In the early 90’s, tennis star, Andre Agassi endorsed a certain type of camera and did so with a catchy attitude. The “attitude” and the Cannon Rebel camera soared into the psyche of American culture. If you are old enough to remember the ad campaign, you will remember its’ slogan. “Image is Everything.”
A few weeks ago I enjoyed a coffee with my friend Sandy Robertson. He is a Pastor at New Covenant Church which is a church in the same town I pastor. Titusville, Fl. While we were chatting he said something I had heard many times before. But, you know that moment when the Spirit of God quickens you and you hear something you have heard before and yet it is as if you heard for the first time.
He said: “You know there is a reason why He is called the HOLY Spirit.”
That was it…. that simple…. and yet, so profound and true. It grabbed my heart. I hope it grabs yours today.
Why is the Spirit called the Holy Spirit?
1.) HOLY Spirit and HOLY Scripture
The word holy in the bible means to be set apart, consecrated, and blameless. The Bible is a Holy Bible. It is a “set apart” book – no other book like it on the face of the earth. And, the Spirit is not just any spirit – He is the Holy Spirit.
You say…. ok – so what?
I am amazed at how a believer will attest to the above few sentences and turn around and knowingly and blatantly do the opposite of what scripture says and then…. pull the Spirit in the ditch with them by saying: “I prayed about it and I feel lead this is what God (The Spirit) would have me to do.”
Nope…. The HOLY Spirit will NEVER lead you to do anything contrary to the HOLY Bible. The Holy Spirit ALWAYS, ALWAYS leads us to do what we find in Scripture.
Christian, let’s stop this nonsense of dragging the Spirit into our UN-holy living. Take up the Word of God, ask the Spirit of God to illuminate His Word, and follow Him.
2.) The Holy Spirit and salvation
It is the work of the Holy Spirit, in our lives, that brings us from death to life. See previous post: Trinity (12). It is the Spirit that makes us alive to the work of Christ (In His life, death, and resurrection.)
3.) The Holy Spirit and sanctification
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
If you answered “yes” to these questions then Praise God and specifically Praise the Holy Spirit. Just as the Father and Son play a specific role in your salvation and your life as a Christian, so does the Holy Spirit.
He is day by day, moment by moment, growing you in Christ Jesus.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 ESV)