The Holy Spirit, Part 1

The work of God the Spirit is not independent of the work of God the Father or God the Son. They have different roles, but they work together toward the same goal. (John 16:5-15) The Father sends the Son. (John 6:44; 8:18) The Father and Son send the Spirit. (John 14:26; 15:26). The Spirit carries out the will of God in and through His chosen ones, sealing them until the fullness of their inheritance. (Ephesians 1:4; 1:13-14)

The astounding work of the Holy Spirit is then found to be absolutely necessary to complete the work of Christ in His chosen people. The Father and Son send the Spirit Who now lives in the hearts of those who love God. (Romans 5:5) The Spirit, having been poured out in our hearts, enables God to work directly within us for the salvation of our souls, keeping us so that we endure until the end. (Matthew 10:22; Ephesians 1:13-14) It may be said then that without the Holy Spirit salvation is impossible. This doctrine also reveals the importance of working out one’s salvation with fear and trembling, because in doing so, we prove that the Spirit of Christ is in our hearts. (Acts 7:51; Romans 8:9-11)

To add to this John Owen says,

This work of the Spirit being not an original but a perfecting work, it supposes the love, grace, counsel and eternal purpose of the Father […] But in the new creation, God intends the special revelation of each person [of the Trinity] distinctly, in his peculiar distinct operations; a full discovery of the economy of the Holy Trinity, with superior light to what was afforded under the Old Testament. We find in the saints of old, vigorous actings of faith and ardent affections in their approaches to God; but as to a clear access to the Father—through the Son—by the Spirit, Ephesians 2:18, (wherein the life of our communion with God consists) we hear nothing of it. Herein therefore God plainly declares, that the foundation of the whole was him even as they honour the Father, John 5:23; and the actual application of all to the souls of men is by the Spirit [Ephesians 2:22], that they may be partakers of the grace designed in the counsel of the Father, and prepared in the mediation of the Son. And herein is the Holy Ghost to be glorified, that he, together with the Father and Son, may be known, adored, and worshipped. [emphasis mine] (A Discourse Concerning the Holy Spirit, pg. 107-108)

 

 


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