The Wall

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“What a dear old wall that is that runs along by the river there! I never pass it without feeling better for the sight of it. Such a mellow, bright, sweet old wall; what a charming picture it would make, with the lichen creeping here, and the moss growing there, a shy young vine peeping over the top at this spot, to see what is going on upon the busy river, and the sober old ivy clustering a little farther down! There are fifty shades and tints and hues in every ten yards of that old wall. . . . It looks so peaceful and so quiet, and it is such a dear old place to ramble round in the early morning before many people are about.” Jerome K. Jerome, “Three Men In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog)” Ch. 6 (1889)

"Why do we need the Holy Spirit?"

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A student asked, “God sent Jesus to fulfill all the promises of God to man. What is the need of the Holy Spirit? If we have Christ Jesus, why do we need the Holy Spirit?”

Jesus actually answers these questions in John 14 (just one place among many we could consider). First, we learn that Jesus Himself asked the Father to send another Helper, the Spirit of Truth (14:15-17a). This Helper, the Spirit of Truth, is sent of the Father in Jesus’ name (14:26), and is not of the world (14:17b). Second, Jesus makes it clear that the Helper will abide with us, not leaving us as orphans (14:17c-18). Third, Jesus makes it perfectly clear, “I will come to you,” reinforcing the unique relationship of what we call “The Trinity.” Jesus helps us understand that the Holy Spirit will teach, bring to remembrance all He has taught (14:26).

Jesus elaborates further on the special ministry of the Holy Spirit in John 16. First, if He does not go away, the Helper will not come (16:7). Second, when The Spirit does come, He will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness and judgment (16:8-11). Also, when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide in all truth, speaking only what He hears from the Father (16:13). The overall purpose of the Holy Spirit is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ (15:14).

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