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189 The Better Covenant!
189 – The Better Covenant
As Christians, we understand that the entire Bible, Old Testament and New Testament, is inspired, or “God breathed.” 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The word “inspiration” literally means “breathed”, in other words, all scripture is “God breathed.”
We also know that the two parts of the Bible represent two separate Covenants. The word testament is from the Greek diathēkē, which means covenant. A covenant is an agreement or contract. A theological covenant is an agreement between God and mankind. Therefore, the Bible represents two covenants. The Old Covenant was a covenant between God and the Hebrews, and the New Covenant was a covenant between God and the followers of Jesus, Christians.
Every theological covenant has a mediator. The dictionary defines a mediator as one who attempts to bring people involved in a conflict to an agreement, serving as a go-between. In the Old Covenant, Moses was the mediator; that is why the covenant was often called the “Law of Moses.” The New Covenant mediator is Jesus, who gave His life willingly to save us from sin and gave us eternal life with Him in Heaven. Notice that I said, “Jesus gave His Life.” That giving of life is why the New Covenant is called the Covenant of Grace.
Back to the dictionary, grace is defined as: “(in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.” Put another way, Jesus giving His life for us is the very definition of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Here is the crucial point: you can’t have two mediators! Too many Christians are trying to live under the Law and under Grace. Grace and Law are mutually exclusive, meaning that it must be one or the other; it can’t be both. Look at what the Apostle John said in John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” And then the Apostle Paul in Romans 6:14, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
Faith, the Key to both the Old and New Covenants
One thing that is in common with both covenants is that “Faith is the glue that holds the covenant together. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Faith is what God seeks in both the Old and New Covenants.
In the Old Testament, we see God’s appraisal of Abraham, Genesis 15:5-6, “Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ 6 And he believed (had faith) in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” Then the Apostle Paul says in Romans 4:20-22, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced (faith) that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Righteousness means to be in a right relationship with the Lord.
Salvation in both the Old and New Covenants was and is by faith. In the Old Testament, people were not saved by the Law, but by believing that the Law was from God and trusting in the Lawgiver who was God. In the New Testament, we are saved by trusting in Jesus, who is God, for our salvation alone.
Why Christians are not under the Law of Moses
Because Jesus fulfilled the Law, we are no longer under the Law. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” The promises of God in the Old Covenant are still in effect; however, the Law of Moses has become obsolete. Hebrews 8:13, “In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Let’s take a look at how Jesus fulfilled the Law.
Perfect Obedience
Jesus lived a life of perfect harmony and righteousness, displaying the moral standard required by the Law in a way that no person could.
- Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
- 1 Peter 2:22, “He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”
Prophetic Fulfillment
There are between 300 and 400 prophecies in the Old Testament describing the life and ministry of the Messiah, Jesus.
- Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”
- 2 Corinthians 1:20, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
Atoning Sacrifice
Through His death, Jesus satisfied the righteous requirements of the Law, paying the penalty for human sin and making reconciliation with God possible. Remember, in the Old Covenant, sacrifices were continually made to cover sin. However, in the New Covenant, Jesus once and for all made the ultimate sacrifice on the Cross of Calvary.
- 2 Corinthians 5, “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
- “Galatians 3:13, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’).
New Covenant
The sacrifice of Jesus required a new covenant, moving believers from a system of written rules to a new life under grace with the “law of love” written on their hearts.
- Jesus said in Luke 22:20, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”
- Hebrews 8:10, “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”
God’s Will
Jesus revealed the deep spiritual meaning of the Law, teaching and demonstrating a more profound understanding of God’s will, which involves transforming the heart. This transformation, which is by faith in the work of the Holy Spirit, changes us from the inside out. We are transformed out of guilt, fear, and shame into a loving relationship with our Lord.
- Matthew 22:37–40, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
- Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
What This Means for Us as Christians
Freedom from Condemnation
Guilt and shame came with breaking the Law.
- Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
Transformation by the Spirit
As Christians, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the spirit of the law not the letter of the law, which is love, by transforming our thoughts, words, and actions.
- Ezekiel 36:26–27, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Focusing on Love
Instead of focusing on the righteousness of the Law, our attention shifts to loving God and our neighbor, which Jesus declared to be the summary of the entire Law and the Prophets.
- Romans 13:8, “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament Law by perfectly obeying its requirements, thereby becoming the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for sin that the Law pointed to. His life and death are seen as the fulfillment of the prophetic messages of the Law, establishing a new covenant in its place. This fulfillment means that the Law’s requirements are now met through Christ’s work, and believers are called to live by a transformed spirit of love and grace, rather than strict adherence to the Old Covenant’s regulations.
The New Covenant is a Better Covenant
Jesus fulfilled the “Old Covenant Law” and replaced it with a “Better Covenant called the New Covenant of Grace. These are not my words, but the words found in the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews uses the word “better” about 12 times; here are some of them:
- Hebrews 7:22, “by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.”
- Hebrews 8:6, “But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.”
- Hebrews 12:24, “to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant…”
- Hebrews 8:13, “In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
- Matthew 5:17-18 17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”
Superiority of the New Covenant
The book of Hebrews makes the case that the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant. The book of Hebrews is written to many of the Jewish believers who have left Judaism for Christianity. These new Jewish Christians wanted to mix some of the Old Covenant with the New Covenant in order to escape persecution by their countrymen. Some are doing that even to this day, trying to mix the Old Covenant of Law with the New Covenant of Grace.
The writer of Hebrews exhorts them to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1). His call is based on the superiority of Christ over the Judaic system. Christ is better than the angels, for they worship Him. He is better than Moses, for He created him. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, for His sacrifice was once for all time. He is better than the law, for He mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism.
I encourage you to read Hebrews chapters 8–10 for a comparison of the Old vs. New Covenant, but here are a few principles.
- Better Promises: The Old Covenant promised blessings for obedience; the New Covenant promises eternal life and forgiveness (Hebrews 8:6).
- Better Sacrifice: Old Covenant sacrifices had to be repeated; Christ’s sacrifice was once-for-all (Hebrews 10:10–14).
- Better Access: Under the Old Covenant, only the high priest entered God’s presence once a year; under the New, all believers have direct access through Christ (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19–22).
- Better Transformation: The Old Covenant regulated behavior externally; the New changes hearts internally (Ezekiel 36:26–27; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Permanent vs. Temporary: The Old was a “shadow” of what was to come (Colossians 2:16–17; Hebrews 10:1); the New is eternal and unshakable (Hebrews 13:20).
The Old Covenant revealed sin but could not remove it. The New Covenant, established by Christ’s blood, brings forgiveness, transformation, and an eternal relationship with God. It is superior because it fulfills the promises, provides lasting access to God, and is built on grace rather than works.
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188 – You are God’s Dwelling Place!
God’s desire is to dwell with His people.
The basic restoration of God’s plan is eternal, unbroken fellowship with His people. The Bible makes it clear that God longs to dwell with His people; it is not a side note or unimportant issue. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation, the Lord continually moves towards us. God’s desire is to be close, to live among us, and to restore what was lost through sin. The Lord uses the word “dwell with.” We need to understand that in modern terms, “dwelling with” means relationship and fellowship.
In the beginning of the Bible, we can see that God dwelt with Adam and Eve. They knew the Lord in a personal way; they walked with Him and talked with Him. Even after they sinned and were trying to hide from God, God was there waiting for them to come to Him.
Genesis 3:8 “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.”
At the end of the Bible, we see the conclusion to the story of redemption and restoration of fellowship.
Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people.” God Himself will be with them and be their God.”What a beautiful picture of the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place, being in His people.
The Key to understanding God’s plan of redemption and fellowship with the Lord is understanding“faith!”
God offers His forgiveness of sin and a place in heaven as a gift; this gift is called “grace.” It is a free gift; however, we must, by “Faith,” accept the gift and allow Him to transform us to become more like Jesus. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
What does the writer of Hebrews mean when, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God?”
What Is Faith?
Faith means believing in things we can’t see yet. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It’s like trusting that the sun will come up tomorrow, even though it’s still night. Faith means spiritual sight.
Abraham showed strong faith when God promised him a vast family, even though he and his wife, Sarah, were barren and very old. Abraham believed God would keep His promise, and he was right! God gave Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, when Abraham was about 100 years old! This kind of trust is what God wants from us.
This kind of trust is not based on emotions or feelings; it is based on choosing to believe God’s word. Once we have made the decision, we must act or perform according to the decision. A phrase I often use in my life is the following: “I don’t want to be a legend in my own mind!” This means that I may have noble and courageous thoughts, but if I don’t do what God has called me to do, I let God down, let myself down, and those around me.
Walking by faith produces righteousness in us. Faith is the key to being close to God. For example, in the Bible, Abraham trusted God so much that God said he was “righteous,” which means he was living the right way. Listen to what Romans 4:3 says,” For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” So, when we believe what God has said and act on it, we are called righteous.
Now see what God saw in Abraham; Romans 4:19-21, “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.”Abraham believed what God said, even when it seemed impossible. Because of his faith, God blessed him.
We must decide that, since we have a God for whom nothing is impossible and we belong to Him, nothing is impossible for us if God has called us to it; the Lord always equips those whom He calls.
What does “diligently seek Him” mean?
Let’s come back to Hebrews 11:6 and look at the second part of the verse, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
What does the writer of Hebrews mean when, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he says, “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him?” Remember, we know that God wants to dwell with us and have fellowship with us. It’s clear that the Lord makes the first move towards us; it is equally clear that the Lord wants us to make a move towards Him.
This is not just a one-time desire for God, as when we accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, but it is a careful, determined, and attentive desire to have a relationship with Him; for God is a “rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
The Lord always makes the first move. We can see that as we examine how the Lord God demonstrated His desire for fellowship and relationship with His people throughout the Bible, we also pay attention to the work of His Holy Spirit.
The Old Testament “Fire and Cloud,” and the Tabernacle/Temple.
In the book of Exodus, we see that God led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage by guiding them through the path of escape. His Presence was with them as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. What an incredible journey that must have been, to follow by faith that the Lord was with His people. There came a time when the Lord wanted to be among His people in the camp. To accomplish that, He instructed the people to build a Tabernacle, which was a moveable tent where His Presence would be. Later, the Lord would direct the people to build a permanent Tabernacle, and then it would be called The Temple.
In Exodus 25:8, the Lord said, “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Up to this point, the Lord appeared as a cloud by day and fire at night; now, He wanted a closer relationship.
The Tabernacle was not just about a portable building. The Tabernacle was a visible sign that God was dwelling among His people. His presence, symbolized by the cloud and fire, went with Israel wherever they traveled.
Exodus 40:34–38 tells us that the pillar of fire was over the Tabernacle at night and the cloud was over the Tabernacle in the day. If the cloud did not move, neither did the people. To “dwell with” meant that God wasn’t distant—He was sharing life, guiding, protecting, and making covenant fellowship with them in their daily journey.
Exodus 31:1-5 demonstrates another important teaching for us. “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, 4 to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 5 in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.” Here is the lesson, “only the Holy Spirit of God can enable or empower people to build the Tabernacle of God.”
New Testament Tabernacle/Temple- the Believer
You are the Temple of God. He lives in you. Let the Holy Spirit of God build His dwelling place in your life.
1 Corinthians 6:19, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” The Apostle Paul is bringing to the attention of the Corinthian Believers that they have the Holy Spirit, the “helper,” living within. Sometimes we need to be reminded or remind ourselves that the Holy Spirit lives within us.
As New Testament or New Covenant Believers, God doesn’t just live among His people, but within them. Every Believer of Jesus Christ has the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. “Indwelling” here means God sharing our lives, continuously empowering, comforting, correcting, and guiding us from within. It’s a permanent, intimate presence.
Here are three New Testament scriptures that confirm this truth.”
- Matthew 1:23, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” Immanuel is translated, “God with us.” Matthew was recalling a Messianic prophecy from the book of Isaiah. Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us.
- John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus shared meals, traveled, taught, and wept with His disciples. Dwelling here meant sharing real life together—not a quick visit but living side by side. The disciples experienced God’s presence in the ordinary rhythms of life because He “dwelt with” them in person.
- Jesus said in John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
Today God doesn’t just live among His people, but within them. “Dwelling with” here means God shares our lives continuously empowering, comforting, correcting, and guiding us from the inside out. It’s a permanent, intimate presence. Jesus said in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
Some practical ways to grow in your awareness of God dwelling in you.
Our priority is to “go all in with Jesus.” Here are some thoughts about learning how to experience the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
- Water baptism – Jesus said to do it.
- Baptism of the Holy Spirit – Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a promise.
- Worship during church service. Don’t be a spectator but a participator.
- Bible reading, New Testament first, start in the Gospel of John
- In Christian music, there is a style for every taste.
- Christian radio, TV, streaming
- Join a bible study
- Get involved with church/Christian activities
- Volunteer at church/Christian events
Practical Application Today
In practical terms, “Dwelling with” God means inviting His presence into everyday life—like eating with Him in gratitude, walking with Him in prayer, working with His guidance, and resting in His peace. Just as Israel lived with God in their camp, and the disciples lived daily life with Jesus, we are called to live each moment aware that He is right here with us.
Finally, don’t forget Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God always keeps His promises; we just need to learn how to “…walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
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187 Character and Anointing!
The Relationship Between Character and Anointing in Christianity
There is a vital relationship between the character of a Believer and the anointing in the Believer that is often overlooked. It is all too common to focus on either character or anointing, rather than both. This problem in Christianity goes back to the saying, “With the Word (Bible) only, you dry up. With the Spirit (anointing), only you blow up. However, with the Bible and the anointing, you grow up.
Growing up to be the person God created you to be in the image of Jesus Christ is our goal as disciples. When Jesus walked the earth, His disciples and followers had the advantage of learning from Him directly. They walked with Him, talked with Him, and lived with Him.
Jesus knew that He would be leaving His followers and that they would scatter without Him. Jesus made it very clear that the Father would not leave us as orphans when Jesus was gone, but that He would give us a “Helper,” the Holy Spirit, to guide us into becoming disciples of His. The early followers of Jesus had Jesus to help them grow mature; today, we have the Holy Spirit of God to help us grow into mature Christians.
- John 14:16-18, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
- John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
- John 16:7, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
The word Helper in these three verses is the Greek word paraklētos, which means an intercessor, consoler, advocate, or comforter. Another way to look at the word helper is “one just like me,” therefore, the Holy Spirit is just like Jesus. When Jesus ascended into heaven in the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit descended to live in the Believer. Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” To be a witness means to testify to what Jesus has done for you through the Holy Spirit. You see, it is not about you, but it is about what God has done through you.
1. Character and Anointing
Character refers to a person’s moral and spiritual qualities, such as integrity, humility, patience, faithfulness, and obedience. It is shaped over time through surrender to God, discipline, and growth in Christlikeness. Character development is the part of the Christian walk that involves a change of mind. The word repentance fits here because repentance means to change direction due to a shift in perspective. The greatest change in mind is when you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You went from not believing to becoming a Believer. Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
As a result of your faith, you became a new creation; 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Because you are a “new creation,” this is how the “new creation” looks and behaves: Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” These are the character traits of a mature Believer. However, you cannot accomplish this without the help of the Holy Spirit; this is where the anointing comes in.
Anointing refers to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s work. It is often associated with spiritual gifts and divine enablement for ministry, such as preaching, healing, or leading. I love this definition of anointing by my good friend Dr. Frank Parish of World MAP. “The Anointing is none other than the Person and presence of the Holy Spirit, bringing with Him the necessary power, authority, and gifts to fulfill the Father’s will in a given moment of ministry or assignment.”
It would be easy to think that the anointing is for ministry only; that would be a mistake. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is also needed to shape us as disciples of Christ. The most significant work of the Holy Spirit is the transformation it brings to the individual. As we pursue Jesus in our relationship, we become more like Him. 2 Corinthians 3:18, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
You see, our role model is Jesus! We are called to become more like Jesus every day, as stated in Romans 8:28-29, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
As we pursue the Bible the Holy Spirit anointing will teach us everything we need to know for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The Bible is a spiritual book and its truths can only be understood by a spiritual Believer, 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.” (Amp.)
The good news is that you are anointed. 1 John 2:27, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.”
2. How Character and Anointing Differ
Character is built through time and testing; it reflects who you are in Christ and can be measured by the fruit of the Spirit. One measure of character is that it is the same in public as it is in private. In other words, they are the same wherever and whatever they do. I am sure you have seen people who are fakes or hypocrites. They are like chameleons, changing their character depending on who they are with. The best judge of character is often a family member; they know who you really are. As the Bible teaches, “you shall know them by their fruits.”
On the other hand, the Anointing is available from God for God’s work. First, to help you develop the character of Christ, and second, to use in some ministry work. Unfortunately, many think the anointing is only for ministry, well, your life is a ministry field too.
It reflects what God does through you and is measured by the power and results it produces. A changed life is a powerful testimony of the work of the Holy Spirit or the anointing. The Anointing can be misused without character; perhaps you have seen or experienced a person who is very powerful in one area and falls short in another. Just keep in mind that we are all “works in progress.”
3. How do Character and Anointing Relate
Character supports the anointing. Without godly character, a person can mishandle or corrupt their anointing. Character keeps a person grounded and prevents pride, manipulation, or burnout Proverbs 11:3, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”
Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” As you can see, it’s the character that the Lord is looking for.
Anointing without character is dangerous. God may choose to use someone powerfully even if their personal life is out of order, but eventually, a lack of character can cause public or private collapse. Look at the life of Samson in Judges 13–16.
God develops character before increasing anointing. Often, God tests and refines a person in private before giving them public influence or spiritual authority, as seen in David tending sheep before becoming king.
1 Samuel 16:13, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”
Psalms 78:70-72, “He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; 71 From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. 72 So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.”
4. Biblical Examples
Joseph: Had dreams (anointing), but had to develop character through betrayal, slavery, and prison before becoming second to Pharaoh (Genesis 37–50).
Jesus: Though fully anointed, He demonstrated perfect character—serving, obeying, and suffering willingly (Philippians 2:5–11; Hebrews 5:8).
Paul: Operated in powerful gifts, but emphasized character, saying love (a character trait) is greater than any spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
5. Application and Warnings
Balance is key. A Christian should seek both the anointing and Christlike character. Power without purity leads to destruction; purity without power may lack effectiveness.
Spiritual maturity includes both. Ephesians 4:11–13 describes the goal of ministry as growing into the fullness of Christ—not just in gifts, but in godly living.
Beware of charisma without character. In modern times, some leaders have great gifts but fall due to pride, sin, or lack of accountability. Their fall brings dishonor to the Gospel.
6. Conclusion
Character is the foundation that sustains the anointing. The Spirit may anoint a person, but it is godly character that keeps them effective, humble, and faithful over the long haul. Christians should never pursue power without also pursuing purity. When both are present, the believer becomes a trustworthy vessel through whom God can do great and lasting work, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”
It is not Anointing or Character but anointing and Character that produces the righteousness of God.
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186 The Bible and the Holy Spirit – Part 2
Interdependence of the Holy Spirit and the Bible
The Bible provides the unchanging truth of God’s revelation, while the Holy Spirit brings that truth to life. It is possible to read Scripture without spiritual understanding—many scholars have dissected the Bible as mere literature without encountering the Author. This is why Paul writes, “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God… because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Conversely, if we rely solely on spiritual impressions without anchoring them in Scripture, we risk drifting into subjective experience and doctrinal error. The Holy Spirit never contradicts the Word—He illuminates it. Jesus declared, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26). What He teaches always aligns with what God has already spoken.
This is captured in the wise saying: “The Bible alone—you dry up. The Spirit alone—you blow up. Both the Bible and the Holy Spirit together—you grow up.”
Biblical Example: Acts 2 – Spirit and Scripture in Action
At Pentecost, the apostles received the Holy Spirit with power, and immediately Peter stood to preach (Acts 2:1–41). Notice what he did: he quoted extensively from Joel and Psalms—Scriptures he had known but now understood in a new way through the Spirit’s illumination. This partnership between Spirit and Word resulted in powerful conviction. “They were cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37), and about three thousand souls were saved (v. 41). The Spirit gave Peter boldness, clarity, and insight. The Scripture gave authority and substance to his message. Together, they birthed the New Testament Church.
This partnership between Spirit and Word resulted in powerful conviction. “They were cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37), and about three thousand souls were saved (v. 41). The Spirit gave Peter boldness, clarity, and insight. The Scripture gave authority and substance to his message. Together, they birthed the New Testament Church.
Bible Illumination
Bible illumination refers to the process by which the Holy Spirit enables a person to understand, apply, and be transformed by the truth of Scripture. It is not about adding new revelation to the Bible, but about shedding spiritual light on what is already written so that the reader or listener can grasp its true meaning and significance. Let us look at some of the key aspects of bible illumination:
- Holy Spirit as the Teacher
Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit works within believers to help them comprehend God’s Word beyond just intellectual understanding.
- Not Just Head Knowledge
Illumination transforms Scripture from being just words on a page to a living message. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful…” Through illumination, the Bible speaks to a person’s heart, convicting, guiding, and comforting.
- The Difference between Inspiration and Illumination.
Inspiration is how the Bible was originally written. God inspired the authors to write His truth without error (2 Timothy 3:16). Illumination is how God helps readers today to understand that truth.
- Necessary for Spiritual Understanding
Without illumination, people can read the Bible and still miss its meaning. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him…” Only with the Spirit’s help can we grasp spiritual truths.
- Brings Personal Application
Bible illumination also involves applying Scripture to life situations. For example, someone may read about forgiveness and, through illumination, realize they need to forgive a specific person.
Example Illustration:
Imagine the Bible is like a beautiful stained-glass window. In the dark, you can see its shape, but the colors and images remain dull. Illumination is like sunlight shining through—suddenly, the window bursts into color and meaning. That’s what the Holy Spirit does for our hearts as we read the Bible.
Transforming Power of the Word and the Spirit
God doesn’t just want to inform us—He wants to transform us. The Word of God acts as a mirror (James 1:23-25), showing us what needs to change, while the Spirit gives us the power to make those changes. “For the word of God is alive and powerful… it exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12, NLT) “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:2)
But how does transformation happen? Through the conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), we don’t just gain knowledge—we are moved to repentance, renewal, and real change. As Galatians 5:22–23 outlines, the Spirit cultivates within us the fruit of godly character: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
Transformation
Transformation refers to the life-changing effect that God’s Word has on a person when it is received with faith and applied through the power of the Holy Spirit. It goes beyond simply learning information — it reshapes how we think, feel, act, and relate to God and others. Here again, let’s look at the key aspects of Transformation:
- A Changed Life, Not Just a Changed Mind
Transformation means a complete inner renewal. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” God’s Word reprograms our thoughts, values, and desires to align with His will.
- Powered by the Holy Spirit
While the Bible provides truth, it is the Holy Spirit who makes that truth effective in us. The Spirit uses Scripture to convict, correct, heal, and guide (John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Fruit of the Spirit Becomes Evident
As transformation occurs, a person begins to reflect Christ more clearly. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the result: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
- Ongoing Process (Sanctification)
Bible transformation is not instant. It’s a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). Each encounter with Scripture can shape us further if we allow it.
- Requires Response and Obedience
Transformation doesn’t happen by reading alone — we must respond. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Obedience activates transformation.
Illustration:
Think of Bible transformation like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Reading the Word is like entering the cocoon — but transformation happens inside, where God changes your nature. When you emerge, your life reflects something new, free, and beautiful.
Real-Life Example: Paul the Apostle
Consider Paul. Before Christ, Paul (then Saul) was zealous in Scripture but blind to its fulfillment in Jesus. After encountering the risen Christ and being filled with the Spirit (Acts 9), his understanding was radically transformed. He didn’t receive new Scriptures—he received new insight into the same Scriptures he already knew. The Spirit illuminated what was hidden.
Through Paul, we see how Scripture empowered by the Spirit fuels a lifetime of ministry. He became one of the most effective church planters, authors, and teachers in history. His letters form much of the New Testament, and his teachings continue to shape the Church today.
Everyday Life Application
This partnership between the Bible and the Spirit is not just for apostles—it’s for us today. For Example:
- -When a believer reads Psalm 23 while grieving and then suddenly feels peace and assurance—that’s the Holy Spirit applying the Word to the heart.
- – When someone is struggling with temptation and recalls 1 Corinthians 10:13, recognizing that “God will make a way of escape”—that’s the Spirit bringing Scripture to remembrance.
- – When a parent prays for guidance and remembers Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”, that’s divine partnership at work.
We all need this partnership. If we read Scripture only with our intellect, we may miss God’s heart. If we rely on emotion alone, we may misinterpret God’s direction. But when both work together, we experience guidance, conviction, comfort, and clarity.
Conclusion: Growing in the Fullness of Christ
The Christian journey is anchored in truth and empowered by grace. As Paul wrote:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God… that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Yet this equipping is not mechanical—it’s relational. The Holy Spirit takes the words off the page and writes them on our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3). He enables us to live out what Scripture calls us to become.
With the Bible in our hands and the Spirit in our hearts, we can face trials, discern truth, grow in love, and walk in obedience. We will not dry up or blow up—but grow up, rooted in the unshakable truth of God’s Word and empowered by His ever-present Spirit.
Let me close with a testimony I read about and want to share with you.
Testimony: From Head Knowledge to Heart Encounter
I grew up in a Christian home and was taught the Bible from a young age. I knew the stories, memorized the verses, and even won awards for Bible quizzes. By the time I entered college, I could quote Scripture with ease and debate theology with confidence. My understanding of the Bible was deep, intellectually. But something was missing, and I didn’t realize it until everything I relied on was shaken.
I faced a season of deep anxiety and emptiness. I turned to Scripture, but the words felt lifeless. I knew them, but they didn’t touch me. It was as if I were reading a textbook about someone else’s God. I began to wonder, “Is this all there is? A set of rules and doctrines?”
Then one night, overwhelmed and desperate, I prayed not out of habit, but from the depths of my heart: “God, I know about You, but I don’t really know You. If You’re real—if You’re more than ink on a page—please show me.”
That night, something changed. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was unmistakable. A quiet peace settled over me, and for the first time, I sensed that God was with me, not just someone I read about. Over the weeks that followed, the Bible came alive in a way it never had before. Verses I had read dozens of times now seemed to speak directly to my heart. I wasn’t just reading truth—I was hearing from the Author.
John 10:27 became real: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” I began to understand what Jesus meant when He said the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). It wasn’t that I needed more knowledge—I needed illumination, and that came through the Spirit.
Since then, my relationship with God has grown deeply personal. I still study Scripture, but now I read it prayerfully, asking the Holy Spirit to teach and transform me. I no longer approach the Bible to learn simply—I come to it to meet with God.
Looking back, I realize I had reduced the Bible to a book of information, not revelation. But God, in His mercy, invited me beyond the pages to encounter the Person behind the words. That’s when everything changed.
I pray that this message helps you in your walk with Jesus the Savior and that you recognize that you need both the Bible and the Holy Spirit of God to grow up! To grow up to be all that Jesus purchased at the Cross for you in Heaven and here on earth.
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185 The Bible and the Holy Spirit produce Maturity.
The Bible and the Holy Spirit: Maturity!
In recent months, I have focused on the work of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. However, I want to make sure there is no doubt that we need both the Holy Spirit and the Bible. Without the Bible, we can easily fall into error. Remember, Satan is a deceiver, as the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 11:14, “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” So, how do we know what is from God and what is from the enemy of our soul, or just wrong thinking? The Bible is the standard of truth for life and godliness.
Listen to 2 Peter 1:2-4, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” You see, with the Bible and the Holy Spirit, we have all we need to live in truth and victory.
The Holy Spirit and the Bible are inseparable in the Christian faith, working together to guide, teach, and transform believers. The Bible provides the roadmap for life, revealing God’s character, promises, and purposes for humanity. The Holy Spirit, as our personal guide and teacher, enables us to understand and walk in the truth revealed in Scripture.
Christians throughout history have recognized that we need both Scripture and the Spirit. In short, God has given us two great gifts – His Word (the Bible) and His Spirit – and we need both for a healthy and growing faith.
Here are two thoughtful quotes from the theologian A.W. Tozer,
- “The Holy Spirit is the key to understanding the Word of God. Without Him, we can only read the words, but not the meaning behind them.”
- “The Word of God is like a well; the Holy Spirit is like the water. The well is there, but it’s the water that makes it useful.”
The Bible: God’s Revealed Word: Christians affirm that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). As Paul reminds us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This means that although human authors wrote the Bible, God’s Spirit guided them so that what they wrote is exactly what God wanted to say.
Through Scripture, God reveals His truth, love, and will for His people. It serves as a trustworthy guide for faith and daily living. In other words, God breathed out His truth into the words of the Bible, and those words help us learn what is true, realize what is wrong in our lives, correct our mistakes, and train us to do what is right. Because of this, the Bible is the foundational text for Christians – the ultimate source of truth that tells us what to believe and how to live. It contains the teachings of Jesus, the history of God’s people, instructions for daily living, and promises that give us hope. No wonder the psalmist wrote that “God’s Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), guiding us even when life feels dark or confusing
Here is an acronym to help you appreciate the bible. B.I.B.L.E. Believer’s Instruction Before Leaving Earth. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way to the Father and eternal life. By placing our trust in Jesus, we have assurance. The Bible also teaches us how to live a life on earth that glorifies God. So again, the Bible is the believer’s instruction before leaving earth!
Real-life example: Think of the Bible as an instruction manual for life given by our Creator. Just as you would read the manual to learn how to safely use a new phone or game, Christians read the Bible to understand how to live in a way that pleases God. For instance, if a person is upset and doesn’t know how to handle an argument with a friend, they might remember a Bible verse like “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) or “be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other” (Ephesians 4:32). Even though these verses were written long ago, they reveal what God wants us to do today – to act in love and forgiveness. By following the Bible’s guidance, the Believer can decide to apologize or forgive, restoring the friendship. In this way, the Bible gives practical direction.
Biblical example: Jesus Himself showed us how powerful God’s written Word can be. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus answered each temptation by quoting Scripture. He said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4) and likewise used Scripture to reject other temptations (Matthew 4:7, 10). By using the truths from the Bible, Jesus stood against temptation and did what was right. This story illustrates that the Bible helps us know right from wrong and gives us the strength to make good choices. Just as Jesus relied on God’s written Word, we too can rely on the Bible when we face challenges or tough decisions.
The Holy Spirit: Teacher and Guide: The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power in the lives of believers. Jesus promised that after He returned to the Father, He would send the Holy Spirit to be our helper. In the Bible, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth” who “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13) and “teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26). This means the Holy Spirit helps us understand what is true and reminds us of Jesus’ teachings when we need them. While the Bible is like our textbook or map, the Holy Spirit is like the teacher who explains the lessons and the guide who leads us on the right path.
When we read Scripture, it’s actually the Holy Spirit who opens our minds and hearts to grasp the meaning. Without His help, a person might read the words of the Bible and still feel confused or unmoved. The apostle Paul explained that understanding God’s message is not just about being smart or educated – it’s a spiritual matter. He wrote that someone without the Spirit’s help will consider the truths of God “foolishness” because those truths “are discerned only through the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Have you ever read a difficult chapter in a school textbook and then a teacher comes along and makes it clear with a simple explanation? In a similar way, the Holy Spirit makes the Bible clear to us. He might cause a certain verse to stand out and speak to our situation, or give us an “aha!” moment where suddenly we understand what a passage means and how to apply it.
Biblical example: In the Book of Acts, there is a story that shows the Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide. An Ethiopian official was traveling in his chariot, reading the Scriptures (specifically, the book of Isaiah), but he didn’t understand what he was reading. God sent a Christian named Philip to help him. Philip ran up to the chariot and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” (Acts 8:30-31 NIV). So, Philip, guided by the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:29), climbed in and began to explain the Scripture, telling him the good news about Jesus (Acts 8:30-35). After this Holy Spirit-arranged Bible study, the Ethiopian official understood the message and believed in Jesus, even getting baptized right away. This story (Acts 8:26-39) shows that the Holy Spirit guides people to the right understanding of Scripture. Just as Philip was directed by the Spirit to explain God’s Word, the Holy Spirit today can lead us to understanding – sometimes by directly giving us insight as we read, and other times by providing good teachers or mentors to help us.
Real-life example: The Holy Spirit also guides us in our everyday choices, often by reminding us of what we’ve read in the Bible. For example, imagine you are about to say something hurtful in anger. At that moment, you might suddenly recall a Bible verse you read or learned in church, such as “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). That gentle nudge in your heart or memory is the Holy Spirit acting as a guide, bringing God’s Word to your mind to help you do the right thing. If you listen to Him, you may decide to speak calmly instead of yelling. In this way, the Holy Spirit not only teaches us what the Bible means but also helps us apply it to our lives at the right time. He gives us the strength to obey God’s instructions and to make wise decisions that line up with Scripture. The Holy Spirit truly is a wonderful teacher and guide who wants to lead us into all truth and help us live it out.
Interdependence of the Holy Spirit and the Bible: The Bible and the Holy Spirit operate in a divine partnership. Scripture provides the content of God’s revelation, while the Holy Spirit brings that content to life in our hearts. Without the Spirit, Scripture can become a dry text; without Scripture, spiritual impressions can become untethered from truth. This is where we get the expression, “The Bible only, you will dry up. With the Spirit only, you will blow up. With the Bible and the Spirit, you will grow up!”
This interdependence is beautifully illustrated in Acts 2. At Pentecost, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the Gospel by quoting Old Testament Scriptures. The Spirit empowered Peter’s understanding and boldness, and the Scriptures gave convincing foundation to his words. The result: about three thousand people were saved that day. Similarly, the Spirit ensures that our experiences and revelations align with God’s Word, safeguarding us from error.
Transforming Power: The Word and the Spirit together transform the believer’s life. God’s Word reveals areas needing growth, while the Spirit empowers change. As Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Through the Spirit’s conviction, Scripture moves from head knowledge to heart transformation. It renews our minds (Romans 12:2), shapes our character, and produces the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Consider Paul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians. After encountering Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul’s deep knowledge of the Scriptures found new meaning. Empowered by the Spirit, he became a passionate preacher of the Gospel, writing much of the New Testament and laying the foundation for the early church.
Conclusion: The Christian journey requires both the anchor of Scripture and the living guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible reveals the way; the Spirit empowers us to walk in it. Together, they safeguard our faith, fuel our growth, and deepen our relationship with God.
As believers, we must be committed to immersing ourselves in God’s Word while remaining sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. With the Bible in our hands and the Spirit in our hearts, we are equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17) and prepared to walk faithfully with our Lord.
By embracing both the Word and the Spirit, we experience the fullness of the Christian life—a life rooted in truth and energized by divine power.
Next time, I will have more to say about the Interdependence of the Holy Spirit and the Bible’s Transformative Power.
