Systematic Theology: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Part 1: God the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

Pastor Terrie Beede continued the "Studies in Theology" series at Calvary Chapel Milwaukee with session 19, focusing on "The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Part 1: God the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament". The foundational text for this series is 1 Timothy 4:16, which exhorts ministers like Timothy to "take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine" and "continue in them". This diligent adherence to doctrine, both personally and in public teaching, is crucial for ministers to faithfully fulfill their charge and for the congregation to be nourished in truth, thereby saving themselves and those who hear them.This session built upon previous studies that included an introduction to theology, the existence of God and its four classical arguments, a multi-part discussion on the Trinity (emphasizing the equal possession of all divine perfections and attributes by each member), the doctrine of Scripture (its inspiration, authority, and inherency), the attributes of God, God the Father, and God the Son (culminating in the atonement). The study of the Holy Spirit aligns with the Calvary Chapel Milwaukee statement of faith, which affirms belief "in the person of the Holy Spirit who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment and to regenerate, sanctify, and empower all who believe in Christ for ministry".The discussion delved into foundational issues concerning the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, examining His person, deity, and work. While the Holy Spirit is not explicitly identified as an individual person in the Old Testament in the same way as in the New Testament, passages infer His personality, often referring to Him as "my spirit" or "the spirit of God". The Holy Spirit is demonstrated to possess the same divine attributes as the Father and the Son, including omnipresence (being fully present everywhere at all times), omniscience (knowing all things—past, present, future, and all possibilities), omnipotence (possessing absolute power to do whatever He wills), and sovereignty (His absolute freedom and control, not subject to man's will). Examples illustrating His power and sovereignty include Ezekiel being literally transported by the Spirit, the Spirit departing from Samson, and Balaam being compelled by the Spirit to bless Israel despite his own intentions. This underscores that the Spirit cannot be "tamed" or controlled by human desires, but rather, one must yield to Him.The work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is primarily characterized by His function as the executive of God, carrying out God's commands and decrees. He acted as a witness, striving with humanity and delaying judgment, as seen before the great flood (Genesis 6:3). He is also portrayed as the spirit of wisdom and instruction, granting wisdom for leadership (e.g., Moses and the elders in Numbers 11:17) and for artistry and craftsmanship (e.g., in Exodus 31 for building the Tabernacle). Furthermore, He empowered individuals to prophesy, as exemplified by Saul among the prophets (1 Samuel 10:7-13), highlighting His role as a spirit of empowerment for specific tasks and callings.The limited, often vague, manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament—where He came upon specific individuals for service—is understood in light of God's holiness and humanity's separation from God before the atoning work of Christ. The temple veil symbolized this barrier. However, New Testament passages, like those in Hebrews and 2 Peter, clarify that Old Testament writers spoke and wrote "by the Holy Ghost," making Him the ultimate author of scripture. Significantly, the coming of the Holy Spirit was foretold in the Old Testament, prophesying a future outpouring on all flesh, a promise that would be fulfilled through Jesus Christ's completed work.