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 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 an admonition to, the church at Sardis. By extension, to individuals who have professed Christ throughout the church age.
The seven-fold nature of the Holy Spirit includes life (John 3:5), wisdom (Ephesians 1:16-18), truth (John 14:16-17), burning (Luke 3:16), holiness (Romans 1:4), power (Acts 1:5-8) and love (Romans 15:30).
In our Christian walk, these seven spirits 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).
Our prayer as Christians today is that God will fill all with His Holy Spirit and that all may live the life that He would have all to live. As Christians, we must show evidence of the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith and self-control.
This week, evangelize to the lost and edify the body of Christ. May you be faithful in prayer and study of God’s Word. These things will be possible because of the seven-fold nature of the Holy Spirit dwelling within all who believe.