The Great Invitation:Experiencing the Fullness of the Spirit

Jesus speaking publicly in the temple on the most crowded day of the most popular feast of Israel, issues the call, “Are you thirsty? Come and drink!” When Jesus stands up in the middle of the festival and makes his pronouncement, he claims that he will make available not only the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, but also the power that provides for ultimate cleansing and satisfaction. “This He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John interprets the words of Jesus to refer to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit that was still to come. The Holy Spirit existed from all eternity, but was not yet present in the sense indicated (Acts 2:33)