2012-3-13 06:55
CHAPTER V
PNEUMATOLOGY
I.The Person of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a person because he has intelligence (John 14:26; 1Cor 2:10-11), emotions (Eph. 4:30), mind (Rom. 8:27), and will (1Cor. 12:11). He can be the object of an action: to be lied to (Acts5:3-4), to be obeyed (Acts 10:19-21), to be resisted (Acts 7:51), to be quenched (1 Thess. 5:19), to be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31; Mark3:29), and to be insulted (Heb. 10:29) He can be the subject of an action: he teaches (John 14:26), he testifies (John 15:26), he guides(John 16:13), he convinces (John 16:8), he intercedes (Rom. 8:26),and he commands (Acts 13:2). He is a counselor (John 14:26; 15:26;16:7) as Jesus was (1 John 2:1; John 14:16). He is linked with the Father and the Son in analogy of their personality (Matt. 28:19; cf. Matt. 3:16-17; Rom. 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 13:14; 1Pet. 1:2; Jude 20-21). lie is masculine (John 15:26; 16:13-14).
Therefore,the Holy Spirit is different from and independent of the Father and the Son. He is not a vague thing of power, but a person who possesses and uses power, and works with the Father and the Son in divine ministries.
II. The Deity of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God as the Father and the Son are because he is self-existent (Gen. 1:2), eternal (Heb. 1:10-12; 9:14), omniscient(Is. 40:13; John 16:13), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), and omnipotent(Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30; Luke 1:35). The references to the Holy Spirit are interchangeable with references to God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor.3:16-17; 6:19-20). He is referred to "the Spirit of Jesus"(Acts 16:7) and "the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:11). The usual expression "the Spirit of God" in the Old Testament is synonymous with the term "the Holy Spirit" in the New Testament (cf Acts 1:8; 2:18). He was involved in the special ministries of God: creation of God (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm104:30), incarnation of Christ (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35), inspiration of the Bible (2 Pet. 1:21), regeneration of sinners (Tit. 3:5), and sanctification of believers (1 Pet. 1:2).
III. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit In Creation
The term "spirit" in Hebrew and Greek can mean "breath"and "wind." The Spirit was involved in the creation of God(Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 33:6; 104:30; Is. 32:15) and brought life to creatures (Gen. 2:7; 6:3; Psalm 104:29). His involvement shows his mighty power, and close relationship with God.
InRevelation
Before the completion of the Bible, God delivered his messages through human agents whom the Spirit of God came upon (Acts 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:21) and taught (1 Cor. 2:13). They were the prophets in Israel (Ezek. 2:2;3:24; 8:3; 11:1, 24; Micah 3:8), and persons outside of Israel's prophetic office (Num. 24:2; 2 Sam. 23:2; Mark 12:36; Acts 1:16;4:25; 15:28). The Holy Spirit is the real mediator of God's message between God and man.
InInspiration
The biblical writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit when they were writing the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21). The Holy Spirit superintended the thoughts, theology and words of those writers.Though the writing style and language of each writer is personal,there is no error in aspects of word and teaching.
InIllumination
The Holy Spirit illuminates the truth of God to help believers to understand it (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-11, 14-15;Eph. 1:17-19). After ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit was sent toconvince the world of sin and righteousness (John 16:8-11), and guidebelievers into the truth which was told (John 16:13-15; John 14:26)rather than he brings the new revelation. He plays the essential roleto help believers to understand the teachings in the Bible, and thegreatness of God.
In Evangelism
The Holy Spirit comes to convince the world of sin (John 16:8-11), bear witness of Christ (John 15:26), empower believers to witness ofChrist (Acts 1:8), and initiate believers for evangelism (Acts 8:29;10:19-20; 13:2), and decide the timing of the gospel spread (Acts16:6).
In Salvation
TheHoly Spirit initiates the Christian life of a person with conversion(Matt. 16:16-17; 1 Cor. 12:3) and regeneration (John 3:3-6) In conversion he convinces one of sin and of righteousness (John 16:8),and causes the one to repent (acknowledge and abandon personal sin)and believe (accept the redemptive work of Christ) so as to turn to God. In regeneration he miraculously transforms one (John 3:8), and implants spiritual life (John 3:3-6). He gave physical life to man in creation (Gen. 2:7). Since man sins, he is spiritually dead in sin(John 3:6; Col. 2:13). In regeneration the Holy Spirit gives a newlife, a spiritual life to an individual to begin a spiritual life, alife of sanctification.
To Believers in the Old Testament
Inthe Old Testament the Holy Spirit did not work on every believer noron some person all the time, and his presence was temporary. The HolySpirit equipped selected individuals for specific tasks:craftsmanship (EX. 31:3-5), administration (Gen. 41:38), ruling (Num.11:25;
27:18;Judges 3:10; 6:34), and strength (Judges 14:19). In addition, heinstructed the people (Neh. 9:20), and empowered the chosen kings ofIsrael (1 Sam. 10:1, 6-7; 16:13-14). It is noticeable that theempowerment of the Holy Spirit was irrelated to the spiritualcondition of the empowered persons (Num. 24:2; Judges 11:29; 14:6)but the purpose of divine justice.
To Believers in the New Testament
In the church age the ministry of the Holy Spirit is universal andpermanent in the community of believers. The Holy Spirit dwells withall the believers (John 14:16-17; Eph. 4:22), baptizes believers intothe body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13), gives the gifts to edify the body(1 Cor. 12:1-12), intercedes for them when they are weak (Rom.8:26-27), and witnesses that believers are children of God (Rom8:16).
InSanctification
Insanctification the Holy Spirit continues transforming a convertedbeliever to be like Jesus Christ in the moral and spirit aspects.Believers should obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order tomortify the flesh and produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:1-5; Gal 5:16, 22-26).
TheBaptism of the Holy Spirit
Thebaptism of the Holy Spirit separates believers from flesh tospiritual, free believers from sin (Rom. 6:6-7), and regenerates anew life to each believer (Matt. 3:11; John 3:3-8),. It happens uponthe conversion (John 3:3-5; 1 Cor. 12:3), and places a new believerinto the body of Christ (Gal. 3:27-28; 1 Cor. 12:13), which is theunion with Christ (Rom. 6:3) and with other believers.
Onthe contrary, the water baptism is different. A believer should takethe water baptism, but it may not happen since the personal conversion to the salvation of Jesus is made (Acts I 8:24-28). The believer decides and knows the time for the water baptism. The waterbaptism is the public confession in front of other believers and aqualification of membership of a local church.
TheIndwelling of the Holy Spirit
Theindwelling of the Holy Spirit is permanent (John 14:16), and extendedto all believers
(Eph.2:22). It is a sign as a guarantee of the salvation of a believer (2Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14).
Thephysical and spiritual existence are dependent of the presence of theHoly Spirit (Gen. 2:7,
14).He himself is the seal of salvation in the head of each believer(Rom. 8:14-17; 2 Cor. 1:22;
Eph.1:13; 4:30).
TheFilling of the Holy Spirit
Thefilling of the Holy Spirit is for believers to act under the controlof the Holy Spirit (cf Luke 1:15, 67). The filled believers willunderstand the things of God (1 Cor. 2:10-16), edify others about God(Acts 2; 4:8, 31; 7:55-56; 9:17-20; 11:44-46), and boldly live a holylife (Rom. 8:4-11; Eph. 5:18-21). Believers are encouraged to befilled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
The present tense of "be filled" implies that the filling ofthe Holy Spirit is a started and ongoing action rather than a seekingaction.
Speakingin tongues is thought a gift when believers are converted and filledby the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the conversion of a believers doesnot have to be followed by a sign of the filling (Acts 2:37-41;8:35-39), nor the fillingness have to come with the gift of tongues(Acts 4:31; 9:17-19; Eph. 5:19-21). Furthermore, the tongues are thehuman languages understandable to the listeners and are to preach theword of God (Acts 2:3-6; 10:46-47; 19:6). Though, besides tongues ofangels (1 Cor. 13:1), mentioned are the tongues unknown to human butGod (1 Cor. 14:2, 14), they are later pointed to be the humanlanguages in the Sam. chapter (1 Cor. 14:21, 23-24). Hence, theunknown tongues are unknown to some people with little understandingof these languages.
SpiritualGifts
TheNature of the Gifts. The spiritual gifts aregiven by the Holy Spirit at his will instead of human desire (1 Cor.12:11; Heb. 2:4; cf Acts 2, 8, 10, 19) though we are encouraged todesire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1). The gifts should be used alongwith love (1 Cor. 13:1-3; 14:1). The time of endowment of the gifts,at birth or conversion, is unknown. Natural talents may form thebasis of spiritual gifts, but they may or may not serve for spiritualpurpose.
TheExtent of the Gifts. Every believer receives at least agift (1 Cor 12:11; 12:7-11;
Eph.4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). No one gift is given to everyone (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 12:28-30), and no
onepossesses all of gifts (1 Cor. 12:14-21). AU. gifts are important toeach other (1 Cor.
12:22-26).There are lists of the gifts in epistles of Paul and Peter (Rom.12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11;
Eph.4:11; 1 Pet. 4:11).
ThePurpose of the Gifts. The purpose of the spiritual giftsis to edify the whole church through the gifted persons (1 Cor. 12:7;14:5, 12; Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Pet. 4:10). The gifts are bestowed on thechurch, and different gifts on different believers in the church towork together, grow together, and edify the whole church.
Temporaryversus Permanent Gifts. Permanent gifts refer to those giftsthat can be found throughout the church age, and that continue edifythe body of Christ, such ministering, teaching, ruling, exhortation(Rom. 12:6-8).
Temporarygifts are those that existed in the early church when the foundationof Christianity was founded. They are miraculous sign gifts toauthenticate the authority of those who preached the message of diegospel prior to the completion of the written word of God (John 3:2;Heb. 2:3-4). The primary examples of the temporary gifts are those ofmiracles and healing (1 Cor. 12:28). They are usually associated withthe apostles (Acts 4:21-22; 5:15-16; 9:33-34, 40; 14:8-10; 19:11-12;20:10) to validate their authority (2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20). Sincethe foundation of the universal church was established, it isunnecessary that die temporary gifts exist any more (Phil. 2:26-26:1Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20; cf. 1 Cor. 13:8; 2 Cor. 12:7-9).
PNEUMATOLOGY
I.The Person of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a person because he has intelligence (John 14:26; 1Cor 2:10-11), emotions (Eph. 4:30), mind (Rom. 8:27), and will (1Cor. 12:11). He can be the object of an action: to be lied to (Acts5:3-4), to be obeyed (Acts 10:19-21), to be resisted (Acts 7:51), to be quenched (1 Thess. 5:19), to be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31; Mark3:29), and to be insulted (Heb. 10:29) He can be the subject of an action: he teaches (John 14:26), he testifies (John 15:26), he guides(John 16:13), he convinces (John 16:8), he intercedes (Rom. 8:26),and he commands (Acts 13:2). He is a counselor (John 14:26; 15:26;16:7) as Jesus was (1 John 2:1; John 14:16). He is linked with the Father and the Son in analogy of their personality (Matt. 28:19; cf. Matt. 3:16-17; Rom. 8:9-11; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; 13:14; 1Pet. 1:2; Jude 20-21). lie is masculine (John 15:26; 16:13-14).
Therefore,the Holy Spirit is different from and independent of the Father and the Son. He is not a vague thing of power, but a person who possesses and uses power, and works with the Father and the Son in divine ministries.
II. The Deity of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God as the Father and the Son are because he is self-existent (Gen. 1:2), eternal (Heb. 1:10-12; 9:14), omniscient(Is. 40:13; John 16:13), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10), and omnipotent(Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30; Luke 1:35). The references to the Holy Spirit are interchangeable with references to God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor.3:16-17; 6:19-20). He is referred to "the Spirit of Jesus"(Acts 16:7) and "the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:11). The usual expression "the Spirit of God" in the Old Testament is synonymous with the term "the Holy Spirit" in the New Testament (cf Acts 1:8; 2:18). He was involved in the special ministries of God: creation of God (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm104:30), incarnation of Christ (Matt. 1:20; Luke 1:35), inspiration of the Bible (2 Pet. 1:21), regeneration of sinners (Tit. 3:5), and sanctification of believers (1 Pet. 1:2).
III. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit In Creation
The term "spirit" in Hebrew and Greek can mean "breath"and "wind." The Spirit was involved in the creation of God(Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 33:6; 104:30; Is. 32:15) and brought life to creatures (Gen. 2:7; 6:3; Psalm 104:29). His involvement shows his mighty power, and close relationship with God.
InRevelation
Before the completion of the Bible, God delivered his messages through human agents whom the Spirit of God came upon (Acts 1:16; 2 Pet. 1:21) and taught (1 Cor. 2:13). They were the prophets in Israel (Ezek. 2:2;3:24; 8:3; 11:1, 24; Micah 3:8), and persons outside of Israel's prophetic office (Num. 24:2; 2 Sam. 23:2; Mark 12:36; Acts 1:16;4:25; 15:28). The Holy Spirit is the real mediator of God's message between God and man.
InInspiration
The biblical writers were inspired by the Holy Spirit when they were writing the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21). The Holy Spirit superintended the thoughts, theology and words of those writers.Though the writing style and language of each writer is personal,there is no error in aspects of word and teaching.
InIllumination
The Holy Spirit illuminates the truth of God to help believers to understand it (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-14; 1 Cor. 2:10-11, 14-15;Eph. 1:17-19). After ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit was sent toconvince the world of sin and righteousness (John 16:8-11), and guidebelievers into the truth which was told (John 16:13-15; John 14:26)rather than he brings the new revelation. He plays the essential roleto help believers to understand the teachings in the Bible, and thegreatness of God.
In Evangelism
The Holy Spirit comes to convince the world of sin (John 16:8-11), bear witness of Christ (John 15:26), empower believers to witness ofChrist (Acts 1:8), and initiate believers for evangelism (Acts 8:29;10:19-20; 13:2), and decide the timing of the gospel spread (Acts16:6).
In Salvation
TheHoly Spirit initiates the Christian life of a person with conversion(Matt. 16:16-17; 1 Cor. 12:3) and regeneration (John 3:3-6) In conversion he convinces one of sin and of righteousness (John 16:8),and causes the one to repent (acknowledge and abandon personal sin)and believe (accept the redemptive work of Christ) so as to turn to God. In regeneration he miraculously transforms one (John 3:8), and implants spiritual life (John 3:3-6). He gave physical life to man in creation (Gen. 2:7). Since man sins, he is spiritually dead in sin(John 3:6; Col. 2:13). In regeneration the Holy Spirit gives a newlife, a spiritual life to an individual to begin a spiritual life, alife of sanctification.
To Believers in the Old Testament
Inthe Old Testament the Holy Spirit did not work on every believer noron some person all the time, and his presence was temporary. The HolySpirit equipped selected individuals for specific tasks:craftsmanship (EX. 31:3-5), administration (Gen. 41:38), ruling (Num.11:25;
27:18;Judges 3:10; 6:34), and strength (Judges 14:19). In addition, heinstructed the people (Neh. 9:20), and empowered the chosen kings ofIsrael (1 Sam. 10:1, 6-7; 16:13-14). It is noticeable that theempowerment of the Holy Spirit was irrelated to the spiritualcondition of the empowered persons (Num. 24:2; Judges 11:29; 14:6)but the purpose of divine justice.
To Believers in the New Testament
In the church age the ministry of the Holy Spirit is universal andpermanent in the community of believers. The Holy Spirit dwells withall the believers (John 14:16-17; Eph. 4:22), baptizes believers intothe body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13), gives the gifts to edify the body(1 Cor. 12:1-12), intercedes for them when they are weak (Rom.8:26-27), and witnesses that believers are children of God (Rom8:16).
InSanctification
Insanctification the Holy Spirit continues transforming a convertedbeliever to be like Jesus Christ in the moral and spirit aspects.Believers should obey the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order tomortify the flesh and produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:1-5; Gal 5:16, 22-26).
TheBaptism of the Holy Spirit
Thebaptism of the Holy Spirit separates believers from flesh tospiritual, free believers from sin (Rom. 6:6-7), and regenerates anew life to each believer (Matt. 3:11; John 3:3-8),. It happens uponthe conversion (John 3:3-5; 1 Cor. 12:3), and places a new believerinto the body of Christ (Gal. 3:27-28; 1 Cor. 12:13), which is theunion with Christ (Rom. 6:3) and with other believers.
Onthe contrary, the water baptism is different. A believer should takethe water baptism, but it may not happen since the personal conversion to the salvation of Jesus is made (Acts I 8:24-28). The believer decides and knows the time for the water baptism. The waterbaptism is the public confession in front of other believers and aqualification of membership of a local church.
TheIndwelling of the Holy Spirit
Theindwelling of the Holy Spirit is permanent (John 14:16), and extendedto all believers
(Eph.2:22). It is a sign as a guarantee of the salvation of a believer (2Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13-14).
Thephysical and spiritual existence are dependent of the presence of theHoly Spirit (Gen. 2:7,
14).He himself is the seal of salvation in the head of each believer(Rom. 8:14-17; 2 Cor. 1:22;
Eph.1:13; 4:30).
TheFilling of the Holy Spirit
Thefilling of the Holy Spirit is for believers to act under the controlof the Holy Spirit (cf Luke 1:15, 67). The filled believers willunderstand the things of God (1 Cor. 2:10-16), edify others about God(Acts 2; 4:8, 31; 7:55-56; 9:17-20; 11:44-46), and boldly live a holylife (Rom. 8:4-11; Eph. 5:18-21). Believers are encouraged to befilled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
The present tense of "be filled" implies that the filling ofthe Holy Spirit is a started and ongoing action rather than a seekingaction.
Speakingin tongues is thought a gift when believers are converted and filledby the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the conversion of a believers doesnot have to be followed by a sign of the filling (Acts 2:37-41;8:35-39), nor the fillingness have to come with the gift of tongues(Acts 4:31; 9:17-19; Eph. 5:19-21). Furthermore, the tongues are thehuman languages understandable to the listeners and are to preach theword of God (Acts 2:3-6; 10:46-47; 19:6). Though, besides tongues ofangels (1 Cor. 13:1), mentioned are the tongues unknown to human butGod (1 Cor. 14:2, 14), they are later pointed to be the humanlanguages in the Sam. chapter (1 Cor. 14:21, 23-24). Hence, theunknown tongues are unknown to some people with little understandingof these languages.
SpiritualGifts
TheNature of the Gifts. The spiritual gifts aregiven by the Holy Spirit at his will instead of human desire (1 Cor.12:11; Heb. 2:4; cf Acts 2, 8, 10, 19) though we are encouraged todesire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1). The gifts should be used alongwith love (1 Cor. 13:1-3; 14:1). The time of endowment of the gifts,at birth or conversion, is unknown. Natural talents may form thebasis of spiritual gifts, but they may or may not serve for spiritualpurpose.
TheExtent of the Gifts. Every believer receives at least agift (1 Cor 12:11; 12:7-11;
Eph.4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10). No one gift is given to everyone (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 12:28-30), and no
onepossesses all of gifts (1 Cor. 12:14-21). AU. gifts are important toeach other (1 Cor.
12:22-26).There are lists of the gifts in epistles of Paul and Peter (Rom.12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11;
Eph.4:11; 1 Pet. 4:11).
ThePurpose of the Gifts. The purpose of the spiritual giftsis to edify the whole church through the gifted persons (1 Cor. 12:7;14:5, 12; Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Pet. 4:10). The gifts are bestowed on thechurch, and different gifts on different believers in the church towork together, grow together, and edify the whole church.
Temporaryversus Permanent Gifts. Permanent gifts refer to those giftsthat can be found throughout the church age, and that continue edifythe body of Christ, such ministering, teaching, ruling, exhortation(Rom. 12:6-8).
Temporarygifts are those that existed in the early church when the foundationof Christianity was founded. They are miraculous sign gifts toauthenticate the authority of those who preached the message of diegospel prior to the completion of the written word of God (John 3:2;Heb. 2:3-4). The primary examples of the temporary gifts are those ofmiracles and healing (1 Cor. 12:28). They are usually associated withthe apostles (Acts 4:21-22; 5:15-16; 9:33-34, 40; 14:8-10; 19:11-12;20:10) to validate their authority (2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20). Sincethe foundation of the universal church was established, it isunnecessary that die temporary gifts exist any more (Phil. 2:26-26:1Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20; cf. 1 Cor. 13:8; 2 Cor. 12:7-9).
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