Who is the Comforter Jesus Promised?

Who is the Comforter Jesus Promised to Send?

From the two quotes below that come from the same passage, we find that Ellen White teaches that the Comforter that Jesus promised to send is the Holy Spirit and she also teaches that the Comforter is the Spirit of Christ. So which is it?

“Christ tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, and the Comforter is the Holy Ghost.” — (E.G. White, 14MR 179.2)

“This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter.” — (E.G. White, 14MR 179.2)

There is no contradiction as Ellen White tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ and hence both are correct.

“The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, which is sent to all men to give them sufficiency, that through His grace we might be complete in Him.” — (E.G. White, 14MR 84.3)

This is where many get confused as they have been taught that the Holy Spirit is another being as per the trinity doctrine when in fact the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God coming to us through His Son and why she says the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. So by selective use of her writings you can make Ellen White appear as a Trinitarian when she never was.

Note how Ellen White saw the Godhead and that the third person is the Spirit of Christ. “Let them be thankful to God for His manifold mercies and be kind to one another. They have one God and one Saviour; and one Spirit--the Spirit of Christ--is to bring unity into their ranks.” — (E.G. White, 9T 189.3, 1909)

Thus the Comforter is the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of Christ. Below is the main passage in regards to the Comforter that confuses so many. Verse 6 is given also as it relates to verse 17.

John 14:6, 16-23 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also. 20 At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 He that has 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. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Who is the another Comforter and Spirit of truth? Below John 14:16-18 is quoted and an unmistakable answer given.

“To the poor and oppressed and downtrodden of earth, Christ says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, (which is Christ formed within the hope of glory,) whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless.” — (E.G. White, Ms24, February 22, 1898)

The Comforter is referred to as the Spirit of truth in verse 17 which is the first time Christ reveals He is referring to Himself in this passage. Ten verses earlier Jesus says, “I am the truth” (verse 6) and by His Spirit He is the “Spirit of truth” (verse 17).

Ellen White also gives clear confirmation that the Comforter is the Spirit of truth which is the Spirit of Christ. “Christ tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, and the Comforter is the Holy Ghost, “the Spirit of truth, which the Father shall send in My name.” “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” This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter.” — (E.G. White, 14MR 179.2)

“The Comforter is called “the Spirit of truth.” His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth, and thus He becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood. It is through false theories and traditions that Satan gains his power over the mind. By directing men to false standards, he misshapes the character. Through the Scriptures the Holy Spirit speaks to the mind, and impresses truth upon the heart. Thus He exposes error, and expels it from the soul. It is by the Spirit of truth, working through the word of God, that Christ subdues His chosen people to Himself.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, 671.1)

So the above two quotes confirm that the Comforter is the Spirit of truth which is also the Spirit of Christ while the five quotes below also confirm that Christ is the Spirit of truth. Thus there can be no doubt that Christ by His Spirit is both.

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“Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts. But He assured His disciples that He would send them another Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter all who believe in Christ may implicitly trust. He is the Spirit of truth, but this truth the world can neither discern nor receive.” — (E.G. White, 12MR 260.1)

“The Holy Spirit is constantly at work, teaching, reminding, testifying, coming to the soul as a divine comforter, convincing of sin as an appointed judge and guide. Christ was the spirit of truth.” — (E.G. White, The Southern Review, October 25, 1898)

“The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth; those who are taught of Him have entered the school of Christ. How must God esteem the race, that He gave His Son to die for them, and appoints His Spirit to be man's teacher and continual guide.” — (E.G. White, Signs of the Times, October 24, 1906). John 14:26 says the Comforter, which is the Spirit of truth, shall teach you all things. Who did Ellen White just say shall teach us all things?

“How shall I bear impressively the commission Christ has given to His people—the privilege of being workers with the Spirit of all truth manifest in the flesh—the divine Son of God, clothed with humanity, a channel devised and prepared to be continually receiving and imparting the heavenly current?” — (E.G. White, Ms125, July 25, 1906)

“Jesus comes to you as the Spirit of truth; study the mind of the Spirit, consult your Lord, follow His way.” — (E.G. White, 2MR 337.1)

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And hence the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and the Spirit of truth are all Christ through His Spirit. Whichever way you want to look at it, Christ through His Spirit is the Comforter. It is not and cannot be another being as per the trinity doctrine.

“The Holy Spirit is called both the Comforter and the Spirit of truth, because there is comfort and hope in the truth. A falsehood cannot give genuine peace; but through the truth we become partakers of the peace that passeth understanding.” — (E.G. White, Gospel Workers, 310.2, 1892)

John 16:13 “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 show you things to come.”

Quoting John 16:13, who does Ellen White say Christ sent to guide us into all truth? “He said to His disciples, “And ye also shall bear witness of me, because ye have been with me from the beginning.” The disciples were to be honored by bearing witness concerning Christ's mission. They had been with Him constantly and had gained a most valuable knowledge to impart to others. We cannot be with Christ in person, as were His first disciples, but He has sent His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth, and through this power we too can bear witness for the Saviour.” — (E.G. White, Ms30, June 18, 1900)

In the passage of John chapter 14 given above we see that the Comforter is someone that world cannot receive because it does not know Him. But Christ tells His disciples that they know Him and is dwelling with them. The only person dwelling with them is Christ. He then tells them that He will not leave then comfortless and that He will come to them. It does not get any clearer than that. And finally Judas asks Christ how He is going to manifest Himself to them as the Comforter but not unto the world. We also find in verse 28 that Jesus says, “You heard me say, I am going away and I am coming back to you.” That is, after He returns to His Father and is glorified, Christ returns as our Comforter by His Holy Spirit.

Five times in this passage Christ said that He will be our Comforter. The only thing the Apostles did not understand was how Christ could manifest Himself to them and not unto the world (verse 22). So here is the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th time Christ tells us that He will be our Comforter by His Holy Spirit. Below Ellen White comments on how the Apostles did not understand how Christ was going to be their Comforter as a spiritual manifestation, that is, by His Spirit. Note the following four quotes.

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“That Christ should manifest Himself to them, and yet be invisible to the world, was a mystery to the disciples. They could not understand the words of Christ in their spiritual sense. They were thinking of the outward, visible manifestation. They could not take in the fact that they could have the presence of Christ with them, and yet He be unseen by the world. They did not understand the meaning of a spiritual manifestation.” — (E.G. White, The Southern Work, September 13, 1898)

“When he should ascend to the Father, then the Comforter which the Saviour promised to send would come. Jesus promised to manifest himself through the Holy Spirit to every individual who shall seek him and believe on him.” — (E.G. White, Signs of the Times, July 23, 1896)

“The Lord encourages all who seek Him with the whole heart. He [Jesus] gives them His Holy Spirit, the manifestation of His presence and favor.” — (E.G. White, Testimonies Volume 9, p. 230, 1909)

“The disciples still failed to understand Christ's words in their spiritual sense, and again He explained His meaning. By the Spirit, He said, He would manifest Himself to them. “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, 670.1)

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Note that Ellen White quotes John 14:26 above. This verse has also caused some to believe that the Comforter is the Holy Spirit as a literal being and separate from Christ. The added words which is in the KJV are misleading, and while these words can be used, this passage would be less likely misunderstood if it read, “But the Comforter, through the Holy Ghost.”

As Ellen White says, “It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 388)

Also quoting John 14:16-23 given earlier, Ellen White says Christ is our Comforter as the unseen presence of the person of the Holy Spirit. Note she refers to the Holy Spirit as person which has also led many to wrongly believe that the Holy Spirit is another being as per the trinity doctrine. But as you can see, that is incorrect as it is Christ by His Spirit. Who is it that is not going to leave them comfortless and come back to them after returning to the Father and being glorified?

“What saith our Saviour? “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” “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.” When trials overshadow the soul, remember the words of Christ, remember that He is an unseen presence in the person of the Holy Spirit, and He will be the peace and comfort given you, manifesting to you that He is with you, the Sun of Righteousness, chasing away your darkness. “If a man love me,” Christ said, “he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Be of good cheer; light will come, and your soul will rejoice greatly in the Lord.” — (E.G. White, DG 185.2, 1897)

Christ of course is a person and hence one of the reasons she calls Christ the person of the Holy Spirit since it is His presence by His Spirit. Note that she often uses the word unseen when referring to Christ by His Spirit. So if she is calling Christ or the Holy Spirit unseen it is because she means it is Christ by His Spirit as in this form He cannot be seen.

For example: “The human agent, the seen instrument, is to preach the Word, and the Lord Jesus, the unseen, agency, by His Holy Spirit is to make the Word efficacious and powerful.—Letter 105, 1900.” — (E.G. White, 2SM 18.3)

Is the Holy Spirit from God or Christ since He is our Comforter?

Ellen White studied, fasted and prayed together with the key pioneers to late hours of the night. She would frequently go into vision afterwards and was given a clear explanation of the passages they had been studying together.

“After the passing of the time in 1844 we searched for the truth as for hidden treasure. I met with the brethren, and we studied and prayed earnestly. Often we remained together until late at night, and sometimes through the entire night, praying for light and studying the Word. Again and again these brethren came together to study the Bible, in order that they might know its meaning, and be prepared to teach it with power. When they came to the point in their study where they said, “We can do nothing more,” the Spirit of the Lord would come upon me. I would be taken off in vision, and a clear explanation of the passages we had been studying would be given me, with instruction as to how we were to labor and teach effectively. Thus light was given that helped us to understand the scriptures in regard to Christ, his mission, and his priesthood. A line of truth extending from that time to the time when we shall enter the city of God, was made plain to me, and I gave to others the instruction that the Lord had given me.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, May 25, 1905)

With this in mind, here is what the pioneers taught on the Holy Spirit that were given light through the Spirit of Prophecy.

“The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God; it is also the Spirit of Christ. It is that divine, mysterious emanation through which they carry forward their great and infinite work.” — (Uriah Smith, GC Bulletin, March 18, 1891, pp. 146, 147)

“Here we find that the Holy Spirit is both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ.” — (E.J. Waggoner, Christ and His Righteousness, p. 23, 1890)

“The terms “Holy Ghost”, are a harsh and repulsive translation. It should be “Holy Spirit” (hagion pneuma) in every instance. This Spirit is the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of Christ; the Spirit being the same whether it is spoken of as pertaining to God or Christ. But respecting this Spirit, the Bible uses expressions which cannot be harmonized with the idea that it is a person like the Father and the Son. Rather it is shown to be a divine influence from them both, the medium which represents their presence and by which they have knowledge and power through all the universe, when not personally present.” — (Uriah Smith, Review and Herald, October 28, 1890)

If the pioneers were correct and received light from the Spirit of Prophecy, then Ellen White would confirm which she does revealing the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father and Son as they are one in Spirit. “From eternity there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, and heart, and character.” — (E.G. White, The Youth's Instructor, December 16, 1897)

Why are they one in Spirit? Because Christ has the Spirit of His Father that we can have also. “The Father gave his Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fulness.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, November 5, 1908)

So the Holy Spirit can rightfully be called the Spirit of God or the Spirit of Christ as it is the same Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God coming to us through His Son. Hence Ellen White says the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in your soul. If you were referring to the Spirit that Comforts us, teaches us all things, gives us power to overcome sin and is our only advocate between us and the Father, you would rightfully say the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. If you were speaking of the Holy Spirit that Christ comes to us through, you could rightfully call it either. If you were referring to the Spirit that God gave to His Son you would rightfully say it was the Spirit of God that was given. You will see that Ellen White uses both and she may speak either way depending on whether she is referencing the Father or the Son in what she is referring to. And she may just say Holy Spirit to generalize or to show she is referring to them both.

This is also why Paul used Spirit of God and Spirit of Christ interchangeably. “But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9.

With this in mind, how do the Father and Son make their abode in us? “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14:23.

Ellen White clarifies a little further as she quotes John 14:23 above. “By the Spirit the Father and the Son will come and make their abode with you.” — (E.G. White, The Bible Echo, January 15, 1893)

Hence it is by the Holy Spirit that you have the personal presence of the Father and Son in you. It is not another being but themselves. When God gives us His Spirit, He gives us Himself. Not another being as the trinity doctrine claims.

“In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself, making Himself a fountain of divine influences, to give health and life to the world.” — (E.G. White, 7T 273.1, 1902)

Is the Holy Spirit Another or is it Christ's Own Spirit?

Christ appears to speak of His Holy Spirit as if it is another different to Himself and this is the main reason so many never realize the Comforter is Christ by His Spirit. Sadly, this also leads many to think it is someone else other than their Saviour. There are two reasons why the Comforter is spoken of as if it is another besides Himself. Firstly, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God as well as the Spirit of Christ as they are one in Spirit. Remember that God gave His Spirit to His Son which also effectively makes it like another. And secondly, Christ by His Spirit can manifest Himself to us independently of Himself.

“Christ has left His Holy Spirit to be His representative in the world, to give celestial aid to every hungering, thirsting soul.” — (E.G. White, Lt84, October 22, 1895)

“CHRIST came to our world, but the world could not endure His purity. He has gone to His Father, but HE has sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to represent HIM in the world till he shall come again.” — (Ellen G. White, Ms1, January 11, 1897)

From the above quotes we observe four extremely relevant points.

1) The Holy Spirit is Christ's own Spirit.
2) Ellen White said that His Spirit (Christ) is His representative. So His own Spirit represents Himself.
3) This means that Christ's Spirit can function independently of Himself and why it is like another even though it is His Spirit.
4) This is why Jesus spoke of His Spirit as “another” in reference to the Comforter. (Greek word “allos” for “another” in John 14:16 means another of the exact same kind. If it was someone different, John would have used “heteros” which means another of a different kind)

So the Holy Spirit which is here on Earth with us today and since Pentecost is the Spirit of Christ and not another being. His very own Spirit is spoken of as His representative because His Spirit can function independently of Himself and why Jesus and Ellen White often spoke of Christ's Spirit as if it is another. If you miss this extremely important point you could end up wrongly believing the Holy Spirit is another being instead of Christ's Spirit as so many do today.

And again, the Spirit of Christ (Holy Spirit) is like “another” because His Spirit can function independently of Himself. “The Holy Spirit is a free, working, independent agency.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, May 5, 1896)

Thus it is like His Spirit in you is another entity with a separate personality even though it is Christ Himself. Hence the Holy Spirit personifies Christ as Ellen White says. “The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, in Christ's name. He personifies Christ, yet is a distinct personality.” — (E.G. White, 20MR 324.2)

So like Christ, Ellen White often speaks as if the Comforter is another entity also. But thankfully, she also states that the Comforter is Christ by His Spirit many times so there can be no misunderstanding.

Why are so many Churches Sick?

“The reasons why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. He has sought to shut Jesus from their view as the Comforter.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, August 26, 1890)

Ellen White says it is Satan that has shut Jesus from our view as the Comforter which he has done by giving us another different to Christ. Someone called God the Holy Spirit, a phrase Catholic in origin and not found in Scripture. It does not matter what name you give this other, because if it is anyone different than Christ, then we have a problem. That is why the Churches are sickly and ready to die. Satan has deceived us into adopting a position that shuts Jesus from our view.

Some respond that this is the unpardonable sin mentioned in the Bible talking about the Holy Spirit this way. And if you reject God the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit, then you might be committing that sin. But this is a lie from Satan to keep us from finding the real truth. There are two definitions for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Is either of them rejecting a person?

“The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any sudden word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of truth and evidence.” — (E.G. White, Manuscript 30, 1890)

This is not rejecting someone called God the Holy Spirit. It is resisting Truth and Evidence!

There is a lot of truth and evidence being shared on this page and it is how one responds to that which determines if we commit the unpardonable sin or not. “No one need look upon the sin against the Holy Ghost as something mysterious and indefinable. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the sin of persistent refusal to respond to the invitation to repent.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, June 29, 1897). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, not someone called God the Holy Spirit which is a counterfeit from Satan that originated and was enforced by death by Emperor Theodosius 348 years after the cross. The phrases God the Son and God the Spirit do not exist in Scripture and no true Christian should ever be heard speaking these unbiblical phrases that came from the Catholic Church!

Here is the second, “What constitutes the sin against the Holy Ghost? It is willfully attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit.” — (E.G. White, 5T 634.1, 1889)

So the unpardonable sin and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan. Some Trinitarians who do not understand this conclude that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit could be sharing truth on this topic which is clearly not so. But what about Trinitarians? Could they in fact be guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? What if the “Spirit of God” is the “Spirit OF God” just as the Bible states, and not something called “god the holy spirit” which the Bible never says? If the Trinity doctrine is wrong, then the Holy Spirit is really a creation of Satan rather than the Spirit of the Father and Son. And if it is a creation of Satan, who would Trinitarians be attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to? They would inadvertently be attributing the work of the Spirit of God to Satan which is in fact the unpardonable sin! You cannot afford to get this wrong.

Ellen White also said, “The spirit in which you come to the investigation of the Scriptures will determine the character of the assistant at your side. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. ... But if the heart is filled with prejudice, Satan is beside you, and he will set the plain statements of God's Word in a perverted light.” — (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p.108). So if you are reading this page with prejudice, you will never find the truth and you will not see it no matter how clearly it is presented to you.

Who is our Parakletos?

The Greek word for Comforter is “paraklētos.” Strong's dictionary says it means, “intercessor, advocate, comforter.” The Thayer dictionary says, “one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant, an advocate.” So who is our advocate and comforter? John says, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (Comforter) [paraklētos] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” 1 John 2:1. The word for advocate here is exactly the same Greek word [paraklētos] used in John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 for Comforter but is translated here as advocate. Thus John tells us outright that our advocate and comforter is “Jesus Christ the righteous.”

John 14:16 “and he shall give you another Comforter [paraklētos], that he may abide with you for ever;”
John 14:26 “the Comforter [paraklētos], which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name,”
John 15:26 “when the Comforter [paraklētos] is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father.”
John 16:7 “for if I go not away, the Comforter [paraklētos] will not come unto you;”
1 John 2:1 “if any man sin, we have an advocate (Comforter) [paraklētos] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:”

“If you have sin of a private character, confess it to Christ, who is the only mediator between God and man. “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous.” — (E.G. White, GCDB, February 26, 1897)

“Jesus alone is our Redeemer, our Advocate, and Mediator; in him is our only hope for pardon, peace, and righteousness.” — (E.G. White, Signs of the Times, August 22, 1892)

We saw how Ellen White often speaks of the Holy Spirit and the Comforter as another entity, and below she does the same with our advocate. Speaking of the Holy Spirit, she says “it” is our advocate. But how can the Holy Spirit be our advocate when Jesus alone is our advocate? Quite easily! Because “The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ;” — (13MR 313.3, 1895) and Christ is our advocate! No one can debate that Jesus is our only advocate and so it becomes very clear that she speaks of Christ by His Spirit as another entity no matter what name He is being called by.

“And Jesus said He would give us the Comforter. What is the Comforter? It is the Holy Spirit of God. What is the Holy Spirit? It is the representative of Jesus Christ, IT is our Advocate that stands by our side and places our petitions before the Father all fragrant with His merits.” — (E.G. White, Reflecting Christ, 285.4, 1985). Caps are added.

The above quote says that the Holy Spirit is Christ's representative which is also our Comforter and Advocate. And our advocate with the Father as John so clearly stated in 1 John 2:1 is “Jesus Christ the righteous.” Who did Ellen White say Christ's representative the Holy Spirit is, “The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ; it is His representative. Here is the divine agency that carries conviction to hearts. When the power of His Spirit is revealed through the servants of God, we behold divinity flashing through humanity.” — (E.G. White, 13MR 313.3, 1895)

The answer always remains the same. Christ by His Spirit is our Comforter and our Advocate and Mediator with the Father.

“Jesus alone is our Redeemer, our Advocate, and Mediator; in him is our only hope for pardon, peace, and righteousness.” — (E.G. White, Signs of the Times, August 22, 1892)

The trinity doctrine teaches the Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and Son but Ellen White says only Christ is equal with God which is the non-Trinitarian view. “Why Only One Mediator—Jesus alone could give security to God; for He was equal to God. He alone could be a mediator between God and man;” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, April 3, 1894)

Whose Spirit did Christ Breathe on His Disciples?

When Christ breathed on His disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit, did He give them another Spirit or His own? “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive you the Holy Ghost:” John 20:22. See the following from Ellen White where she quotes John 20:22 for the unmistakable answer. The giving of the Comforter and hence the Holy Spirit occurred at Pentecost. Keep in mind the above Scriptures while reading what Ellen White said in this regard.

“And when He had said this, He [Christ] breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. The Holy Spirit was not yet fully manifested; for Christ had not yet been glorified. The more abundant impartation of the Spirit did not take place till after Christ's ascension. Not until this was received could the disciples fulfill the commission to preach the gospel to the world. But the Spirit was now given for a special purpose. Before the disciples could fulfill their official duties in connection with the church, Christ breathed His Spirit upon them. He was committing to them a most sacred trust, and He desired to impress them with the fact that without the Holy Spirit this work could not be accomplished.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 805)

It does not get much clearer than this. The Holy Spirit Christ breathed on His disciples and the Holy Spirit that was received at Pentecost was none other than the Spirit of Christ. It was His Spirit, not some other being!

So how does Christ live in His human agents? By giving His Holy Spirit so He in turn can be our Comforter.

“Jesus is waiting to breathe upon all his disciples, and give them the inspiration of his sanctifying spirit, and transfuse the vital influence from himself to his people. He would have them understand that henceforth they cannot serve two masters. Their lives cannot be divided. Christ is to live in his human agents, and work through their faculties, and act through their capabilities. Their will must be submitted to his will, they must act with his spirit, that it may be no more they that live, but Christ that liveth in them.” Jesus is seeking to impress upon them the thought that in giving His Holy Spirit he is giving to them the glory which the Father has given him, that he and his people may be one in God. Our way and will must be in submission to God's will, knowing that it is holy, just, and good.” — (E.G. White, Signs of the Times, October 3, 1892)

“Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 827)

“The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, 805.3)

“Christ gives them the life of his life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in mind and heart.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, January 5, 1911)

“The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, October 26, 1897)

Why did Christ have to return to His Father first?

In order for the Comforter (Spirit of Christ) to be sent, Jesus had to return to His Father and be glorified so the Holy Spirit could be given, as it is by the Holy Spirit that Christ returns as the Comforter. Note the following relevant Scriptures.

Note how Christ speaks of Himself in the third person which has confused many just as Ellen White has. “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.” John 16:7. “But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:39.

“And Pentecost brought them the presence of the Comforter, of whom Christ had said, He “shall be in you.” And He had further said, “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.” Henceforth through the Spirit, Christ was to abide continually in the hearts of His children. Their union with Him was closer than when He was personally with them. The light, and love, and power of the indwelling Christ shone out through them, so that men, beholding, “marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” — (E.G. White, SC 74.1, 1892)

Below is another reason it was necessary for Christ to return to His Father to give Himself as the Comforter. Note once again how the Holy Spirit is spoken of as another entity and yet the Holy Spirit is Christ Himself. For example, you will note that the first half of this quote reads as if the Holy Spirit is another entity, while the second half of this quote unmistakably states that the Holy Spirit is Christ by His Spirit. So how do you reconcile this apparent contradiction? It is only by understanding that the Spirit of Christ came from His Father and can function independently of Himself as previously seen.

“Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself, divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent.” — (E.G. White, Lt119, February 18, 1895)

The gift of the Comforter is His Spirit and the soul of His life, “Christ declared that after his ascension, he would send to his church, as his crowning gift, the Comforter, who was to take his place. This Comforter is the Holy Spirit,—the soul of His life, the efficacy of his church, the light and life of the world. With His Spirit Christ sends a reconciling influence and a power that takes away sin.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, May 19, 1904)

Before continuing this section on the gift of the Comforter, remember that Ellen White refers to Christ as the person of the Holy Spirit as Christ is in fact a person even if it is Him by His Spirit, “remember that He [Christ] is an unseen presence in the person of the Holy Spirit,” — (E.G. White, DG 185.2, 1897)

In the quote below Ellen White explains that Christ was determined to give us a wonderful gift that could only be given once He had ascended to His Father and the Holy Spirit was given. And what a wonderful gift to be given to those who believed on Him! This gift is the Comforter which is Himself by His Spirit, namely, the Spirit of Christ. She also writes that Christ said that this gift is His representative, which she says is the third person of the Godhead. So Christ's representative is the Comforter, which is the Spirit of Christ, which is the Holy Spirit, which is the third person! Is it any wonder that so many get confused and that her writings are so easily abused. By selective use of her quotes it is easy to make her appear as a Trinitarian. So the third person is the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of Christ, not another being. Besides the fact that Christ is actually a person, her use of the word person is also used to show that His Spirit has a distinct personality as the Spirit of Christ can function independently of Himself in you.

“Christ determined that when he ascended from this earth, he would bestow a gift on those who had believed on him, and those who should believe on him. What gift could he bestow rich enough to signalize and grace his ascension to the mediatorial throne? It must be worthy of his greatness and his royalty. He [Christ] determined to give his representative, the third person of the Godhead. This gift could not be excelled. He would give all gifts in one, and therefore the divine Spirit, that converting, enlightening and sanctifying power, would be his donation.” — (E.G. White, The Watchman, November 28, 1905)

This can also be seen by comparing the following two quotes. Who is Christ's representative which is also the Holy Spirit and the third person of the Godhead? Hence the grey underlined texts are the same entity! Christ's representative the Holy Spirit which is the third person of the Godhead is the Spirit of Christ. It is His Spirit, not another being as so many wrongly conclude today due to a wrong mindset from years of believing a lie.

“Christ gave His representative, the third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit.” — (E.G. White, CTr 301.4)

“The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ; it is His [Christ] representative.” — (E.G. White, 13MR 313.3, 1895)

This is how Ellen White saw the Godhead. “They have one God and one Saviour; and one Spirit--the Spirit of Christ” — (E.G. White, 9T 189.3, 1909). Who does she say is the third person?

Here is yet another quote from Ellen White where she refers to Jesus as the person of the Holy Spirit, while again calling the Holy Spirit His representative. “Jesus is present in the person of His representative, the Holy Spirit, reviving the hearts of the humble and contrite ones.” — (E.G. White, 12MR 145.2, 1898). There can be no doubt that she refers to Jesus by His Spirit as a person, which of course He is even if it is by His Spirit. Now you know why she calls Jesus by His Spirit the third person of the Godhead. It is obviously not another being as per the trinity doctrine that came from the Catholic Church.

So from the last four quotes we find that Ellen White calls the Holy Spirit Christ's representative, which is His own Spirit as our Comforter and the third person of the Godhead. Never at any time does she say that it is another being as per the trinity doctrine. It is by not knowing who she says the Holy Spirit is that leaves people to make that wrong assumption.

“The Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one could then have any advantage because of his location or his personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if He had not ascended on high.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 669)

From Ellen White's statements so far we have seen many times in many ways that the Holy Spirit is:

The Spirit of Christ — “The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ; it is His representative.”
The Third person — “He [Christ] determined to give his representative, the third person of the Godhead.”
The Comforter — “the Holy Spirit is the Comforter...the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter.”
The Spirit of Truth — “The Holy Spirit is called both the Comforter and the Spirit of truth,”
Our Advocate and Mediator — “Jesus alone is our Redeemer, our Advocate, and Mediator;”

How is Jesus with us unto the End of the World?

Towards the conclusion of this passage on the Comforter in John 14, Jesus said, “You heard me say, I am going away and I am coming back to you.” John 14:28. Jesus told them He was coming back and why He could say, “lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. But how can Jesus be with us unto the end of the world as our Comforter when He has ascended to His Father? Ellen White explains, “Jesus was about to be removed from his disciples; but he assured them that although he should ascend to his Father, his Spirit and influence would be with them always, and with their successors even unto the end of the world.” — (E.G. White, 3SP 238.1)

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples had the presence of Jesus back with them as the Comforter. “When on his resurrection day these disciples met the Saviour, and their hearts burned within them as they listened to his words; when they looked upon the head and hands and feet that had been bruised for them; when, before his ascension, Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands in blessing, bade them, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel,” adding, “Lo, I am with you alway;” when on the day of Pentecost the promised Comforter descended, and the power from on high was given, and the souls of the believers thrilled with the conscious presence of their ascended Lord,” — (E.G. White, GC88 350.1)

“While Jesus ministers in the true sanctuary above, he is by his Holy Spirit working through his earthly messengers. The word of the living preacher will often accomplish even more than the printed page. As the Lord's servants go forth trusting in divine power, the Master of the vineyard will work through his chosen ministers, bestowing upon them his Spirit, and fulfilling to them the assurance, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, April 7, 1910)

Ellen White again reveals the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. It is His Spirit as our Comforter that is with us unto the end of the world. “The promise of the Holy Spirit is not limited to any age or to any race. Christ declared that the divine influence of His Spirit was to be with His followers unto the end. From the Day of Pentecost to the present time, the Comforter has been sent to all who have yielded themselves fully to the Lord and to His service.” — (Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles, 49.2)

Thus by His Spirit He would still be with them as the Comforter. It is not someone else but Him.

Who is the Comforter According to Ellen White?

Below are some of the clearest quotes from Ellen White stating in unmistakable words that Christ is the Comforter.

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“When He should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy. After His ascension He was to be absent in person; but through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time in mourning.” — (E.G. White, Desire of Ages, p. 278)

“The work of the holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and The holy Spirit is the comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, November 29, 1892)

“He had not a thorough knowledge of the mission of Christ, his resurrection and ascension, and of the work of his Spirit, the Comforter which he sent down to remain with his people during his absence.” — (E.G. White, Life of Paul, 119.3)

“We are ready to receive the Comforter; we open the door of the heart, and invite the Saviour in.” — (E.G. White, GCB, April 2, 1903)

“Christ comes as a Comforter to all who believe. He invites your confidence. He says, “Abide in me.” Surely we may trust in our loving Saviour. You can say, “Yes, my Saviour, in Thee I can and will trust. I will abide in Thee.” Then how trustfully you can work in His presence. Your works will be but the fruit of Christ working in you. You may rest in what Christ can do for you. And the energies of your soul will be awakened to cooperate with Him. He will work in you to do His good pleasure.” — (E.G. White, 8MR 57.3, 1898)

“If you are looking to Jesus, and drawing from him knowledge and strength and grace, you can impart his consolation to others, because the Comforter is with you.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, December 17, 1914)

“Christ is our Guide and Comforter, who comforts us in all our tribulations.” — (E.G. White, 2SM 270.3)

“Christ is everything to those who receive Him. He is their Comforter, their safety, their healthfulness. Apart from Christ there is no light at all.” — (E.G. White, 21MR 372.1)

“Christ is to be known by the blessed name of Comforter. “The Comforter,” said Christ to His disciples, “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, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. [John 14:26-27 quoted]” — (E.G. White, Ms7-1902, January 26, 1902)

“The nights are long and painful, but Jesus is my Comforter and my Hope.” — (E.G. White, 19MR 296.2)

“There is no comforter like Christ, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart.... The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, October 26, 1897). The Holy Spirit in you is whose life in your soul?

“The Saviour is our Comforter. This I have proved Him to be.” — (E.G. White, 8MR 49.3)

“As by faith we look to Jesus, our faith pierces the shadow, and we adore God for His wondrous love in giving Jesus the Comforter.” — (E.G. White, 19MR 297.3)

“Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally; therefore it was altogether for their advantage that He should leave them, go to His father, and send the Holy Spirit to be His successor on earth. The Holy Spirit is Himself, divested of the personality of humanity, and independent thereof. He would represent Himself as present in all places by His Holy Spirit, as the Omnipresent.” — (E.G. White, Lt119, February 18, 1895)

“The reasons why the churches are weak and sickly and ready to die is that the enemy has brought influences of a discouraging nature to bear upon trembling souls. He has sought to shut Jesus from their view as the Comforter.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, August 26, 1890)

“This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter.” — (E.G. White, 14MR 179.2)

“Let them study the seventeenth of John, and learn how to pray and how to live the prayer of Christ. He is the Comforter. He will abide in their hearts, making their joy full.” — (E.G. White, Review and Herald, January 27, 1903)

“To the poor and oppressed and downtrodden of earth, Christ says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth, (which is Christ formed within the hope of glory,) whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not: but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. [John 14:15-18 quoted]” — (E.G. White, Ms24, February 22, 1898)

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The following two PDF's can be used for evangelism. “Ellen White and the Comforter” and “Evangelism quotes explained.”

The trinity doctrine is Satan's counterfeit for the Godhead, and if we accept his three in one god doctrine, then we deny there is a literal Father and Son. This is Satan's plan to keep us from the Kingdom since our only way to the Father is through the literal Son of God. And if we accept the Holy Spirit as been another god which Satan created 348 years after the cross, then we give our adoration to a creation of Satan rather than the Holy Spirit of the Father and Son. Thus Satan gets worship by representation which is obviously a very serious issue. This doctrine flowed out of the Catholic Church and into all the new Protestant Churches without ever being questioned. It is by far Satan's masterpiece of deception. Most just assume it is right and the lies which are taught in regards to this doctrine seem convincingly true until you have seen the real truth.

There are Trinitarians who only give the quotes from Ellen White that say the Holy Spirit is the Comforter as they can be misinterpreted. But that also reveals the deception. As you have seen on this page, there is no doubt that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ, it is also the Spirit of truth as Jesus is the truth, it is what Ellen White calls the third person and is the Comforter. Only someone who has been tempted and suffered as us, and lived as one of us is qualified to Comfort us.

That someone is Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is to have our Lord and Saviour make His abode in us as our Comforter.

The truth is much better than Satan's lie!