Theology K (Chappell/Meek)

Question 1

What does the Bible teach about the Holy Spirit’s work in the OT?

Answer 1

In the OT, the Holy Spirit:
1. Creates spaces for divine presence
2. Protects spaces of divine presence
3. Rests on those who mediate the divine presence

The Holy Spirit does this by:
1. Breathing life at creation (Gen. 1)
2. Anointing individuals for particular tasks (Exod. 31; Judg. 3; 1 Sam. 16)
3. Announcing judgment/redemption (Joel 2)

Question 2

What is the Holy Spirit’s function today? Is it different than in the past?

Answer 2

Today, the Holy Spirit still:
1. Creates spaces for divine presence
2. Protects spaces of divine presence
3. Rests on those who mediate the divine presence

These functions are the same but entail some differences:
1. No creation ex nihilo
2. No inspiration of prophets or biblical authors
3. Natural progression from OT realities (temple, king) to NT realities (church, elder)

Question 3

What happened at Pentecost? How does this relate to the church today?

Answer 3

At Pentecost, the Spirit began to:
1. Indwell the Church
2. Empower the apostles to
~ author Scripture
~ spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth

Today, the Church:
1. Continues to receive the Spirit’s indwelling
2. Spreads the Gospel to the ends of the earth in the Spirit’s power

Question 4

Distinguish between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit.

Answer 4

Fruit of the Spirit is character quality which is developed in believers in keeping with repentance and sanctification (Gal. 5). It is a work of God which calls forth the work of an individual.

Gifts of the Spirit are varying abilities given to believers for equipping and building up the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12). Gifts for establishing (speaking and serving) have ceased, but gifts for sustaining (speaking and serving) and supporting continue.

Question 5

Does the Spirit give gifts today? Explain.

Answer 5

Yes; the Spirit gives gifts for sustaining and supporting the church. Gifts for establishing the church have ceased.

Question 6

Are there gifts mentioned in Scripture that are not given today? Explain and defend.

Answer 6

Yes; gifts for establishing (revelatory prophecy, distinguishing spirits, tongues, healing, miracles) are not given today. Because the Gospel has gone to the ends of the earth, the pattern of Acts has been fulfilled.

Question 7

What do NT passages teach us concerning the following work of the Holy Spirit?:
~ How he comes
~ How he works
~ What he does
~ What his ministry is today

Answer 7

How he comes:
1. Is given, sent forth, and poured out
2. Takes the form of a dove and tongues of fire

How he works:
1. In human hearts
2. Through the Word

What he does:
1. Creates spaces for divine presence
2. Protects spaces of divine presence
3. Rests upon those who mediate the divine presence

What his ministry is today:
1. Regenerating and sanctifying believers
2. Sustaining and upbuilding the Church

Question 8

How would you answer charismatic claims from Scripture? Answer from the Scriptures:
~ A Mormon
~ A Jehovah’s Witness

Answer 8

A Mormon:
1. God the Father does not have, and has never had, a human-like form (Hosea 11:9; John 4:24).
2. Jesus is both the Son of God and the same substance with the Father (John 1, 10; Col. 2).
3. The canon is closed, and revelation has ceased, with no need for another testimony about Jesus Christ (Heb. 1; Rev. 22).

A Jehovah’s Witness:
1. Jesus is both the Son of God and the same substance with the Father (John 1, 10; Col. 2).
2. The Trinity is well-attested in Scripture (Matt. 28; 2 Cor. 13; Eph. 4).