PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT

That Peter understood this promise to cover the Lord’s working to the end of time, is set forth in these words: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38, 39. Then as long as the Lord calls people to His service, so long is the promise of the Holy Spirit extended to them.PGGC 15.2

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, says, “The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7. The manifestation of the Spirit must refer to its manner of working. The Spirit may and does come to the sinner in his sins, as a reprover; but after he yields to the Lord, and it leads the mind to the blessed assurance of God’s promises, it is an approver. Ephesians 1:13. Then it is that “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.” Romans 8:26.PGGC 16.1

Men, in their fallen state, are infirm, “being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Ephesians 4:18. “Alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works.” Colossians 1:21. There “are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:4. After yielding to God and becoming partakers of the divine nature, we are recognized as “the sons of God,” being “led by the Spirit of God.” Romans 8:14. That Spirit dwelling in us quickens (gives life-even the life of God-to) our mortal bodies. Romans 8:11. It then “beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God,” and seals us as His. Romans 8:16; 2 Corinthians 1:22. Then the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:4.PGGC 16.2