PNEUMATOLOGY – The Theology of the “Holy Spirit”

The Person of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity possessing completely the essence and attributes of the Godhead.

1. 1) His Personality – The Holy Spirit has all the qualities that a personality consists of: Cognition (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), volition (1 Corinthians 12:11), and emotion (Ephesians 4:30). His personality is further demonstrated through His work.
   
2. 2) His Deity – The Holy Spirit in Scripture is identified as God (Acts 5:3) and ascribes to Him the attributes of deity (1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Genesis 1:2; Psalms 139:7). His deity is further demonstrated through His work.

The Work of the Holy Spirit

1) Under the Old Covenant

The Holy Spirit was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2) and revealed God to man through men (Numbers 11:25). He came upon certain individuals in order to fulfill His divine plans or offices (Genesis 41:38; Daniel 4:8; Psalms 51:11). He also guided men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to write the holy Scriptures (2 Peter 2:20-21).

2) Under the New Covenant

a. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to Christ – Jesus was wrought by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18, 20). During His earthly ministry, He was anointed and empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; 4:18; Acts 10:38).

b. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to unbelievers – Through the proclamation of the gospel, the Holy Spirit brings conviction to the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8-11). He also restrains evil in the world (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

c. The Holy Spirit’s ministry to believer’s – At salvation the Holy Spirit regenerates (Titus 3:5; John 3:5-8; Ephesians 2:5), seals (Ephesians 1:13), indwells (Romans 8:9), gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7) and baptizes the believer into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). He also gives insight into the Word of God (John 14:26), the Spirit fills continuously (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:31), empowers (Acts 1:8), comforts (John 16:7), sanctifies (1 Thessalonians 5:23) and teaches and guides (Romans 8:19; John 16:13).

1. Baptism of the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit permanently immerses or baptizes the believer into the body of Christ at the moment of salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13).
   
2. Filling of the Holy Spirit – The Spirit fills the believer continuously throughout the believer’s life. The believer is filled to the degree they yield to the Holy Spirit and His Word (Ephesians 5:18; Colossians 3:16).
   
3. Gifts of the Spirit – Spiritual gifts are given for the common good of all in the body (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gifts are given sovereignly and to fulfill His purposes (1 Corinthians 12:11). Spiritual gifts are given to aid in edification (1 Corinthians 14:5, 26) and evangelism (1 Corinthians 14:24,25). The gifts should be placed in the three following categories:

   a) Support gifts: (i.e. apostles, prophet, evangelist, pastor-teachers) – gifts that establish the church (Ephesians 4:11).

   b) Service gifts (i.e. administration, teaching, giving) – gifts that sustain the church (Romans 12:3-8).

   c) Sign Gifts –(i.e. tongues, healing, miracles) – gifts that authenticate the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).