The Bible provides profound insights into the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. By applying the principle of interpreting Scripture with Scripture, we can see how Jesus Himself is revealed as the Holy Spirit, the same divine being in a different manifestation. Let us explore this truth, focusing particularly on John 14 and supporting verses from other parts of the Bible.
The Promise of the Comforter
In John 14:16-18, Jesus makes a significant promise to His disciples:
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
Here, Jesus refers to the Comforter (Greek: Parakletos) as the Spirit of truth. He explicitly states, "I will come to you," indicating that He Himself is the Comforter. The "another Comforter" does not imply a separate being but rather another way in which Jesus manifests Himself—as the Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of believers.
The Spirit and Jesus as One
In John 14:26, Jesus explains further:
"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
This teaching connects the Holy Spirit with Jesus’ own ministry and words. The Holy Spirit’s role is to continue Jesus’ work, which aligns with Jesus’ earlier statement in John 14:9:
“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”
Just as Jesus reveals the Father, the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus. This unity demonstrates that the Spirit is not a separate entity but the Spirit of Jesus Himself.
Paul’s Confirmation
Paul’s writings affirm this understanding. In 2 Corinthians 3:17, he declares:
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
Paul explicitly states that Jesus (the Lord) is the Spirit. This verse leaves no room for distinguishing between Jesus and the Holy Spirit as separate beings. Instead, it underscores their oneness.
The Indwelling Spirit
In Romans 8:9-11, Paul further explains the indwelling presence of Christ through the Spirit:
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Here, the "Spirit of God," "Spirit of Christ," and "Christ in you" are used interchangeably. This reinforces the truth that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus, not a separate being.
The Revelation of Christ
Revelation 2:7 provides additional clarity:
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Throughout Revelation, Jesus is the one addressing the churches (see Revelation 1:10-20). Yet, the messages are attributed to the Spirit, showing that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one and the same.
Jesus’ Ascension and Return as the Spirit
In John 16:7, Jesus says:
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
This verse often causes confusion, but it aligns perfectly with the understanding that Jesus would return to His disciples in a new way, as the Holy Spirit. When He ascended, He sent His Spirit to dwell in believers, fulfilling His promise in John 14:18: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”
His Spirit Dwelling Through the Word
Another essential aspect is that Jesus’ Spirit dwells in us through His Word. Jesus is the Word of God, as stated in John 1:1-3:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
As the Word, Jesus represents His Father perfectly. His Spirit works through His Word to transform and guide believers. In John 6:63, Jesus says:
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
Thus, Jesus’ Spirit dwells in us by His Word, empowering us to live according to His will and revealing the Father’s character.
The Holy Spirit Is Jesus
Although the Spirit comes from God, the Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is Jesus Himself. In Galatians 4:6, Paul writes:
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
Here, the Spirit of God is identified as the Spirit of His Son, confirming that the Holy Spirit is not a separate entity but Jesus’ own Spirit, sent to dwell within us. This is consistent with the unity within the Godhead, where Jesus represents and reveals the Father perfectly, and His Spirit continues that work within believers.
Conclusion
The Scriptures consistently reveal that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not separate entities. Jesus is the Holy Spirit, manifesting Himself in a form that could dwell within His followers. Through the Spirit, Jesus continues His work, guiding, teaching, and empowering His people. This truth is grounded in the harmony of Scripture and reflects the profound unity within the Godhead.
Let us rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus has not left us alone but is with us always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20), as the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
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