A Divine Relationship

A walk in the Spirit will of necessity be a walk in accordance with the Word the Spirit has inspired. The parallel between Ephesians 5:18-21 and Colossians 3:15-17 is significant. The same results are said to flow from being filled with the Spirit in the first cast, and being filled with the Word in the second. To remain filled with the Spirit, and thus enjoy His continuing sanctifying work, will mean continuing to be filled with the Word. The relationship is obvious.
-J.O. Sanders, Enjoying Intimacy with God, Moody, p. 91.

In the first three centuries of the existence of the church, the nature of Christ and the relationship of the Holy Spirit to Christ were the subjects of ongoing strife and divisions. The Roman Emperor Constantine, who embraced Christendom, called the Holy Council of Nicea to settle the issue of the nature of Christ, and the issue of the relationship of Christ and the Holy Spirit became the primary theological wedge between the Roman Catholic Church and the Greek Orthodox Church.

Early in the American "Restoration Movement," those who agreed with the teaching of Thomas and Alexander Campbell and those who agreed with Burton W. Stone were able to accept each other in fellowship by agreeing not to speculate about the nature of Christ beyond what was plainly revealed.

It benefits us to accept without question what God has plainly revealed on these sublime, or heavenly subjects and to refuse to go further (Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Peter 4:11; 2 John 9). Certainly we can carefully consider all of the above, yet the following question must honestly be asked, "What does the Bible reveal about the relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit?"

Turning to the Bible, we find that both Christ and the Holy Spirit are divine Persons in the one Godhead (for definition of "divine Person" see Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). Christ is a divine Person, or a Person in the Godhead (John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 1:13-17; Colossians 2:8-10; Hebrews 1:1-8). The Holy Spirit is also a divine Person.

But, without ceasing to be God, Christ became a man, with same nature we have (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8). He did this to bring about our salvation (Hebrews 2:5-18).
For us, the glorious Son of God became the obedient, suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13; Isaiah 53:3-11; John 5:30; John 6:38; John 8:28; Matthew 26:36-42).

As a Man, the Servant of God, Christ was directed and empowered to do His work by the Holy Spirit. Again, turning to the Bible, we see know this is true because:

1. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him at His baptism (Luke 3:21-22).
2. This identified Him to John as the promised Christ (John 1:32-34).
3. He was anointed by the Holy Spirit to do His work (Isaiah 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21).
4. He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).
5. The power of the Spirit was upon Him (Luke 4:14).
6. His great wisdom was from the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2).
7. He performed His miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:28; Acts 10:36-38).

As the glorified Son of God, risen from the dead, He sent the Holy Spirit. He also baptized His apostles with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:1-8). And the Holy Spirit revealed to them (the Apostles) the things of Christ (John 14:16-17, 26; John 15:26-27; John 16:13-15).

In closing, these profound truths are perhaps beyond our full comprehension, but we must believe them because they are plainly taught in the Scriptures. (1 Timothy 3:16). However, we must remember not to go beyond them in speculation (2 John 9).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, may everything I do begin with You,
continue with Your help,
and be done under Your guidance.
May I grow in Your Love and Your service,
and become a pleasing offering to You;
and with You to Your Father. Amen

May God bless you,

Janet