March 19

Read: John 14:15-17

The world cannot receive, [the Holy Spirit] because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him (John 14:17).

The World Cannot Receive Him

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is a second work of grace. The Bible makes this clear and our knowledge of human nature persuades us that it must be so. Why is it reasonable to believe that entire sanctification would be received as a second blessing?

The very nature of our human experience argues in favor of this doctrinal position. One must first be converted in order to experience personally the need for entire sanctification. We do not crave a satisfying meal of some new food until we have first tasted that food. We are normally not eager to become perfected musicians until we have first had some piano lessons. How can a man desire to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength until he has experienced something of the love of God arising out of the forgiveness of his sins? Is this not what Jesus meant when He said of the Holy Spirit, “The world cannot receive [Him], because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him”?

But to His disciples Jesus declared, “Ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” Only the converted man has the intimate knowledge of the richness which God’s Spirit adds to life to make him desire the fullness of the Spirit. But the man who has tasted the grace of God has this knowledge and he yearns for more of God.

More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me.

— E. E. Hewitt