Day of Pentecost (1880)

John 14:23-31 Easter in the New Testament proclaims the general and glorious deliverance of mankind from the tyranny of Satan by Christ's resurrection from the dead in place of the Old Testament deliverance of the children of Israel. Pentecost in the New Testament proclaims the gift of the Holy Spirit that is conferred not only on the apostles, but also on the entire Church, in place of the Old Testament giving of the Law on Sinai, in order to teach, to comfort, to sanctify, and to make us poor men partakers of the divine nature. The festival is celebrated so that we recognize the benefit of this gift, say thanks for it, and pray that we may experience their wonderful effects on us. The great benefit that God wants us to enjoy in the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1. What is the nature of this benefit? We recognize this a. in the person of the Holy Spirit who, as Christians confess on the basis of divine revelation against all unbelievers, dwells as one divine essence with the Father and Son in the Christian1, who as Creator and Preserver of all things2, by whose power Mary gave birth the Son of God for the world3, with whom we enter into the eternal covenant of grace in baptism4, who saves children of God from damnable sinners5, also wants to make dead bodies living and glorious6, should be praised by us; although He has been sent unseen into hearts at all times7, but on the Day of Pentecost has revealed Himself visibly and also later with miraculous gifts for confirmation of the resurrection of Christ and glorious dressing of the Church of the New Testament8, b. in the works that orients this person in Christianity: He exercises the divine Preaching Office in the world, that would be too high and difficult for every creature9, so that servants are only His instruments of the Word for their and their hearers' comfort; He Himself also distributes His highest gifts to

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John 15:26; Isaiah 44:3; Joel 3:1; 1 Corinthians 2:12. Psalm 33:6; Job 33:4; Isaiah 34:16. 3 Luke 1:35. 4 Matthew 28:19. 5 John 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18. 6 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 8:11. 7 Psalm 51:11-12; Isaiah 59:21, 63:11; Galatians 3:14; Romans 8:14. 8 Acts 2:4; Joel 3:1; John 7:38-39; Acts 8:17. 9 John 16:8; Matthew 10:20; 2 Peter 1:21.

individuals: rebirth and renewal10, boldness in prayer to God11, guidance into truth12, comfort13, encouragement and assistance in every need; 2. how does one come to the enjoyment of it? a. this benefit is not determined for the pure by nature, because there is no such thing14, or for those who deserve it15, but for all sinners, for the sake of Christ, all who have acquired this blessing16, and therefore can be requested by every person17, b. mankind makes it their own through the means of grace18; whoever does not keep it does not receive the benefit19, but it must be received in faith20, . undoubtedly it has already become their own to those who believe, and evidence of this are the fruits of the Spirit21, confession of Christ22, crucifying of the flesh23, with such it remains forever24, . it is non-existent among those who despise God's Word, pursue, do not live in repentance, yield in persecution, prefer things of this world, do not fight against doubts and desires, be a hypocrite and deal with falsehood25 Whoever constantly exercises faith, the gifts of the Spirit are increased in him; whoever abandons faith and its works, loses the Holy Spirit and all hope of salvation. (According to Heshusius. R.L.)

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John 3:3, 6; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18. Romans 8:14-15. 12 John 14:26. 13 Acts 5:41; John 3:16. 14 John 3:6; Ephesians 2:3. 15 Galatians 3:2. 16 John 16:7, 14:26; Galatians 4:6. 17 Luke 11:13. 18 John 14:23; Romans 1:16; Galatians 3:2; Acts 10:43. 19 Lydia in Acts 16:14; Isaiah 8:20. 20 Galatians 3:14. 21 Galatians 5:22. 22 Acts 7:55. 23 Galatians 5:24. 24 John 14:16; Colossians 1:22-23. 25 Romans 8:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5.