The Work of the Holy Spirit

Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Work of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit, often called "the Spirit of God" in the Old Testament, has a diverse and pervasive role in God's activity across all eras, from creation to the present day.In the Old Testament, the Spirit was active in creation, "hovering over the waters," and in giving prophecy and Scripture, carrying prophets along to speak God's word. He also endowed individuals with necessary skills for tasks like building the tabernacle and empowered administration and leadership for figures like Joseph, Moses's elders, and judges such as Othniel and Gideon. Beyond dramatic events, the Spirit produced moral and spiritual qualities, including righteousness and the fear of the Lord, and anticipated a future, more complete outpouring.The Holy Spirit had a pervasive and powerful presence throughout Jesus's life. He was the agent of Jesus's conception and descended upon Him at His baptism, immediately leading Him into temptation. Jesus conducted His ministry, teaching, and miracles through the Spirit's power, specifically attributing exorcisms to the "Spirit of God." Notably, Jesus's life showed no ecstatic phenomena or specific teaching on charismatic gifts.In the Christian's life, the Spirit's work is essential from the beginning. He convicts the world of sin, which is prerequisite for repentance, and is the agent of regeneration, the "new birth," a miraculous transformation necessary for entering God's kingdom. The sources indicate that the normal pattern since the transitional period in Acts is for conversion and the baptism of the Holy Spirit to coincide.The Spirit continues to work by empowering believers for ministry, indwelling and illuminating them to understand truth and Scripture, and interceding for them when they don't know how to pray. A key role is sanctification, the ongoing transformation of character, producing the "fruit of the Spirit": love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are considered the real evidence of the Spirit at work in Christians and are more important than spectacular gifts.Regarding special gifts (charismata), particularly spectacular ones like speaking in tongues, there is ongoing debate. Arguments for their continuation cite instances in Acts, experiential benefits, and Paul's lack of prohibition. Arguments against them cite historical cessation, fulfilled purpose in authenticating revelation, and non-Spirit parallels. The sources advise that it's not possible to determine with certainty whether contemporary phenomena are genuine. The practical consequence of this debate is limited, as believers are not to set their lives to seeking gifts, since the Spirit bestows them sovereignly. Instead, the command is to "be filled with the Holy Spirit," allowing Him to possess more of one's life. Public practice of gifts like tongues should follow Pauline guidelines, emphasizing edification and order. Ultimately, the focus is on God, the one who bestows gifts for the edification of the church and His glorification.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730