“Holy Spirit we invite you to enter here, fill this place with your presence.” Most of us have heard this exact statement or at the very least a similar dialogue. This has become a common “invitation” for many churches across the globe. However, as it is for all statements that pertain to faith and practice, we must question what is actually being conveyed through this appeal? Furthermore, what does such a request divulge about our view of who God is, namely the role and function of the Holy Spirit?
First, the plea for the Holy Spirit to enter the building or room undeniably suggests that He is not there to begin with. This is extremely problematic as we look at the clarity of what Scripture offers in way of explanation to the Holy Spirit’s presence. In John 14:17 Jesus prepared His disciples by telling them that the Spirit of Truth would not only come into their lives, but would dwell within them permanently. Titus 3:5 discloses that the Holy Spirit is the necessary agent of regeneration, changing the heart of stone into a heart of flesh. Simply put, true believers in Jesus Christ have the Holy Spirit residing within them and unbelievers do not. Therefore if the Holy Spirit is called into a particular place, this would mean all in attendance are unregenerate and in need of salvation. However, this is not the context in which the invitation of the Holy Spirit is predominately made. Most, if not all of the time, this call is done in a worship setting, usually during music or at the opening of a service, thus rendering the invitation unnecessary.
This practice is nothing new, but certainly has ramped up with the popularity of the charismatic movement, who are known for their many abhorrent misrepresentations of the Holy Spirit. Emotionalism is on overdrive as music plays and repeated pleas are made in an attempt to create a unique experience. Like many of the charismatic tactics, broader orthodoxy has readily adopted them into their routine. Modern music lyrics are saturated with this lingo as well, creating a tainted theological snowball that gains steam as it rolls down the hill of time.
We have a responsibility to rightly uphold the truths of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15), which most certainly includes a proper understanding of the role and function of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the cause of new birth (John 6:63), confirms our position and inheritance in Christ (Romans 8:11), produces the fruit of good works (Galatians 5:22-23), brings about discernment and an understanding of Holy Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:12) and exalts the name of our Savior (John 16:14). May we acknowledge that inviting the Holy Spirit to enter the church is no different than requesting God to be sovereign or the Lord to be gracious and forgiving. These are true of God, thus making such a request is revealing our lack of understanding and lack of trust in His promises. Beloved please don’t conform to this trend, rather be steadfast in proper worship of our Lord. Stop inviting the Holy Spirit and start praising Him for the amazing work that He has done and continues to do in our lives. Praise God for the permanency of the Holy Spirit in the lives of His children.
By His Grace And For His Glory,
Pastor Sam
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