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“God has given two great gifts to his people:
the first is, his Son for us; the second is, his Spirit to us.” ~C.H.S.
In this sermon, Spurgeon makes the case that the presence of the Holy Spirit is more advantageous for the church than the physical presence of Christ would be.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”—John 16:7.
Main Points:
1. The bodily presence of Christ was precious – 5:13
2. The Spirit’s presence is better than Christ’s bodily presence – 9:57
3. The presence of the Spirit is superlatively valuable – 22:39
4. View the mysterious Spirit with awe and reverence – 34:46
The following are select quotes from this sermon.
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As silly children cry because they are called to drink the medicine which will heal their sicknesses, even so do we. Our gracious Saviour, however, loves us too wisely to spare us the trouble because of our childish fears; he foresees the advantage which will spring from our griefs, and therefore thrusts us into them out of wisdom and true affection.
God has given two great gifts to his people: the first is, his Son for us; the second is, his Spirit to us.
Christ crucified is of no practical value to us without the work of the Holy Spirit; and the atonement which Jesus wrought can never save a single soul unless the blessed Spirit of God shall apply it to the heart and conscience. Jesus is never seen until the Holy Spirit opens the eye: the water from the well of life is never received until the Holy Spirit has drawn it from the depths. As medicine unused for want of the physician’s word; as sweets untasted because out of reach; as treasure unvalued because hidden in the earth; such is Jesus the Saviour, until the Holy Spirit teaches us to know him, and applies his blood to our souls.
Remember, brethren, and here is another thought which should make the Spirit very dear to you, that without the Holy Spirit no good thing ever did or ever can come into any of your hearts—no sigh of penitence—no cry of faith—no glance of love—no tear of hallowed sorrow. Your heart can never palpitate with life divine, except through the Spirit; you are not capable of the smallest degree of spiritual emotion, much less spiritual action, apart from the Holy Ghost. Dead you lie, living only for evil, but absolutely dead for God until the Holy Ghost comes and raises you from the grave. There is nothing good in you today, my brother, which was not put there.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon