Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)

Holy Spirit (Pneumatology)

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PNEUMATOLOGY
Introduction and History
A. Introduction
Throughout church history the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, as well
as the Holy Spirit Himself, has often been ignored and minimized.
Church leaders and theologians were in the process of hammering
out their understanding of other doctrines such as Christology and
soteriology. While the average Christian did have some
understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and His
importance in their lives, the doctrine was not systemized until
more recently, nor was the emphasis on the Holy Spirit given its
proper place. With the birth of the Pentecostal movement, at
about the turn of the twentieth century, followed by
commencement of the charismatic movement, some six decades
later, all of this changed. Suddenly the Holy Spirit was thrust into
a position of prominence. Error has always forced the church to
purify and crystallize its theology. On the negative side, much
error and overemphasis of the Holy Spirit and His ministry ensued.
On the positive side, it forced Bible students to grapple with the
Scriptures to comprehend the truth about the third member of the
Trinity. Today, while there is still widespread erroneous teaching
concerning the Holy Spirit, there is much better understanding of
who He is and what He does. This study will attempt to outline
some of this truth.
B. Historical Development (see IHCC p.1 and Ryrie pp. 111-
120).
The early church understood that the Holy Spirit existed as a
member of the Trinity, but was content to enjoy the benefits
afforded through Him rather than attempt to develop a theology
about Him. It was not until false teachings, centered on the Holy
Spirit, began to arise that church leaders dug into the Scriptures to
develop a better understanding of Him. What follows is some of
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the major events in the development of the doctrine of the Holy
Spirit.
1. Montanism (2
nd
century)
Gnosticism had infiltrated the early church (the roots of
Gnosticism can be seen in New Testament books such as
Colossians and 1 John, as those writers corrected some of its
false teachings) and brought with it a stale, intellectual only
form of Christianity. Montanist did not challenge the deity or
personhood of the Holy Spirit, but sought to infuse the church
with new life, and in the process went beyond the Scriptures.
Montanus, the founder of the movement, declared that the
“age of the Paraclete” had come, and with it new revelations
from God. He and a few other prophets began to announce
that the world was coming to an end. While the Montanist
were not heretics, and their motives seemed to be pure (a
more spiritual church), their insistence upon new revelations
and prophecies (most of which proved to be unfulfilled), led the
church to determine that additional revelation, apart from
Scripture, is no longer being given by the Holy Spirit. However,
just a glance at the Christian landscape today, would show that
the Montanist issue is still with us.
2. Monarchians and Savellianism (3
rd
century)
Sabellius championed a form of monarchianism, call modal,
which taught that the Trinity was a manifestation of forms
rather than essence. In other words, God was in the form of
the Father in the Old Testament, Jesus in the New Testament,
and the Holy Spirit today. There are not three persons within
the Godhead, but One who manifested Himself in different
forms. The Holy Spirit would be the role that God is playing
out today.
3. Arianism (early 4
th
century)
Arius’ anti-Trinitarian views would force the church to convene
in the now famous Council of Nicaea, May 20, 325 at Nicaea in
northwest Asia Minor. Arius denied the deity of the Son,
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viewing Him as generated by the Father at a point in time. The
Son, on the other hand, created the Holy Spirit. The opposition
against Arianism, led by Athanasius, condemned Arius’ view
concerning the Son, but only affirmed its belief in the Holy
Spirit. Athanasius himself, however, clearly taught the deity of
the Holy Spirit. Arianism, although condemned, continued to
have heavy influence on Christianity for decades to come, and
can still be found alive and in most of the cults such as
Jehovah’s Witness and Mormonism.
4. From Nicaea (May 20, 325) to the Reformation
As questions started to be raised concerning the deity of the
Holy Spirit the Council of Constantinople was convened in 381
to deal with the issues. While the Council took a strong
position it did not clearly elucidate the essence with the other
members of the Trinity. The Synod of Toledo was called in 589
to settle the question of whether the Spirit proceeded from the
Father only or from both the Father and the Son. The Synod
determined that the Spirit proceeded from both, which was
accepted by the Western Church. The Eastern Church,
however, would not accept the Synod’s decision (believing the
Spirit proceeded only from the Father). This issue resulted in a
church split, which has never been mended.
5. From the Reformation to the present.
All the creeds coming out of the Reformation affirmed the
person, deity and work of the Holy Spirit. But in the 16
th
century a group known as the Socinians denied both the pre-
existence of the Son and claiming that the Holy Spirit was
merely an energy sent by God, not a Person. Socinian ideas
live on today in Unitarianism. While all orthodox churches
today accept the understanding of the Holy Spirit as articulated
by Augustine and reaffirmed by the Reformed creeds, many
cults and liberal denominations deny the deity and/or person of
the Holy Spirit. Many other groups misunderstand and
misrepresent His ministry, as we will see later. The Jehovah’s
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Witnesses believe the Holy Spirit is the active force of God, but
not a person.
So the question is: is the Holy Spirit a Person or a Force?
C. The word
pneuma
properly means wind, as when Jesus said, “The
pneuma blows where it will (John 3:8). It can speak of any
invisible power and often even of angels (Heb 1:14) (C. Hodge).
D. Why is the third member of the Trinity called the Holy Spirit?
Because it speaks of what He does and who He is.
• What He does: He is the power of God, the person through
whom the efficiency of God is directly exercised.
• Who He is: “As Father and Son are terms expressive of
relation, it is natural to infer that the word Spirit is to be
understood in the same way. The Son is called the Word, as
the revealer or image of God, and the Third Person is called
Spirit as His breathe or power. He is also predominantly
called the Holy Spirit, to indicate both his nature and
operations. He is absolutely holy in his own nature and the
cause of holiness in all creatures” (C. Hodge).
E. In the NT alone He is mentioned almost 300 times. But is He a
person or simply a force or power that goes out from God and/or
Christ? Scripture teaches that He is a person.
I. PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
A. A right knowledge of who the Holy Spirit is affects everything we
do, say and think. A proper understanding of this point, therefore,
can revolutionize our lives. On the other hand a false
understanding will lead to faulty living.
B. Today some people doubt the personality of the Holy Spirit. They
may consider Him a power, a force, or energy, but they refuse to
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admit He is a person. However, Scripture clearly shows that He is
a person.
C. Remember that in the early church some taught modalism: It
taught that God appeared at different times in three different
modes or forms – as Father (Old Testament), as Son (gospels),
and as Holy Spirit (now). Oneness Pentecostals teach modalism
today. How would you defend the Trinity?
D. The Holy Spirit has the attributes of personality:
1. Intellect: He knows and searches the things of God (1
Corinthians 2:10-11); He has a mind and is seen as distinct
from the Father (Romans 8:27); He teaches men (1 Cor. 2:13).
If He can think and search and teach, He must be a person.
2. Emotions: He is grieved by the sinful actions of believers
(Ephesians 4:30); He loves (Romans 15:30). If He can be
grieved and loved He must be a person.
3. Will: The distribution of the gifts are according to the will of
the Spirit (I Corinthians 12:11); He forbade Paul from
preaching in Asia (Acts 16:6-11). If He can make decisions He
must be a person. Jehovah Witness’ believe the Holy Spirit is a
force. How would you defend the personality of the Holy
Spirit?
E. Actions of personality.
1. He teaches (John 14:26).
2. He witnesses (John 15:26).
3. He convicts (John 16:7-8).
4. He regenerates (John 3:5-7).
5. He directs and commands (Acts 8:29).
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6. He performs miracles (Acts 8:39).
7. He calls and sends forth to service (Acts 13:2, 4).
8. He intercedes (Romans 8:26).
9. He guides (Romans 8:14).
F. Ascription’s of personality.
1. The Spirit can be obeyed (Acts 10:19-21).
2. Lied to (Acts 5:3, cp v. 4).
3. Resisted (Acts 7:51).
4. Blasphemed (Matt 12:31).
5. Insulted (Heb. 10:29).
G. The Holy Spirit is referred to with personal pronouns.
The Greek word for spirit is
pneuma
(from which we get our
English words that have to do with air, like “pneumatic” and
“pneumonia”) and is a neuter gender word. Nevertheless on
several occasions the Spirit is called by the personal pronoun “He”
indicating that the apostles recognized the Spirit as a person not
just a force (John 15:26; 16:7-8; 16:13-14; Eph. 1:13-14).
H. The associations of the Holy Spirit.
• The fact that He is associated with the Father and Son, who are
presented in Scripture as persons, in the Great Commission
(Matthew 28:19, 20) proves that He is a person as well, and
yet distinct from them.
• With all of this evidence, why do you suppose some deny the
personhood of the Holy Spirit?
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II. DEITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
A. Some deny His Deity; still others elevate Him above the other
members of the Trinity. So we must focus on the scriptural view
of the Deity of the Holy Spirit.
Charles Hodge wrote: (
Systematic Theology
, Volume 1, pp. 532-
534)
During the Ante-Nicene period, the Church believed concerning
the Holy Ghost, what was revealed on the surface of Scripture,
and what was involved in the religious experience of all Christians.
There is to them one God, the Father, whose favour they had
forfeited by sin, and to whom they must be reconciled; one Lord
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, through whom this
reconciliation is effected; and one Holy Spirit, by whom they are,
through Christ, brought to God.
…all the Arians and semi-Arians who taught that the Son was
created by the Father, held that the Spirit was created by the Son
In the Creed of the Apostles, as it is called, which is so ancient the
Rufinus and Ambrose referred it to the Apostles themselves, it is
simply said, “I believe on the Holy Ghost.” The same words
without addition are repeated in the Nicene Creed, but in the
Creed of Constantinople it is added, “I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the divine, the life-giving, who proceedeth from the Father, who is
to be worshipped and glorified with the Father and the Son, and
who spake through the prophets.” In the Athanasian Creed (so-
called), it is said that the Spirit is consubstantial with the Father
and the Son; that He is uncreated, eternal, and omnipotent, equal
in majesty and glory, and that He proceeds from the Father and
the Son. These creeds are Catholic, adopted by the whole
Church. Since they were framed there has been no diversity of
faith on this subject among those recognized as Christians.
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B. Titles of the Holy Spirit
1. Revealing His Character
a) The Lord the Spirit
2 Corinthians 3:18
b) The Spirit of glory
1 Peter 4:14
c) The Spirit of life
Romans 8:2
d) The Spirit of holiness
Romans 1:4
e) The Holy Spirit
Matthew 1:20
f) The Spirit of the Almighty
Luke 1:35
2. Relating Him to the Father
a) The Spirit of God
Genesis 1:2;
Matthew 3:16
b) The Spirit of the Lord
Luke 4:18
c) The Spirit of Jehovah
Judges 3:10
d) The Spirit of the Lord God
Isaiah 61:1
e) The Spirit of the Living God
2 Corinthians 3:3
3. Relating Him to the Son
a) The Spirit of Christ
Romans 8:9
b) The Spirit of Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:19
c) The Spirit of Jesus
Acts 16:7
d) The Spirit of His Son
Galatians 4:6
(cf. Romans 8:15-16)
e) The Spirit of the Lord
Acts 5:9; 8:39
4. Reflecting His Works
a) The Spirit of glory
1 Peter 4:14
b) The Spirit of life
Romans 8:2
c) The Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
d) The Spirit of wisdom
Ephesians 1:17
e) Spirit of truth
John 14:17
f) Spirit of grace
Hebrews 10:29
(cf. Zechariah 12:10)
g) Spirit of adoption
Romans 8:15
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C. Attributes:
1. Omnipotence
Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 3:18
2. Omnipresence
Psalm 139:7-12
3. Omniscience
Isaiah 40:13, 14;
1 Corinthians 2:10, 11
4. Truth
1 John 5:7
*Jesus also claimed to be the truth (John 14:6)
5. Holiness
Luke 11:13
6. Lifegiver
Romans 8:2
7. Eternality
Hebrews 9:14
D. Actions of the Holy Spirit
1. Creation
Genesis 1:2
2. Inspiration
2 Peter 1:21;
2 Timothy 3:16
3. Begetting Christ
Luke 1:35
4. Convicting
John 16:7-8
5. Regenerating
John 3:5, 6; Titus 3:5;
1 Peter 1:23
6. Comforting (Helper)
John 14:16
7. Interceding
Romans 8:26
8. Sanctifying
2 Thessalonians 2:13
E. Association
1. With Jehovah
The New Testament often identifies the Holy Spirit with
Jehovah of the Old Testament.
Acts 28:25—Isaiah 6:1, 9
Hebrews 10:15-17—Jeremiah 31:31-32
2. With God (Matthew 12:31-32; Acts 5:3-4)
3. With the Father and Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
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F. Symbols
• There are a number of symbols of the Holy Spirit in Scripture that
reveal something of His nature or work.
1. Dove (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22)
Association with love, peace and purity (Matthew 10:16).
Except for the mention of the dove released from the ark, all
OT references to doves are in connection with sacrifices.
2. Water (John 7:37-39; Titus 3:5)
A symbol of life and cleansing.
3. Oil (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; Hebrews 1:9)(See Rev. 1:20; 2:1,5)
Associated with anointing, inaugurating to a new task and as
the source of power for service. In the OT, priests, prophets
and kings were all anointed with oil.
4. Fire (Acts 2:3)
Fire in Scripture symbolizes the presence of God (Exodus 3:1ff),
the power of God (1 Kings 18:38-39), the protection and
guidance of God (Exodus 13:21), and the purging judgment of
God (Hebrews 12:29; Luke 3:16,17).
5. Seal (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30)
Showing ownership or security.
6. Pledge (Ephesians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:22)
First installment or down payment of future glory.
G. Procession
1. Definition: The procession of the Holy Spirit means that in His
being and eternity He is related to the Father and to the Son in
that He proceeds from them.
2. He proceeds from the Father (John 15:26). He proceeds from
the Son (John 16:7).
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3. It is notable that in 1054 the Roman Catholic Church, which
takes the position that the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the
Father and the Son, split from the Greek Orthodox Church
which teaches that He proceeds only from the Father.
H. Subordination
1. Definition: Voluntary obedience of the Holy Spirit to the Father
and Son that permits the accomplishments of the divine
purpose in the economy of God.
2. John 14:26
III. THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PRIOR TO THE CHURCH
AGE.
A. The Holy Spirit and Creation
•
We generally think of creation as an act of God the Father, but
the entire Godhead was involved. That the Son was
instrumental in creation is taught in John 1:1-5 and Colossians
1:16-17. There are indications that the Holy Spirit was involved
as well:
Genesis 1:1,2 – The Hebrew word for “God” is “Elohim”
which is plural. While usually understood as a plural of
majesty, describing the greatness of God, it nevertheless
leaves room for the New Testament revelation concerning
the Trinity. Therefore, stating that Elohim created the
universe leads to the possibility that the Holy Spirit was
involved.
Isaiah 40: 12-14 – connects the Spirit with creation.
John 6:63 – It is the Holy Spirit who gives life indicating that
He gave life to all living creatures at the time of creation.
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Job 33:4 – Elihu declares that God’s Spirit made Him.
However, theology based upon the pronouncements of Job’s
friends carry little weight.
B. The Holy Spirit in relation to revelation and inspiration.
1. Definitions:
Revelation: “The disclosure of that which was previously
unknown.” Ryrie
Inspiration: “God’s superintending human authors so that,
using their own individual personalities, they composed and
recorded without error His revelation to man in the words of
the original autographs.” Ryrie
The word “inspiration” means God breathed.
God’s Part – Superintended
Man’s Part – Composed
Record – Original autographs without error.
2. Scriptures
2 Timothy 3:16, 17
2 Peter 1:19-21
1 Corinthians 2:9-13; 14:37
John 14:26; 16:14; Ephesians 2:20
1 Timothy 5:18 – Paul quotes from both Deuteronomy 25:4
and Luke 10:7.
2 Peter 3:16
Romans 16:26
3. Implications:
Guarantees the infallibility, inerrancy and authority of the
Scriptures.
C. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to people.
1. Selective indwelling
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a) The Holy Spirit did not permanently indwell believers, but
came upon certain saints for a period of time for a particular
purpose. Some examples:
Joseph (Genesis 41:38)
Joshua (Numbers 27:18)
Daniel (Daniel 4:8; 5:11-14; 6:3)
Samson (Judges 14:6)
David (1 Samuel 16:13)
Bezalel (Exodus 31:3; 35:31)
b) The purpose for this indwelling was to enable individuals
to perform certain ministries with God’s enablement.
c) This indwelling was transitory and was usually withdrawn.
Samson (Judges 13:25 cp. 16:20)
Saul (1 Samuel 10:10; cp. 16:14)
Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:2; 3:24)
d) This is why David was concerned with losing the Holy
Spirit (Psalm 51:11).
e) This understanding fits well with Jesus’ words in John
14:16, 17. So there is confusion between Old and New
Testament living when Christians are calling for the Holy
Spirit to come upon them subsequent to salvation. It is also
a serious error to believe the Holy Spirit might depart from
the Christian today.
2. Restraint of sin
• Some Scripture passages seem to indicate that the Holy Spirit
had a general ministry of restraining sin so this world (and
man) is not as bad as it could be (Genesis 6:3; Nehemiah
9:20).
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• While this logically makes sense, the proof texts are not
convincing.
3. Regeneration
• “Though the Old Testament does not speak directly to the issue
of the Spirit’s work in regeneration it is a fair inference to say
that the Holy Spirit did regenerate people in the O.T. since
people were saved then. The specific ministries of indwelling,
baptizing and sealing, though, seems especially related to the
New Testament era” (Mike Vlach,
The Holy Spirit: A Study of
His Person and Work
).
• Jesus conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) indicates that
this Old Testament Jewish teacher should have known about
regeneration (3:3-10).
IV. HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF CHRIST
A. His birth (Luke 1:35)
“The result of the virgin birth was the incarnation. A human
nature was conceived, not a person, for the Second Person existed
always. With the conception of the human nature the God-man
came into existence, and it was a perfect humanity.” Ryrie
B. His anointing (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Hebrews 1:9).
1. Jesus’ anointing would be for the purpose of recognizing
that He was Messiah and setting Him apart for service.
2. Scripture never specifically says when the anointing took
place, although many believed it was at His baptism. It was
after the baptism that Jesus began His public ministry and
performed miracles.
C. He was filled and led (Luke 4:1).
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The filling was permanent. (Isaiah 11:2; 42:1).
D. He was empowered (Matthew 12:28; Luke 4:14-15, 18).
E. The Holy Spirit’s role in the death of Christ.
The only direct reference is Hebrews 9:14; and even here it is
disputed as to whether this is a reference to the Holy Spirit or
Christ’s own spirit. Although this may be the best
understanding, it is in doubt.
F. The Holy Spirit’s role in the resurrection of Christ.
• Three passages have bearing:
Romans 8:11 – “Spirit” here refers to the Father’s spirit.
Romans 1:4 – Debated as to whether this refers to the Holy
Spirit or Christ’s spirit.
1 Peter 3:18 – Unclear as to whether this refers to the Holy
Spirit or Christ’s spirit; and unclear whether this statement is
made in reference to Christ’s death or resurrection.
• Therefore, there are no clear references in Scripture proving
that the Holy Spirit was involved in Christ’s resurrection,
although Romans 1:4 leans that direction.
G. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31, 32).
• Jesus had cast out many demons including some that were
considered impossible (12:22-23). As a result some were
beginning to recognize His Messiahship (12:23). The
Pharisees rejected the truth and accused Jesus of being in a
league with the devil (12:24). Jesus defends Himself in a
series of arguments (12:25-29), the most important of which
is that His casting out of demons was evidence that the
Kingdom of God had come upon them (v. 28).
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• “Since it was by the Holy Spirit’s power that Jesus cast out
demons, to attribute these works to the power of the devil
was to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. “Such rejection—evidence
of a hardened heart—can never be forgiven, not because
God withdraws His grace but because man withdraws himself
from all possible contact with God.” Ryrie
V. THE HOLY SPIRIT’S CHURCH AGE MINISTRIES.
• Evidence that the Holy Spirit’s ministry would change after
Christ’s ascension (John 7:39; 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7; 16:13;
Acts 1:5; 1:8; 2:1-4).
A. Grace
• Grace is not unique to the church age, but a particular ministry
of grace in relationship to the Holy Spirit is part of the church
age. For this reason some have designated the church age as
the age of grace.
1. Common Grace.
• Common grace is God’s outpouring of undeserved favor
upon mankind in general. It comes in three forms:
a. Universally bestowed favors:
• God graciously gives to all humanity His goodness (Psalm
145:9; Luke 6:35); sunshine and rain (Matthew 5:45;
Acts 14:17).
b. Restraint of sin:
• 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 indicates that some power
restrains sin so that neither individuals nor the world
system is as evil as it could be. This power is an
instrument used by God and many believe it to be human
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government (Romans 13:1-4). But most likely it is the
Holy Spirit indwelt people of God, who are removed at
the Rapture.
• At certain points of time and/or with certain individuals,
the Lord removes His restraint of sin, giving men over to
their own sinfulness, allowing them to live in unrestrained
corruption (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).
c. Conviction: (John 16:7-11)
• When the Holy Spirit comes, Jesus promised He would
convict the world of 3 things:
1) Sin—man needs to be convicted that they are sinners
and the ultimate sin is the rejection of Christ.
2) Righteousness—man needs to be convicted of the
righteousness of Christ, proven through the resurrection
and ascension; for only a righteous one could save them
from sin.
3) Judgment—man needs to be convicted of coming
judgment upon those who reject Christ, and the proof of
such judgment is the condemnation of the devil.
• The Holy Spirit’s conviction of the world lays before them
the truth of God, so that they are without excuse but it
does not guarantee their salvation, and in fact most will
reject the Lord (Romans 1:18-20).
2. Efficacious Grace
a. This is grace that is effective in bringing salvation; it is
that which produces the desired effect. It is saving grace as
opposed to common grace.
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b. The biblical support of the doctrine is based on the use of
the word “call” (Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Peter 1:3,
10; John 6:37, 44; Galatians 1:15-16). To those not called
the gospel remains foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:21-29).
c. The need for effectual grace is found in the spiritual state
of the lost, who are:
1 Corinthians 2:14 – unable to discern
Romans 3:10-12 – do not seek God
Romans 5:10 – enemies of God
Romans 8:7-8 – unable to please God
Ephesians 2:1-3 – dead in sin
Ephesians 2:2 – led by Satan
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 – blind
• Common grace is sufficient to reveal God and thus to
condemn, but efficacious grace is necessary for salvation.
B. Regeneration
1. Definition: “The supernatural, instantaneous, and direct
act of God whereby He imparts eternal life to all that trust in
Christ.” Steven Waterhouse. It speaks of our new birth in
Christ (John 1:13).
2. Regeneration is not synonymous with justification,
sanctification or conversion—even though these may happen
at the same time.
• Justification is being “declared righteous”.
• Sanctification is being “set apart” to God.
• Conversion means a “turning around.”
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3. Due to the total depravity of man and the power of sin,
regeneration must be of God for it could never be
accomplished by man.
4. The agency of regeneration is the Holy Spirit. It is He
who gives spiritual life.
• John 3:3, 5-8
• Titus 3:5
5. Features of regeneration.
• It is not a process, it is instantaneous. No one is partially
regenerated.
• It is nonexperiential. That is, regeneration is not subject
to the senses—it is not a felt experience.
6. Results of regeneration
• New Life: new birth implies new life
• New creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The regenerate walk by the Spirit (Romans 8:4; Galatians
5:16) is led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14) and can be filled
with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
C. Indwelling
1. Definition: “The ministry of the Holy Spirit during the
church administration whereby at the moment of salvation
He takes up permanent residence in the believer.”
Steven Waterhouse
2. Who is indwelt?
a) Jesus clearly taught that there would be a major
change in the ministry of the Holy Spirit after His
departure (John 7:38-39; 14:16-17).
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b) The epistles indicated that all true believers are
indwelt by the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the very definition of a
Christian (Romans 8:9, 11; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Jude
19; 1 John 3:24).
c) There is never a command in the New Testament to
be indwelt; one is indwelt at the moment of conversion
(Galatians 3:2).
3. Indwelling is permanent
a) John 14:16-17, 23 promise that the Holy Spirit will
be with us forever.
b) The indwelling of the Spirit is linked with eternal
security. If the mark of the Christian is the indwelling
of the Spirit, then to lose that indwelling would be to
lose salvation. Another ministry of the Spirit—the
sealing ministry (see below) guarantees that we can
not lose our salvation.
c) Ephesians 4:30 tells us that sin can grieve the Spirit,
but it does not remove the Spirit.
D. Baptism
1. Baptism “in”, “with” or “by”. The Holy Spirit (en
pneuymati agio) is found in 7 New Testament passages
(Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5,
11:16 and 1 Corinthians 12:13).
2. This is important to observe because some have tried to
draw a distinction between baptism “by” the Spirit in 1
Corinthians 12:13 and “with” the Spirit in Acts 1:5. These
would teach the baptism in Acts is for power and the sign of
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the baptism is tongues. But the baptism in 1 Corinthians is
for spiritual union and is not evidenced by a sign.
3. In each of these passages it is Jesus who baptizes and
the Holy Spirit is the agent that Christ uses.
4. Definition: Christ placing a believer into the Spirit in order
to produce union with Christ and fellow believers.
Consequences of baptizing work chart.
a) Christ does the baptizing.
b) The believer is placed into the Spirit.
c) Resulting in union with Christ (Galatians 3:27, 28;
Romans 6:3, 5).
d) Resulting in union in the body of Christ
(1 Corinthians 12:13).
5. Timing and Scope: Since all Christians are Spirit-baptized,
this baptism had to occur at the moment of conversion.
There is no subsequent or second baptism of the Spirit
found in Scripture, and there is no command to seek Spirit
baptism.
6. Water baptism is the outward symbol of Spirit baptism.
7. “When the Scriptures wish to stress the Holy Spirit’s
presence in believers, they use the idea of indwelling. When
the Scriptures wish to stress the presence of believers in the
Holy Spirit, then they use the idea of baptizing.”
Waterhouse
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E. Sealing
1. Scriptural Support
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – It is an action of God.
• Ephesians 1:13-14 – We are sealed with the Holy Spirit
at the moment of conversion. We are sealed in Christ
with a “view to the redemption”.
• Ephesians 4:30 – We are sealed for the day of
redemption.
2. MEANING: “The Holy Spirit is the guarantee or pledge of
greater blessing to come. His work “seals” a believer until
the day of redemption” Waterhouse
It is the act whereby God places the believer in Christ and
seals the transaction with the Holy Spirit, guaranteeing
eternal redemption. It is God’s mark of ownership in the
believer.
3. Timing and Extent
All Christians are sealed at the moment of conversion,
promising their eternal redemption.
F. Filling
1. Definition: To be filled in the Scriptures often means to
be controlled. (Luke 4:28; 5:26; 6:11; Acts 3:10; 5:17;
13:45; 19:29; Romans 15:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 7:4;
Philippians 1:11). In Ephesians 5:18 Paul compares being
controlled by alcohol with being filled with the Spirit.
Therefore, to be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by
the Holy Spirit (cp. Luke 4:1; Acts 6:3, 5; 7:55; 11:24;
13:52).
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2. Characteristics
a) The Spirit-filled life is demanded in the Word
(Ephesians 5:18), while the indwelling, baptism,
regeneration and sealing ministries of the Holy Spirit
are not.
b) It is a repeated experience. This is not true of
baptism, indwelling, sealing or regeneration. This is
proven by the present tense of Ephesians 5:18; and
the examples in the book of Acts (2:4; 4:31).
c) It is experienced by the believer.
d) It comes when the believer meets the conditions.
• In the New Testament no one prays or “tarries”
for the filling. The condition for the filling is
obedience, submission to the will of God
(Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:19;
Ephesians 4:30).
3. Results
a) Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
b) Joyful/sharing hearts (Ephesians 5:19).
c) Thankfulness (Ephesians 5:20).
d) Submissiveness (Ephesians 5:21).
• These results are the same as allowing the Word
of Christ to dwell in us (Colossians 3:16-18).
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“A believer is not filled as a jug or bottle is filled with liquid.
If that were the idea then one would pray for more of the
Holy Spirit. The fact is, the Spirit is a person, the Third
Person of the Trinity. When a sinner trusts in Christ, he or
she is immediately indwelled by the Holy Spirit (Romans
8:9). At that point the believer possesses all of the Spirit he
or she will ever have. The issue then is not how much of
the Spirit a Christian possesses, but how much of the
Christian’s life the Spirit controls. In other words, the Spirit-
filled life is a Spirit-controlled life.” Stanley D. Toussaint
G. Guiding (Romans 8:14)
Being led by the Holy Spirit is not a mystical experience, but
rather the very definition of a Christian. All Christians are led
by the Spirit, but the context of Romans 8 is not decision
making, but rather sanctified living. The Spirit leads all
Christians toward holiness.
H. Praying (Romans 8:26-27)
Due to our weakness (singular) we do not have the ability to
know how to pray as we should. Therefore the Spirit
intercedes for us in ways which we could never understand.
We can be assured, however, that the Spirit’s prayers for us
are in accordance to the will of God. And it is the will of God to
work all things together for our good, which is conforming us
to Christlikeness.
I. Teaching/Illumination (John 16:12-15)
1. When given, the Lord was promising a future ministry
of the Holy Spirit in which He would guide the believer
into all truth. This body of truth would both come from
Christ and glorify Christ. This is not a promise of
inspiration for every believer, but rather the promise of
the revelation of Scripture given through the divinely
inspired authors of the New Testament (1 Corinthians
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2:6-10; Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 3:1-5; Hebrews 2:1-4;
John 14:26; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Jude 17).
2. Illumination, the doctrine that the Holy Spirit teaches
the believer individually, opening their eyes to the
understanding of Scripture, is based largely on 1 John
2:27. This interpretation of the passage runs into
problems when it says “you have no need for anyone to
teach you,” when clearly we must be diligent students of
the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) and be taught by gifted men
(Ephesians 4:11,12). The key to understanding the
passage is found in the word “anointing.” This anointing
is not a special endowment given to a select few, but is a
reference to the Holy Spirit coming on, or indwelling an
individual at the moment of conversion so all Christians
have been anointed by the Holy Spirit.
3. At the time of conversion the Holy Spirit removes our
spiritual blindness allowing us to see the glory of the Lord
(2 Corinthians 3:14-18; 4:3-6). This opening of our eyes
to the truth about Christ is the illuminating work of the
Holy Spirit. Additionally, as Christians the Holy Spirit
enlightens believers, enabling us to understand our position
as Christians, His power in us and to comprehend Christ’s
love for us (Ephesians 1:18-20;3:16-19).
4. The Holy Spirit does not personally instruct us in the
Scriptures, else all Spirit-filled Christians would believe
identically. But He opens our mind to spiritual truth so that
it can be appropriated in our lives. The Spirit’s ministry of
illumination allows for believers to possess spiritual
discernment that the unbeliever does not have.
(1 Corinthians 2:14-16)
J. Spiritual Gifts
1. Definition: “A divine endowment of a special ability for
service upon a member of the body of Christ” – Paul Enns
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Spiritual gifts are described in 4 places in the New
Testament: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians
4:10, 11; 1 Peter 4:10,11.
Two Greek words are used to describe spiritual gifts:
• Pneumatikos (1 Corinthians 12:1) meaning
“spirituals” or “spiritual things” emphasizing that
the Holy Spirit is the origin of spiritual gifts.
• Charisma (1 Corinthians 12:4) meaning “grace
gift.” Gifts find their source in God’s grace.
2. Purpose: To edify (or build up) the body of Christ
(1 Corinthians 12:7; 14:5, 12, 26); for the common good
(1 Corinthians 12:25).
• Gifts are not given for personal edification or spiritual
growth.
3. Distribution
• Spiritual gifts were apparently given by Christ through
the administration of the Holy Spirit at the time of
Christ’s ascension (Ephesians 4:10, 11).
• Every believer (apparently at the moment of
conversion) has been endowed with a spiritual gift or a
combination of gifts (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:7,
18).
• The gifts are sovereignly given according to the will of
the Spirit; not determined by the will and desire of
man (Romans 12:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:11,18; 28-30).
While all believers possess spiritual gifts the
recognition and development of these gifts may take
considerable time and maturity.
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4. Knowing one’s spiritual gift(s)
• Know the biblical gifts.
• Serve where opportunity affords.
• Seek council and feedback from wise and mature
Christians.
• Examine areas of interest and desire.
• Develop gifts.
5. The biblical gifts (See
The Holy Spirit
by Mike Vlach).
• Sign gifts (given in the early church to authenticate the
message and the messenger (2 Corinthians 12:12).
a. Apostleship (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians
4:11) The gift of apostleship was given to the Twelve.
Paul replace Judas (Revelation 21:14). This gift was
directly linked to the founding of the church (cf.
Ephesians 2:20) and was verified by miraculous signs
(cf. 2 Corinthians 12:12). This gift is not given today.
b. Prophecy (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10;
12:1-40; Ephesians 4:11) A person with the gift of
prophecy received direct revelation from God that he
or she was to proclaim to God’s people. This gift, too,
ceased after the church became established
(Ephesians 2:20).
c. Miracles (1 Corinthians 12:28) and Healings
(vv. 9, 28, 30) This was the ability to perform special
signs including healing. Though God heals people
today, no one possesses the gift of healing
(Hebrews 2:3, 4).
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d. Tongues and interpretation of tongues
(1 Corinthians 12:10) The gift of tongues was the
ability to speak in a foreign language that one had
never studied (cf. Acts 2:4-11). Interpretation of
tongues was a gifting that allowed a person to
translate what the tongues speaker had just said.
Tongues was a sign of judgment to unbelievers (cf. 1
Corinthians 14:22).
e. Wisdom and Knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8)
These gifts involved the ability to understand and
communicate direct revelation from God. They are not
operative today.
• Continuing gifts
a. Evangelism (Ephesians 4:11) This gift enables a
person to effectively proclaim Christ to those who were
unbelievers. In the New Testament evangelists
brought people to Christ and established churches.
b. Pastors (Ephesians 4:11) “This is the ability to
shepherd, provide for, care for, and protect God’s
people” (Ryrie, p. 373).
c. Teaching (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28;
Ephesians 4:12). This is the ability to explain God’s
Word to His people.
d. Serving (Helps) (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians
12:28; Ephesians 4:12)
e. Faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) This is the ability to
believe God for specific needs.
f. Exhortation (Romans 12:8) Exhortation is the
ability to encourage, comfort, and admonish God’s
people.
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g. Distinguishing Spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10)
This was the ability to distinguish between true and
false sources of supernatural revelation when it was
being given in oral form before the completion of the
canon. This gift is not in operation today.
h. Showing mercy (Romans 12:8) The ability to
give special comfort to the sick and afflicted.
i. Giving (Romans 12:8) The ability to be very
generous with one’s resources, in a manner that
edifies others.
j. Administration (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians
12:28) The ability to manage the church.
VI. POST-CHURCH AGE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. During the Tribulation
1. Many people will be saved during the Tribulation
(Revelation 7:3, 9; 14:1-5). So we can assume that the
Holy Spirit’s regeneration ministry continues, but we are
not told this specifically. The only mention of the Holy
Spirit in relation to salvation is in Zechariah 12:10 which
tells us the remnant of the nation of Israel will be saved
by the Spirit.
2. If the Holy Spirit’s indwelling ministry is unique to the
church age then it should be assumed that the ministry
of the Holy Spirit will return to the Old Testament
pattern. If so the Holy Spirit will not indwell believers
during the Tribulation.
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B. During the Millennium
1. Although all who initially enter the Millennial Kingdom will
be redeemed (Zechariah 13:8, 9; Matthew 25:31-46),
the children born during the Millennium will be
unregenerate. Many of these children will receive
salvation. It is probable, but never specifically stated,
that the Holy Spirit would give the new birth to these.
2. As for believers, Joel 2:28-29; Ezekiel 36:27; 37:14 and
Isaiah 59:21 affirm that the Holy Spirit will indwell them.
3. Christ will also minister during the Millennium in the
power of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2). Still, at the end
of the Millennium Satan will be able to incite multitudes
to rebel against Christ (Revelation 20:7-9).
C. Throughout Eternity
Although not specifically stated it can be safely assumed
that the Holy Spirit, as a member of the Trinity, will
continue to function within the Divine Being as He has
throughout eternity.
Published 2004
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THE MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
MINISTRY
TIME
CONDITION
CHARACTER
EXTENT
PURPOSE
RESULTS
REGENERATION
CP. Titus 3:5-7
Jn. 3
-At one's
conversion
-Once with
continuing effects
Eph.2:5
Faith in Christ
Jn. 1:12, 13
3:16
-Not repeated
-Not experienced
-Not subject to senses
Jn. 3:8
All Christians
Jn.1:12,13
NEW
NATURE
Eph. 4:24
2 Cor. 5:17
1.Partakers of Divine
Nature
2 Pet.1:4
2.New Birth
Jn.3:6
3.New Life
Eph.2:5-7
INDWELLING
CP.
Jn 14:16-17
Presence of
the Holy Spirit within
the believer
At one’s
conversion
Once with
continuing effects
Faith in Christ
Gal. 3:2, 14
-Not Repeated
-Not Experienced
Jn. 14:16-17
All Christians
Rom.8:9
Acts 10:44
NEW
PRESENCE
Jn. 14:16
1.Promise of Blessing
Eph.1:13-14
2.Holiness of Life
1 Cor. 6:
19-20
3.Fellowship
w/the Helper
Jn.14:16
15:26
BAPTIZING
CP. 1 Cor. 12:13
Brings believer into
body
-At one's
conversion
-Once with
continuing effects
Faith in Christ
Gal.3:26,27
-Not repeated
-Not Experienced
Eph. 4:5
All Christians
1 Cor.
12:13
NEW
POSITION
"IN CHRIST"
Rom 6:4, 5
1.Put in Body of Christ
1 Cor.12:12
2.Union w/ Christ
Rom. 6:1-4
3.New Responsibilities
1 Cor.12:13ff
SEALING
CP. Eph. 4:30
Assures Salvation
-At one's
conversion
-Once with
continuing effects
Eph. 1:13
Faith in Christ
Eph. 1:13
-Not repeated
-Not experienced
Eph. 4:30
All Christians
Eph. 1:13
NEW DESTINY
Eph. 4:30
1.Finished Transaction
2.Ownership-
like a brand
3.Security
Eph. 4:30
4.Assurance
Eph. 1:13
FILLING
CP. Eph. 5:18
Spirit's control of a
believers life
Anytime
conditions are
met
1.Quench Not
1 Thes. 5:19
Yield
Rom 12:1,2
2. Grieve Not
Eph.4:30
Confess
1 Jn.1:9
3. Walk by the
Spirit Gal.5:16,25
Obedience
Continuous
experience
Christians meeting
the conditions
NEW
POWER
1.Christian Character
Gal 5:16-26
2.Worship
Eph.5:18ff
3.Service
Eph.5:18ff