John 16:7, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (G3875) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”
Strong’s G3875, An intercessor, consoler: - advocate, comforter.
"Therefore, the Holy Spirit is designated by Jesus Christ as equal with Himself, i.e., God This New Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, was to witness concerning Jesus Christ and to glorify Him. The Holy Spirit is called a Paraclete because He undertakes Christ's office in the world while Christ is not in the world as the God-Man in bodily form. In addition, the Holy Spirit is also called the Paraclete because He acts as Christ's substitute on earth."
[Thayer's Greek Definition]
Paraclete, the Holy Spirit as advocate or counselor
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Old Testament saints was selective and temporary, empowering them when needed for service but not remaining with them. Now we believers have an indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a permanent residence, convicting us of sin, providing regeneration, and repeated empowerment.
The Holy Spirit is and always will be indwelling us. We have this further assurance from 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
We are never to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Mark 3:28-29, “28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: 29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:”
Here Temple leaders committed the unpardonable sin by accusing Jesus of casting out demons by demonic power when it was through the power of the Holy Spirit. This had the effect of calling the Holy Spirit a demon. All kinds of sins can be forgiven but not the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, this is an eternal sin. Not only did the Temple leaders blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, they brought about the crucifixion of Jesus.
Earlier when Jesus left the temple, it was reminiscent of the Shekinah glory as it departed the temple in Ezekiel’s time.
As an aside, there is a difference between lying to the Holy Spirit and blaspheming it. Ananias and Sapphira sold their property and claimed to have given the full amount to the community of the early church. This was a lie as they had held back a portion of the price they had received for the property. While holding back the money was not a sin lying about it was. Both Ananias and Sapphira fell dead at Peter’s feet. Their lie was to the Holy Spirit; however, they did not commit blasphemy. God took them, so they could sin no more.
As believers we are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, a gift not to be taken lightly. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the one unpardonable sin. Sadly, it seems to be fashionable today with many. To do so is to risk eternal damnation.
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