THE HOLY SPIRIT
and other spirits 

PART I.—THE HOLY SPIRIT

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit

 Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we have received many good things; but the greatest of all things is the New Testament. Holy men of old spoke as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet.1:21. "For at NO TIME was it by the pleasure of man, that the prophecy came; but holy men of God spake, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."—Syriac. "All scripture that was written by the Spirit, is profitable for instruction, and for confutation, and for correction, and for erudition in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16.—Syriac.

  Not only did holy men of old time speak by the inspiration of the Spirit; but the writers of the New Testament were inspired by the Spirit in a special manner, as they had received the Spirit as an indwelling guide and comforter. The Bible is inspired; and it was written by inspired men, who spoke and wrote as the Spirit gave them utterance. Any man who speaks under the influence of the Holy Spirit, whether preaching, prophesying, or writing, may be said to be inspired.

  INSPIRATION DOES NOT MAKE US INFALLIBLE.—These terms are so often confounded that we deem it necessary to give a short explanation of them here. There may be inspiration without infallibility, and there may be infallibility without inspiration. God is infallible, but not inspired; Christ was both infallible and inspired; the apostles and prophets were inspired, but not infallible. Inspiration primarily means to breathe in, which is the opposite of expiration. In theology it is defined as a supernatural or divine influence.

  INSPIRATION IN PREACHING.—We sometimes say that God is anointing us to deliver a discourse or write an article. This virtually means God is inspiring us. He breathes into our souls the divine word and we feel the glowing fire burning in our hearts, and cannot rest till we have delivered the God breathed message. Every minister of God has felt this divine influence and knows what it means to speak under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. There is also a vast difference in listening to a sermon from a man inspired and anointed by the Holy Spirit, [102] and listening to a dry man made sermon preached by human effort.

  INSPIRATION IN PRAYER. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Rom. 8:26. Paul says in another place, "I will pray with the Spirit." As in preaching so in prayer; there is a difference in that performed under the influence of the Spirit and that done in our own strength. We are not to use "vain repetitions as the heather do"; but we should pour out our hearts to God in simple supplication as directed by the Spirit, and not frame our words to be heard of men.

  INSPIRATION IN SINGING. "What is it then? I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." 1 Cor. 14:15.

  Sacred music is often disgraced and rendered almost worth less by cold, heartless choirs and singers. To sing in the Spirit we must know and understand. Many fashionable churches are served by choirs almost entirely made up of unbelievers, and often sneering skeptics and scoffing infidels are found there. What is more heavenly or illustrative of inspiration than to hear a song of praise to God rendered by one who feels that every chord originates in his or her heart? The only way to sing correctly is to allow the heart to speak through the mouth; then how can those who have never known the glad song of truth be expected to effectually sing the praises of God? Singing, like preaching, if it comes from the heart it goes to the heart, and accomplishes the design of God. Inspiration in singing, praying, and preaching has been characteristic of the church of God in all ages. Singing in the Spirit has characterized God's last reformation and brought many souls home to Christ.[103]           

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