The Holy Spirit
Prepared by Chris Reeves for the Memorial Bvd. church of Christ
Fall Quarter 2004
Why Study the Holy Spirit?

He is the neglected member of the
Godhead
•
Neglected in preaching and study
(Ac. 19:2)
“Holy Spirit” is found 94 times in the Bible
th c.) and Jesus (19th c.) have been
 God (18
given attention, but what about the H.S.?
 “Holy Ghost” vs. “Holy Spirit” (see KJV on
Lk. 4:1; Jn. 7:39; Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 2:10-14)
 “Ghost” (A.S. gast) originally meant “soul,”
but could be thought of as a pale, shadowy
apparition
2

Why Study the Holy Spirit?

He is the neglected member of the
Godhead
•
Neglected in preaching and study
(Ac. 19:2)
 “Spirit” comes from the Heb. ruach, and the
Gr. pneuma, meaning breath; wind
“Spirit” used in different ways: human spirit,
angels, demons, attitude, and the Holy Spirit
 “Spirit” with a capital “S” or small “s”? The
context determines!

3
Why Study the Holy Spirit?

He is the neglected member of the
Godhead
•
•
Neglected in preaching and study
(Ac. 19:2)
Neglected in prayer (Jude 20)
4
Why Study the Holy Spirit?

He is the misunderstood member of the
Godhead
•
•
Misunderstood as to who he is
Misunderstood as to what he does, and
how he does it
Denominationalism (direct operation today)
 Pentecostalism (miraculous gifts today)
 Modernism (denied today)

5
Why Study the Holy Spirit?

He is the misunderstood member of the
Godhead
•
•
Some pray to the Holy Spirit, and worship the
Holy Spirit, but without Bible authority
Others claim baptism in the Holy Spirit
(FGCBMF), but are not unified (1 Cor. 12:13)
6
Why Study the Holy Spirit?






To Understand His Presence (from Gen. 1:2
to Rev. 22:17)
To Appreciate More His Mission (Jn. 16:8)
To Speak Correctly of Him (Tit. 2:1,8)
To Be Able to Refute Errors Taught About
Him (Ac. 8:17-20)
To Accept His All-Sufficient Word (Jn. 14:26)
To Be His Temple (1 Cor. 6:19)
7
Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is a real being
•
•
•
He is not just a human emotional feeling; a
“better-felt-than-told” experience.
He is real
What we know about the Holy Sprit is
determined by Scripture, not by feeling
(Rom. 10:17; Heb. 1:1-2)
8
Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is a spirit being
•
•
He is not a physical being (Lk. 24:39),
though he may indwell a bodily form
(Lk. 3:22; Jn. 1:33).
He is a spirit (Gen. 1:2)
9
Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is a personal being
•
•
•
•
•
•
He is not an “it;” an impersonal force, energy
or influence that pervades the universe
(popular in ancient Greek philosophy).
He is a person (Jn. 16:7-8,13-14, etc.)
He has personal traits (Rom. 15:30; etc.)
He has personal actions (Ac. 13:2,4; etc.)
He shares personal relations (Mt. 28:19; etc.)
He suffers personal injury (Mt. 12:32; Ac.
7:51; Eph. 4:30, etc.)
10
Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is a divine being
•
•
•
•
He is not an angel, or God’s “power” but a
separate member of the Godhead (Lk. 1:35).
He possesses the name of deity (Ac. 5:3-4)
He possesses the attributes deity (Heb. 9:14)
He performs the works of deity (Gen. 1:1-2;
Jn. 3:5)
11
Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit Is …
•
•
•
•
Real
Spirit
Divine
Personal
12
Who is the Holy Spirit?

Man-made arguments against the
personhood of the Holy Spirit…
• “The word for spirit (Gr. pneuma) is neuter
(Rom. 8:16,26)”

•
Answer: A neuter word is determined by the
context
The term “Holy Spirit” is not a name

Answer: A name is not necessary to be a
person
13
Who is the Holy Spirit?

Man-made arguments against the
personhood of the Holy Spirit…
•
The Holy Spirit is not a “family” member like
“Father” or Son”

•
Answer: “Father” and “Son” are not strict
biological family terms when applied to deity
The Holy Spirit has not been manifest as a
person

Answer: Jesus was not manifest as a person
prior to his incarnation, yet he was a person
14
Who is the Holy Spirit?

Man-made arguments against the
personhood of the Holy Spirit…
•
The Holy Spirit was “poured out” (Joel 2:28)

•
Answer: The Greek is “I will pour out from
(apo) the Holy Spirit…”
The Holy Spirit is the power of God
(Lk. 1:35)

Answer: The context show the H.S. working
along side of God
15
Who is the Holy Spirit?


Let us have a greater appreciation for the
Holy Spirit’s interest in us
If the Holy Spirit is striving for us to be
saved, let us put forth greater effort in our
own behalf
16
Why Study the Godhead?


All that we know about the Godhead
comes from the Bible
Because we must instruct others about
who is divine (Mt. 22:41-46)
17
The Godhead

Defining the Godhead
•
•
English term: the word “Trinity” (three-inone) is not in the Bible, but the doctrine is
Hebrew terms: “God” (El and Elohim) =
strength; mighty; deity; God
18
The Godhead

Defining the Godhead
•
Greek terms:
 “God” (theos) = the person of God (Mt.
1:23; etc.)
 “Godhead” or “Divine” (theios) = the
quality of deity (Ac. 17:29; NASV; 2 Pet.
1:3,4)
 “Godhead” (theotes) = the essence of
deity (Col. 2:9)
 “Divinity” (theiotes) = the attributes of
deity (Rom. 1:20)
19
The Godhead

Three Truths of the Godhead
1. Unity: one Godhead (Deut. 6:4; Isa. 45:5;
Jas. 2:19)
2. Individuality: one Godhead in three
persons (e.g., one humanity made up of
many persons; and one deity made up of
three persons)
Gen. 1:26-27
 Lk. 3:21-22
 Jn. 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:14
 Acts 7:55

20
The Godhead

Three Truths of the Godhead
3. Divinity: three persons who are fully divine,
same in nature and essence (like H20 as a solid,
liquid and vapor)
the Father is “God” divine (Eph. 4:6)
 God the Son is “God” divine (Heb. 1:8)
 God the H.S. is “God” divine (Ac. 5:3-4)

21
The Godhead
22
The Godhead

Denials of the Godhead
•
•
•
Denials of the unity of the Godhead
(Polytheism, Tritheism, Mormonism)
Denials of the individuality of the Godhead
(Gnosticism, Monarchianism, Sabellianism,
Marcellianism, United Pentecostals)
Denials of the divinity of the Godhead
(Subordinationism, Arianism, J.W.s,
Unitarians)
23
The Godhead

Revelation of the Godhead
•
•
The doctrine of the Godhead is found only
in the Bible…
Mt. 28:19; Lk. 1:35; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor.
13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; Tit. 3:4-6; 1 Pet. 1:2;
Jude 20-21; Rev. 1:4-5
24
The Godhead





Works of the Godhead
Creation (Gen.1:1-2)
Incarnation (Lk. 1:35)
Identification (Mt. 3:16-17)
Redemption (Tit. 3:4-6)
Propitiation (Heb. 9:14)





Works of the Godhead
Resurrection (Rom. 8:11)
Inspiration (Jn. 15:26)
Delegation (Jn. 20:21-22)
Sanctification (Jude 20-21)
Benediction (2 Cor. 13:14)
25
The Godhead

Man-made Arguments Against the
Godhead
•
•
“The Bible says God is ‘one’ (Deut. 6:4;
Jn. 10:30)”
Answer: Both passages refer to unity, not
the numeral one (see Jn. 17:11,21; 1 Cor.
3:8; 6:16). Deut. 6:4 teaches that God is
united, not that God is one (singular)
person
26
The Godhead

Practical Lessons from the Godhead
•
•
All three created us because they wanted
to (Gen. 1:1-2; Jn. 1:1-3), so we should be
honored (Psa. 8:4-5)
All three sustain us , so we should be
thankful (Ac. 17:25; Col. 1:17; Psa.
104:30)
27
The Godhead

Practical Lessons from the Godhead
•
•
All three desire our salvation, so we should
be obedient (Tit. 3:3-4; Mt. 28:19)
All three work together in unity for our
good, so we should be unified in the home
(Gen. 1:26-27; 2:24; Eph. 5:31), and in
the church (Eph. 4:1-6)
28
The Holy Spirit and Jesus



The Holy Spirit and the Coming of Jesus
(Isa. 11:2; 61:1)
The Holy Spirit and the Birth of Jesus
(Mt. 1:18,20; Isa. 7:14; Lk. 1:35)
The Holy Spirit and the Baptism of Jesus
(Mt. 3:13-17; Lk. 3:21-22; Mk. 1:10; Jn.
1:31-34; 3:34)
29
The Holy Spirit and Jesus



The Holy Spirit and the Temptation of
Jesus (Mt. 4:1ff; Mk. 1:12; Lk. 4:1ff,14)
The Holy Spirit and the Ministry of Jesus
(Isa. 11:1-2; 42:1-2; 48:16; 59:21; 61:13; Mt. 12:18-21,28; Lk. 4:14-15,18-21;
10:21; Ac. 1:2; 4:27; 10:38)
The Holy Spirit and the Death,
Resurrection, & Ascension of Jesus
(Heb. 9:14; Rom. 1:4; 8:11; Ac. 2:32-36;
Jn. 16:14)
30
The Holy Spirit and Jesus



The H.S. gave witness to Jesus (1 Jn. 5:6-8)
Those who are led by the H.S. recognize
Jesus (1 Cor. 12:3)
Jesus was under the complete control and
influence of the Holy Spirit … how about you
today (Rom. 8:4ff)?
•
•
•
Facing temptation today?
Going about doing good today?
Life from the dead today?
31
God
Direct Line of Divine
Revelation
from God to Man
Holy Spirit
Prophets
Apostles
Scripture
All Mankind
32
33
Holy Spirit Revelation



Scripture is the mind of God revealed
through the H.S. (1 Cor. 2:9-13; 2 Tim.
3:16)
Scripture is not the private and personal
opinions of man (2 Pet. 1:20-21)
Scripture contains all the truth, pastpresent-future, given by the H.S. (Jn.
14:26; 15:26; 16:8-14)
34
Holy Spirit Revelation


Prophets spoke by the H.S. (2 Sam. 23:2;
1 Chron. 28:12; Neh. 9:30; Mt. 22:43; Mk.
12:36; 13:11; Lk. 2:25-26; 12:12; Ac.
1:2,16; 2:4; 4:25; 20:23; 21:11; 28:25;
Rom. 9:1; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 1 Thess. 1:5;
Heb. 3:7; 9:8; 10:15-16; 1 Pet. 1:10-12; 1
Tim. 4:1; Rev. 2:7; 14:13)
Resisting the Scripture is resisting the H.S.
(Neh. 9:30; Isa. 63:10; Ac. 7:51-52)
35
Holy Spirit Revelation

The Truth of the Holy Spirit Is Now …
•
•
•
•
Revealed to Us – We should study and
know it (Ephesians 3:3-5)
Confirmed for Us – We can believe and
trust it (Hebrews 2:3-4)
Completed for Us – We must not add to it
or take from it (John 16:13)
Life-giving in Us – We must obey it and
apply it (John 6:68)
36
Holy Spirit Baptism



Mainline denominations following
Calvinism refer to it as an “experience of
grace”
Pentecostal churches refer to it as a
“second work of grace”
What does the Bible teach?
37
Holy Spirit Baptism

Who administered Holy Spirit baptism?
•
Jesus (Mt.3:11; Mk.1:8; Lk.3:16; Jn.1:33;
Ac. 2:33)
38
Holy Spirit Baptism

To whom was Holy Spirit baptism
promised?
•
Holy Spirit baptism was promised by…
the prophets (Joel 2:28-32; cf. Ac.2:17-18)
 John the Baptist (Mt.3:11; Mk.1:8; Lk.3:16;
Jn.1:33; cf. Ac.1:4-5)
 Jesus (Lk.24:48-49; Jn.14-16; 20:22;
Ac.1:4-5,8; 2:33)

39
Holy Spirit Baptism

To whom was Holy Spirit baptism
promised?
•
Holy Spirit baptism was promised to the
Apostles only (Ac.1:2-8,11-13,17,20,2125,26; 2:1-4,7,14-15,32,37,42-43; 4:8,31).
It was promised to a few men, not to all
men for all time
40
Holy Spirit Baptism

To whom was Holy Spirit baptism
promised?
•
Wasn’t Holy Spirit baptism promised to “all
flesh” (Joel 2:28)? Yes, but this was
fulfilled when the Holy Spirit came upon
the Apostles (Jews) in Acts 2, and the
household of Cornelius (Gentiles) in Acts
10. No other case of Holy Spirit baptism is
recorded in the New Testament!
41
Holy Spirit Baptism

When and where did Holy Spirit baptism
take place?
•
There are only two recorded cases of Holy
Spirit baptism in the New Testament, Acts
2 and Acts 10. The household of Cornelius
was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the
Holy Spirit baptism on that occasion was
just like that of the Apostles in Ac.2:1-4
(see Ac.10:44-45; 11:15-17; 15:7-11).
42
Holy Spirit Baptism

Why was Holy Spirit baptism given?
• Demonstration – To demonstrate that the kingdom of
•
•
•
God had come with power (Mk.9:1; Ac.1:8; 2:1-4)
Inspiration – The Apostles received all the promises of
Jesus in Jn.14-16 when they received Holy Spirit
baptism in Ac.2:1-4
Confirmation – The Apostles were able to confirm their
message with miracles because of their Holy Spirit
baptism (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4)
Reception – Holy Spirit baptism upon the household of
Cornelius showed the Jews that Gentiles can be saved
and accepted by God just as the Jews (Ac.10:34,4445,47; 11:3,14,17-18; 15:7-11)
43
Holy Spirit Baptism

What happened at Holy Spirit baptism?
•
Holy Spirit baptism was always
accompanied by miraculous manifestations
that could be verified by the senses – both
audible and visible (Ac.2:1-4; 10:46)
44
Holy Spirit Baptism
Water Baptism
1. A Promise
1. A Command
2. By Christ Only
2. By Anyone
3. In the Holy Spirit
3. In Water
4. Not Into Christ
4. Into Christ
5. Did Not Save
5. Does Save
6. Not Into the Name
6. Into the Name
7. To Inspire/Confirm
7. To Forgive Sins
8. Limited to Apostles/Cornelius
8. For All Penitent Believers
9. Man Passive
9. Man Active
10. God Chose the Candidates
10. Whosoever Wills
11. Tongue Speaking Followed
11. Rejoicing Followed
12. No Prerequisites
12. Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess
13. Ended by A.D. 64
13. Unto the End of the World
45
New Testament Tongues
Alleged Tongues Today
1. Holy Spirit-induced
1. Self-induced
2. Unlearned by the speaker
2. Learned by the speaker
3. Foreign language
3. Unknown babbling, gibberish
4. Produced rational truth
4. Produces an emotional frenzy
5. Given for a sing to unbelievers
5. Given for a sign to believers
6. Used with regulations
6. Used without regulation
7. Last until complete truth
7. Last until the 2nd Coming
46
New Testament Miracles
Alleged Miracles Today
1. Objective, observable sickness
1. Questionable sickness
2. Objective, undeniable cure
2. Questionable cure
3. Performed without preparation
3. Performed after screening
4. All cases healed
4. Selective healings
5. All cases healed
5. Many failures
6. Faith not always demanded
6. Faith always demanded
7. Instantaneous
7. Time allowed for “recovery”
8. Complete healing
8. Partial healing
9. A “sign” to observers
9. “Take my word for it”
10. Confirmed the word of truth
10. “Proves” true belief
11. No publicity
11. Much fanfare, workers exalted
12. No money solicited
12. Donations encouraged
47
No Holy Spirit
Miraculous Gifts Today



No Purpose. We don’t have miraculous gifts
today because the Word of Truth has already
been confirmed by miracles (Heb. 2:4).
No Means. We don’t have miraculous gifts
today because there is no means by which to
receive them.
No Continuance. We don’t have miraculous
gifts today because Paul said that they would
pass away in 1 Cor.13:8-12 when “that which
is perfect” is come.
48
No Holy Spirit
Miraculous Gifts Today



No Evidence. We don’t have miraculous gifts
today because there is no objective proof of
their existence.
No Distinctiveness. We don’t have miraculous
gifts today because the so-called “miracles”
performed are the same as those performed
by non-Christians.
No Truth. We don’t have miraculous gifts
today because there is a vast difference in
doctrine and practice among the churches
49
which allegedly perform “miracles” today.
When That
Which Is Perfect Is Come

This phrase does not refer to…
•
•
•
•

Heaven
The inclusion of the Gentiles in the church
Individual spiritual maturity
The second coming of Christ
This phrase refers to…
•
•
Complete revelation (knowledge, 13:9,12)
Paul uses three sets of two to make his
point: two facts, two reasons, two illus.
50
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


The Holy Spirit convicts the world
(Jn.16:8-11)
The Gr. word used for “convict” is elencho
meaning “confute, refute, reprove.” The
Holy Spirit would use words to convict the
world (cf. 2 Tim.4:2; Tit.1:9,13; 2:15)
51
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


The Holy Spirit plays a central role in the
conviction and conversion of the sinner
(Jn.3:3-8; 16:8-11; Rom.8:1-2;
1 Cor.6:11; 12:13; Tit.3:5)
The issue is not: “Does the Holy Spirit
work today in the conviction and
conversion of the sinner?” “Is the Holy
Spirit real?” “Is the Holy Spirit powerful?”
“What can the Holy Spirit do?”
52
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


The issue is: “How or by what manner
does the Holy Spirit work today, directly
(without means) or indirectly (through
means)?”
“Does the Holy Spirit work in and through
the Word of Truth, or does He work in
addition to and distinct from the Word of
Truth?” “What does the Holy Spirit do
according to the Bible?”
53
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


Go back to the original promise of the Holy
Spirit working in the world to convert them
(Jn.16:8-11)
How was this promise fulfilled? Look at the
five events that surround this promise to
find the answer:
54
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner
1. Holy Spirit guidance for the Apostles
(Jn.14:16,26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15).
2. Holy Spirit promised by Jesus (Lk.24:49;
Ac.1:4-5,8).
3. Holy Spirit baptism upon the Apostles
(Ac.2:1-4).
4. Holy Spirit preaching by the Apostles
(Ac.2:4,14-36).
5. Holy Spirit conviction and conversion of
sinners (Ac.2:37-41).
55
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


How then did the Holy Spirit convict
sinners? Through the preaching of the
Word of Truth. The Apostles’ words were
the words of the Holy Spirit (1 Pet.1:12).
What caused these people to be “pricked
in their heart”? Did they “hear” something,
or “feel” something (v.37)? What did they
receive, Peter’s “word” or “the direct
operation of the Holy Spirit” (v.41)?
56
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


You can find many references to preaching
the Word of Truth in the other cases of
conversion in the book of Acts.
See Acts 4:4; 6:7; 8:4-12; 8:13; 8:26-40;
9:1-18 [22:1-16]; 10:1-48 [11:1-18; 15:711]; 13:44-52; 14:1,7,21; 16:14-15;
16:25-34; 17:1-9; 17:10-12; 18:1-8; 19:110,20; and 28:23-30
57
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner

Everything said to be necessary for man’s
part of salvation is produced by the Word
of Truth:
•
•
•
•
faith (Rom.10:17)
repentance (Lk.24:47)
confession (Rom.10:6-15)
baptism (Eph.5:26)
58
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner

We are:
• Instructed by the Spirit (Neh.9:30) and
instructed by the Word (2 Tim.3:16-17)
• Convicted by the Spirit (Jn.16:8-11) and
convicted by the Word (Tit.1:9)
• Born of the Spirit (Jn.3:5) and born of the
Word (1 Cor.4:15; Jas.1:18; 1 Pet.1:22-23)
• Sanctified and cleansed by the Spirit
(1 Cor.6:11) and sanctified and cleansed by
the Word (Jn.15:2; 17:17)
• Saved by the Spirit (Tit.3:5) and saved by the
Word (Jas.1:21)
59
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner



“Irresistible Grace” is the doctrine about the Holy
Spirit’s work of conversion believed by most
Protestant denominations.
The background to this doctrine goes back to
John Calvin who taught that each person is born
totally depraved and needs a direct operation of
the Holy Spirit to “be converted.” Calvin’s
doctrine was systematized into five points by the
Synod of Dort in 1618.
The five points of Calvin are: Total hereditary
depravity; Unconditional election and
reprobation; Limited atonement; Irresistible
grace; Perseverance of the saints (the first letter
of each point put together spells TULIP)
60
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


Calvin’s fourth point, “Irresistible Grace,” pertains
to this lesson. According to Calvinism, the Holy
Spirit works directly upon the heart of the
depraved sinner, apart from the Word of Truth to
make the sinner “born again.”
Supposedly, the sinner cannot resist the Holy
Spirit’s work and that is why it is called
“Irresistible Grace,” or “the direct operation of the
Holy Spirit.” According to this doctrine, man is
passive in his conversion while the Holy Spirit is
active doing the work of conversion for him.
61
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner



The King James translators aided this
doctrine, whether knowingly or
unknowingly, by translating an active verb
(“turn”), as a passive verb (“be
converted”) in Mt.13:15; Mk.4:12; and
Ac.3:19; 28:27
The thought is that the H.S. operates
directly upon the heart to cause one to “be
converted”
The NKJV corrects this except at Ac.3:19 62
“The gospel invitation extends a call to salvation to every one
who hears its message … But this outward general call,
extended to the elect and non-elect alike, will not bring sinners
to Christ. Why? Because men are by nature dead in sin and
under its power … Consequently the unregenerate will not
respond to the gospel call to repentance and faith … Therefore,
the Holy Spirit, in order to bring God’s elect to salvation,
extends to them a special inward call in addition to the outward
call contained in the gospel message … The inward change
wrought in the elect sinner enables him to understand and
believe spiritual truth … Thus the once dead sinner is drawn to
Christ by the inward supernatural call of the Spirit who through
regeneration makes him alive and creates within him faith and
repentance … This special call is not made to all sinners but is
issued to the elect only!” (The Five Points of Calvinism by David
N. Steele and Curtis C. Thomas, 48-49).
63
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner


“Irresistible Grace” has led to the practice
of “praying through” at the “mourner’s
bench” or “alter call.”
It has also led to such expressions as
“better felt than told,” “a warm inner
feeling,” “getting religion,” and “having an
experience of grace.”
64
The Holy Spirit
and the Sinner

Answering an argument in favor of
“Irresistible Grace”:
•
•
What about Lydia (Ac.16:14-15)? Did God
not “open” her heart?
Yes, He did, but consider the background
to this event (Ac.16:10ff). Her heart was
“opened” by the preaching of the Word of
Truth.
65
“Irresistible Grace” vs. the Bible







It bypasses and overrides the free-will of man (Rom.2:6;
Rev.20:12)
It makes God a respecter of persons
(Ac.10:35;
Rom.2:11)
It makes God personally responsible for those who are
lost (1 Tim.2:4; 2 Pet.3:9)
It proposes to save man without the preaching of the
gospel (1 Cor.1:21)
It denies the all-sufficiency of the gospel to save
(Rom.1:16; see also Mt.13:15; Lk.8:11; Jn.5:24; 6:4445,63; Mt.28:19-20; Mk.16:15-16; 1 Thess.2:13-14)
It denies the fact that the Holy Spirit can be resisted
(Ac.7:51; 13:46; Neh.9:30)
It has God’s grace appearing to man without God’s word
(Tit. 2:11-12; Ac. 14:3; 20:24,32)
66
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian


There are disagreements among brethren
over how the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
What is the disagreement over? The
disagreement is not over the fact of the
Spirit’s indwelling. All Christians believe that
the Holy Spirit dwells in the believer. The
Scriptures are clear on this point (Rom.8:911). The disagreement is over the manner,
method or mode of the indwelling. How
does the Spirit dwell in the believer?
67
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

Two positions held by brethren:
•
Position A – The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
literally, personally and directly, apart from (without
intermediation of) the Word of Truth



Position A1 – The Holy Spirit personally indwelling
the believer guides the believer apart from the Word
of Truth through additional revelation or miracles (the
denominational position, and some brethren)
Position A2 – The Holy Spirit personally indwelling
the believer guides the believer apart from the Word
of Truth through providence (a position of some
brethren)
Position A3 – The Holy Spirit personally indwelling
the believer does not guide the believer apart from
the Word of Truth (a position of some brethren) 68
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

Two positions held by brethren:
•
Position B – The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
representatively through the Word of Truth

First, it is a fact that all three members of the
Godhead dwell in the believer – God (2 Cor.6:16; 1
Jn.3:24; 4:12-16), Jesus (Jn.6:56; Rom.8:10; 2
Cor.13:5; Gal.2:20; 4:19; Col.1:27; Eph.3:17; 1
Jn.3:23-24) and the Holy Spirit (Rom.8:9,11; 1
Cor.3:16; Gal.4:6; 2 Tim.1:14). These passages
affirm the fact of the indwelling of Deity, but not the
mode of indwelling. We must look elsewhere to find
the mode of indwelling.
69
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

Two positions held by brethren:
•
Position B – The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
representatively through the Word of Truth


Second, it is a fact that all believers dwell in God
(1 Jn.4:13,16), and Jesus (Jn.6:56; 2 Cor.5:17; 1
Jn.3:23-24). Question: Do believers literally and
personally dwell inside of God and Jesus?
Third, “dwell” comes from the Gr. words oikeo,
enoikeo, katoikeo and meno. These words do not
demand a literal, personal, supernatural indwelling. It
is an assumption to say that “dwell” means a “literal,
70
personal indwelling.”
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

Two positions held by brethren:
•
Position B – The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
representatively through the Word of Truth

“Dwell” is often used to mean a relationship
(fellowship) that a person has with someone or
something as a result of the influence of someone or
something. Consider how these words are used of
things dwelling in a person: sin (Rom.7:17); Satan
(Rev.2:13); word of Christ (Col.3:16); truth (2 Jn.2);
faith (2 Tim.1:5); love of God (1 Jn.3:17); and
eternal life (1 Jn.3;15). Consider also how a person
can dwell in some things: darkness (Jn.12:46); light
(1 Jn.2:10); and doctrine of Christ (2 Jn.9). Question:
Is the believer literally dwelling inside of the doctrine
of Christ?
71
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

Two positions held by brethren:
•
Position B – The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
representatively through the Word of Truth

Fourth, the mode of indwelling is explained in such
passages as Eph.3:17: “that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith…” (cf. 1 Pet.3:15). Christ (or any
personality of Deity) dwells in us through or by
means of “faith” which comes from hearing the Word
of Truth (Rom.10:17).
72
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

Two positions held by brethren:
•
Position B – The Holy Spirit dwells in the believer
representatively through the Word of Truth

Fifth, both Christ (Eph.3:17) and the Spirit (Gal.4:56) are said to be in the “heart” of the believer. The
“heart” of the believer in these verses and elsewhere
in the Bible refers to the “intellect,” “emotions,” “will”
or “mind” of man, not the physical muscle that
pumps blood. As the Spirit’s Word of Truth enters the
“heart” or “mind” of the believer, the Spirit dwells in
the believer.
73
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

There are disagreements among brethren over the
“gift of the Holy Spirit” in Acts 2:38. The four
positions held by brethren are:
•
•
Position A – The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the Spirit
Himself dwelling in the believer representatively
through the Word of Truth.
Position B – The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the Spirit
Himself dwelling in the believer literally, personally
and apart from the Word of Truth.
74
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

There are disagreements among brethren over the
“gift of the Holy Spirit” in Acts 2:38. The four
positions held by brethren are:
•
•
Position C – The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the
miraculous gifts given by the Spirit, passed on to
the believer through the laying on of the Apostles
hands in the 1st Century and limited to that time.
Position D – The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the gift
of salvation given by the Spirit to the believer upon
obedience to the gospel.
75
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

While there is evidence given by good brethren for
each position stated above, the evidence that best
fits the context of Acts 2 favors “Position D.”
•
First, grammatically, “the gift” may be the Holy
Spirit Himself, or a gift that the Holy Spirit gives.
The immediate and remote context will have to be
consulted to determine which is meant here.
76
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

While there is evidence given by good brethren for
each position stated above, the evidence that best
fits the context of Acts 2 favors “Position D.”
•
Second, in the immediate context the word “For” in
v.39 explains what has just been said in v.38: “For
to you is the promise…” The promise to whom, and
of what? The promise to Jews and Gentiles of
salvation. Look back to Ac.2:16-21. Three blessing
would come from the Holy Spirit: prophecy (vv.1718), miracles (vv.19-20) and salvation (v.21).
77
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian

While there is evidence given by good brethren for
each position stated above, the evidence that best
fits the context of Acts 2 favors “Position D.”
•
•
Third, Ac.2:38 is parallel with Ac.3:19 (see also
Ac.26:18). The “gift of the Holy Spirit” is the same
as “seasons of refreshing from the presence of the
Lord.” In other words, salvation.
Fourth, “the promise” (v.39) is the “promise of the
Spirit” in Gal.3:14 (see also Gal.3:16,22,29). This
was the seed promise, or the promise of salvation
through Christ. “The promise” of Ac.2:39 and
Gal.3:14 goes all the way back to Abraham
(Gen.12:1-3).
78
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian
Blessings of Holy Spirit Indwelling





We are comforted by the Spirit (Ac.9:31)
We are made alive by the Spirit
(Rom.8:11,23)
We are led by the Spirit (Rom.8:14; Gal.5:18)
We are given testimony by the Spirit
(Rom.8:16)
We are helped in prayer by the Spirit
(Rom.8:26-27; cf. Phil.1:19)
79
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian
Blessings of Holy Spirit Indwelling





We are filled with hope by the power of the
Spirit (Rom.15:13; Gal.5:5)
We are sanctified by the Spirit (Rom.15:16;
cf. 2 Thess.2:13; 1 Pet.1:2)
We are transformed by the Spirit (2 Cor.3:18)
We are sealed and given an earnest by the
Spirit (2 Cor.1:22; 5:5; Eph.1:13-14; 4:30)
We are given access to God by the Spirit
(Eph.2:18)
80
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian
Blessings of Holy Spirit Indwelling



We are strengthened by the Spirit
(Eph.3:14-19)
We are proved to be sons of God by
the Spirit (Gal.4:6)
We are fellowshipped by the Spirit
(2 Cor.13:14; cf. Phil.2:1; Heb.6:4)
81
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian
Responsibilities of Holy Spirit Indwelling




We must live and walk by the Spirit
(Rom.8:1,4-5; Gal.5:16-17,25; cf. Jude 19)
We must have the mind of the Spirit
(Rom.8:6; cf. Jude 19)
We must not destroy the temple of the Spirit
(1 Cor.3:16-17; 6:19-20)
We must bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal.5:2223; cf. Ac.13:52; Rom.5:5; 14:17; 15:30;
Col.1:8; 1 Thess.1:6)
82
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian
Responsibilities of Holy Spirit Indwelling




We must sow to the Spirit (Gal.6:7-8)
We must preserve the unity of the Spirit
(Eph.4:1-4)
We must be filled with the Spirit
(Eph.5:18-19)
We must use the sword of the Spirit
(Eph.6:17)
83
The Holy Spirit
and the Christian
Responsibilities of Holy Spirit Indwelling




We must pray in the Spirit
(Eph.6:18; Jude 20)
We must worship by the Spirit (Phil.3:3)
We must obey the words of the Spirit
(Rev.2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22)
We must accept the invitation of the Spirit
(Rev.22:17)
84
Eight Sins
Against the Holy Spirit








Blaspheme the Spirit (Mt. 12:31-32; Mk. 3:2830; Lk. 12:10)
Lie to, and make trial of the Spirit (Ac. 3-4,9)
Resist the Spirit (Ac. 7:51; cf. Rev. 22:17)
Buy the Spirit (Ac. 8:18-24)
Destroy and defile the temple of the Spirit
(1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20)
Grieve the Spirit (Eph. 4:30)
Quench the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:19)
85
Despise the Spirit (Heb. 10:29)