Part 11. 12. The Holy Spirit
John gives one of the richest New Testament portraits of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God's continuing presence among believers after Jesus returns to the Father, enabling them to live faithfully and continue Christ's mission.

Jesus first introduces the Spirit in His conversation with Nicodemus, teaching that entry into God's Kingdom requires being:

"born of water and the Spirit." (John 3 v 5)

The Spirit is also described as living water that satisfies spiritual thirst forever (John 4 v 10–14; 7 v 37–39).

During the Farewell Discourses (John chapters 14–16), Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, whom He calls the Advocate (Paraclete). The Spirit will: teach believers, remind them of Jesus' words, testify about Christ, convict the world concerning sin, guide believers into all truth, glorify Christ, empower the Church for its mission.

Following the resurrection, Jesus breathes on His disciples and says:

"Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20 v 22)

This action echoes God's breathing life into Adam in Genesis, pointing to the new creation inaugurated by Christ.

Receive the Holy Spirit today, perhaps for the first time or one more infilling of many over the years, David