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THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SPIRIT
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Mention was made previously that the functions of the spirit could be classified as conscience, intuition and communion. While these three can be distinguished, still, they are closely entwined. When we talk for example about intuition, we naturally must include communion and conscience in our discussion. Next, we shall proceed to uncover what these are, exactly, in order that we may be helped to walk 'according to the spirit'. We may say that such a walk is a walk by intuition, communion and conscience.
Now then, take a deep breath. . . . and we'll continue . . .
These three are merely the functions of the spirit. (Furthermore, they are not the only ones; according to the Bible, they are but the main functions of the spirit). None of them, separately, is the spirit, for the spirit itself is tangible, personal, invisible. It is beyond our present understanding to even imagine the totality of the spirit. What we do know of its essence comes by way of its various manifestations
in us. We will not attempt here to solve future mysteries but only attempt to discover spiritual life; sufficient for us is the knowledge of these abilities or functions and of the way to follow the spirit. Our spirit is not material and yet it exists independently in our body. It must therefore possess its own spiritual substance, out of which arise various abilities for the performance of God's demands on man. Hence what we desire to learn is not the substance but the functions of the spirit.
. . . another deep breath . . .
Our spirit performs a very important task - that of correcting and reprimanding, so as to render us uneasy when we fall short of the glory of God. This ability we call conscience. As the holiness of God condemns evil and justifies good, so a believer's conscience reproves sin and approves righteousness. Conscience is where God expresses His holiness. If we desire to follow the spirit (and since we never reach a stage of infallibility), we must listen to what our inward monitor tells us regarding both inclination and overt action. For its works would be decidedly incomplete if it were only after we have committed error that conscience should rise up to reprove us. But we realize that even before we take any step - while we are still considering our way - our conscience together with our intuition will protest immediately and make us uneasy at any thought or inclination which is displeasing to the Holy Spirit. If we were more disposed today to mind the voice of conscience we would not be as defeated as we are.
"When (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will convince the world of sin
and of righteousness and of judgment" (John 16:8)
Should a man's conscience be closed to the conviction, however,
then he can never be saved.
The Holy Spirit illuminates a sinner's conscience with the light of God's law so as to convict him of sin; the same Spirit also enlightens man's conscience with the light of the gospel so as to save him. If a sinner, upon being convicted of his sin and hearing the gospel of God's grace, is willing to accept the gospel and by faith take it, he will see how the precious blood of the Lord Jesus answers all the accusations of his conscience. Doubtless there is sin, but the blood of the Lord Jesus has been shed. What ground is left for accusation since sin's penalty has been fully paid? The blood of the Lord has atoned
for all the sins of a believer; hence there is no more condemnation in the conscience.
"If the worshipers had once been cleansed, they would no longer
have any consciousness of sin." (Heb 10:2)
We may stand before God without fear and trembling because the blood of Christ has been sprinkled on our conscience. Our salvation is confirmed by the fact that the precious blood has quieted this voice of condemnation.
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God,
purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
(Heb 9:14)
In order to commune with God and to serve Him one first must have his conscience cleansed by the precious blood. As a believer's conscience is cleansed he is regenerated. According to the Scriptures the cleansing by the blood and the regeneration of the spirit occur simultaneously. A believer's conscience is quickened when his spirit is regenerated. The precious blood of the Lord Jesus purifies his conscience and accordingly gives it an acute sense that it should obey the will of the Holy Spirit. The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in man and the work of conscience in man are intimately related and mutually joined.
. . . deep breath . . . how are we doing so far??
To be faithful to one's conscience is the first step toward sanctification. Following the voice of conscience is a sign of true spirituality. If a Christian fails to let it do its work he is barred from entering the spiritual realm. Even if he regards himself (and is so regarded by others) as spiritual, his "spirituality" nevertheless lacks foundation. If sin and other matters contrary to God's will and unbecoming to saints are not restrained as dictated by its voice, then whatever has been superimposed through spiritual theory shall ultimately collapse because there is no genuine foundation.
. . . remember . . . deep breath . . . take it slow . . .
Conscience testifies as to whether we are clear towards God and towards men and as to whether our thoughts, words and deeds follow the will of God and are not in any way rebellious to Christ. As Christians advance spiritually the witness of conscience and the witness of the Holy Spirit seem to close ranks. This is because conscience, being fully under the control of the Holy Spirit, daily grows more sensitive until it is attuned perfectly to the voice of the Spirit. The Latter is thereby able to speak to believers through their consciences. The Apostle's word that, "My conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit" (Rom 9:1) carries within it this meaning.
CAUTION: Those who are more advanced (instructed, taught, mature in the Word) are confronted by one of the most serious hazards here.
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