|
 Dear
Bro. Turner
Please
explain how the Holy Spirit can be an intercessor (ROM.8:26)
("mediator," Webster) and yet we have only "one
mediator," Christ, (1TI.2:5)? Are not both Christ and the
Holy Spirit called "paraclete"?
Reply:
I
doubt that ROM.8:26 refers to the Holy Spirit (perhaps our
spirit, sincerely reaching out for God but if H.S. under
consideration, the idea is communication of our desires,
not that of answering for us in justice before God’s throne.
ROM.8:34 says the crucified and resurrected Christ does that. He
alone is qualified to perform this priestly function. (See
HEB.7:25-28) The "mediator" of 1TI.2:5-6 "gave
himself" as our ransom.
"Parakletos"
is the Greek translated "Advocate" in 1JO.2:1, and
"Comforter" in JOH.14:16,26, 15:26, 16:7. This word
literally means "called to one’s side." It has the
wide or ordinary sense, therefore, of "succorer, helper,
assistant;" the technical sense of "lawyer-
defender" (rare); and it is applied to Christ when the
problem is sin, and the need is for one qualified to appear
before the Father in our behalf. This priestly function is
indicated by the context of 1JO.2:1, including the designation
of Jesus Christ as "righteous." ("The adjective
is not a simple epithet but marks predicatively (‘being as He
is righteous’) that characteristic of the Lord which gives
efficacy to His advocacy of man." Westcott). Application of
this word to Christ and to the Holy Spirit does not imply
identical functions.
|
|
Jesus
promised certain disciples "another Comforter"
(JOH.14:16). In his personal association with them He had been a
Comforter — "by their side, helper, defender" — in
the ordinary sense of the word. (He had not yet become their
Advocate in the priestly sense, hence the Holy Spirit could not
be "another" such Comforter.) The Spirit would
perform some function He had performed personally; and the
passages clearly show the "helper" role to be
continued, had to do with their knowing and teaching the truth.
JOH.14:16-17
calls that "other" Comforter "Spirit of
truth". JOH.14:26 says, "He shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I
have said unto you." "He shall testify of me: and ye
also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the
beginning" (15:26-27). "And when He is come, He will
reprove the world..." (16:7-f.), and this was done through
teaching. There is nothing here to justify the conclusion that
this "other" Comforter was promised to any but those
whom the Lord had taught personally — His chosen and inspired
Witnesses. There is nothing here to warrant people today
claiming "comfort" by the Holy Spirit in a direct,
mystical sense. These passages certainly do not teach that the
Holy Spirit is another intercessor or mediator like Jesus
Christ.
Yes,
we may walk in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (ACT.9:31)— and
of the scriptures (ROM.15:4), and of love (PHI.2:22), and
of brethren (COL.4:11), etc.; but if one feels
that "inner light" flickering, such truths do not
"comfort" him.
[Previous
Article]
[Next
Article]
|
