Names of God the Spirit: Finger of God

"But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you" (Luke 11:20, NIV).

Jesus was accused casting out demons by the power of Satan. He challenged that notion by expressing the counter-productivity of such activity. A house divided cannot stand. He called his audience to recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in his ministry.

We know that Jesus meant "Spirit" when he said, "finger of God," because Matthew told us so in Matthew 12:28. Matthew most likely translates Jesus' words in order to help his readers. The reference to the "finger of God" is an obscure one. The expression only occurs 3 other times in the Bible.

It occurs first in Exodus 8:19. In this verse, the magicians of Pharaoh are warning him to let Israel go because God was at work against Egypt. The reference to the "finger of God" might have been meant to suggest that his judgment had been light up onto that point, and that Pharaoh should not provoke God to bring harsher judgment.

It occurs again in Exodus 31:18. This verse refers to the two stone tablets that were "inscribed by the finger of God." Deuteronomy 9:10 also references the finger of God.

So why does Jesus use the expression? His original audience would have understood his allusion. They would have likely connected his words with Exodus 8:19 or Exodus 31:18.

If Jesus was referring to Exodus 8:19, he was probably stressing the parallel between himself and the pharisees and Moses and Pharaoh. Pharaoh's magicians recognized that the power of God was at work in Moses, and encourage Pharaoh to respond appropriately. However, he only hardened his heart. The pharisees should have recognized the power of God in Jesus' life and responded accordingly, but they only hardened their hearts.

If Jesus was referring to Exodus 31:18, then he was comparing himself with the two stone tablets--the Spirit initiated revelation of God's will. It may have been that Jesus was encouraging them to understand that he spoke the very words of God.

Whatever, Jesus meant by using the term "finger of God," we can be certain he was speaking of the Spirit. We can also draw a couple of lessons from what he says.

1. Jesus was empowered by the Spirit, and it made him more powerful than his enemies. It is true that Jesus is fully divine and fully human, but his earthly ministry was performed in the Spirit's power not his own. Therefore, Jesus serves as an example to all those who are indwelt by the Spirit. We have power to do the will of God because the Holy Spirit lives in us.

2. The Spirit's presence is God's presence. We dwell in the presence of God because the Spirit dwells within us.

When we keep these truths in mind, they help us to keep on keeping on. The Spirit is power of God revealing God's will to his people. And he lives in and guides those who believe.

The Names of God the Spirit: Spirit of Truth

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come" (John 16:13, NIV).

In John 16:12-15, Jesus spoke of the Spirit as the Spirit of truth. Why does Jesus use the descriptor, "truth?" What is truth? George W. Knight spoke of two dimensions of truth of which people normally speak. The first way is to speak of something which "accords with reality." That is to say, that which is real is true. The second way to use truth is to speak of something "enduring or authentic." I think Jesus is using the name, "Spirit of Truth," to stress the Spirit's unique relationship to himself and the Father.

Jesus spoke of his teachings as truth in John 8:31-32. He went on to tell the crowd that the reason they didn't believe him is that they could receive the truth because they were the children of the devil (see John 8:31-59). Although Jesus doesn't use the term "spirit" to describe their relationship to the devil, he does state they live out the character of the devil. Thus we are either under the influence of the Spirit of truth or the spirit of lies.

Jesus told his disciples that  the Spirit of truth would teach them to bear his teaching. Apart from the work of the Spirit, it impossible for the world to bear with Jesus' teaching. For this reason, people have tried to redefine Jesus and his teaching from the beginning. When the Spirit of truth comes upon us, the truth becomes glorious and beautiful.

Jesus told his disciples that the Spirit of truth would guide them into all truth. How does the Spirit do that? He tells us what he has heard. When Jesus said this, he meant that he Spirit would report what Jesus had taught. We know that the Spirit moved in holy men of old to record the words and teachings of Christ. He guides us into truth by teaching us what Jesus said.

He also guides us into all truth by telling us what is to come. Some people wonder why new prophecies aren't coming about in our day (others believe they are, but that is a different post), but how easily we forget that the Spirit has already told us how it ends. He hasn't given it to us in fine detail, but he has given us the big picture (our side wins). I can't think of one place in Scripture where a believer is given the full plan. They are given a promise, and then they have to live each day in faith as they wait for its fulfillment.

The Spirit of truth guides us by making the things of Jesus known to us. Jesus says this not to brag, but to remind his followers that the Father has put all things into his power. The Spirit honors the Father by promoting the Son. The goal of this revelation is to glorify the Son. The Spirit reveals Christ not only to our intellect, but heart and soul. He isn't just teaching us about Jesus, but he is helping us to know the Jesus experientially and intimately.

By calling the Holy Spirit, "the Spirit of Truth," Jesus highlights the Spirit's inability to lie. The name reassures believers that the Spirit bears true witness. His word can be trusted. As the Spirit of truth shows us Christ, we can trust him with confidence. We he confirms his presence in our lives, we can rest easy.

The Names of God the Spirit: Counselor

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:16-17, NIV).

The term translated "Counselor" here is the same term translated "Advocate" in 1 John 2:1. In 1 John, John is expressing Jesus' role as intercessor. Jesus stands before the Father applying his merit to us. But in John 14:16, and 14:26, Jesus is explaining the Spirit's role as our Counselor. The King James Version uses "Comforter." The English Standard Version uses the term "Helper." The original word can be translated as adviser, mediator, intercessor, or legal advocate. It refers to one who comes along side in order to exhort or encourage.

Jesus said that he would ask the Father to send us another Counselor. The word another, in this context, means one of the same kind. For this reason, Jesus speaks of the Spirit's work in our lives as his own work. Throughout John 14:15-21, Jesus says things like, "I will come to you," or "you will realize . . . I am in you," or "and [I will] show myself to him." Even as he distinguishes himself from the Spirit, Jesus affirms his oneness with the Spirit.

So the Spirit is a Counselor for us. But in what way? Jesus offers a few ways in this passage.

1. He comes along side us to keep us from being orphans. The presence of the Spirit is a mark of sonship. As Paul said, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, and by him we cry, 'Abba, Father'" (Rom. 8:15).

2. He comes along side of us to give us life. Jesus said, "Because I live, you also will live." Why? Because the Spirit who lives with us also lives in us, and so Christ lives in us.

3. He comes along side of us to show us Jesus. Through the Spirit, we see Jesus with eyes of faith.

4. He comes along side of us to teach us all things. In John 14:26, Jesus said the Spirit would teach us all things. Jesus probably meant that the Spirit would teach us all things necessary to live in obedience to God.

5. He comes along side of us to remind us of what Jesus taught. Again, in John 14:26, Jesus said this would be one of the works of the Spirit.

Our Counselor, the Holy Spirit, brings us to life and enables us to know Jesus. He exhorts and encourages us to walk in obedience. And he brings us into the presence of Christ.

The Names of God the Spirit: The Spirit

"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ" (Rom. 8:9, NIV).

The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 in Article II, part C, "God the Holy Spirit," states,

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Saviour, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

As Baptist, we are confident and comfortable talking about God the Father and God the Son, but I think we are less confident and comfortable talking about God the Holy Spirit. I offer a helpful warning: the Spirit is a real person, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son, and we should address the Spirit as he/him, and not as it.

There are three truths in Romans 8:9 at which I want to look.

1. The Spirit is simultaneously God's and Christ's, yet distinct from both. Paul stated, through contrast, that Christians were controlled by the Spirit. By referring first to the Spirit and then adding the expressions "Spirit of God" and "Spirit of Christ, Paul demonstrates that the Spirit is both one with God (the Father) and with Christ, while at the same time distinct from both. George W. Knight states, "The first dramatic truth emphasized by this verse is that the Holy Spirit is both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ. This is a bold affirmation that Jesus was one with the Father, yet distinct from him at the same time" (The Names of God, pg. 213).

2. The Spirit is our life. The verse teaches us that the Spirit is both the source of our life and its driving force. The Spirit is our life because apart from him we are spiritually dead. His presence brings us to life spiritually, so that we can obey God. Paul tells us that we are "controlled" by the Spirit.  He moves us beyond sinful natural inclinations to pursue the glory of God.

3. The Spirit lives in us. Simply put, to have the Spirit is to have Christ. Or we could say that if we have Christ we have the Spirit. This should surprise us because Jesus said as much in John 14:15-21.

These truths are heavy and wonderful and worthy of contemplation. May they give you comfort.

Names of God the Son: Lamb of God

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world'" (John 1:29)!

The language John chose to use here is powerful. He speaks of Jesus as the Lamb of God. The term Lamb must be understood in the context of the sacrificial system. It is hard to say how John's hearers would have understood what he meant.

The image is closely related to the Passover. In Exodus 12:1-7, the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and smear its blood upon their door posts. When the angel of death passed through Egypt, he would spare those whose houses were so marked. Paul links Jesus to the passover lamb in 1 Corinthians 5:7.

The term Lamb was a term of substitution. The Lamb was offered in the place of the guilty. It was also a term of sacrifice. The lamb's blood was shed; it's life was ended. Lamb came to be a term of sovereignty. In Revelation 5:5-6, John sees a heavenly vision of Jesus in which he is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, but John sees a Lamb. Throughout the remainder of Revelation, the Lamb is seen as Sovereign.

John the Baptist didn't just call Jesus, Lamb. He called him the Lamb of God. The expression "of God" means that Jesus was God's. He belonged to him, and was being offered by God on behalf of the world. Isaiah makes this clearer in Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

John the Baptist also informed his hearers that Jesus was the Lamb that "takes away the sin of the world." What does it mean that Jesus "takes away sin"? It means that he removes the penalty of sin by exchanging his life for the lives of those who will come to him in faith. It means that he has power over sin and death, so that those who believe in him will live, even if they die.

The expression, Lamb of God, is a beautiful one, but it is also a bloody one. As Peter said, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Pet. 1:18-19).

Names of God the Son: Son of Man

Of all the names (or titles) Jesus bears, I find the Son of Man the most mysterious. The expression is used primarily by Jesus in the New Testament. It occurs 86 times in New Testament, but only four of those occur outside of the Gospels. It also occurs 100 times in the Old Testament, but 93 of those occurrences are in Ezekiel. I recognize that there is a correlation between some of the Old Testament uses for "Son of Man," and Jesus' usage. However, I keep wondering why a name used so frequently by Jesus wasn't used more often outside of the Gospels.

George W. Knight in his book, The Names of God, lists three ways in which Jesus used the expression during his earthly ministry. First, he used it as a replacement for the pronoun "I." Second, he used it when he spoke of his suffering and death. Third, he used it to convey authority.

In Luke 9:58, Jesus states, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Here we see Jesus using the expression "Son of Man" instead of saying "I."

Luke 9:22 is a passage where Jesus addresses his suffering and death. He states, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Luke 9:18-22, sets the context. Peter has just confessed the Jesus is the Christ. Jesus warns them to be silent. It appears he uses the expression "Son of Man," so he could speak about his mission as the Christ without having to unpack cultural baggage.

Mark 2:28 is an example of where Jesus used "Son of Man" as a way to convey his authority. He stated, "So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

As Knight demonstrates, it is easy to demonstrate how Jesus used the title "Son of Man." But why he used it is harder to explain. There are several theories:

1. Some think he was trying to identify with humanity.

2. Some think he could have used it to express humility. The quote of Psalm 8:4 in Hebrews 2:6 makes this a possibility, but doesn't necessarily imply that he used it this way.

3. Some think it refers to Daniel 7:13-14. Where one "like a son of man" is given dominion and power over the whole world. Jesus' own words makes this connection clear. Matthew 26:64 states, "'Yes, it is as you say,' Jesus replied, ' But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'" The expression "Son of Man . . . coming on the clouds of heaven" parallels Daniel 7:13.

4. It may have been a way for Jesus to express the reality that although he was more than just a man, he was not less than fully human. He is fully God, and fully man.

Thinking about Jesus the Son of Man helps us to think in terms of our shared nature. He was tempted in all the ways we are, yet without sin. Therefore, he is able to sympathize with us. It makes us able to think about humility, in terms of what it truly is and how it is best displayed. Jesus as the Son of Man reminds us that he has an everlasting dominion that cannot end nor can it be taken away, and that is certainly something worthy of thinking about.

Names of the Son of God: King of kings and Lord of Lords

Revelation 19:11-16 paints a terrifying, yet encouraging picture of Jesus. We see Jesus as the conquering king in his return. He sits upon his white horse ready to bring just judgment. It this passage, John gives us several names for Jesus, but I just want to focus on the terms King of kings and Lord of lords.

If someone is the King of kings, it means that they are king over a vast domain. The King of kings means that He has leadership over other kings. It demonstrates Christ complete sovereignty over all. I think it also point to our roles as co-heirs with Christ, and the promise that believers will reign with Christ in his kingdom.

As Lord of lords, he is absolutely in control. He is in charge. He is the master above every master. It is to Christ that our first allegiance belongs.

When we worship Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, we worship him as he is. We worship him in his sovereignty.

Names of God the Son: Advocate

"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2, NIV).

In this passage, John tells his "children" to put off sin. He states he is writing them so that they "will not sin." This expression sets the tone for all that follows. He wants them to understand that the norm is to actively avoid sin. But what about the anxiety that arises in the heart of a believer once they stumble into sin again (and again). John offers the cure.

He tells believers they have someone in their corner. Several translations use the term advocate in this verse. The NIV helps us to understand this particular term by saying "we have one who speaks to the Father on our behalf." Our Advocate speaks on our behalf.

Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf. He brings us to the Father through his blood. His blood has put aside God's anger with our sins, and leaves us cleansed in the sight of God. Jesus stands before the Father, forever interceding for us.

We must keep in mind that Jesus is not the gentle Son speaking to a belligerent Father. No, it was the Father's will to save the world through the Son. The Son is the willing sacrifice, to a Father willing to honor his Son's gift. He loves us with an everlasting love.

When we fail in our struggle with sin, we have One who pleads on our behalf. He picks us up, cleans us off, and puts us back to work-all with the Father's blessing. So the next time you lose the battle against sin, remember that you have an advocate.

Names of the Son of God: Immanuel

"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'--which means, 'God with us'" (Matt. 1:22-23, NIV).

What does it mean to be "with" someone? Even today we use the term with to express different things. There is a sense in which it express to be in the presence of it. It also means that to show support. Matthew wanted his readers to know that Jesus was "God with us."

To get a better picture of what God meant by saying the virgin's child would be called Immanuel, we have to understand the context from which the promise originated. Isaiah's prophecy comes out of the greater redemption story that is woven into the fabric of the Bible.

The hope of God with us started with broken fellowship. Adam and Eve were created to be image bearers for the glory of God. Adam's disobedience brought judgment and separation, and now all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. We don't bear the glory of God in the manner in which we were intended. In the fall, God is against us. We are by nature objects of wrath. Were it not for the grace of God, we wouldn't be able to approach him. In Christ, God is with us, for us.

What does it mean for us today? Paul says, "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). How is it that Christ is in us? John sheds some light on it. He states, "Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us" (1 John 3:24). Again he said, "We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13). Christ is with us by the presence of the Spirit.

Jesus as Immanuel also means we have a future hope. The broken fellowship between man and God has been restored in Christ. John paints a beautiful picture:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every teat from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for old order of things has passed away" (Rev. 21:3-4).

 There is coming a day when Immanuel, God with us, will be with us face to face. We will know as we are known. That is a glorious truth.

Names of God the Son: Messiah

"The woman said to Him, "I know the Messiah is coming" (who is called the Christ). "When He comes, He will explain everything to us." "I am He," Jesus told her, "the One speaking to you" (John 4:25-26, HCSB).

When we refer to Jesus as Jesus Christ, we are not saying that Jesus' last name is "Christ." Christ, or Messiah, is a title. It means that Jesus is God's Anointed One. Jesus didn't often speak of being the Messiah. It probably had to do with the Jewish expectations of a conquering king. Jesus' kingdom was bigger and more complicated than that.

Jesus is God's Anointed. But what does that mean? There were three types of people anointed in the Old Testament. The priest was to be anointed with oil (see Ex. 29:21 and Lev. 8:10-12). Sometimes, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:6). Kings were also anointed (1 Sam. 16:13). Jesus was, and is, God's Anointed Prophet (Acts 3:22-26), Priest (Heb. 4:15), and King(Matt. 27:11). Not surprisingly, Jesus is unique in this threefold anointing.

When we address Jesus as the Messiah or Christ, we are professing his roles as Prophet, Priest, and King. As Prophet, He makes the things of God the Father know to us. As Priest, He acts as mediator between us and God, reconciling us to God. As King, he rules the nations. When we call Jesus the Christ, we are expressing his unique relationship to God the Father.

In the midst of a terrible story, we see a beautiful scene. Genesis 16 tells the story of Abram's marriage to the slave, Hagar. This impetuous decision was the cause of strife within Abram's household, and heartache for Hagar. This young, pregnant woman finds herself cast out of Abram's house. Yet, in midst of her struggle the Lord meets her. He comes to her, and calls her to return to Sarai, and serve her. She returns and honors the Lord's command.

In her exile, she learns that God is watching her. As the story unfolds, Hagar appears to be little more than property. She is given and discarded without regard to her consent. Yet, when she finds herself out on her own, the Lord (through the angel of the Lord) appears to her. She appears astounded. The event is a defining moment in her life, and she marks it by calling the Lord, El Roi. She says, "You are the God Who Sees Me." Seeing the God who Sees must have given Hagar the strength to release her anger at Sarai and to serve her. Hagar would spend the next 13 years honoring the Lord's command.

Hagar's encounter with the God Who Sees taught her that God wants to see us make it through difficulties, not work around them. Hagar was still a servant. She was called to return to an unfair mistress. She would never have the love or kindness Abram showed Sarai.

God wasn't just watching. No, he was actively seeking Hagar. He found her by the well. He had a message for her. A message that would encourage her. She had a role to play in the purposes of God, and God would not forget her. He wouldn't let her be thrown aside so easily.

The Lord is still the God Who Sees. He sees you. He knows your situation. He'll help see you through it. He's actively seeking you. If you trust him, you'll see the God Who Sees you.