First Works
PART I: FAITH
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
1 John 5:7-8 KJV
7.
​​ 8.
​​​​
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
In heaven we have a record of the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. In earth we have record of the Spirit of Truth, the water and the blood. Look at the relation in the order.
The Father, Word and Holy Ghost are one. The Spirit, water, and blood agree as one. We can only have access to the heavenly Father through the earthly Spirit. Which we know is the Spirit of truth. The word was sent by God to save all who believe in the living word. We have to die in our flesh through the watery grave. It is our belief in the living word that gives access to the redemption Blood of Christ on the cross. Who in turn allows our Spirit to communicate with the Holy Ghost as our access to the Father to hear us. We were also promised an impartation of the Holy Ghost as another comforter from the Father when Christ returned to His heavenly place.
John 16:7-15 KJV
7.
​
​​ 8.
​​ 9.​​
10.​​
11.
12.
13.
​
14.
​​ 15.​​​​​​​
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
We see here in John through the words of Christ that when he leaves this earth and returns to heaven, he will leave us with a comforter. If we look at verse 13 we see Him referring to another comforter which is the Spirit of truth. The Spirit of truth is a guide and interpreter between heaven and earth. It can only hear and reveal in the spiritual realm and has no part of earthly dealings. This is not an incorrect the mentioning of another comforter.
John 14:16-17,26 KJV
16.
​
​​ 17.
​​
​​​ 26.​​​
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Here in John 14 we see Christ mentions another comforter. He makes mention of the Spirit of truth. It’s important to note that Christ is referring to himself which the world does not see. The disciples have known Him personally and because of that the Spirit of truth is already known to them in the flesh. But, at Christ departure the Spirit of truth will be imparted in them along with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit we see here is a teacher and a reminder of the things Christ has already taught the disciples while with them in the earthly form. In reading this it is important to mention that this message was giving to the disciples who were with Christ. He is encouraging them because it is around His time to depart them. They do not understand what this means, and they in the flesh do not want to lose someone that great and influential in their lives. Just like when a close friend or relative pass on from this life, it often causes a great discomfort within us. The pain in knowing that the time is near that they should see Him no more could be frightening. Christ assures them that although he may be leaving them in the earthly flesh, He will be with them in the spiritual realm. He specifically says because you have known me and see me in the flesh that this is the reason you will be left the comforters. However, looking at verse 21 He extends this invitation to those who love Him and keep His commandments. He will then manifest himself to them.
John 14:21 KJV
21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.