What Does the Holy Spirit Do in The Believers’ Life?

The Holy Spirit plays the biggest part in the lives of the believers. It connects believers closely to Jesus. But what exactly does the Holy Spirit do to the believers' life?  We're going to explore these questions by looking at what the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy say  about the Holy Spirit. We'll see that it does a lot for believers. It helps them experience complete change, gives them strength to do the right thing, and guides them to live in a way that pleases God and live the way God wants us to.

 

1.  The Holy Spirit Implants Christ's Nature in Humanity

This means that the Holy Spirit helps us act more like Jesus. It changes us to be like His. Christ Object Lessons says, “The sanctification of the soul by the working of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity. Gospel religion is Christ in the life--a living, active principle. It is the grace of Christ revealed in character and wrought out in good works. The principles of the gospel cannot be disconnected from any department of practical life. Every line of Christian experience and labor is to be a representation of the life of Christ.” COL 384

 

2. The Holy Spirit Imbues the Receiver with The Attributes of Christ

The Holy Spirit doesn't just make us imitate or copy Jesus, it gives us His character; love, joy, and peace (Gal.5:22,23). The Desire of Ages says, “The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church.” DA 805

3. The Holy Spirit Will Fill the Soul With a Desire for Holiness and Stamps the Character of God on The Soul

In a simple word, the Holy Spirit makes us want to be holy. It shows us what's right and helps us focus on what's important. Acts of the Apostle says, “Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness. “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13), the Saviour declared. If men are willing to be molded, there will be brought about a sanctification of the whole being. The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein.” AA 52

 

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 2:5

 

4. The Holy Spirit Wholly Transforms Us into the Likeness of Christ

The Holy Spirit changes us to be more like Jesus. It's like ripening a fruit, making us mature Christians. “The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God's grace in the soul. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.” TM 506

 

“Every soul who receives Christ, is to reveal Christ to the world through a transformed character. His life is to be a continual manifestation of devotion to the will of God. By obedience to the commandments of God, man is to honor and glorify his Maker. In his own transformed character he is to magnify before the world the plan of salvation as a plan that is laid in the mercy and the love of God. The name of Jesus will be exalted by these representatives of Christ; for there is no other name given among men whereby we may be saved.” LUH, November 17, 1909

 

“Those who receive the seal of the living God, and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.” EW 71

 

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. —Matt. 5:48; Eph. 4:13

 

The very image of God is to be reproduced in humanity.” OHC 154

 

NOTE:The term character of Jesus, nature of Christ, attributes of Christ, likeness of Christ, Christlikeness and character of God, heavenly graces and the likes are the fruits of the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22,23- “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law.”

 

5. The Holy Spirit Recreates, Refines, And Sanctifies Us

 

The Holy Spirit refines and changes us, making us close to Jesus. “It is the Spirit that causes to shine into darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness; that makes men's hearts burn within them with an awakened realization of the truths of eternity; that presents before the mind the great standard of righteousness, and convinces of sin; that inspires faith in Him who alone can save from sin; that works to transform character by withdrawing the affections of men from those things which are temporal and perishable, and fixing them upon the eternal inheritance. The Spirit recreates, refines, and sanctifies human beings, fitting them to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.” GW 286

 

“By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image is to be perfected in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ.” TM 506

 

 

6. The Holy Spirit is Given to Regenerate Us

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

 

“The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead.” DA 671

7. The Holy Spirit Endows Us with Supernatural Strength to Resist Temptation

 

The Holy Spirit makes us stronger to fight temptation. It gives us special strength to say no to bad things and beat addiction and the wrong habits. “Christ promised that the Holy Spirit should abide with those who wrestle for victory over sin, to demonstrate the power of divine might by endowing the human agent with supernatural strength and instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Of what avail would it be to us that the only begotten Son of God humbled Himself, endured the temptations of the wily foe, and died, the just for the unjust, if the Spirit had not been given as a constant, working, regenerating agent, to make effectual in each individual case what has been wrought out by the world's Redeemer? GW 286

 

8. The Holy Spirit Develops in Men the Attributes of God

The Holy Spirit helps us develop Jesus’ character, so we can show His greatness and be a part of His amazing plans. ''Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory--His character--is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom's home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” COL 414

 9. The Holy Spirit Is Imparted to Us to Keep Us from Sinning

“Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.” DA 311

 

“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9

 

10. The Holy Spirit Gives Us Strength of Will and Purpose That Is Unconquerable

“He who is endowed with the Holy Spirit has great capacities of heart and intellect, with strength of will and purpose that is unconquerable.” TM 176

 

“As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” COL 333

 

“The people of God have accustomed themselves to think that they must rely upon their own efforts, that little help is to be received from heaven; and the result is that they have little light to communicate to other souls who are dying in error and darkness. The church has long been contented with little of the blessing of God; they have not felt the need of reaching up to the exalted privileges purchased for them at infinite cost. Their spiritual strength has been feeble, their experience of a dwarfed and crippled character, and they are disqualified for the work the Lord would have them to do.” TM 174

 11. The Holy Spirit Is Given for Us to Overcome All Hereditary and Cultivated Tendencies to Evil

"Christ has given His Spirit as a divine power to overcome ALL hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil and to impress His own character upon His church." DA 671

 

“We can overcome. Yes; fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we might overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with Him.  It is our privilege to have faith and salvation. The power of God has not decreased. His power, I saw, would be just as freely bestowed now as formerly. It is the church of God that have lost their faith to claim, their energy to wrestle, as did Jacob, crying: "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." 1T 144

 

12. As the Holy Spirit Works in Us, It Can Give Perfect Obedience

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Phil. 2:12,13

 

''By partaking of the Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes a partaker of the divine nature." SD 286

 

“The Lord requires at this time just what he required of Adam in Eden,—perfect obedience to the law of God. We must have righteousness without a flaw, without a blemish. God gave his son to die for the world, but he did not die to repeal the law which was holy and just and good.” ST May 19, 1890

 

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

 

“In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit.” DA 189

 

Power of God (The Holy Spirit) Awaits Our Demand and Reception

“Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.”  DA 672

 

We cannot use the Holy Spirit

“We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Through the Spirit God works in His people "to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13. But many will not submit to this. They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not receive the heavenly gift.” DA 672

 

What Makes the Gospel Ministry so Powerless?

“It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so powerless. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired endowment, may be possessed; but, without the presence of the Spirit of God, no heart will be touched, no sinner won to Christ. On the other hand, if they are connected with Christ, if the gifts of the Spirit are theirs, the poorest and most ignorant of His disciples will have a power that will tell upon hearts. God makes them channels for the out-flowing of the highest influence in the universe.” 8T 21, 22

 

When We Receive Christ, We Receive Power to Live the Life of Christ

"As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name." John 1:12. This power is not in the human agent. It is the power of God. When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ.” COL 314 

As the Holy Spirit is constantly working, we will feel the promptings of sin

“The Christian will feel the promptings of sin, for the flesh lusteth against the Spirit; but the Spirit striveth against the flesh, keeping up a constant warfare. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, 'Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!'” MYP 114

 

Conscience Is the Voice of God

“Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved.” 5T 120 

 

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

 

“When a person once neglects to heed the invitations, reproofs, and warnings of the Spirit of God, his conscience becomes seared, and the next time he is admonished, it will be more difficult to yield obedience than before. And thus with every repetition.” 5T 120

 

“We want all to understand how the soul is destroyed. It is not that God sends out a decree that man shall not be saved. He does not throw a darkness before the eyes which cannot be penetrated. But man at first resists a motion of the Spirit of God, and, having once resisted, it is less difficult to do so the second time, less the third, and far less the fourth. Then comes the harvest to be reaped from the seed of unbelief and resistance. Oh what a harvest of sinful indulgences is preparing for the sickle!” 5T 120

 

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30.

 

"It is not only by resistance but by neglect that the soul is destroyed." DA 323

 

“God destroys no one. The sinner destroys himself by his own impenitence.” 5T 120

 

NOTE: Impenitence means not feeling shame or regret about one's actions or attitudes.

Are we seeking for His fullness?

 

“Are we seeking for His fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us . . . the perfection of His character? When the Lord’s people reach this mark, they will be sealed in their foreheads.” OHC 150, 154

 

In the Parable of The Ten Virgins, The Oil Represent Character

 

“Now is the time for the careless to arouse from their slumber. Now is the time to entreat that souls shall not only hear the word of God, but without delay secure oil in their vessels with their lamps. That oil is the righteousness of Christ. It represents character, and character is not transferable. No man can secure it for another. Each must obtain for himself a character purified from every stain of sin.” TM 233, 234

 

“The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul. The message of the gospel has been heralded, "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." Revelation 22:17. But character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit's working.” COL 411

 

“A character formed according to the divine likeness is the only treasure that we can take from this world to the next. Those who are under the instruction of Christ in this world will take every divine attainment with them to the heavenly mansions. And in heaven we are continually to improve. How important, then, is the development of character in this life.” COL 332

 

“Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed.” COL 408

 

“But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.” COL 331

 

“Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God's power to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God were sealing their destiny.” 5T 213

 

“The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled to diffuse to others, through our association with them, the light, the peace, the serenity, that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with persevering effort in training the mind in thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances.” MB 85