Emotional Experience Of Holy Spirit Touch
The emotional experience of being touched by the Holy Spirit is a profound and deeply personal phenomenon in Christian spirituality. The biblical account of Jesus' ministry is replete with instances where individuals experience a tangible, emotional connection with the divine. For example, in Luke 8:46, a woman with a flow of blood touches Jesus' garment and is healed, prompting Jesus to acknowledge that "somebody hath touched me" [6].
This concept of being "touched" by the divine is not limited to physical contact. The biblical narrative often associates the Holy Spirit with sensory experiences, such as the smell of a field blessed by God (Genesis 27:27) [1]. The Holy Spirit is also described as descending upon Jesus in a bodily form, like a dove, at his baptism (Luke 3:22) [2].
In the view of some Reformed theologians, the Holy Spirit's work is not limited to extraordinary or miraculous events. Charles Hodge, for instance, argues that the Holy Spirit is present with every human mind, influencing individuals with varying degrees of power [7]. This influence can manifest as a deep sense of conviction, comfort, or guidance.
The early Church Fathers also grappled with understanding the nature of the Holy Spirit's presence. Augustine, in his Homilies on John, notes that the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples in a way that was both hidden and manifest, allowing them to come to a conscious knowledge of what they had [5]. Tertullian, another early Christian writer, describes the prophets as being enlightened by the Spirit of God, resulting in a clearer mind and a soul filled with a brighter light [8].
The laying on of hands is another biblical practice associated with the reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17) [3]. This act is seen as a tangible expression of the Spirit's presence and power. In the Reformed tradition, John Calvin emphasizes the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit as a means of confirming the authority of Scripture [4].
The emotional experience of being touched by the Holy Spirit is complex and multifaceted. While some may experience a dramatic or intense encounter, others may sense a more subtle or gentle guidance. The biblical account and the writings of the early Church Fathers suggest that the Holy Spirit's presence can be felt in various ways, from a deep sense of peace or comfort to a more intense emotional or spiritual experience.
The historical development of this doctrine is closely tied to the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in Christian life. As the early Church grappled with the nature of the Trinity, theologians like Augustine and Tertullian sought to articulate the Spirit's work in the lives of believers. The Reformed tradition, in turn, built upon this foundation, emphasizing the Spirit's role in illuminating Scripture and guiding the believer.
The emotional experience of Holy Spirit touch remains a vital aspect of Christian spirituality, with various traditions interpreting and expressing this experience in distinct ways.
Sources
- Genesis “He came near, and kissed him. He smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him, and said, “Behold, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which Yahweh has blessed. -- Genesis 27:27”
- Luke “and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” -- Luke 3:22”
- Acts “Acts 8:17 (LITV) — Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 23: of the godly, for this very reason, that, until he enlightens their minds, they are tossed to and fro in a sea of doubts. 5. Let it therefore be held as fixed, that those who are inwardly taught by the Holy Spirit acquiesce implicitly in Scripture; that Scripture, carrying its own evidence along with it, deigns not to submit to proofs and arguments, but owes the full conviction with which we ought to receive it to the testimony of the Spirit. 73 73 The French adds, “Car jacoit qu’en sa propre majesté elle ait assez de quoy estre re”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 7: Augustine — Homilies on John — CHAPTER XIV. 15-17. (part 3): they had Him not as yet to the same extent as He was afterwards to be possessed. They had Him, therefore, in a more limited sense: He was yet to be given them in an ampler measure. They had Him in a hidden way, they were yet to receive Him in a way that was manifest; for this present possession had also a bearing on that fuller gift of the Holy Spirit, that they might come to a conscious knowledge of what they had. It is in speaking of this gift that the apostle says: "Now we have received, not the spirit of this world, ”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 8:46: Somebody hath touched--yes, the multitude "thronged" and pressed Him--"they jostled against Him," but all involuntarily; they were merely carried along; but one, one only--"Somebody TOUCHED" HIM, with the conscious, voluntary, dependent touch of faith, reaching forth its hands expressly to have contact with Him. This and this only Jesus acknowledges and seeks out. Even so, as the Church Father AUGUSTINE long ago said, multitudes still come similarly close to Christ in the means of grace, but all to no purpose, being only sucked into the crowd. The volunt”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 138: in any measure analogous to the revelation of his presence and power on the day of Pentecost, while many have been truly born of God, more have usually been the subjects of influences which did not issue in genuine conversion. The evidence therefore from Scripture, and from experience, is clear that the Holy Spirit is present with every human mind, and enforces, with more or less power, whatever of moral or religious truth the mind may have before it. The Effects of common Grace. The effects produced by common grace, or this influence of”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. IV.: Accordingly, we can show from an examination of the sacred Scriptures, that the Jewish prophets, who were enlightened as far as was necessary for their prophetic work by the Spirit of God, were the first to enjoy the benefit of the inspiration; and by the contact--if I may so say--of the Holy Spirit they became clearer in mind, and their souls were filled with a brighter light. And the body no longer served as a hindrance to a virtuous life; for to that which we call "the lust of the flesh" it was deadened. For we are per”