Seven Gifts

The activity of the Holy Spirit in the interest of our salvation consists in this that HE BRINGS US TO FAITH and keeps us in the saving faith unto our end. The Old Testament scroll listing the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit from Isaiah 11,2 (a text familiar to us from its use at Confirmation) has been used to give Him credit for making us Christians.

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:1-3a, NKJV).

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him. (Matthew 3:16, ESV).

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14, ESV).