the Words of Life.
Hail – represents hard truths.
“Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone…a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not stumble. Judgment will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the HAIL shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.” Isaiah 28:16,17
Matthew 7:26,27 — speaks of a storm which would destroy any house built on sand. This is a downpour of truth, hard truths, which beat upon a house (NOMINAL Christendom) until it fell. The crash of man-made theories, traditions, and doctrines, are frightening, but they free some in the house who would not have left otherwise.
“And there fell upon men [professed Christians] a great hail [overflowing scourge of hard truths] out of heaven [the spiritual controlling realm], every stone [each hard truth] about the weight of a talent [being the equivalent of the whole Gospel on each subject]: and men [nominal Christians] blasphemed [denounced] God because of the plague of the hail [affliction caused by hard truths]; for the plague [affliction] thereof was exceeding great.” Revelation 16:21
Dark Clouds – represent trouble.
Dark clouds mean a storm is coming. If you wanted to draw a picture of fear of disasters, you might draw dark clouds in the sky.
“When Michael [Jesus Christ] stands up, there will be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.” Daniel 12:1
“All the tribes of the earth shall mourn, for the Son of man will come in clouds.” Matthew 24:30
Lightning – represents flashes, diffusions, of light and knowledge
A flash of lightning from the Lord’s throne discloses one error here, and there another, with remarkable glimpses of the great principles of truth and righteousness. Principles of the Word of God are brought to the front and discussed in the news media and at public gatherings.
The increase of knowledge, general diffusion of education, multiplying of inventions, general interchange of thought, wider range of commercial interests, rapid modes and cheap rates of travel, multiplicity of books and periodicals, wonderful power of the daily press, increase the flashes of lightning [truths] enlightening the world.
“His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw and trembled.” Psalm 97:4
Wind – Blowing winds represent wars.
The worst winds of Revelation 7:1 [violence, anarchy] will not reach their fullest culmination until the true Church is removed from the earth into heavenly glory.
When the world recognizes its helplessness in this greatest time of trouble [when God pours upon them His indignation, His fierce anger, for their flagrant disobedience and dishonor to Him, their Creator], THEN He will bless and restore all the repentant and reformed world, and bless them abundantly.
Four winds – represent all parts of the nominal church.
From whence are God’s elect gathered? Not from America alone, and not from only one denomination. God’s elect Church are gathered from every direction, from every quarter of the “field.” There are NOMINAL Christians in every denomination. In between are scattered TRUE Christians – a remnant here, a remnant there.
“And he shall send his angels [messengers, the Reapers] with a great…trumpet [the truth], and they shall gather together [spiritually to the harvest truth and oneness with Christ] his elect [saints] from the four winds [from every denomination or quarter of the wheat field], from one end of heaven [nominal church] to the other.” Matthew 24:31
Earthquake – represents revolution.
Revelation 16:18 speaks of a mighty earthquake, such as was not since men were on the earth. This great revolution will overthrow everything that is not of the Lord’s establishment and approval. This revolution will affect all the governments of the world, socially, politically, financially and ecclesiastically.
“…And there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” Revelation 16:18
Fire – represents trouble, anarchy, destruction, or trials.
In 1 Peter 4:12, Peter writes to the true Church, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the FIERY TRIAL which is to try you…Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.”
Zephaniah 3:8,9 speaks of the fire of God’s jealousy. “…my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth [the entire present social fabric] shall be devoured [all evil principles of government and society–not humanity] with the fire of my jealousy [the Lord’s anger will burn against all kinds of injustice and iniquity, devouring the political, financial, social and religious structure of the world]. For then [after men have been humbled and made ready to hear and heed God’s counsel] will I turn to the people a pure language [the pure word of truth, uncontaminated by human tradition; a pure message unmixed with falsity and error], that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.”
We talk about people with hot tempers, or fiery tempers. We do not mean that they are literal fire-eaters. After this present social order is destroyed, God will turn to the people to bless them. If they or the earth had been literally burned up, He could not bless them. Fire represents destruction of the evil systems – their final end. Ashes represent memory of what had once been.
Still Small Voice – represents God’s Word of truth, love and wisdom speaking to His people.
“In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Exodus 33:14 — “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give you rest.” Psalms 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Isaiah 30:15
“…And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains…but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice…And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?” I Kings 19:11, 12
The still small voice is the voice of truth, love, wisdom–the “Pure language” or pure message of God’s Word. The voice of God, divine power, will bring the blessings to the world. Elijah had expected his reformation to go forward like a windstorm, or an earthquake or lightning. Now he was to understand that it would be more secret and quiet in the hearts of men, before giving outward manifestation.
Head – Christ is the Head of the Church, his body.
“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him [Christ] to be the head over all things to the church. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:22,23
“For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body.” Ephesians 5:24
Body – represents the Church.
“And he [Christ] is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18
“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ…For the body is not one member, but many…Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” I Corinthians 12:12, 14, 27
Face – represents favor.
When God’s face is turned toward you, it indicates His favor. When God’s face is turned away from you, it indicates His disfavor.
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the FACE of the Lord is AGAINST them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12
“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the FACE of my Father.” Matthew 18:10
Eye – represents wisdom, understanding, comprehension.
Moses told the children of Israel, “Stand still and SEE the salvation of the Lord.” (Exodus 14:13 )
Salvation cannot really be SEEN. It is the CONSEQUENCES of salvation that can be seen. Israel SAW that they were delivered from the Egyptians by the saving grace of God.
Revelation 1:7 says: “Every eye shall SEE him.”
Jesus said (John 14:19) “The world will SEE me no more.”
What the world WILL see will be the trouble, the punishments, and the blessings which the Lord will offer to all so that they will have a full opportunity to live eternally, if obedient (repentant and reformed from their former disobedience).
Hand – represents power.
God told Satan, “Job is in your hand (power), but save his life.” Job 2:6
“The Egyptians will I give over into the hand (power) of a cruel lord.” Isaiah 19:4
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand (power) of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” I Peter 5:6
Arm – represents support, strength.
“Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1) Christ is the arm of the LORD Jehovah. Christ is the power of God unto salvation.
“I will redeem you with a stretched out ARM.” Exodus 6:6 This was God’s message to Israel in Egypt.
Feet – represent the last members of Christ’s Body, or Church.
The feet are the last members of his Church, the last members of his Bride, just before they are all united in glory, ready to bless the world of mankind.
“How beautiful upon the mountains [every nation] are the FEET of him [the last members of the Body of Christ remaining on earth before the earthly Kingdom is set up] that brings good tidings [the ransom for all, and the blessed Kingdom to come].” Isaiah 52:7
“He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy FOOT against a stone.” Psalm 91:12
Psalms 91:11,12 is a part of a Psalm discussing those who dwell in the secret place, particularly NOW in the final times of perilous temptations. Because of today’s insidious enticements, we need special help to be protected from stumbling-stones in our path, false doctrines in our search for Truth.
Virgin – represents the TRUE Church, the Bride of Christ, which refuses any illicit union with the rulers of this world.
There were five wise and five foolish virgins, but they were all virgins, waiting faithfully for their Bridegroom to return. (Matthew 25)
The Book of Revelation has much to say about a whore, mother of harlots, who did NOT wait for her Bridegroom, but entered into unfaithful relationships with worldly powers instead, setting up a false Kingdom as a counterfeit to Christ’s true Kingdom. (Revelation 17)
Harlot – represents so-called Christians, who would not wait for the return of their Heavenly Bridegroom to take them to the Marriage Supper, but entered into alliances with leaders and ambitions of this world.
A whore (Revelation 17) had daughters who were harlots like their mother. They united with the governments instead of waiting for the true King of Kings to whom they were espoused.
The Reformers correctly recognized Jezebel, also known as Babylon the Great, the whore of the Revelation, to be Papacy. Ecumenists today are desirous of peace at any price, so are careful not to antagonize the Church of Rome. In time of anarchy, many will seek refuge in the stability of the Roman Catholic Church, even though they would not agree with her written doctrines.
Beasts – represent governments.
Daniel 7 describes four world empires as beasts. The first was Babylon, likened to a kingly lion, with great splendor and pride. The second was Medo-Persia, likened to a powerful grasping, strategic bear, who hugs its prey to death with its paws. The third was Greece, likened to a swift conquering leopard. The fourth was a dreadful beast, likened to the crushing Papal Roman Empire.
“6”
represents imperfection.
Six days preceded the Sabbath. Six thousand years precede the seventh Millennium, the time of Christ’s Kingdom reign.
“7”
represents heavenly perfection.
Seventh day is God’s commanded Sabbath. There were seven creative days or epochs. There are seven colors in the rainbow.
“10”
represents earthly perfection.
Ten curtains, ten cubits, were used in the Tabernacle construction. Human beings have ten fingers and ten toes. The Ten Commandments represent the essential code of human behavior.
“30”
represents perfect man.
Jesus was 30 when he presented his life in consecration. He was sold for 30 pieces of silver. Priests could serve in the Tabernacle when they were 30.
“40”
represents a period of testing or trial.
It rained 40 days and nights during the flood. The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. The spies spent 40 days looking at the land of Israel. Moses, Elijah and Jesus fasted 40 days in the Wilderness.
Olive – represents light, peace, divine blessing.
In Biblical times, OLIVE oil was a source of light. After the turmoil of the flood, it was an OLIVE branch which the dove brought back to Noah, and he knew that the waters had abated. When the captives returned from Babylon, they joyfully made booths of OLIVE and pine and myrtle and thick trees.
OLIVE oil was the bases of precious ointments used in anointing priests and kings of Israel. The Mount of Olives pictures the Kingdom of Light, Peace and Divine Blessing.
Fig – represents the Jewish nation.
“Like good FIGS, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of JUDAH, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.” Jeremiah 24:5
“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when its branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh.” Matthew 24:32
Many Christians recognize this to mean that when Israel sprouts again to life as a nation, the time of Messiah’s Kingdom is near.
Wine – represents doctrine.
“And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.” Luke 5:37
Bread – represents life- sustaining, Jesus or Truth
JESUS — “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life…” John 6:35
TRUTH — “Therefore let us keep the feast…with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” I Corinthians 5:8
Famine – represents lack of spiritual nourishment.
Spiritually speaking, this would mean lack of truth, which strengthens and builds us up.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.” Amos 8:11
“Thy words were found and I did eat them.” Jeremiah 15:16
White – represents purity.
White is clean, pure.
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalms 51:7
“Many shall be purified, and made white…” Daniel 12:10
Purple – represents royalty.
Purple was the color for a king’s garments.
“And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head…” Mark 15:17
“…and purple raiment that was on the kings…” Judges 8:26
Blue – represents faithfulness.
There is a saying, a “true-blue” friend, meaning a faithful friend. The blue sky reminds us of God’s faithfulness every day.
“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds…” Psalms 36:5
“…thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens…” Psalms 89:2
Scarlet – represents the ransom.
Red, the color of blood, reminds us of Jesus’ life given for Adam and his descendants. Red also pictures “sin,” which is covered by the ransom.
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18
Green – represents earthly restoration.
In spring, the grass and leaves turn green with renewed life.
Gold – represents the divine nature.
As gold is the highest, most precious metal, so the divine nature is the highest nature, the only nature having immortality.
Silver – represents the truth.
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6
Copper – represents perfect human nature.
As a metal, copper is inferior in value to gold, just as the human nature is inferior to the divine nature.
Jesus feet in Revelation 1:15 were likened to fine brass [copper], burned in a furnace. This represents the feet members of the body of Christ being exposed to fiery trials.
Linen – represents righteousness.
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” Revelation 19:8
Crown – represents immortality.
“…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” I Peter 5:4
“…they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.” I Corinthians 9:25
Back to Chart.
Robe – represents righteousness.
“…[God] hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness…” Isaiah 61:10
Sword – represents the Word of God.
“…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword…” Hebrews 4:12
Shield – represents faith and truth.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16
“…His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalms 91:4
Trumpet – represents a warning.
“If when he [the watchman] seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people…” Ezekiel 33:3
The trumpet represents a warning, not a trumpet-like SOUND, but obvious EVENTS, great, historical happenings that all can see, whether or not they understand them.
Present events — hidden things being revealed, the clamor for the rights of the oppressed — speak in trumpet tones.
An important proclamation of restoration, justice, and liberty, comparable to the Jubilee trumpet of Israel.
“Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubilee to sound…throughout all your land.” Leviticus 25:9
Lamps – represent the Holy Scriptures.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet.” Psalms 119:105
All the virgins had the Bible and some light therefrom when the Lord returned. Even while the Bible was clothed in the sackcloth of a dead language (during the Dark Ages), there was enough Truth given to the virgins for the Lord to consider them faithful for that era. But this parable is speaking of the time of the Lord’s second Advent.
Candlestick – represents light-bearers, the true Church.
The true Church offers the light of God’s Word to others.
The seven golden candlesticks of Revelation 1:12,13, symbolize the church of the Gospel Age, whose seven stages of development were pictured by the seven congregations of Asia Minor.
“…the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.” Revelation 1:20
The institution of the Church was for the enlightening of the world, but some of its members have been nominal only, and not true light-bearers.
Incense Altar – represents the true Church in the sacrificing condition and their devotions and prayers.
The Golden Altar, or Incense Altar, in the Tabernacle was the closest furniture in the Tabernacle to the Most Holy. Prayer is the closest we can come to the presence of God, and it can be reached only through Jesus.
As the sweet incense [Jesus’ obedience] ascends into the Most Holy, the presence of God, so through Jesus, the devotional life of the church, their praises and prayers, ascend as sweet fragrance to God.
Brazen Altar – represents Jesus’ sacrifice.
The bullock [Jesus’ sacrificed humanity] was slain in the Court of the Tabernacle, the condition of faith in and harmony with God.
Each side of the Brazen Altar was 7-1/2 feet x 4 sides = 30 feet. Jesus was thirty years old when he offered himself to God in consecration and was baptized at Jordan.
Table of Shewbread – represents the true Church holding forth the Word of Truth.
The great work of the true Church during this age has been to feed, strengthen and hold forth Truth for all who enter the spiritual atmosphere of true Christianity, even while here on earth.
“Shewbread” is called the “bread of faces” or “bread of presence.” God’s presence, favor, or face, is reflected in His truth and promises. The truth is God’s presence with us. The Church develops their knowledge of God through God’s Word of truth.
Ark of the Covenant – represents the eternal purpose of God, in blessing the world through Christ and the Church.
The Mercy Seat or lid over the Ark of the Covenant represents God’s headship over the Jesus and the Church. God’s four attributes are pictured by the mercy seat.
The Mercy Seat itself, on which the blood of atonement was sprinkled, represents God’s justice which had to be satisfied by the blood of Christ. The Shekinah light between the Cherubim represents God’s wisdom. The two Cherubim, bent in a praying, waiting position, represent God’s love and power, looking to God’s wisdom for the time to become active.
God’s attributes are manifested through the Jesus and the Church. They are pictured in the Most Holy as divine, immortal beings [gold].
Within the ark were the golden bowl of manna [the Church will receive immortality], Aaron’s rod that budded [the Church’s acceptance as the “royal priesthood”], and the tables of the law [the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the Jesus and the Church through him].
Golden Bowl of Manna – represents immortality.
The golden bowl of manna was kept in the ark of the covenant. This manna never spoiled, representing the incorruptible characteristic of immortal life.
“…To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna…” Revelation 2:17
Aaron’s Rod that Budded – represents divine authority given to the royal priesthood.
Aaron’s rod was kept in the ark of the covenant. When Aaron’s rod budded, it demonstrated that he was God’s chosen priest. The Church, head and body, is God’s chosen “royal priesthood” and mediator for establishing the new covenant between God and the world of mankind.
Tables of the Law – represent God’s righteous law, fulfilled in Christ and his Bride.
The tables of the law were kept in the ark of the covenant. They represented that Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of God’s perfect Law and earned the legal authority to execute God’s law as the mediator. The Church, his body, kept the spirit of the law.
“The righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4
Jesus and the Church will be the administrator and mediator of the new law covenant, bringing the world back into perfect harmony with their Creator.
Laver – represents cleansing, righteous living.
The Laver was made from the looking glasses of the women. The Priests looking into the Laver could see their reflection clearly. Likewise, the Christian must examine himself and cleanse his character by the water of truth. As the Christian looks into the water of the Lord’s Word, he sees his own imperfections, his reflection in the water and copper, in contrast to God’s standards.
As priests were to wash whenever they ministered at the altar, so Christians must continually keep their robes clean, not spotted or wrinkled.
The Tabernacle represented the spiritual path of the Christian in the Gospel Age. Leaving the Camp [world], they enter the court through the door or veil [Jesus] by accepting Jesus as their Savior. They see Jesus’ sacrifice on the Brazen Altar, cleanse themselves at the Laver, and proceed to the first veil [consecration].
After laying down their human will and accepting God’s will in consecration, the Christian goes under the first veil [death of human will] into the Holy [condition of spirit begettal]. They feed on the bread of truth at the Table of Shewbread, are enlightened by the holy spirit and reflect the light of God’s truth from the Golden Candlestick, and offer prayers through Christ at the Incense Altar.
At the second veil, the Christian experiences death of the human body, receives immortality, the divine nature [represented by the gold], and comes into the presence of God.
Lamb – represents Jesus and the Church.
JESUS:
“And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” John 1:36
“…he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7
THE CHURCH:
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” John 10:14
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1
Serpent – represents Satan.
In the Garden of Eden, Satan used the serpent to influence the downfall of humanity. At the other end of the Bible, the Book of Revelation speaks of “the old SERPENT, the Devil,and Satan.” (Revelation 20:2)
Dove – represents peace, a meek and quiet spirit, the holy spirit.
It is common today to speak of a peace-maker, one who will try diplomacy and shun war, as a “dove.”
A dove was a favorite figure with the Jews as an emblem of peace and salvation. It represented the meek and quiet spirit of all those who possess the spirit of holiness unto the Lord.
When Jesus was baptized, the holy spirit descended upon him like a dove.
“And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.” John 1:32
Frogs – represent boastful croaking, pomposity, an air of superiority.
The three most prominent characteristics of a frog are pomposity, an air of superior wisdom and knowledge,and a continual croaking. The teachings associated with frogs would be doctrines of bombast and pomposity, an attempt to overawe with dignity and assumed authority.
Dogs – represent Gentiles.
Matthew 15:22-28 — Both Jesus and the Canaanitish woman recognized that the term “dog” was used by the Jew to describe a Gentile. Although Jesus’ term for dogs was that of a pet, generally the word “dog” meant disrespect, referring to the wild dogs that roamed the country and were pests.
http://www.revelation-today.com/A1Bible%20Symbols.htm
Comment by thenonconformer — November 9, 2008 @ 11:22 pm
Comment by thenonconformer — November 9, 2008 @ 11:24 pm
What The Bible Says About The Holy Spirit
“The story of the Bible is also the story of Spirit-filled men and women”
1 OLD TESTAMENT
“For the OT writers the Spirit of God denotes God in His activity in the world” (JAF Gregg). The Spirit is the agent of God in creation (Gen 1:2, Ps 104:30) and re-creation (Is 32:14, 15; I Sam 10:6). Great leaders were possessed by the Spirit e.g. Joseph (Gen 41:38), Joshua (Nu 27:18), Othniel (Jg 3:10), Gideon (Jg 6:34), Saul (I Sam 11:6), David (I Sam 16:13). The Suffering Servant in Isaiah’s Visions will have God’s Spirit upon Him (42:1). The Spirit gives the gift of prophecy (Nu 24:2, I Sam 10:10, 2 Sam 23:2; Is 48:16), and gives strength to do extraordinary and unusual feats (e,g, Samson – Jg 13:25, 14:16,19; 15:14). The Spirit stands for the universal presence of God (Ps 139:7), and yet He dwells ina special way in His people Israel (Is 63:11-14; Hg 2:4,5). The Messianic Age to come will feature a special outpouring of the Spirit (Is 11:2; 44:3, Ek 39:29; Jl 2:28). A special function fo the Spirit is His gift of practical craftsmanship (Ex 31:1-5).
2 THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
In the first 3 gospels references to the Spirit are comparatively meagre. Before the birth of Jesus, the Spirit came upon Zacharias (Lk 1:67), Elizabeth (Lk 1:41) and Simeon (Lk 2:25) and in a unique way upon Mary (Lk 1:35; Mt 1:18,20). At His baptism, the Spirit came upon Jesus in fullness and power (Mt 3:16,; Mk 1:10; Lk 3:22, Jn 1:32,33). Jesus was full of the Spirit (Lk 4:1), led by the Spirit (Mt 4:1) empowered by the Spirit (Mt 12:28). For the followers of Jesus, they are promised baptism with the Spirit (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:8; Lk 3:26; Jn 1:33) the essence of all God’s good gifts (Lk 11:13; Mt 7:11), who will help in times of need (Mt 10:20; Mk 13:11; Lk 12:12). Whatever “sinning against the Holy Spirit” might mean, we can say two things about it:
a) Because this sin is unforgivable, it is the most terrible of all sins (i.e. unrepentant rejection of the message of God conveyed by the Spirit.
b) Therefore the person who cannot possibly have committed this sin is the one who fears he has (Mk 3:28-29; Mt 12:31-32; Lk 12:8-10).
3 THE FOURTH GOSPEL
Here is the high-water mark of NT teaching about the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises living water to quench the thirst of the soul (7:37-39), especially after His glorification and ascension, when the Spirit will come in all His fullness and power. John uses the distinctive title “Paraclete” (14:16-26; 15:26; 16:7) I.e. the Spirit will come as helper, comforter, counsellor, teacher, strengthener and friend of the Christian, especially when in need. The Spirit will come as a gift, not an achievement (14:15), and will come perpetually and continually to the church (14:16, 18). Only the believer can possess the Spirit (14:16, 17), who teaches him the truth (14:26)especially about Christ (16:13, 14). To His disciples, Jesus promises the Spirit to bring His words to their memories (14:26), and help them predict the future (16:13). Finally the Spirit will have a witnessing, “convincing” and convicting work (15:26,16:8-11).
4 THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
The title could equally well read “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”. First, the disciples were told to wait (1:4) for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit who would give them the necessary power for their task of evangelising the world (1:8). Pentecost marked a new “age of the Spirit” (cf.John 7:39). Luke finds it difficult to describe what happened then (2:2,3), but it gave the disciples new courage to preach their new-found message (Acts 2), with its new insights into Scripture. In addition they were given the gift of “tongues” (2:4). Acts acknowledges both David and Isaiah spoke in the Spirit (1:16; 4:25 & 28:25), and all its great figures are men of the Spirit – Peter (4:8), Sephen (6:5), Paul (9:17; 13:8), Barnabas (11:24). The Spirit also guided groups of Christians – the prophets and teachers of Antioch (13:2,4) the Council of Jerusalem (15:28-29) i.e. the Spirit guided in every step to take the good news to the Gentiles, rather than retaining it within Judaism.
In particular, the Spirit guided and directed the life and activity of Paul (e.g. 16:6-7; 19:21; 20:22-23; 21:4). As Acts sees it, the mark of a Church is the presence of the Spirit (9:31; 13:52; 10:45; 15:8) who appoints church officers (20:28). The Holy Spirit’s activity is connected with prayer (4:31,; 8:15) preaching (10:44; 11:15) fasting (13:2), baptism (10:45; 19:5-6) and the laying on of hands (8:15-18; 19:17). Because the Spirit is the power behind all effective Christian activity, it is very important that His presence be acknowledged (see 19:15), not resisted (7:51) nor that He be tested by deceit (5:3,9).
5 THE LETTERS OF PAUL
To Paul, the Holy Spirit is essentially the gift of God (Ep 1:17; 1Th 4:8; Ro 5:5), coming to every Christian through Jesus Christ (Ga 4:6; Ph 1:19; Ep 3:16) as the guarantee of God’s promise of eternal life (2 Co 1:22; 5:15; Ep 1:14; Ep 4:30). Through the Holy Spirit God’s love is poured into our hearts (Ro 8:14-16). A Christian is sanctified (“made more like Jesus”) by the Holy Spirit (1 Co 6:11; 2Cor 3:18; 2 Th 2:13), making him more sensitive about good living (Ro 9:1) and more sure of his salvation (Ro 8:16; Gal 4:6). Righteousness comes through the Spirit (Ro 14:17), so does peace (Ro`4:17), joy (Ro 14:17), hope (Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5), love (Ro 15:30, Cl 1:8), liberty (2 Co 3:17) and strength (Ep 3:16). The Christian lives in the Spirit (Ga 5:25), and the Spirit dwells in the Christian: as he is the temple of the Holy Spirit, the Christian ought to be filled with the Spirit (1 Co 6:19; Ep 5:18), led by the Spirit and walking in the Spirit (Ga 5:16, 18, 25) and standing fast in the Holy Spirit (Ph 1:27). However, the Christian can grieve the Holy Spirit (Ep 4:30) and quench the Holy Spirit (1 Th 5:19). Not only does a Christian confess Jesus as Lord by the Spirit (1 Co 12:3), but the Spirit continues to operate within the church, giving gifts to all members of it (1 Cor 12:8-11) creating unity within it (1 Co 12:4), guiding its decisions (1 Co 7:40), encouraging true worship (Ph 3:3), and prayer (Ro 8:26-27). Finally, Paul contrasts the operations of Spirit and flesh (Ro 8:1, 4, 9, 13; Ga 3:2, 5:17, 6:8), and the Spirit and the letter of the law (Ro 2:29, 1 Co 3:6; Ga 3:2).
6 THE REMAINDER OF THE NT
The Holy Spirit is often mentioned in the NT as the inspirer of OT Scriptures (I Tim 4:1; He 3:7; 9:8; 10:15; 1 Pe 1:11; 2 Pe 1:21). He is God ‘s agent in regeneration (Ts3:5) and in sanctification (1 Pe 1:2). He is called the Spirit of grace (he 10:29) and truth (1 Jn 5:6). The Spirit enables Christians to bear persecution and trial nobly and gallantly (I Pe 4:14), as He also enables them to confess Jesus as God (1 Jn 4:2), and indeed, convey the good news to them through preaching (1 Pe 1:12). In Jude we are encouraged to “pray in the Holy Spirit” (v 20). In the Revelation the Spirit gives John visions (1:10 etc), brings messages to the seven churches (2:7 etc), guarantees God’s promises to the faithful (14:13), and bears the final invitation from God: “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come” (22:17).
Finally, there are three passages (1 Tim 3:16; Ro 1:4; 1 Pe 3:18) which could either refer to Spirit (capital S) or spirit (small s). If they refer to the Holy Spirit, they refer to His supreme and highest function: He was God’s agent in the Resurrection of God’s Son
http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/12291.htm
Comment by thenonconformer — November 9, 2008 @ 11:29 pm
The Personhood of the Holy Spirit
There are several clear lines of evidence in the NT which argue for the personality of the Holy Spirit. First, Jesus said he would send “another” in his place (John 14:16). The word for another is allos in Greek and refers to another just like Jesus. It is reasonable to conclude from this that the Spirit is a person since Jesus is clearly a person. Further, Jesus referred to him as a parakletos (enabler, encourager, comforter, etc.) which requires that he be a person since the functions of a parakletos are personal; Jesus functioned as a parakletos to the disciples.
Second, the fact that the Spirit makes choices (1 Cor 12:11), teaches (John 14:26), guides (John 16:13), reveals Jesus (John 16:14), convicts (John 16:8), seals believers (2 Cor 1:21-22), can be grieved (Eph 4:30), blasphemed (Matt 12:31), possesses a rational mind (Rom 8:26-27; 1 Cor 2:11-13), can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), quenched (1 Thess 5:19), resisted (Acts 7:51), and on numerous occasions is distinguished from, yet directly linked with the Father and the Son as co-worker and co-recipient of worship, argues definitively for his personhood (Matt 28:19-20; 2 Cor 13:14).16
The Deity of the Holy Spirit
As we noted above, the Holy Spirit is distinguished from, yet closely related to, the Father and the Son—and that on an equal basis. He receives the worship due the Father and the Son (2 Cor 13:14) and does divine works, including inspiring Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21; Matt 19:4-5), regenerating hearts (Titus 3:5), and creating, sustaining, and giving life to all things (Gen 1:2; Job 26:13; 34:14-15; Psalm 104:29-30). He is said to be eternal (Heb 9:14; only God is eternal), omniscient (1 Cor 2:10-11), and is actually referred to as God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19-20). There is very little room for doubt; clearly the Holy Spirit is divine.
Scriptural Metaphors for the Holy Spirit
Scripture uses several important metaphorical expressions to refer to the Spirit, his sovereign character and his inscrutable, yet manifested workings. For example, Jesus referred to him as a wind—a metaphor which seems to underline the inscrutable nature of his moving in the hearts of people to give them life and bring them to faith (John 3:8).
In connection with his personal and glorious ministry to people, Jesus referred to him as water in John 7:37-39. This symbol portrays the Spirit as the One who can fulfill the deepest longings of the heart to know God, i.e., to enjoy eternal life (John 4:14; 17:3). As such, the metaphor speaks of promised messianic blessing and the presence of the kingdom in a new and powerful way (Isa 12:3; 32:15; 44:3; Ezek 39:29; Zech 14:16-18; Joel 2:28-32; Sukk 5:55a).
In Matthew 3:16 (cf. Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32) the text refers to the Spirit descending out of heaven as a dove. The symbol of the “dove” probably represents the beginning of an age of blessing and the end of judgment or perhaps it symbolizes the beginning of a new creation through the work of the promised, Spirit-empowered Davidic messiah.17
Another metaphor for the Spirit is clothing (Acts 1:8). This idea involves being dressed by another person so that one is characterized by this new clothing. In the case of the Spirit, it refers to his gift of power to us so that we might live consistent with the gospel as we boldly preach it throughout the entire world.
The Spirit is also referred to as a guarantee or pledge of the Christian’s glorification (Eph 1:14; 2 Cor 1:21-22). In this case, the present gift of the Spirit is the guarantee that the totality of what has been promised to us will someday be fulfilled (Rom 8:30). BAGD (the standard Greek lexicon used in NT studies) refers to the “Spirit” in these passages as the “first installment, deposit, down payment, [or] pledge, that pays a part of the purchase price in advance, and so secures a legal claim to the article in question, or makes a contract valid.”18
Closely related to the idea of the Spirit as “pledge” is the Spirit as seal or the One with whom Christians are sealed by God. In 2 Cor 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14, 4:30, Christians are said to be “sealed” by the Spirit of God. A “seal” in the ancient world referred to a “mark (with a seal) as a means of identification so that the mark which denotes ownership also carries with it the protection of the owner (see Rev 7:3)…This forms a basis for understanding the symbolic expression which speaks of those who enter the Christian fellowship as being sealed with or by the Holy Spirit.”19 Thus the “sealing” of the Spirit speaks to the divine ownership of the Christian which translates into security and protection. This does not mean that the Christian will never sin or be chastened by God (1 John 1:9; Hebrews 12:1-11), but it does mean that God will never abandon them, neither in this life or the one to come (cf. Rom 8:38-39). We will discuss this more under “Soteriology” or “Salvation” below.
The Pentecost Spirit is also likened to tongues of fire in Acts 2:3. Fire represents the holy presence of God, as for example, in Exodus 3:2-5 and the “burning bush.” One might also recall the pillar of fire (Exod 13:21-22), the fire on Mount Sinai (Exod 24:17) and the fire associated with the wilderness tabernacle (Exod 40:36-38).20 In all these cases, the holiness of God is paramount. Now, recall that the Christian’s election is unto holiness and Christlikeness (Rom 8:29; Eph 1:4) and so the Spirit has taken up residence in our hearts to make this transformation a reality (2 Cor 3:18).
The Work of the Holy Spirit in Revelation
The apostle Peter makes it clear that the Holy Spirit was responsible for the production of the OT scriptures (i.e., graphes) by carrying men along as they freely wrote God’s message. Paul likewise asserts the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the production of sacred Scripture (2 Tim 3:16—theopneustos). When we go to the OT we see this phenomenon in several places, not the least of which is the clear example of Ezekiel 2:2: “As he spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and raised me to my feet and I heard him speaking to me” (see also 8:4; 11:1, 24). Other examples of the Spirit speaking to people include Balaam (Num 24:2) and Saul (1 Samuel 10:6, 10). Also, Jesus said that David spoke by the Holy Spirit (Matt 22:43; cf. Acts 2:30).21
There is not a great deal of discussion in either testament regarding the relationship between the Spirit and men during the production of Scripture. Peter uses the analogy of the wind filling the sails of a ship. So we may infer from this that the Spirit took the initiative and directed the work, but in no way suppressed the personalities, including the emotional and intellectual input, of the human authors. In fact, it appears that he used all of this (and more), for the spiritual/emotional/ethical experience of David writing lyric poetry (in the Psalms, for example) was not the same as Paul’s experience in writing 1 Thessalonians or Ezra’s experience in writing the book after his name or John writing Revelation. The fact that we have an intimate involvement of the Spirit of God with the writers of Scripture speaks not to mechanical dictation or even conceptual inspiration (cf. Gal 3:16), but instead to a divine-human concurrence (1 Cor 2:12-13).
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The work of the Spirit in the OT is much broader than just the production of Scripture, as important as that is. The Spirit was involved in creating the cosmos (Gen 1:2; Job 26:13). He is currently intricately involved in sustaining creation (Psa 104:29-30) and will someday, in a period of enormous divine blessing, completely renew it. The nature of the Spirit’s present ministry testifies to this future work (Isa 32:15; Rom 8:18-27).
The Holy Spirit came upon certain people to impart wisdom and practical skills, strength and ability. He did this during the building of the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, and all the tabernacle’s furnishings (Exod 31:1-11). He was also the strength and guidance behind the building of the temple (Zech 4:6).
The Spirit was involved in the administration of the nation of Israel by giving gifts of administration and wisdom (Gen 41:38; Num 11:25; Deut 34:9). He also raised up national leaders during the dismal period of the Judges. He gave strength, courage, capability in war, and leadership abilities to several people (Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:19). Later on he anointed Saul, David, and Solomon for leadership by giving them strength and ability to prophesy, but in the case of Saul, the Spirit subsequently withdrew because of his disobedience (1 Sam 10:10; 16:13).
The Holy Spirit was also involved in the regeneration (Ezek 36:26-28), instruction, and sanctification of Israel in the OT (Nehemiah 9:20; Psa 51:11; 143:10; Isa 63:10). It is also said that he will produce righteousness and justice among the people of God in the messianic age (Isa 11:2-5; 32:15-20).22
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Life of Christ
The Holy Spirit was involved in the birth of Christ, with the result that Christ, while fully human, was completely sinless (Matt 1:18; Luke 1:35). The Holy Spirit was also involved in Christ’s anointing for messianic service (i.e., at his baptism [Luke 3:21-22]), filled him during his temptations (Luke 4:1; John 3:34), and revealed the timing and nature of the beginning of that ministry (Luke 4:14, 18). The Holy Spirit was also responsible for Christ’s ability to perform miracles and cast out demons (Matt 12:28). He was also involved in both the death of Christ as well as his resurrection (Heb 9:14; Rom 1:4; 8:11). Further, perhaps the best interpretation of 1 Peter 3:18-20 is that the pre-incarnate Christ preached via the Spirit through the mouth of Noah to the wicked back in the days before the flood.23
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Church
Suffice it to say here that the Spirit is involved in the works of calling, regeneration, uniting the believer with Christ, indwelling, filling, teaching, guiding, gifting, empowering, and sanctifying the believer. His primary ministry is to mediate the presence of Christ and the knowledge of God to the believer (John 16:13-14).24
http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=727
Comment by thenonconformer — November 9, 2008 @ 11:37 pm
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[…] We should never take for granted, that we are filled with Gods Holy Spirit. Each and every day, would it not allso be a good idea to ask the Lord, ” Lord please fill me a fresh with your Holy Spirit, anoint my head again a fresh with the Holy Spirit, fill my cup and let it over flow with the peace, power and joy in the Holy Spirit “. Thank you Jesus. May the Lord anoint you head with oil, may your cup over flow.” https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-consistent-ongoing-symbols-of-the-holy-spirit-in-the-… […]
Pingback by As to who is Jesus Christ « Hot discussions — August 29, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
[…] We should never take for granted, that we are filled with Gods Holy Spirit. Each and every day, would it not allso be a good idea to ask the Lord, ” Lord please fill me a fresh with your Holy Spirit, anoint my head again a fresh with the Holy Spirit, fill my cup and let it over flow with the peace, power and joy in the Holy Spirit “. Thank you Jesus. May the Lord anoint you head with oil, may your cup over flow.” https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-consistent-ongoing-symbols-of-the-holy-spirit-in-the-… […]
Pingback by As to who is Jesus Christ « JESUS SAYS COME — August 29, 2009 @ 11:25 pm
[…] We should never take for granted, that we are filled with Gods Holy Spirit. Each and every day, would it not also be a good idea to ask the Lord, ” Lord please fill me a fresh with your Holy Spirit, anoint my head again a fresh with the Holy Spirit, fill my cup and let it over flow with the peace, power and joy in the Holy Spirit “. Thank you Jesus. May the Lord anoint you head with oil, may your cup over flow.” https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-consistent-ongoing-symbols-of-the-holy-spirit-in-the-… […]
Pingback by The most important decision, question that you will make « Missing the point? — August 29, 2009 @ 11:46 pm
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[…] The consistent, ongoing Symbols of the Holy Spirit In the Bible https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-consistent-ongoing-symbols-of-the-holy-spirit-in-the-… […]
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Pingback by Dealing effectively with life’s problems « Missing the point? — September 19, 2010 @ 5:50 am
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Pingback by Bible verses wallpaper II « 2nd Wittness Weblog — September 22, 2010 @ 3:17 am
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Pingback by Top Christian Posts of mine | 1st Wittness — December 11, 2010 @ 1:16 am
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Pingback by Didn’t God Instruct Christians Not to Judge any Others or non Christians?? « Posted at wordpress.com — November 8, 2011 @ 5:56 am
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Pingback by Anointed Continued « Missing the point? — December 6, 2011 @ 12:15 am
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Pingback by TOP POST READ THIS YEAR – MISSING THE POINT « Missing the point? — August 5, 2012 @ 8:49 am
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Pingback by My overall top Christians posts for 2012 « 1st Wittness — February 13, 2013 @ 12:22 pm
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Pingback by My overall top Christian posts for 2012 | Hot discussions — February 18, 2013 @ 8:33 am
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Pingback by My overall top Christian posts for 2012 | Free Christian Wallpapers Poster — February 24, 2013 @ 1:54 am
[…] http://postedat.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/the-pentecostal-movement/ https://anyonecare.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/the-consistent-ongoing-symbols-of-the-holy-spirit-in-the-… http://cityocean.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/gifted-by-the-holy-spirit-god-and-jesus/ […]
Pingback by Holy Spirit led, filled Christians | Come Holy Spirit — June 27, 2013 @ 6:41 am
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Pingback by Jesus Christ is God | Missing the point? — August 22, 2013 @ 7:14 pm
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Pingback by The False Jesus Name Apostolic Holiness Church, Oneness Pentecostal Christianity | Missing the point? — February 18, 2014 @ 2:30 am
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Pingback by Didn’t God Instruct Christians Not to Judge any Others or non Christians??or any Jews??? | 1st Wittness — September 13, 2014 @ 5:30 am