God's Holy Fire: 'The Sevenfold Spirit'

Friday, October 4, 2024

This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.
— Revelation 1:4-5 NLT

Key Thought

Bible students have wondered and sometimes debated whether the "sevenfold Spirit" means the Holy Spirit or the seven spirits before the throne. That is, since the number seven in the Bible represents perfection, the designation could refer to the perfect Spirit that the churches need, or it could refer to the spirits of the angels of the seven churches. Personally, I believe that John is including the nature of God that is sometimes referred to as the Trinity. God is always and perfectly present with us (is, was, is to come, Revelation 1:8). The Holy Spirit is the full perfection of God who is with us, in us, and for us (sevenfold Spirit or seven spirits). Jesus is the Messiah, is our Lord and ruler as well as the perfect sacrifice for us. The Holy Spirit is God fully present for us personally and in the churches. Think of it: God is still with us and among us and for us, empowering us through the perfect presence of the Holy Spirit!

Today's Prayer

God Almighty, you are present with us and for us. You are our Eternal Father, Sacrificial Son, and All-Present Spirit. Forgive me for not seeking your presence. Forgive me for not turning to you in your nearness. Remind me when I feel alone. Convict me when we, your people, doubt your nearness and power. Thank you for being ever near. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Revelation 1:4-5 NLT — All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

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