Written By Lesallan – September 27, 2023
The Work 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
According to Oden (2009), the Spirit’s work in the world and redemption is vast and complex. It encompasses a continuum from creation to consummation, involving universal dimensions of God’s grace. Oden (2009) identifies six significant themes or aspects of the Spirit’s work, which further elaborate on the scope of this work. Understanding the Spirit’s work in the world and redemption requires a detailed examination of these themes.
The Spirit’s work in the world is to reveal God’s presence and power in the natural and human realms and to prepare the way for Christ’s coming and kingdom. The Spirit is involved in forming the cosmos, the animation of life, the inspiration of prophecy, the ordination of leaders, the preservation of the covenant, and the expectation of the Messiah.
The work of the Holy Spirit in redemption is paramount, as it is through Him that the benefits of Christ’s death and resurrection are applied to the elect, leading them into salvation. The Holy Spirit is actively involved in the regeneration of the new birth, the justification of the forgiveness of sins, the adoption of the sonship of God, the sanctification of the holiness of life, the glorification of the resurrection of the body, and the ultimate consummation of the new creation. The Holy Spirit is the divine guide that leads us on our spiritual journey towards eternal life.
Therefore, the Spirit’s work in the world and redemption is complementary and integral to the work of the Father and the Son, demonstrating the unity and diversity of the Trinity. The Spirit’s work is dynamic and ongoing, inviting the church’ and believers’ participation and cooperation. The Spirit’s work is gracious and glorious, manifesting God’s love and wisdom.
According to Oden (2009), the role and work of the Spirit can be summarized as follows: The Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, who proceeds from the Father and the Son and who is coequal and coeternal with them. The Spirit is the Lord and giver of life, who participates in the world’s creation and sustenance, renewing and transforming the fallen creation. The Spirit is the paraclete or advocate who testifies to the truth of Christ and guides and teaches the church and believers into all truth. The Spirit is the agent of salvation, convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and calls and enables people to repent and believe in Christ. The Spirit is the source of sanctification, which unites believers with Christ and his body and empowers them to live a holy and fruitful life. The Spirit guarantees future glory, seals the believers for the day of redemption, and gives them the earnest and the first fruits of the inheritance.
I summarized the Spirit’s work in the previous paragraphs according to Oden (2009). So, to let us all add to this, I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the themes or aspects of the Spirit’s work that I have mentioned. For example, you could share your personal experience of the Spirit’s work in your life, ask a question, or raise a challenge about the Spirit’s work in the world or redemption. You could also compare Oden’s view of the Spirit’s work with other authors or traditions you know. Such as reading “Inductive Bible Study – A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics” (Bauer & Traina, 2014). Many other resources are available; however, I have found this one quite helpful.
Finally, one new insight I have gained from reading all the pages of Oden’s book Classic Christianity (2009) is the distinction between the economic and immanent Trinity. Oden explains that the economic Trinity refers to the manifestation of the one God in three persons in relation to the world, especially in the history of salvation. On the other hand, the immanent Trinity refers to the eternal and intrinsic relations of the Father, Son, and Spirit within the Godhead. Oden argues that the economic Trinity reveals the immanent Trinity, and that the immanent Trinity grounds the economic Trinity. He also cites Biblical passages and patristic sources to support this view (Oden, 2009).
I found this insight helpful because it clarifies the relationship between the ontological and functional aspects of Trinity. It shows that the Trinity is not a mere concept or role that God assumes for the sake of creation and redemption, but a reality and identity that God possesses in Himself and expresses in His works. It also shows that the Trinity is not a contradiction or compromise of divine unity, but a reflection and expression of divine love. It helps me to appreciate the richness and depth of the Christian doctrine of God as both one and three and to worship him accordingly.
These statements made by myself can be applied to contemporary issues of the world today in 2023 in the following ways: This statement can be applied to contemporary issues of today in 2023 in the following ways: It can help us to understand and appreciate the diversity and unity of the church as the body of Christ, which reflects the diversity and unity of the Trinity. The church has many members with different gifts, functions, and backgrounds, but they are all united by one Spirit, one Lord, and one God and Father of all (Eph. 4:4-6). The church is called to manifest the love of the Trinity in its relationships, mission, and worship. It can also help us to overcome the divisions and conflicts that plague the church today by reminding us of the shared source and goal of our faith and the mutual indwelling and interdependence of the persons of Trinity.
It can challenge us to rethink and reform our social and political structures and practices, often based on domination, oppression, and exploitation. The Trinity reveals a God who is not a solitary monarch or a tyrannical ruler, but a communion of persons who share equally in the divine nature, glory, and authority. The Trinity also reveals a God who is not aloof or indifferent to the world, but is involved and invested in the world, who creates, redeems, and sustains it by his grace and power. The Trinity can inspire us to seek a society that is more just, peaceful, and inclusive, that respects the dignity and rights of every human being, and that cares for creation and its resources.
It can encourage us to grow personally and spiritually, often marked by isolation, anxiety, and despair. The Trinity shows us that God is not a distant or impersonal being, but a God who is near and personal, who invites us into a relationship of love and fellowship with him and each other. The Trinity also shows us that God is not a static or boring being, but a dynamic and creative God, who reveals himself in various ways and works in diverse manners. The Trinity can motivate us to seek a deeper and richer experience of God, to discover his presence and activity in our lives, and to express our gratitude and praise to him.
I hope this discussion will help us grow our knowledge and appreciation of the Spirit’s work. The Spirit guarantees future glory, seals the believers for the day of redemption, and gives them the earnest and the first fruits of the inheritance.
Blessings!
Lesallan
References:
Bauer, D. R., & Traina, R. A. (2014). Inductive bible study – a comprehensive guide to the practice of hermeneutics. Baker Publishing Group.
Oden, T. C. (1999). Classic Christianity: a systematic theology. HarperOne.
