[1] HOLY SPIRIT

[E] HOLY SPIRIT

E1. Work of the Holy Spirit - alternate list (Question 49)

active in creation (Gen 1:2; Job 33:4; Ps 104:30)
inspired the Bible writers (2Pe 1:21)
empowered the conception of Christ (Lk 1:35)
convicts of sin (Jn 16:8)
regenerates (Jn 3:5-6)
counsels (Jn 14:16-17; 16:7,12-14)
brings assurance of salvation (Ro 8:15)
teaches or enlightens (illuminates) (Jn 16:12-14; 1Co 2:13)
aids in prayer by intercession (Ro 8:26-27)
resurrected Christ (Ro 8:11; 1Pe 3:18)
calls to service (Ac 13:4)
seals the elect’s salvation (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:21-22; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30)
indwells the believer (Ro 8:9; 1Co 3:16-17; 6:19)
works in the church (1Co 12:7-11)

E2. Basic principles about spiritual gifts (Question 51)

a. Definition: A spiritual gift is any ability that is empowered by the Holy Spirit and used in any ministry of the church. b. Purpose of spiritual gifts: to equip the church to carry out its ministry until Christ returns (1Co 1:7; Eph 4:12) c. Number of spiritual gifts: In the lists on gifts, Paul was not attempting to construct exhaustive lists of gifts. They appear as ad hoc random lists. Also, since different churches received different lists, they still would not be able to construct an exhaustive list even if Paul listed all gifts in his letters. In addition, at least two letters to the Corinthians are non-extent (1Co 5:9; 2Co 7:8; 2:4). d. Groups of spiritual gifts:

whoever speaks and whoever renders service (1Pe 4:11)
prophetic gifts, priestly gifts, kingly gifts
gifts of knowledge, power, speech

e. Gifts may vary in strength: use "in proportion to our faith" (Ro 12:6). Many gifts increase in strength and effectiveness as they are used (1Ti 4:14). f. Distribution: the Holy Spirit "apportions to each one individually as He wills" (1Co 12:11); even abilities we think to be "natural" are from God (1Co 4:7) g. Permanency: it seems that spiritual gifts are permanent although some gifts are nonpermanent by their nature. Also gifts may be withdrawn if they are neglected (1Ti 4:14; Mt 25:29). h. Discovering spiritual gifts: church leaders need to provide sufficient opportunities for varieties of gifts to be used (1Pe 4:10). A person can simply begins to try ministering in various areas and see where God brings blessing.

i. Seeking spiritual gifts: A person can desire higher gifts (1Co 12:31) and ask God for them.

j. Every believer is given one more more spiritual gifts (1Co 12:7,11; 1Pe 4:10).

k. The presence of spiritual gifts does not necessarily signify spiritual maturity (1Co 3:1).

E3. Unpardonable sin: detailed version (Question 52) There is one unpardonable sin: blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Mt 12:31-32; Mk 3:29; Lk 12:10).

Here, Jesus was accused of casting out demons through the power of the prince of demons, Satan. It was called a sin against the Holy Spirit because the Pharisees may have misunderstood the ministry of Jesus (which is forgivable) but the power of the Holy Spirit was well known from OT times and should for no reason be misunderstood. The opposition to divine influence was so persistent and deliberate that repentance becomes impossible. Some believe that this could only happen in Jesus’ time and will not happen today since no such similar circumstances exist.
However, there are other passages on unpardonable sin (Heb 6:4-6; 10:26-27; 1Jn 5:16). Since Jesus says in Mt 12:31 that "every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven," we can reasonably conclude that there is only one unpardonable sin and that all related passages refer to the same sin.
This sin probably refers to the conscientious, malicious, and wilful rejection and slandering, against evidence and conviction, of the testimony of the Holy Spirit respecting the grace of God in Christ. In committing that sin, man wilfully, maliciously, and intentionally attributes what is clearly recognized as the work of God to the influence and operation of Satan.
It is unpardonable, not because its guilt transcends the merits of Christ, but because this sin excludes all repentance, sears the conscience, hardens the sinner, and thus renders the sin unpardonable. We may expect to find such a person pronouncing hatred to God, with a defiant attitude to Him and all that is divine, delight in ridiculing and slandering that which is holy, and absolute unconcern respecting the welfare of their soul and the future life.
It is a permanent rejection due to a hardened heart and therefore makes conversion and pardon impossible. It is man withdraws himself from God, not God from man.
Some believe a true believer will never commit such a sin. However, the description in Heb 6:4-6 appears to point to a believer. The solution to this problem depends on the position on predestination. Someone who holds predestination will explain the case of Heb 6 as if the person is not a believer while someone who does not hold predestination will explain the same case as an example of falling from grace.