Jn. 16.13
…he will guide you into all truth…
In preparing his disciples for life and ministry apart from his physical presence, out Lord taught of two major activities of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:7-16). One is directed to people not having a relationship with God and the other to saved people.
First, the most important understanding a person needs is that he needs salvation. Our Lord teaches that the Holy Spirit is at work bringing sinners (those whose lives are in opposition to God and his word) under conviction of their sin and that Jesus Christ is the only savior (16:8-11).
Secondly, and this is vital for a Christian, the Holy Spirit “will guide you into all truth” (16:13). The blessed Holy Spirit takes from Jesus Christ and gives them to Christians for the glory of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit does not focus upon himself but continually seeks to place Jesus Christ in the spot light.
We are unable to assess the value of the Holy Spirit’s ministry. These apostles had the responsibility of laying the foundation of the church (Eph. 2:20 cp. 1Cor. 3:10,11). The Holy Spirit was the “go between” between Christ and his apostles. They (themselves or associates) received direct revelation from Christ and wrote the New Testament scriptures (2Pet. 1:21). Because of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, we have an accurate rendering of what God wants us to know. Because he indwells each believer, he helps us understand these same scriptures (1Jn. 2:27). This is especially important in the light of antichrist doctrine against the person and work of Jesus Christ.
God has given us his truth. The Holy Spirit helps us to apply his truth in our day and age so that Jesus Christ will be glorified.
William A. Bembeneck