The Office of the Holy Spirit

compiled from the writings of Ellen G. White by Frank Klin

A mere intellectual knowledge of religious truth is not enough. There are today many as
ignorant as those men of Ephesus of the Holy Spirit's work upon the heart. Yet no truth is
more clearly taught in the word of God. Prophets and apostles have dwelt upon this theme.
Christ himself calls our attention to the growth of the vegetable world to illustrate the agency
of His Spirit in sustaining religious life. [1]

The juices of the vine, ascending from the root, are diffused to the branches sustaining
growth, and producing blossoms and fruit. So the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit,
proceeding from Christ, and imparted to every disciple, pervades the soul, renews the
motives and affections, and even the most secret thoughts, and brings forth the precious fruit
of holy deeds. The life attests the union with the true and living Vine. [2]

The Author of this spiritual life is unseen, and the precise method by which it is imparted
and sustained is beyond the power of human philosophy to explain. It is the mystery of
godliness. Yet the operations of the Spirit are always in harmony with the written word. As in
the natural, so in the spiritual world. Human life is preserved, moment by moment, by divine
power; yet it is not sustained by a direct miracle, but through the use of blessings placed
within our reach. So the life of the Christian is sustained by the use of those means which
Providence has supplied. He must eat of the bread of life, and drink of the waters of
salvation. He must watch, he must pray, he must work, in all things giving heed to the
instructions of the word of God, if he would "grow up to the full measure of the stature of a
man in Christ Jesus." [3]

Christ is our advocate, pleading in our behalf. The Spirit pleads within us. Then let us
show perfect trust in our Leader, and not inquire of false guides. [4]

As the highest preparation for your work, I point you to the words, the life, the methods, of
the Prince of teachers. I bid you consider Him. Here is your true ideal. Behold it, dwell upon
it, until the Spirit of the divine Teacher shall take possession of your heart and life.
"Reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord," you will be "transformed into the same image."
2 Corinthians 3:18, R.V. [5]

The Holy Spirit is a divine teacher. If we heed its lessons, we shall become wise unto
salvation. But we need to guard well our hearts; for too often we forget the heavenly
instruction we have received, and seek to act out the natural inclinations of our
unconsecrated minds. Each one must fight his own battle against self. Heed the teachings of
the Holy Spirit. If this is done, they will be repeated again and again until the impressions are
as it were "lead in the rock forever." [6]

The office of the Holy Spirit is to take the truth from the sacred page, where God has
placed it for the benefit of every soul whom He has created, and stamp that truth upon the
mind. [7]

It is not you that work the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit must work you. There is a
winning, compelling power in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Spirit that makes the
truth impressive. [8]

To those who truly love God the Holy Spirit will reveal truths that have faded from the
mind, and will also reveal truths that are entirely new. [9]

1
 We are living in the time of the Holy Spirit's power. It is seeking to diffuse itself through
the agency of humanity, thus increasing its influence in the world. For if any man drinks of
the water of life, it will be in him "a well of water springing up into everlasting life;" and the
blessing will not be confined to himself, but will be shared by others. [10]

The Holy Spirit is the source of all power, and works as a living, active agent in the new
life created in the soul. The Holy Spirit is to be in us a divine indweller. Then let gratitude and
love abound in your heart to God. "Study to show thyself approved unto God." Let your
conduct, your character, be in accordance with the sacred trust and heavenly endowment of
the Holy Spirit. Never, never, feel at liberty to trifle with the opportunities granted to you.
Study the will of God; do not study how you can avoid keeping the commandments of God,
but study rather how you may keep them in sincerity and truth, and truly serve him whose
property you are. Do not be satisfied with meeting a low standard, but consult the Spirit of
God, obey its dictates, serve God in the beauty of holiness, and render glory to his name. [11]

The grace of God takes men as they are, and works as an educator, using every principle
on which an all-sided education depends. The steady influence of the grace of God trains the
soul after Christ's methods, and every fierce passion, every defective trait of character, is
worked upon the molding influence of the Spirit of Christ, until the man has a new motive
power, and becomes filled with the Holy Spirit of God, after the likeness of the divine
similitude. [12]

He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the
usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his
heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary discipline,
without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach them hour by hour, and day by
day. He longs to reveal His grace. If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour
forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through the human channels. If men in
humble life were encouraged to do all the good they could do, if restraining hands were not
laid upon them to repress their zeal, there would be a hundred workers for Christ where now
there is one. [13]

God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if they will yield
themselves to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the soul, will quicken all its faculties.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God develops
harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The
weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness.
Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the
Christian becomes like Him in mind and character. Through a connection with Christ he will
have clearer and broader views. His discernment will be more penetrative, his judgment
better balanced. He who longs to be of service to Christ is so quickened by the life-giving
power of the Sun of Righteousness that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God.
[14]
1. 1883, Sketches From the Life of Paul, page 131 par. 1
2. Ibid, page 131 par. 2
3. Ibid, page 131 par. 3
4. 1898, Healthful Living page 300 par. 4
5. 1903, Education, page 282 par. 5 & 6
6. 1897, Special Testimonies for Ministers and Workers No. 7, page 39 par. 1
7. 1898, Healthful Living, page 300 par. 1
8. Ibid, page 302 par. 1
9. Ibid, page 302 par. 2
10. Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, August 25, 1896 par. 9
11. Ibid, par. 10
12. 1898, Healthful Living, page 300 par. 5
13. 1898, Desire of Ages, page 250 par. 4
14. Ibid, page 251 par. 1