As we continue in our study through the Gospel of John, Jesus appears to the apostles in the evening after having gone to Father. The apostles were afraid and hiding in a room together wondering what to do next. They felt lost and alone without their master. Then suddenly, Jesus stood in the midst of them and said “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19). They were filled with excitement and gladness. They had hoped that He had returned to stay with them and to lead them. Then once more He said, “Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).
Then He breathed on them and endowed them with the Holy Spirit. Then comes the words, “Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained” (John 20:23). At first, I found this verse very difficult to explain; so perhaps I could just skip it. Yet, that is not my style to skip what is hard. I do believe that within this verse also lies truths that will strengthen and empower our own Christian walk. We do know that the apostles were endowed with “special powers” from the Holy Spirit in that they could heal the sick, raise the dead (Acts 10:39-41), and so, perhaps this too was a power given them to forgive or condemn the sins of those whom they met. But I don’t think that fits with scripture elsewhere in that only God has that power. God the Father is the only one who forgives sin through the redemptive work of His Son and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. So, I do believe that these words of Jesus were to allow the apostles to understand that the Holy Spirit was in them to give them life and to be the power within them for everything they need. Only God can forgive sins. They needed to know and we need to know that the Holy Spirit indwelling us is God in us. He was God’s presence to give them the strength to teach the gospel and
that it would be the Holy Spirit’s work through them to spread the gospel. They were not sent out with the great commission alone!! It was the Holy Spirit that empowered their preaching and would lead men to repentance. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, mankind’s sin was paid and the Holy Spirit comes to indwell the life of each person who accepts Christ as their Savior. We have the presence of God in us to be the strength we need to rise above this world’s trials. So what does the Holy Spirit do for us?
1. He was the one who opened our eyes to recognize that we are sinners in need of a Savior. He allows us to see the beauty of Christ, that we might desire Him(I Thessalonians 1:5 and 1 Corinthians 2:4)
2. He indwells us—giving us spiritual life—relationship with God the Father. (Romans 8:11)
3. He reminds us of who we are in Christ—we are the God’s blessed, redeemed child. (Romans 8:16).
4. He fills us with God’s love, joy, hope, peace, and strength. (Galations 5:22-23)
5. He is our comforter (John 14:16)
6. He teaches us the truth of the scripture and reminds us of God’s Words and Promises to us. (John 14:26)
7. He is our intercessor in prayer (Romans 8:26-27)
8. He frees us from fear and anxiety before the Father (2 Corinthians 3:17).
9. He guides our spiritual growth so that one day we will look like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18)
10. He is our sword and shield against Satan (Ephesians 6: 16-17).
It is the power of the Holy Spirit in us that give us the strength and the power to stand firm in our faith as believers. He is there when we stumble to remind us of God’s Love and Grace. He is Christ in us, the hope of Glory.
So, do you know the power of the Holy Spirit in you? Have you been born of the Spirit through accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior? “ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
The song I chose for you today is: The Same Power
photo courtesy of https://unsplash.com/nasa I added the words.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.