The work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament 3
The work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is evident in the life of our High Priest and the believer. The third area where the Spirit has been very active is in the Church and the World. The Holy Spirit is the executive agent of the trinity responsible for building the Church of Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:16-20).
However, His coming and dwelling in believers was possible after the glorification of Jesus Christ. The Spirit is now abiding in us and with us forever unlike the Old Testament where He equipped some special people but did not remain with them continually (John 14:16-17). The following discusses the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church.
On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was active in forming the Church, the Body of Christ. He baptized the believers into this spiritual body, Church (Acts 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23).
The Church is the temple of God and all believers are living stones of this temple. The Spirit made this possible (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:16; Ephesians 2:20-22).
The Spirit provides leadership (anointing, illumination and direction) for the Church to excel (2 Corinthians 1:21; Psalm 133:1-2; 1 John 2:20, 27; Ephesians 1:7-8; Acts 10:38).
The Spirit is the source of special gifts and graces for all member of the Church ( 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 28-31; Romans 12:6-8; Galatians 5:22-23).
The Holy Spirit governs the Church. The Head of the Church is Jesus Christ. Jesus directs the Church (that is, His body) by means of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit calls, equips and directs members of the Church accordingly (Acts 13:1-3; 15. :28; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Ephesians 4:8-12; 1 Peter 1: 1:12; Acts 1:8).
What is the work of the Holy Spirit in the World? The Spirit has a threefold ministry in the world. These are to reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:9-11). Of sin- because the world did not believe in Jesus as the savior of the world. Of righteousness- because Jesus is righteous and showed man the right way to go. Of judgment- because the prince of this world was defeated on the cross of Calvary. Therefore everyman has the choice of being converted or facing damnation.
The work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament relative to the unsaved is to convince, convict and convert!
