Notes on the Holy Spirit

(Originally written April 19, 2006 in 3 Subject)

Historic Christian Thought

The Holy Spirit

Who He is

1. He is personal
-"He" not "it", contra Jehovah's Witnesses
-Not the 'Star Wars' spirit or force

2. He does personal deeds
-John 14:26
-John 15:26
-John 16:13

3. He is God
-Spirit of God/Spirit of Christ/Holy Spirit
-He is the third person of the trinity, John 15:26

Montanus, a 3rd century teacher (contemporary of Tertullian) taught that there were three eras of God's workings:

1. God the Father (Abraham, Moses, up to Jesus)
2. God the Son (Jesus' lifetime)
3. God the Spirit (Pentecost era)

Montanus however, believed that he was himself the last great prophet

Montanism had a lot to do with 'filioque' (and the son). The controversy over 'filioque' is what caused the 1054 split between the eastern and the western Church.

Montanism is nearly dead but will occasionally pop up from time to time.

Montanism today:
Jim Jones (1970s) was a charismatic preacher from San Francisco who went to Ghana. One day he said is this the Word of God (referring to the Bible). He answered 'No, the words from my mouth is the Word of God.' Jones' mission ended in mass suicide.

What the Holy Spirit Does (part one)

-Testifies of Christ, John 14:26, 15:26
-Continues Jesus' ministry, John 14:16, 16:7, Acts 1:1
-The spirit glorifies Jesus, not Himself
-Baptizes believers into the body of Christ
-Christ's life through the spirit (Romans 8:2-27)
-Gives fullness of Christ at Conversion (John 1:16). No second work of grace for fullness. Assures perseverance of salvation