John 14:17

The Spirit of truth.

So called because he speaks the truth. The Comforter strengthens, guides, liberates, sanctifies by the truth. See chapter 17:19; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5. He also bears witness of the truth. See Acts 2:4; Acts 5:32; Hebrews 2:4.

Whom the world cannot receive.

The reason why the world cannot receive the Comforter is indicated in verses 15 and 23. There must be. preparation of the soul for his indwelling. The heart must be purified by faith, the soul must be filled with love of Christ, this condition must be demonstrated by obedience to his commandments. This is in harmony with the entire teaching of the New Testament. "Except. man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. The necessity of. loving obedience in order to the reception of the Holy Spirit is taught emphatically. Peter said to the Jews (Acts 5:32), "We are witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Spirit which God gives to them who obey him. " In John 7:39 it is declared that the Savior "spake of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive." In Acts 2:38 Peter, in reply to the anxious inquiry of convicted sinners, answers: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit;" the gift being made dependent upon repentance and obedience. The temple of the human heart has to be prepared by obedience for the indwelling of the Father and Son, and hence the world cannot receive the Comforter through whom they are manifested. The Spirit can convict the world of sin (chapter 16:8), the world can receive his testimony when he bears witness; hence the apostles were directed to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature," "baptizing them into the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit," and God "gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey him," but in its unconverted condition the world cannot "see" or "know" the Comforter. The world can only see with the carnal eyes and recognize material manifestations. The saints prepared for his presence by faith, love and obedience, have. spiritual perception of his presence.