“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit . . . .” 1 Thess. 1:6. The Lord and the apostles received the Word in the Holy Spirit and in much affliction. The Word and the Holy Spirit are two different things. Many people in our days have received the Holy Spirit, but they have not received the Word in the same Spirit. It is written about the Word that it became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14. However, nowhere is it written that the Spirit became flesh. The Word God sends can only be received and understood in the Holy Spirit. In the spiritual building that we receive through the ongoing revelation of God’s truth, the Word has become flesh and bone. The Spirit is not the new creation; but the Word, born by water and Spirit, is our life in Christ. No one should become satisfied just because he has received the Spirit, because the Spirit can be quenched. Rather, we can respond to the Word in this Spirit, and it will become our personal life. The Spirit does not glorify Himself; He does not say one thing about Himself. He speaks what He hears. “For He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:14. The Spirit receives the Word and reveals it to us. If we, then, do not receive the Word, the Spirit will not be of any profit to us. What benefit is there for us to have received the Spirit eight or ten years ago if that has not resulted in us receiving the Word for whose sake the Spirit was sent. Many people go astray here, becoming complacent because they have received the Spirit. Yet God’s Spirit is not complacent, for His desire is for life and peace. But the way to life and peace goes through water and blood. 1 John 5:6-8. Everyone who has the testimony of God within senses this, either consciously or subconsciously. The Word became flesh. This flesh was the woman’s seed that crushed the serpent’s head, because that flesh was offered in the power of the eternal Spirit. And in the power of the blood of an eternal covenant, God raised up Christ. Heb. 13:20. This covenant is eternal, for the Spirit brings forth eternal life (the Word) because of the blood of the covenant. The Spirit Himself is not the blood of the covenant, but He testifies about this blood. Actually the Spirit is not interested in anything else. He cannot bring forth any fruit without this sacrifice, and our life is in vain if we do not, in the Spirit, receive the Word the Spirit speaks.Johan O. Smith