LAWTON CHURCH OF GOD, LAWTON, OKLAHOMA

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30 HIM OR IT

Under the pretext of advanced spirituality, we sometimes hear men say, with a very significant shrug of the shoulders and shake of the head, it is not an “it” they want, or have, but “Him,” meaning the Holy Spirit.

Now all this sounds very nice, and to the unsophisticated, has the semblance of deep spirituality and superiority of experience; but the Bible student with experience and knowledge of the Satanic devices, and traits and tricks of the “old man,” immediately understands that in most instances such a speech is simply a “take off,” and an evasive dodge created by a lack of spirituality and antipathy to a definite experience of heart purity obtained by entire sanctification.

We have found that the carnal mind does not object to seeking a “deeper work of grace,” or, “a baptism of power for service,” or, “more of the Holy Spirit,” so long as there is no insistence on the eradication and destruction of the sin-nature—the self-life. (More blessing is fine, as long as you do not touch my precioussss . . .)

In this same vein we hear it said, “it is not the blessing we want, but the Blesser.” This is about equivalent to saying, “it is not the sunshine I want, but the sun;” or, “it is not water I want, but the fountain.” But what is the sun for but to give forth sunshine; what is a fountain for but to give forth water; and what is a Blesser for but to bestow blessings? Even so “He”—the Holy Spirit—comes into the heart to do certain things in us and for us.

Paul was never beyond speaking of “blessings,” and burst forth in thanksgiving for the same: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (“things” in the margin) in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” Ephesians 1:3 –4. In writing to the Romans he said, “I am sure that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:29 .

He also spoke of an “it,” to “the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ;” after praying in their behalf, “the very God of peace sanctify you wholly,” he assured them, by saying, “faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do IT.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 –24. In connection with the historic Pentecost we read, “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and IT filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and IT sat upon each of them.” So we see there was an “it” in connection with the Pentecost, hence this term should not be very objectionable.

We would insist that before anyone can have the Holy Spirit in His indwelling, abiding presence and Pentecostal fullness, he must receive the “it” of sanctification, that is, the cleansing of the heart from inbred sin. “Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.” If we would have the “Blesser” we must have the “blessings,” to the end “that we should be holy.” Well for us if we have “the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ,” then there will be no objection to “it,” and no occasion or disposition to use evasive terms.