The Role of the Holy Spirit: His Person, Work, and Ministry in the Life of the Believer
From a fundamentalist Christian perspective, the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, a mystical energy, or an optional add-on to the Christian life. He is the third Person of the eternal Trinity—co-equal with the Father and the Son, fully God, and fully personal. Scripture consistently uses personal pronouns (“He,” “Him”) and attributes to Him intellect, emotion, and will. He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3-4), resisted (Acts 7:51), and quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). At the same time, He is the divine Agent who applies the finished work of Christ to sinners, indwells believers, and progressively conforms them to the image of Christ. 1. The Holy Spirit in Creation and the Old Testament The Spirit’s work begins at the very dawn of creation. “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). He is the active Agent in forming and sustaining life: “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life” (Job 33:4; see als...