THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
To illustrate that the giving of the Holy Spirit exemplifies God's act of reconciliation, I will support this claim with Scriptural evidence, first clarifying any opposing arguments. It is crucial to understand that when God is displeased with us, He withholds the grace of the Spirit; thus, the lack of the Holy Spirit serves as an indicator of divine displeasure. When the Spirit is later bestowed, it signifies that God has indeed reconciled with us, as He would not send the Holy Spirit otherwise.
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Consider the case of the venerable Elijah, who, despite being a man of integrity and wisdom, was unable to correct the wrongdoings of his children due to his excessive affection for them. Parents, take heed and moderate your love and care for your children. Eli's excessive love upset God, leading to His withdrawal from the entire nation. The writer, in illustrating God's complete departure, states that "the word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not frequent," indicating that prophetic gifts were scarce. In another lament, it is expressed, "there is at present neither prince nor prophet" (Dan. 3:38). The evangelist clarifies, "for the Holy Spirit was not yet upon them, because Jesus was not yet glorified" (Jn. 7:39). This indicates that the Holy Spirit had not been given to humanity because Christ had not yet been crucified. To be "glorified" here refers to His sacrificial death.
Although the crucifixion appeared shameful, because it was done for those He cherished, Christ identifies it as glorious. Why was the Spirit withheld prior to the crucifixion? Because sin, malice, enmity, and dishonor still prevailed since the Lamb who would take away the sins of the world had not yet been offered. While Christ had not yet accomplished His sacrifice, there could be no reconciliation, and without reconciliation, the Spirit could not be justly sent. Therefore, the descent of the Spirit signifies that reconciliation has taken place.
Consequently, Christ declares, "It is better for you that I go; for unless I go, the Comforter will not come to you" (John 16:7). He emphasizes that unless He goes to reconcile the Father, the Comforter will not be sent. These numerous evidences demonstrate that the absence of the Holy Spirit in individuals is indeed a manifestation of God's wrath.