John 3:8 - The wind blows

3:8

The Greek word for spirit is the same as that for wind, and the same applies to Hebrew for that matter. In the New Testament the word almost always means spirit, but in the first part of this verse the word almost certainly means wind (though there are some who think otherwise), and the way the wind works is used to illustrate something of the working of the Holy Spirit. We all know when the wind blows and can see its effects, but apart from that we have no control over it, the wind does what it wants. So it is with the Holy Spirit. Actually the text here says “so it is with anyone born of the Spirit”. Man cannot control what the Spirit does. We can see the effects He has in a persons life, but beyond that we know little, and we certainly do not control Him. This is very important, for we often think that we can, and this applies to all branches of the church. Charismatics sometimes speak of calling the Holy Spirit down, or similar phrases. We can ask the Spirit to “come down”, but we cannot tell Him what to do! But some reformed Christians can sometimes be just as bad. For instance some cessationist say that the only way God will speak to someone today is through the word of God, never through prophecy, dreams or visions. Now I would fully accept that there is a lot of flakey nonsense to be found among some charismatic circles, but from beginning to end in the Bible God has chosen to speak directly to individuals, or groups, by one means or another. It is highly presumptuous to say that God will never do this, you have no authority to do this. It is also worth noting that in the instances of this happening in the Bible it is at God’s instigation, not man’s. Let me emphasise that most Charismatics and Reformed Christians have the utmost respect and reverence for the Holy Spirit, the above are just examples. But we all need to watch ourselves, making sure that we are not trying to usurp the sovereignty of God.