Spiritual Work 255
quest. How many covet that they may boast? How many desire more
glory for their flesh? How many hope people will fall effortlessly
under their power? We must discern clearly why we solicit the power
of the Holy Spirit. If our motive is neither of God nor one with God,
we certainly will not be able to obtain the power. God’s Holy Spirit
does not fall on man’s “flesh”; He descends only on God’s newly
created spirit within the man. We cannot allow the outward man, that
is, the flesh, to persist while petitioning God to immerse our inner
man, the spirit, in His Spirit. So long as the flesh continues unscathed
the Holy Spirit of God shall never descend upon man’s spirit, for
man would only grow more fleshly and boastful if power were
granted him.
It is often observed that Calvary precedes Pentecost. The Holy
Spirit is not willing to dispense power to men and women who have
not been dealt with by the cross. The path which leads to the upper
room in Jerusalem winds by way of Calvary. Only those who are
conformed to the death of the Lord can receive the power of the
Lord. The Word of God affirms that “upon man’s flesh shall it (holy
anointing oil) not be poured” (Ex. 30.32 Darby). God’s Holy Oil will
not be poured upon the flesh, whether it be exceedingly defiled or
highly refined. Where the mark of the cross is lacking, there the oil
of the Spirit is absent. Through the death of the Lord Jesus God
pronounces His verdict upon all who are in Adam: “all must die.”
Just as the Heavenly Power did not descend until the Lord Jesus died,
even so should the believer not expect that Power if he has yet to
know the death of the Lord Jesus in experience. Historically,
Pentecost followed Calvary; experientially, being filled with the
power of the Holy Spirit follows the bearing of the cross.
The flesh is condemned forever before God and by God is
sentenced to death. Are we not attempting the impossible if we desire
not its death but rather seek to adorn the flesh with the Holy Spirit
that it may be more powerful in service? What is our intention after
all? Personal attraction? Fame? Popularity? The admiration of