The Holy Spirit of God

This work is an attempt to exalt and enthrone the often–neglected third person of the Godhead, the Holy Spirit of God.

Several of the conclusions reached in this work are directly opposed to the positions held by some of my brethren.  I do not differ for difference’s sake.  I am not trying to be new or original.  I am trying to be scripturally sound and correct.  I do appeal for an honest, open–minded consideration of the exegesis presented.  The controversy about various facets of the Spirit’s work is not new.  

There are several people who will not benefit from a study of the Holy Spirit of God.  First, those who have a steel–trap mind that has already sprung.  If your mind is already made up, nothing in this study, or any other, is going to benefit you.  Second, those who believe we have to defend all statements made by and positions held by the great brethren of the past.  Sometimes we are more tradition–bound than all the Romanists Catholicism has produced.  Third, those who do not want the peace disturbed.  The truth has always been disturbing.  After Josiah had made all his great religious reforms, purging the land of its idolatry, he was greatly disturbed when the law was read to him because he saw that he had not yet restored the worship of Jehovah in truth and spirit (2 Chronicles 34:19).  It was not the truth, but a failure to understand and follow the truth, that disturbed the peace of Israel (I Kings 18:17–18).

Then, who should benefit from a study concerning the Holy Spirit of God?  First, those who wish a deeper motivation for their spiritual lives.  When one realizes the power of the indwelling Spirit, a life of service becomes the spiritual response.  Second, those willing to accept any truth that the Bible teaches at face value.  Third, those who enjoy a deep, detailed study of the word of God.  These thoughts are not presented as a final answer to anything but rather as an appeal and guide to further study of this grand theme.  Study the thoughts presented.  Add to them from your own study and let us share your thoughts also.

Those to whom I am indebted for thoughts found in this book are legion.  I am sure that whoever said “all knowledge is derived” had me in mind.  Propriety dictates that acknowledgments be given to a few. (A list of sources consulted in making this study can be found in the Bibliography at the conclusion of this work).  Gratitude is first of all expressed to the students of Sunset School of Preaching, where these lessons were first given, for listening as this material was being developed, and for making invaluable contributions to its content.  Appreciation must go to Jim McGuiggan from North Ireland for his useful and outstanding work on “Ye Shall be Baptized With the Holy Spirit” and to Hardeman Nichols for his material on “The Intercession of the Spirit.” But ultimately all praise must go to the Father, who not only revealed his will through the Spirit (I Corinthians 2:6–13), but also gave us “a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1: 17).  Any blame for mistakes should be credited to the author and to none of his sources.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.