Category: Spirit

Lantern - Photo by Vladimir Fedotov on Unsplash
Lampstands, Spirit

SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

David R Maas

Greetings are sent to the seven churches of Asia from God, Jesus, and the seven spirits of God that are before the throne.

The opening salutation to the “seven churches” is from God, Jesus Christ, and the “seven spirits of God.” The latter phrase is unique to the Book of Revelation, and the idea of God having “seven spirits” creates difficulties since elsewhere Scripture stresses His oneness. Moreover, in Revelation, the “Spirit” always speaks in the singular.

Continue reading “SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD” →
Spirit, Torah

HAVING BEGUN IN THE SPIRIT

David R Maas

SYNOPSIS – The receipt of the Spirit while in an uncircumcised state is irrefutable proof that Gentile Christians are accepted by God – Galatians 3:1-4. 

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul addressed a growing danger to his congregations. Certain Jewish believers from Jerusalem were claiming that Gentiles must keep at least some of the required deeds and rituals of the Mosaic Law in order to “complete” their faith. They were “compelling Gentiles to Judaize” – To conform to Jewish customs and otherwise “live as Jews.” This included circumcision, the observance of Jewish feast days, and possibly dietary restrictions based on the Levitical purity regulations – (Galatians 2:11-14, 4:10).

Continue reading “HAVING BEGUN IN THE SPIRIT” →
man standing under the rain - Pexels.com
Fulfillment, Gospel, Spirit

FULFILLMENT OF THE FEAST

David R Maas

SYNOPSIS – The outpouring of the Spirit fulfilled what Pentecost symbolized and began the proclamation of the Gospel to all nations – Acts 2:1-4. 

In the book of Acts, the story of the outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost stresses the theme of fulfillment – The things foreshadowed in the ancient feast began to receive their substance that very day. The bestowal of the gift of the Spirit by the risen Christ was an epochal event – It marked the start of the messianic age, the age of the Spirit, at least for the people of God. The gift of the Spirit fulfilled what the Levitical feast only symbolized.

Continue reading “FULFILLMENT OF THE FEAST” →
Messiah, Spirit

MAN OF THE SPIRIT

David R Maas

Jesus is the promised Messiah, the King who reigns on David’s throne, and the anointed Son of God – Psalm 2:1-9.

The second Psalm portrays the ideal king of Israel who is destined to sit on the throne of David. It identifies him as “Yahweh’s anointed,” “my king upon holy Zion,” and as “my son.” His enthronement marks “the day that Yahweh has begotten you.” His is the Messiah, the “anointed one” appointed by Yahweh to rule over the “nations.”

Continue reading “MAN OF THE SPIRIT” →