The Seven-Fold Nature of the Holy Spirit
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.’
Revelation 3:1 (ESV)
In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus addresses each of the seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) by citing each of the seven characteristics of the Messiah as described in chapter 1.
One of those is addressed to the church at Sardis as being from “Him who has the seven spirits of God.” This refers to the seven-fold nature of the Holy Spirit.
These seven spirits apply in His praise of, and admonition of, the church at Sardis — and by extension, to individuals who have professed Christ throughout the church age.
The seven-fold nature includes life (John 3:5), wisdom (Eph 1:16-18), truth (John 14:16-17), burning (Luke 3:16), holiness (Rom 1:4), power (Acts 1:5-8), and love (Rom 15:30).
In our Christian walk, these seven spirits thus apply to each one of us. Jesus breathes into us the Spirit of life when we believe in Him.
Wisdom must be sought throughout our lives (James 1:5). Truth must be our constant companion in all situations (John 8:31-32). Burning, for the believer, refers to the purification process we all experience as the Holy Spirit “burns away” the chaff in our lives. Holiness must be our goal in life.
Although righteousness is imputed to us through Christ Jesus, we must nurture that holiness by prayer, service, and study of the Word, and by not quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit of God who dwells within us.
Power is given us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, endowing us with spiritual gifts for the furtherance of evangelism and the edification of other Christians.
And in all things, love, as commanded by Jesus. This selfless love for God and others sums up all of the Law and the Prophets, according to Jesus (Matthew 22:37-40).
We must ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, so that we may live the life that HE would have us live. We must also show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, which would include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith, and self-control. Our mission is to evangelize the lost and edify the Body of Christ.
This week, be faithful in prayer and study God’s Word. Praise His name that these things will be possible because of the seven-fold nature of the Holy Spirit dwelling within all believers.