Written By Lesallan – September 27, 2023
The Person of The Holy Spirit
Written By Lesallan – September 27, 2023
Ohio Christian University
THE4050 Investigating Christian Theology II (ONLF23)
Professor Jeremy Kamer
September 27, 2023
The Person of the Holy Spirit
A highly regarded theologian, Thomas Oden has synthesized his previous works – The Living God (1992), The Word of Life (2006), and Life in the Spirit (2006) – into a systematic theology exploring the Christian faith. Classic Christianity (2009) offers a comprehensive view of the ancient Christian tradition and the ecumenical councils, delving into the central questions of Christian belief and the nature of the Trinity, including the Holy Spirit’s person and work.
One of Christian theology’s most important yet often neglected aspects is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. He is not a mere force or influence but a living and active person who works in and through the people of God (Oden, pp. 520-525, 2009).
Oden (2009) describes the Holy Spirit not only as mentioned above; he further elaborates that the Holy Spirit is the Lord and giver of life, inspiring the scriptures and speaking through the prophets. He is also the advocate and comforter, providing guidance, teaching, conviction, and empowerment to the church and its members. Additionally, the Holy Spirit is the source of all gifts and graces, distributing them as he sees fit for the common good. Finally, the Holy Spirit is the bond that unites believers with Christ and one another (Oden, pp. 513-525, 2009).
The Holy Spirit has many characteristics that reveal His personality and character (Oden pp. 513-514, 2009). He has a mind, as stated in Romans 8:27 (KJV). Additionally, the Holy Spirit has a will, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:11 (KJV). The Holy Spirit also has emotions, as stated in Ephesians 4:30 (KJV), and intelligence, as mentioned in John 14:26 (KJV). The Spirit speaks, teaches, and guides, as stated in Acts 13:2 (KJV), John 16:13 (KJV), and Romans 8:14 (KJV), respectively. As mentioned in John 14:16 (KJV), the Holy Spirit comforts us and convicts us (John 16:8, KJV). The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we pray, as stated in Romans 8:26 (KJV). As mentioned in Acts 1:8 (KJV), the Spirit gives us power. It is important to remember that the Holy Spirit can be grieved, resisted, lied to, blasphemed, and honored, as stated in Ephesians 4:30 (KJV), Acts 7:51 (KJV), Acts 5:3 (KJV), Matthew 12:31 (KJV), and 2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV), respectively.
The Holy Spirit works tirelessly to accomplish what the Father initiated, and the Son accomplished. He applies the benefits of Christ’s redemption, enabling us to partake in His divine nature. With the Spirit’s guidance, we are regenerated, renewed, and transformed into the image of Christ. Baptizing us into one body, the Spirit blesses us with various gifts for the common good, seals us as God’s children, and guarantees our inheritance. Filling us with His divine presence, the Spirit empowers us to live a godly life and teaches us to pray and follow God’s will. He comforts us in our afflictions and strengthens us in our weaknesses, uniting us with Christ and one another in love. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and reveals things to come, giving us hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Many Blessings,
Lesallan
References:
Oden, T. C. (1992). The Living God. HarperSanFrancisco.
Oden, T. C. (2006). The Word of Life. Hendrickson Pub., Inc.
Oden, T. C. (2006). Life in the Spirit. Peabody, Mass. Hendrickson.
Oden, T. C. (2009). Classic Christianity. Harpercollins Publishers Inc.
