The Pulpit Commentary — John — Volume 2 — Section 315

Ae the l::lpirit of truth, capable of ;inspiring and Influencing directly the eprincre of action and choice, he ie specially adapted for this inward application without ;hlch t,he revelation is incomplete. 2, ...4.e the Divim Regt!'MNtor. 'l'he Creator of tho new life, the new heart, the new man, and the new world, and the Builder of the spiritual temple. 'l'his new creation is an essential part of the plan of redemption, and Is the department of the Holy Spirit. 3. As the Dit>iM 811111,ctifier. Carrying on the good work gradually unto perfection. 4. ...4.s t'he Dit>im Comforter. .As euoh he ie introduced by our Lord. Thie was their special need, as well as the spcci&.I. need of all believers in 1111 ages. II. 'l'BAT THE DEPA.BTURE OF JESUS WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE OOMING OF ,·nm HOLY SPIRIT, ., If I go not away," eto. 1. His depa,rtwre was essential to the completion ef his own work and the fulfilment of his mission. He could say with propriety, "If I go not away, I cannot finish the work given me to do." This involved: (1) A perfect atonemerit for sin. It ie true the atonement was begun in his life; for "he is the Atonement;" but complet.ed by his voluntary and self-sacrificing death, and it was through death he was to depart and by death complete the atonement. (2) His perfect e:mmpl.e. (3) Hie perfect and g'lorified life. Only in consequence of his departure by death these were attainable. He was made perfect through sufferings. 2. The compl,etion of his work was essential to the coming of the Holy Spirit. " If I go not away, the Comforter," etc. (1) 'l'he Holy Spirit could not come without a complete commi.asion. In all the Di vine proceedings there is perfect order. There is nothing done at random or by accident, but all according to the strictest laws of order and fitness. When Christ came, l.a came with a complete commission, in the fulness of time, and in the fulness of his Father's love. The Spirit could only come in the same way. (2) He could not obtain hie full commission until the triumphant arrival of JesU8 at home. Then his commission would be complete in the completed work of Christ. Its con- ditions were then fulfilled and its substance then perfect, ready for use. (3) The departure of Jesus was not only essential in relation to the commission of the Spirit, but also in rel,ation to the disci,plea themselves. The remaining of Christ with them in the flesh was incompatible with the fnll enjoyment of the Spirit. He had to ascend on high, not only to receive the gift of the Spirit, but also to make room for him in their heart and faith. In a sense there was no room for both at the same time. 3. The completioo of his work would result in the certain ooming of the Spirit. "If I go away, I will send," et.c. This certainty lies: (1) In the finished work a11d glorified life of Christ. Thie deserved and even demanded the coming of the Spirit. 'l'he latter is the natural result of the former. (2) In his personal and official infl~ with tlie Hol,y 8pirit. This was the result of their oneness of nature, sympathy, will, and work. He was fully conscious of the Spirit's readiness to come at his request. (3) In the UTllflTing faJ,d,ity of the DiviM promises. The promise of the Father to Jesus and that of J esm to his disciples: " I will send h.i.m," etc. He could not forget his promise, nor fail to l!end him. The struggles and agonies of the past would remind him, the infinite price paid and the importance of his coming would remind him, the tender and eternal love he bore them would make him careful to send him. They had the earnest ...-hen he breathed upon them. Let him go away, and the Spirit would come in his Divine fuln8116. Ill. TB.A.T THB JDJllIBTBY OP THB HOLY SPIRIT WOULD BE MOBE BENEFIOIAL TO THB DIIIOIPLBS .Alm ALL BELIEVEBS TB.AN THE PERSONAL MINlSTBY OP JESUS. "It is e~pe- dient," etc. L The ptlf'SO'll,<l1, ministry of JesU,S waa local; that of the Spirit is universal. Christ could not be personally present in more than one place at the same time; the Spirit can be everywhere. 2. The peraonal ministry of Christ was 011,tward; that of the Spirit is in1D<llrtl. Christ appealed, with words and voice, to man through his physical senses; but the ministry of the Spirit is inward, ap~ling directly to the human heart, will, and coW1Cience. 3. The pertY.Jnal ministry of Ohrist had a tendency to keep alive and foster the material and temporal idea, of his reign ; that of the Spirit had a direct tendency to foster MUl establuh ,piritll4l ideal of liis kingdom. While he remained with his disciples, they tenaciously clung to the ~dea of a. temporal king and_ a temporal kingdom, and this idea would lut 88 long 88 his personal presence; but his departure, by de.ath had a direct ten.deney to destroy this notion and blast this hope for ever, and prepare them for the advent of the Holy Spirit, who would, on the rwne of the tem- cm. XVI. 1--83.J THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO BT. JOHN.