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Holy Spirit’s Work in Salvation

Here are the primary teachings defining the Spirit’s nature, work, and relationship to the believer.

I. The Nature and Identity of the Spirit

The authors argue that the Spirit is a Divine Person, not an impersonal energy. They rely on “Triadic” formulas and personal attributes found in the text.

  • Personality of the Spirit: The Spirit has a will (1 Cor 12:11), can be grieved (Eph 4:30), and speaks (Acts 13:2).

  • Deity of the Spirit: The Spirit is equated with God (Acts 5:3–4) and possesses divine attributes like omniscience (1 Cor 2:10–11) and omnipresence (Ps 139:7–8).

  • The “Filioque” (Procession): The Spirit is sent by both the Father and the Son (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7).

II. The Spirit and the Word (Inspiration & Illumination)

A major theme of the book is the inseparable bond between the Spirit and Scripture. The Spirit is both the Author and the Interpreter.

  • Inspiration (The Source): The Spirit “carried along” human authors to ensure the divine quality of the text (2 Pet 1:21; 2 Tim 3:16).

  • Illumination (The Understanding): Because spiritual truths are “spiritually discerned,” the Spirit must open the believer’s mind to understand the Word (1 Cor 2:12–14).

  • Sword of the Spirit: The Word is the primary tool the Spirit uses for conviction and warfare (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12).

III. The Work of the Spirit in Salvation

The authors map the Spirit’s activity across the entire “order of salvation,” from the first spark of life to final glory.

Stage of Salvation Action of the Spirit Primary Scriptural Proof
Regeneration Giving new life to the spiritually dead. John 3:5–8; Titus 3:5
Spirit Baptism Incorporating the believer into Christ’s Body. 1 Cor 12:13
Indwelling God is making His permanent home in the believer. Rom 8:9–11; 1 Cor 6:19
Sealing Guaranteeing the believer’s future inheritance. Eph 1:13–14; 4:30
Sanctification Producing holiness and moral transformation. 2 Thess 2:13; Gal 5:16–25

IV. Power for Life and Ministry (Gifts vs. Fruit)

The Spirit empowers the “People of God” for two distinct purposes: Being (Character) and Doing (Service). 1

1. The Fruit of the Spirit (Character)

The “Fruit” is the evidence of the Spirit’s control over the believer’s nature. It is a package deal, not a buffet.

  • Scripture: Galatians 5:22–23.

2. Spiritual Gifts (Service)

Gifts are “manifestations” of the Spirit distributed to individuals for the benefit of the whole community.

  • Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; Romans 12:6–8; 1 Peter 4:10–11.

  • Note: They argue that Love (1 Cor 13) is the necessary “highway” upon which all gifts must travel.

3. The Filling of the Spirit

Unlike Baptism (which is once-for-all), Filling is a repeatable experience of being under the Spirit’s influence.

  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:18 (contrasted with being drunk with wine).

V. Warning Passages: Resisting the Spirit

The authors conclude by warning that the Spirit’s work can be hindered by human rebellion.

  • Blasphemy against the Spirit: Attributing the Spirit’s work to Satan; a final, hardened rejection of Christ (Matt 12:31–32).

  • Grieving the Spirit: Causing sorrow to the indwelling Person through sin (Eph 4:30).

  • Quenching the Spirit: Suppressing or “putting out the fire” of the Spirit’s activity in the church (1 Thess 5:19).

1 Köstenberger and Allison, The Holy Spirit