Reformed Theology and the Holy Spirit

Canaletto, Warwick Castle, the East Front (1752)

PhD Edit

Pneumatology

Pneumatology is the aspect of Christian doctrine dealing with the Holy Spirit. The word comes from the Greek words pneuma (πνεῦμα) and is defined as ‘A current of air, breath, a spirit, vital principle, mental disposition, ghost, life, spirit, mind.’ Strong (1890)(1986: 78). Breath or spirit. Browning (1997: 298). As spirit. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 185). And logos (λόγος) defined as Word, reason or meaning. Browning (1997: 230). Logos is also noted as ‘something said’ and ‘the divine expression’ in general terms. Strong (1890)(1986: 59). Pneumatology discusses the divine person and work of the Holy Spirit, including its work in human salvation. The Holy Spirit, provides persons with the ability to know Christ, that was previously unknown. The Spirit speaks as the authority concerning Christ, and this is done freely by human beings through a gift of the Spirit. Williams (2007: 120).

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit possess one divine essence and nature. The Holy Spirit played a key part in the transformation of persons into Christian believers. It is in fact an aspect of God’s participating in his creation and human salvation. It proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is the supreme agent of grace. Whale (1958: 124). In the context of salvation. Calvin suggests outward human preaching ‘strikes only the ears’ while the inward instruction of the Holy Spirit is how a person is enlightened in Christ. Calvin (1543)(1996: 233). Human preaching is valuable in that it works at times in conjunction with the Holy Spirit transforming individuals. Calvin (1543)(1996: 233). The Holy Spirit works directly upon a human mind, in a sense remaking a person and creating a person after the image of Christ. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 171).

Within Reformed thought the Holy Spirit definitively relates to the Biblical, Scriptural witness. Weber (1955)(1981: 228). Lindsell (1976: 30). The presentation of Biblical witnesses is considered to exist by the virtue of the work of the Spirit and this legitimizes the Scripture as God’s word. Weber (1955)(1981: 229). This is a doctrine of Biblical inspiration as the Holy Spirit testifies through the witness of Biblical writers. Weber (1955)(1981: 229). Inspiration is supernatural divine influence from the Holy Spirit upon the writers of Scripture. The Biblical writers were reasoned to somehow be part of a miraculous procedure. Weber (1955)(1981: 230).

Thiessen dismisses the idea of a dictation theory of Scriptural inspiration, as the writers of Scripture were not persons that merely had divine information dictated to them. Thiessen (1956: 106). The writers of Scripture were not ‘mere secretaries’ that wrote words dictated to them by the Holy Spirit. Lindsell (1976: 32). It can therefore be reasoned it is not the Holy Spirit’s grammar being used. Thiessen (1956: 106). The distinctive style of Biblical writers based on the study of original languages makes the dictation theory quite unlikely. Erickson (1994: 207). The concept of Biblical inspiration, with the Holy Spirit serving as guidance for the Biblical writer, seems both orthodox and reasonable. The Biblical authors had full use of their intellect and used their own grammar, but were guided to write God’s word without error and omission. Thiessen (1956: 106). Shedd names this basic theory of Biblical inspiration as ‘plenary inspiration’ meaning writers were moved by the Holy Spirit in respect to thought and language and were kept from error. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 72 Volume 1). Modern theology needs to correctly discern what the Spirit is stating through the Bible and this needs to be done through proper research techniques.

John Murray (1937-1966)(1977) explains that the Holy Spirit ‘summons men into union and fellowship with his Son so that, united to him in whom all spiritual blessings are treasured, they come to posses Christ and all that belongs to him in his capacity as Saviour and Redeemer.’ Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 167). Elected people are summoned. Regeneration takes place which is a powerful change in the human being via the Holy Spirit, which transforms one corrupt and in sin in opposition to God, to one pleasing to God and trusting in God. It is a new ‘vital principle, a new habit, the law of God, and a divine nature’ are framed in a human heart. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172). Herman Bavinck (1918)(2006) equates the term regeneration with rebirth. Bavinck (1918)(2006: 46). In John 3, Jesus does not literally speak of one being born a second time, but literally insists one be born from above. Bavinck (1918)(2006: 46). Regeneration consists of a person being converted from a life of giving in to temptation to one living in relationship with God. At the instance of regeneration the Holy Spirit begins a new inclination within the fallen human will. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 136 Volume 2). The human being is given a divine inclination, not of self, as it is contrary to the his or her fallen inclination, by the Holy Spirit. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 136 Volume 2). Within Reformed theology, regeneration is viewed as an initial one time act of the Holy Spirit in a person, and a person is therefore understood to be converted and therefore able to freely believe. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172).

My view is that it is indeed God’s choice alone to regenerate and therefore he alone is active in regeneration, but simultaneously as a person is regenerated they believe in Christ. Therefore although I view God as the initiator of regeneration I reason that logically, in order to avoid any suggestion of force or coercion, as God regenerates the saved person, he or she simultaneously believes. There is ‘no compulsion of the will in regeneration.’ states Shedd. Shedd (1874-1890)(1980: 136-137 Volume 2). Calvin reasons that a person is not forced or coerced to believe in the gospel. Calvin (1543)(1996: 68). I would view conversion as taking place simultaneously with regeneration in a person, although again I state that God alone via the Holy Spirit causes the regeneration process. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 172). This means as God chooses to regenerate a person he simultaneously persuades one to freely believe. Murray states that regeneration is logically antecedent to any conscious response, and I reason that God’s choice to commit the act of regeneration must be antecedent due to the corrupt and sinful nature of persons. Murray (1937-1966)(1977: 168-169). The work of salvation was confined to God’s part in the calling. Bavinck (1918)(2006: 53). This does not prohibit God from causing a compatibilistic human choice within conversion at the moment that God’s initial eternal choice to regenerate becomes a divine act of regeneration. As persons were regenerated they would hear the call of salvation, repent and believe in Christ. I would view conversion as an aspect of regeneration, which is the beginning of the Christian experience.

BAVINCK, HERMAN (1918)(2006) Reformed Dogmatics Volume 2: God and Creation, John Bolt (gen.ed.), Translated by John Vriend, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids.

BAVINCK, HERMAN (1918)(2006) Reformed Dogmatics Volume 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ, John Bolt (gen.ed.), Translated by John Vriend, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids.

BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

CALVIN, JOHN (1543)(1996) The Bondage and Liberation of the Will, Translated by G.I. Davies, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

LINDSELL, HAROLD (1976) The Battle for the Bible, Grand Rapids, Zondervan Publishing House.

MURRAY, JOHN (1937-1966)(1977) Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol. 2: Select Lectures in Systematic Theology, Edinburgh, The Banner of Truth Trust.

SHEDD, WILLIAM G.T. (1874-1890)(1980) Dogmatic Theology, Volumes 1 and 2, Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers.

STRONG, J. (1986) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Pickering, Ontario, Welch Publishing Company.

THIESSEN, HENRY C. (1956) Introductory Lectures in Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

WEBER, OTTO (1955)(1981) Foundations of Dogmatics, Volumes 1 and 2, Translated and annotated by Darrell L. Guder, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

WHALE, J.S. (1958) Christian Doctrine, Glasgow, Fontana Books.

WILLIAMS, ROWAN (2007) Wrestling with Angels, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids.




Abstract: This is just outside where I live.

Propaganda posters account for quite a bit of my traffic on this blog. Here are some more.

Please note: I am a moderate conservative and I am not a communist or fascist. I am against totalitarian government. I present these posters for educational and artistic purposes.

Soviet Posters 176


February 23 Day of the Soviet Army and Navy GLORY! V.Volikov 1963

Soviet Posters 232


Agitation poster (stencilled) V. Briskin 1958

Red Iceberg


A 1960 comic book cover.

Laughing Squid WWIII


By Brian Moore

Brian Moore

WWII


By Siebel 1942

WWII


Office of War Information 1943

WWI


US Bonds

WWI


US Bonds

Reformed Theology and Christology

Canaletto, Capriccio River Landscape with a Column (1754)

My present Facebook status:

I received a diagnosis from my GP/MD which I wondered about. I looked up my fairly minor ailment on the web on several sources and did my own diagnosis which the specialist today confirmed as accurate. Hmm, it seems I have had to do quite a bit of self medical help online the last few years. Thank God, the GP/MD diagnosis was wrong because it was a more nasty one. Getting better with proper meds now.

This is an edit from my completed PhD thesis.

In the person and work of Christ, God discloses and reveals himself to his creation, and this includes reconciliation and redemption. Weber (1955)(1981: 381-382). The work of Christ in ministry and, in particular his death, are essential for Christianity. Christ’s human life and death must, for historical accuracy, be connected to his salvific act. Williams (2007: 129). He conquered through his suffering and death, and revealed ‘the bankruptcy of the world’s values.’ Bloesch (1987: 16). The world system was shown to have a futile set of values that could not save humanity. Jesus Christ the person is held in extremely high regard as is his ministry, atoning work and resurrection, and his person and work cannot be separated in importance. He is understood as one person with two natures, meaning that both his deity and humanity are aspects of his person. He was and is fully God and fully human. He is not simply a man blessed with a very special relationship with God, nor is he a divine being that appears to be human but really is not. Weber explains that only God could bring peace to God and humanity, and this takes place through Christ. Weber (1955)(1981: 383). Christ stood completely with human beings and yet was God. Weber (1955)(1981: 383). Thiessen suggests that ‘no exact psychological analysis of the unique personality of Christ is possible.’ Thiessen (1956: 305). J.S. Whale explains that Christ is unique and to explain him leaves one in paradoxes. Whale (1958: 106). Jürgen Moltmann (1993) admits there is a mystery in regard to Christ and his incarnation. Moltmann (1993: 88). Christ has two natures in one person and there is an attempt to correlate the human and divine in Christ, but it remains a mystery. Whale (1958: 105). There is a mysterious incarnation of God into a reality that is ‘temporal, decaying, transitory existence in which men live and die.’ Moltmann (1993: 88). The eternal presence of God somehow in the incarnation exists among persons as God takes on ‘transitory, mortal being’ in order to become and cause humanity to become ‘intransitory’ and immortal, never facing death once again. Moltmann (1993: 88).

The New Testament depicts Christ as full deity with full divine power, and at the same time presents him as having the results of human finitude and mortality. His deity should not be asserted in a way that negates his humanity and vice-versa. Christ is equal to the Father in essence and nature as God, and yet as human being he submitted to the Father in order to accomplish his earthly mission. Jesus Christ has a determination to be God, our God, and to be the reconciler of the world.

BLOESCH, DONALD G. (1987) Freedom for Obedience, San Francisco, Harper and Rowe Publishers.

THIESSEN, HENRY C. (1956) Introductory Lectures in Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

WHALE, J.S. (1958) Christian Doctrine, Glasgow, Fontana Books.

WEBER, OTTO (1955)(1981) Foundations of Dogmatics,Volumes 1 and 2, Translated and annotated by Darrell L. Guder, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

WILLIAMS, ROWAN (2007) Wrestling with Angels, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids.


Another charcoal drawing, at the two minute mark. This time I present work from Neil Buchanan instead of Ralph Papa (see previous post) that receives rather mixed reviews online.


Some live secular science fiction sounding mostly instrumental music with a religious theme. I have been listening to this piece for over twenty years and the first part especially is fantastic.


Salisbury, England 1995 (photo by thekingpin68)

The good, the bad, and the whatever

University College, Cork, Ireland

Some recent blog comments from me on other blogs:

THE GOOD: GGM

GGM: Avatar

I have not seen Avatar as of yet, but will aim to see it this week. James Cameron should stick to making blockbuster films and avoid attempts at proving that Jesus Christ has remains.

The Jesus Family

GGM makes interesting comments concerning the religious right in the Excited States of America and related intellectual thought. There is not much of a religious right in the Socialist Paradise of Canada or Ripoff Britain, which are my two official countries. We do have quite a religious left though.

I stated in his blog comments:

'Nothing is perfect in this world (although the perfect God works within).

All material whether secular or labeled Christian should be looked at critically.

Jason does well at this.'

THE BAD: Not looking at all human sources critically

There are many Christian and supposed Christian sources that misuse the Bible, theology and philosophy of religion and other disciplines. Error can be minor or major.

Certain views are not necessarily inherently more likely to be true because they come from a Christian source or an apparent Christian source.

THE WHATEVER



I enjoy his charcoal and pencil drawings and some of his finished painted work online in really fine. But in this sketch, which I realize is quick, those clouds do look like scribbles. What do you think?

THE GOOD: THE JEFF

THE JEFF on Islam

I stated in his comments concerning Islamic criticisms of the Bible:

'The various Biblical ancient copies from various ancient locations demonstrate minor differences with the same books. The theological accuracy and correctness of the inspired Bible via wide range copying has been kept. God did not maintain Scripture by dictating the originals and all the copies.

There is no supernatural force field or like.

The Bible is the very credible word of God.'

THE BAD: Dictation theory

God verbally inspires all Scripture Erickson (1994: 219). Each human writer (or his scribe) had a distinctive human style. Erickson (1994: 217). But this does not make Biblical vocabulary and content, therefore exclusively human. Erickson (1994: 218). God inspires a certain author to write certain things, but as Erickson points out, God had been influencing and working on that author for a long period of time. Erickson (1994: 218). God definitely directed the writing of the author but it is not dictation as if God was bypassing the education and thoughts of the author.

The writers of Scripture were not persons without individuality. As Thiessen states the dictation theory ignores the stylistic difference in authors. Thiessen (1956: 106).

I therefore believe in the doctrine of Biblical inspiration of Biblical authors, but not dictation theory. So, for example, Romans would not have read exactly the same if Peter had written it, instead of Paul. Even if both versions were equally inspired by God/The Holy Spirit.

I also reason that only the original autographs were inspired and inerrant, and not copies, although God has accurately maintained his word theologically through various copies from the old world. Technical differences in manuscripts do not alter central Biblical messages.

THE WHATEVER

Now, a woman sent me this!



THE GOOD: My online audio series provide me with lecturing experience.

I will continue with them. I really appreciate those that listen and as well those that participate.

THE BAD: Take one, take two, take twelve.

Plus I still have to do the academic and online research.

THE WHATEVER

ERICKSON, MILLARD (1994) Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House.

THIESSEN, HENRY C. (1956) Introductory Lectures in Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

Reader questions (and hopefully exciting audio answers)

Summer clouds (Richard Wanderman)

This is a progressive post. I have received ten questions so far.

Please send your written, Wav, or MP3 question

thekingpin68@shaw.ca

Thanks

Question 1: January 29, 2010

'How tall are you? Philip. (No audio).'

Answer

Okay, I will answer this one with no audio. Five foot ten inches. I am about six feet tall when I have dress shoes on.

Question 2: January 29, 2010

'The Bible has imagery, types and anti-types to show us what will be or the fulfillment of what was previously shown. How can we understand the scriptures regarding Heaven? What types are given in the Bible?
Jim Leasure'

Answer

heaven finale.mp3

Question 3: January 29, 2010

Why do you like progressive music?

1.mp3

Answer

2.mp3

Question 4: January 29, 2010

What do you like about computer soccer?

3.mp3

Answer

4.mp3

Question 5: January 30, 2010

'Some advocates of the Prosperity Gospel argue, in order to support the idea that Jesus was materially wealthy, that the one-piece robe that Jesus wore was extremely valuable. Have you ever seen any evidence to support this? And, if so, would you say that lends any credence to the Prosperity Gospel?

Jeff Jenkins
http://jeffjenkinsocala.blogspot.com'

Answer

In a quick search I found nothing directly related, in fact this post was the first result on Goggle.

From:

apologetics press

Eric Lyons states:

'After being flogged with a dreadful Roman scourge, Jesus was taken by Pilate’s soldiers into the governor’s headquarters where the whole garrison gathered around Him. It was here that the soldiers placed a crown of thorns on His head, a reed in His hand, and a robe on His body. Skeptics maintain that a contradiction exists between the Gospel accounts because they describe the color of the robe differently. Whereas Matthew says that the soldiers “put a scarlet robe” on Jesus (27:27-28), Mark says that “they clothed Him with purple ” (15:16-17), and John states that the soldiers put “a purple robe” on Him (19:1-2). These differences have lead some to believe and advocate that the Gospel writers wrote under their own power with no help from a Higher Being, and thus they contradicted one another in their narratives. Because increasingly more people are swallowing such allegations blindly and rejecting the inerrancy of the Scriptures, logical answers are required. The question is, do such valid answers exist for the differences in the Gospel narratives concerning the robe placed upon Jesus after His scourging?

All would agree that we oftentimes see colors a little differently. What one person calls blue, someone else may be more specific and call navy blue. A die-hard football fan may refer to his team’s color as dark red, whereas someone else who sees the team’s faded uniforms for the first time at the end of a grueling season may conclude that the team’s color is more maroon. While coloring pictures for their parents, one child may color an orange-yellow Sun, while the other draws a Sun that is bright yellow. Surely no one would accuse these individuals of lying or being deceitful because one was more specific than another. Likewise, skeptics have no solid ground on which to stand when they disregard common sense and create biblical contradictions that do not exist. The simple fact is, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote from different perspectives; they did not participate in collusion. The same way that individuals today look at colors and see different tones, shades, and tints, the Gospel writers saw the activities surrounding the life of Jesus from different angles.'

5.mp3

Question 6: February 2, 2010

'Tex' asks the classic, 'Why do bad things happen to good people?', question.

6.mp3

Answer

7.mp3

Question 7: February 2, 2010

What am I looking for...?

8.mp3

Answer

9.mp3

Question 8: February 3, 2010

Jeff asks a question concerning:

Mark 3:28-29 (New American Standard Bible)

28"(A)Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they utter;

29but (B)whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"--

JeffsQuestion2.mp3

Answer

lecture reply.mp3

technical reply.mp3

Question 9: February 3, 2010

An anonymous question sent via Jeff on behalf of someone.

GenerationalCurses.mp3

Answer

generation cursed.mp3

Question 10: February 4, 2010

Son of God/Son of Man via Jeff

IfJesusIsTheSonOfGod.mp3

Answer

I think written will suffice for this one.

The term Son of Man is a controversial one, but from my reading I reason largely was used by Jesus Christ in the context of establishing himself in the mind of the follower and reader as the eventual ruler of humanity, the King of the Kingdom of God. So, the term Son of God has to do mainly with his deity and relationship with the Father, whereas the term Son of Man, primarily has to do with his humanity as Messiah and his position as King of the Kingdom of God.

References:

BAUER, W. (1979) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Translated by Eric H. Wahlstrom, Chicago, The University of Chicago Press.

BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

KENT, H.A. (1996) Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

MARSHALL, ALFRED (1975)(1996) The Interlinear KJV-NIV, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

MOUNCE, ROBERT, H. (1990) The Book of Revelation, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

SHORT, STEPHEN S. (1986) ‘Mark’, in F.F. Bruce (ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.

STRONG, J. (1986) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Pickering, Ontario, Welch Publishing Company.

Just received this by email...

Subject: What to do on a plane, train or bus if the passenger next to you is irritating:

1- Remove your laptop from its bag.

2- Open the laptop slowly and carefully.

3- Turn on the laptop.

4- Ensure the passenger next to you is watching.

5- Access the Internet.

6- Close your eyes for a brief moment, open them again, turn your gaze upwards to the skies as if in prayer.

7- Take a deep breath and open this site:

Click here

8- Observe the facial expression of your neighboring passenger.