The Democratization of the Spirit

I think that many of the adjustments that God makes in dealing with people in the Old Testament and New Testament is the role of the Holy Spirit. At the crucifixion, the veil was ripped open and at that point the Spirit became available for all men. This is a radical departure from the role of Spirit in the Old Testament. In the OT, the Spirit rested on only a few people at a time, and these people (usually designated "prophets") had authority in the body. In the Church Age, the Spirit is available to all who follow Christ, regardless of their ability, holiness, or calling. It is easy -- and tempting -- to pay attention to those in whom the Spirit is obvious, and follow their teachings and leadership. But that is not the model of New Testament leadership.