Pneumatology Flashcards
Define pneumatology. What does it include.
The study of the biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit. It includes such topics as the personality/personhood of the Spirit, the deity of the Spirit, and the work of the Spirit throughout Scripture.
Why is New Age and pantheistic thinking dangerous for pneumatology?
It threatens to see the Holy Spirit as the “god” within us which we possess through our own natures, or as an amorphous feeling or “active force.” These views denigrate him. He is his own person.
How do we know the Holy Spirit is a person?
He makes choices (1 Corinthians 12:11), teaches (John 14:26), guides (John 16:13), reveals Jesus (John 16:14), convicts (John 16:18), seals believers (2 Corinthians 1:21-22), can be grieved(Ephesians 4:30), blasphemed (Matthew 12:31), possesses a rational mind (Romans 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:11-13), can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4), quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and resisted (Acts 7:51).
What six reasons do we have to believe that the Holy Spirit is divine?
He does divine works like inspiring Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21) and regenerating hearts (Titus 3:5). He creates, sustains, and gives life to all things(Gen 1:2; Job 26:13; 34:14-15); Psalm 104:29-30). He is said to be eternal (Hebrews 9:14), omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), and is actually referred to as God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
What scriptural metaphors are used for the Holy Spirit?
Wind (John 3:8), water (John 7:37-39), dove (Mark 1:10), clothing (Acts 1:8), as a guarantee or pledge of the Christian’s glorification (Ephesians 1:14), and fire (Acts 2:3).
What does it mean that the Spirit is the one by whom Christians are sealed by God?
Ephesians 1:14
2 Corinthians 1:22
Christians are “sealed” by the Spirit of God which means they are marked with a seal to denote ownership, which carries with it protection of the owner. This doesn’t mean the Christian will never sin or be chastened by God. It means that God will never abandon us (Romans 8:38-39).
What work does the Holy Spirit do in the production of Revelation?
He breathes out Scripture by inspiring men (2 Timothy 3:16). He used the personalities of the scripture writers it seems such as using David’s spiritual/emotional/ethical experience in writing poetry like the Psalms. Paul and Ezra had different experiences. This isn’t mechanical dictation or conceptual inspiration but a divine-human concurrence (1 Corinthians 2:12-13).
What work does the Holy Spirit have with the creation?
He helped create the cosmos (Gen 1:2). He is currently involved in sustaining creation (Psalm 104:29-30) and will someday completely renew it (Romans 8:18-27).
What work did the Holy Spirit do in the life of Christ?
He was involved in the birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18). He anointed Christ at his baptism (Luke 3:21-22). He filled him during his temptations (Luke 4:1), and revealed the timing and nature of how that ministry would begin (Luke 4:14, 18). He was responsible for Christ’s ability to perform miracles and cast out demons (Matthew 12:28). He was involved in Christ’s death and resurrection (Hebrews 9:14; Romans 1:4; 8:11).
What 11 works does the Holy Spirit do in the Church?
The work of calling, regeneration, uniting the believer with Christ, indwelling, filling, teaching, guiding, gifting, empowering, and sanctifying the believer. His primary ministry is to mediate the presence of Christ and the knowledge of God to the believer (John 16:13-14).
What work did the Holy Spirit do for the tabernacle?
The Holy Spirit imparted wisdom and practical skills, strength, and ability to those working on the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the ark of the covenant(Exodus 31:1-11).
What work did the Holy Spirit do with Ancient Israel’s leaders?
He was involved in the administration of the nation of Israel by giving gifts of administration and wisdom (Numbers 11:25; Deuteronomy 34:9). He raised up national leaders in the Judges. He gave strength, courage, capability in war, and leadership abilities to several people (Judges 3:10; 6:34; 14:19). He anointed Saul, David, and Solomon for leadership (1 Samuel 10:10; 16:13).
How did the Holy Spirit spiritually sustain the Israelites in the OT?
He was involved in the regeneration, instruction, and sanctification of Israel in the OT (Nehemiah 9:20).
What will the Holy Spirit do in the Messianic Age?
He will also produce righteousness and justice among the people of God in the messianic age (Isaiah 11:2-5; 32:15-20).
