Deeper Life #317

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

—John 20:23

WHEN THE DISCIPLES WERE QUICKENED by the Holy Spirit, “the Scriptures were opened to them.” We read in John 20:9 that their condition before this time was that they “knew not the scripture.” This is the first striking experience of every soul born from above, by the Spirit of God: The Bible becomes a new book.

Yet the quickening of the Spirit is not enough for Christian service. When Jesus ascended back to His Father, He would not allow His disciples to work for Him, in spite of the fact that they were Spirit-quickened. They were to do only two things: first, witness to the fact that He was risen from the dead; and second, tarry until they received the mighty baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Have you tried to rush into Christian service, not having received the promise of the Father?

Prayer Thought: I remember my sinful days of spiritual darkness. But I thank You, God, that the blessed Holy Spirit has brought new life and fresh light.

SUGGESTED READING: John 20:19–23