11. As Peter preached at Pentecost, notice how those who had previously called for the death of Christ now came under the intensely convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:37-41.
NOTE: ‘The arguments of the apostles alone, although clear and convincing, would not have removed the prejudice of the Jews which had withstood so much evidence. But the Holy Ghost sent those arguments home with divine power to their hearts. They were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting them of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”’ Spirit of Prophecy, volume 3, page 273.
12. What glimpse are we given of the power that attends the last warnings of the gospel? Revelation 18:1-2.
NOTE: ‘I heard those clothed with the armour speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound; some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The honest who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. They had been hungering and thirsting for truth; it was dearer and more precious than life. I asked what had made this great change. An angel answered, “It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.”’ Christian Experience and Teachings, page 177.
‘When the Holy Spirit controls the minds of our church members, there will be seen in our churches a much higher standard in speech, in ministry, in spirituality, than is now seen. The church members will be refreshed by the water of life, and the labourers, working under one Head, even Christ, will reveal their Master in spirit, in word, in deed, and will encourage one another to press forward in the grand, closing work in which we are engaged. There will be a healthy increase of unity and love, which will bear testimony to the world that God sent His Son to die for the redemption of sinners. Divine truth will be exalted and, as it shines forth as a lamp that burneth, we shall understand it more and still more clearly.’ Counsels to the Church, page 100.
LESSON INSIGHT: This lesson teaches clearly that our God is one God but revealed to us in three. It is presumptuous to think that we can understand the mystery of our God, especially the Holy Spirit. But we can see how the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit work to bring Gospel restoration to the lost. When will we choose to meet the conditions to receive the power that is promised, so that the sheep and the goats in the world can be separated and Christ can come to make an end of sin?
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT: In His work of Redemption, Jesus was limited to Palestine, but the promise of Power and divine Direction for the Gospel work, and the administration of the Spiritual gifts needed in this mission, were realised in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He has been given to God’s faithful workers so that conviction of sin, righteousness and judgement will touch every heart. He will ensure that God’s mercy is available for all.