We can say many things about Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, people have said many things about the Holy Spirit already and will continue. Some say things that are full of insight; some say things that are ridiculous or even things that contradict Scripture. This year, let us focus on two verses from the day's Gospel. In John 15: 26-27, Christ says, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning" (ESV).
These two verses teach us about the nature and work of the Holy Spirit and about the appropriate response of Christ's disciples. First, we see that the Holy Spirit comes from the Father, sent by the Son. The person and work of the Spirit must not be isolated from the Father and the Son. The work of the Triune God is unified. Secondly, we see that the Holy Spirit is the Helper (also translated as Advocate, Counselor, Comforter). He is the Spirit of divine truth. In general, He applies and enlivens the divine truth of the Scriptures, and in particular, He bears witness to the culminating divine revelation in Jesus Christ. For Christians, the work of the Holy Spirit must never be separated from Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thirdly, the work of the Holy Spirit among Christ's disciples has a purpose. It is intended to produce results. The initial results are repentance and faith in Christ, and then there are numerous other results or fruits in the Christian life, both in the lives of individuals and in the life of the Christian Church.
In conclusion, the message of Pentecost continues. The Holy Spirit keeps coming to the Church through Word and Sacrament. The Spirit uses the means established by God to apply divine grace to human lives. He witnesses to Jesus Christ, He transforms unbelief into faith, and He empowers believers to witness to Christ in thought, word, and deed.
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