No Ifs ,ands, Or Buts

IFS, ANDS, OR BUTS

John 14: 15-17 “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to help you and 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."

If, if, if, if, if, what a small two letter word! Seems when we hear or see this small two letter word it has a condition attached. If you do this then I'll do that. if only I had made another choice I would not be in this condition.

I really get a kick out of this one, if I could only win the lottery my life will change. If only I would have listened better. if only I had... etc etc etc, if,if,if,if.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples and to us, IF we love Him and obey His commandments. Love Him and obey. Understand this, love like faith can not be separated from obedience. Jesus is telling them and us that by loving and obeying Him He will ask (pray KJV) the Father to give us another Counselor.

This Counselor, the Holy Spirit is to be with them and us forever, until the end of time, it is the Spirit of Truth. It is given by the Father through the Son who is one with the Father. Here we see in these verses plainly the Trinity of Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Each one distinct, divine yet but of one God.The very existence of the Spirit is characterized by truth. The Holy Spirit brings to us the truth of God. This Spirit of Truth has many names, counselor, comforter, advocate, and monitor. The Holy Spirit guides, enables and empowers us to discern God's will, purpose and plans for our lives. Allows us to commune with Him in prayer and to give praise. It is the source of inspiration and of Divine Truth.and indwells in the hearts of all believers.

Verse 17 states "the world cannot accept him (Holy Spirit) because it neither sees him nor knows him." The world does not receive him because all the desires, influences and choices of those living in the world are contrary to the pursuits and basic truths of life. "The gift of the Holy Spirit is a peculiar gift, bestowed upon the disciples of Christ in a distinguishing way; upon them and not the world. This is the favor God bears to his Chosen; it is the heritage of those that fear his name" (Matthew Henry Commentary)

One day the world, the unbelievers, are going to say, If. if, if only I would have accepted the Gospel and Jesus as Savior; I would not be in the condition I am now! Lost and separated from God for eternity.

The Holy Spirit is the source of truth and joy and will indwell forever until the end of time for those who love Jesus and obey Jesus. Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit by the Father through Him. For us as believers there is no ifs, ands or buts about it! Amen!