Lesson 15 - God the Holy Spirit: His Advent

Under the Mosaic Law the Holy Spirit indwelt and empowered only a few believers such as Artisans (Ex. 31:1-5), Judges (Num. 11:25-29; Jud. 3:9-10), Prophets (Ezek. 2:2), and Kings (1 Sam. 10:6; 16:13). Also, the Holy Spirit could be taken from a believer as an act of discipline (1 Sam. 16:14-16; cf. Ps. 51:11).

The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

During the ministry of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was promised to come into the world in a special way (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7). The Holy Spirit began His special ministry in the world on the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:5; 2:1-4).

The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of unbelievers to convict them concerning their unbelief in Jesus as Savior, that Jesus is righteous and has been accepted by the Father, and that Satan has been judged and condemned (John 16:8-11; cf. John 3:18). The Holy Spirit also restrains sin and evil in the world (2 Thess. 2:7).

The Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer

At salvation:

1. Regeneration (John 3:3-6; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 2:13).
2. Indwelling each believer (John 14:16-17; Rom. 5:5; 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19-20).
3. Baptizing into union with Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; 3:27).
4. Sealing each believer with Himself ( 4:30).
5. Blessing with every spiritual blessing ( 1:3).
6. Providing spiritual gifts for the edification of the church (1 Cor. 12:4-11).

After salvation:

1. Teaching through the Word and glorifying Jesus (John 16:12-15).
2. Recalling Scripture to mind (John 14:26; 16:13).
3. Filling (empowering and guiding) ( 5:18).
4. Sustaining a spiritual walk ( 5:16, 25).
5. Illuminating the mind and making Scripture understandable (1 Cor. 2:11-13).