The Abiding Comforter (Rewritten)

[Jesus said:] “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you." — John 14:15-17 NRSV. 

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Many people who read the New Testament struggle to find the sharp, instantaneous spiritual transition that modern advocates of Christian perfection insist should follow conversion. And honestly, that confusion makes sense. It usually comes from failing to recognize that several biblical ideas are actually pointing to the same spiritual reality: the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the fullness of the Spirit, the anointing that teaches and remains, and the promised abiding Comforter (παράκλητος). 

When Jesus promised the Comforter, He was not talking about someone whose sole job was emotional consolation. The Greek word παράκλητος (paraklētos) carries a much broader meaning. It can just as accurately be translated helper, advocate, teacher, guide, or counselor.

For the purposes of this essay, we will use the older term "Comforter." But, remember: It carries with it a wealth of meaning.

The Gifts or the Giver?

Many people are so dazzled by the splendor of the outward and extraordinary gifts of the Spirit that they undervalue the infinitely superior boon of the indwelling of the giver Himself, imparting life and adorning with all the Christian graces. To put gifts above grace is an old mistake. Simon Magus is not the last instance of this kind. Many are now eager to possess the gift of healing who would not cross the street to receive the grace of perfected holiness. It is a very serious error to regard anything as superior to the fruit of the Spirit. Churches fall into it when, seeking after a pastor, they first ask, "Is he brilliant in the pulpit?" "Is he rhetorical, poetical, oratorical?" "If he is we must have him." The question respecting his piety, his fullness of the Spirit, his grip of faith, his knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, the basis of faith, and the indispensable qualification for such preaching as saves and sanctifies, is not emphasized, and frequently is not asked at all. Occasionally we find a church inquiring for a Barnabas. "For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." Yet his name, "son of exhortation," as in the Revision, Is not suggestive of pulpit oratory of the classical sort.