The Roles of Christ and the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible

Understanding the trinity is foundational to our Christian faith but can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one (Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19). However, there are three manifestations of God revealed in the scriptures: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit (the godhead).They are all one essence as God, but each member of the godhead has their own distinct will.

Adding to the confusion, the term ‘Trinity’ is not in Bible. Scripture itself does not represent the unity of the 3 members of the godhead by a single term but describes the concept by association, actions and description.

Last time we described the trinity, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, and the biblical foundations of this important theology. Each member of the godhead has been in existence before time began with the same holy character. However, their actions and roles have differed depending on how God was managing His people at the time.

Let’s examine how Christ and the Spirit are described and how their roles varied throughout scripture.

Roles of Christ and the Spirit in the Old Testament

• Jesus Christ
  • Creator – Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2
  • Sustains creation – Colossians 1:17
  • Angel of Yahweh (Lord) – The Angel of Yahweh is the manifestation of the invisible God throughout the life of Israel. His role is clearly one of deity and although controversial, is most likely the incarnate Christ.
  • Led Israel – Christ, in the cloud, led the Jewish people in the desert as noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
  • Visible manifestation of God – Any visible appearance of God must be Christ as no one has seen God at any time (Exodus 3:2; Exodus 33:19; John 1:18; 1 John 4:12)
• The Holy Spirit
  • Creator – Genesis 1:2; Psalms 33:6; Psalms 104:30; Job 27:3; Job 33:4
  • Contended with man – Genesis 6:3
  • Gave revelation and prophecy – 2 Peter 1:20-21
  • Came upon selected believers – The Spirit empowered certain people such as kings (David and Saul), the builders of the tabernacle, as well as the prophets, the 70 elders of Israel, several judges, and others. The Spirit’s association with Old Testament believers appears limited in scope to accomplish specific tasks over a period of time.

These actions by the Spirit contrast with the New Testament where believers are indwelt permanently from salvation and His power is not limited (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14).

Roles of Christ and the Spirit in the Gospels

• Jesus Christ

• • Offered the kingdom with Himself as king – Matthew 3:2-3; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7; Luke 22:70
  • Offered salvation and forgiveness of sin – John 3:3-16

• The Holy Spirit

• • Caused the birth of Christ in human form – Luke 2:52
  • Anointed Christ at His baptism – Matthew 3:1-17
  • Testified of Christ at His baptism – Matthew 3:16
  • Filled Christ – Matthew 3:16
  • Assisted Christ with certain miracles – Luke 4:18
  • Assisted with Christ’s resurrection – Romans 1:4
  • Led Christ into the wilderness for His temptation Matthew 4:1
  • Assisted with Christ’s prophetic messages – Luke 4:18
  • Assisted Christ in offering Himself as a sacrifice – Hebrews 9:14: 1 Peter 3:18
  • Came upon the disciples for certain purposes – Matthew 10:20; John 20:22
  • Revelation of the gospel writings came through the Spirit – 1 Timothy 3:16

Roles of Christ and the Spirit Now in Believers

• Jesus Christ

• • Maintains creation - Colossians 1:16-17
  • Prays for believers – Romans 8:31; Hebrews 7:24
  • Heads His body, the church – Colossians 1:17-18
  • Nourishes and cherishes the body – Ephesians 5:29; Philippians 1:11
  • High priest – He acts as a high priest offering mercy to believers in every time of need - Hebrews 4:14-16
  • Fills believers with His fullness – Ephesians 1:2-23; Colossians 2:19
  • Bears fruit in Christian’s lives - Philippians 1:11

• The Holy Spirit – Please see Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life for more information.

 Roles of Christ and the Spirit Now in Non-believers

• Jesus Christ

• • Maintains creation - Colossians 1:16-17
  • Provides salvation as a free gift from God through faith (please see Our Great Salvation)

• The Holy Spirit

• • Convicts man of sin, righteousness, and judgment - John 16:8-11
  • Regenerates the new believer at salvation - Romans 6:2-9
  • Places the new believer in the church at salvation - 1 Corinthians 12:13
  • Seals the new believer to their redemption at salvation - Ephesians 1:13-14
  • Please see Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life for more information.

Indeed, God has given us a great salvation and has provided for every need to attain this, from the beginning of time to eternity future.

Thanks for joining me. Please join us next time as we begin to discuss the essentials of the Christian walk.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…
Email                info@teleiosresearch.com
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 Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Trinity

The understanding of the Trinity is foundational to our Christian faith but can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one (Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19). However, there are three manifestations of God revealed in the scriptures: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit (the Godhead).They are all one essence as God, but each member of the godhead has their own distinct will and role. 

Adding to the confusion, the term Trinity is not in Bible. Scripture itself does not represent the unity of the three members of the godhead by a single term, but describes the concept by association, actions and description.

The purpose of this blog is to describe the three members of the godhead to provide a basis of our belief in the trinity and explain the reason it is critical to Christians.

                                              

The existence of the Trinity can be clearly ascertained in scripture for each member of the godhead on several levels. Let us consider the Bible references below.

• Ascribed as God

• God the Father – God Himself, as the head of the godhead, is mentioned thousands of times in scripture by the Greek word θεός (theos), the general word for God in Greek, and by primary names for God in the Old Testament, especially אֱלֹהִים (‘ĕlôhı̂ym) and יְהֹוָה (yehôvâh).

• Jesus Christ – He is attested to as God Himself in the following verses: Psalms 45:6; 110:1; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1; 1 John 5:20; and John 20:28.

• The Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is testified to as God in: 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Acts 5:3-4.

• By titles signifying deity

• God the Father – Stated in His name, God (theos)

• Jesus Christ – Son of God and identifying God as His Father (signifying equality with God, John 5:18)

• The Holy Spirit – Called Lord and God in 2 Corinthians 3:18; Acts 5:3-4

• By character

• God the Father

• Righteous – John 17:25

• Omnipotent – Ephesians 3:20

• Eternal – Psalm 90:2

• Immutable – Romans 8:35-39

• Omnipresent – Jeremiah 23:23-24

• Jesus Christ

• Eternal – John 1:1; Colossians 1:17

• Omnipotent, authoritative – Colossians 2:9-10

• Equal with God – Philippians 2:6-11

• Omniscient – John 5:18; 21:17

• Eternal ruler – Hebrews 1:8

• Holy Spirit

• Equated with God – Matthew 28:19, Acts 5:3-4

• Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-10, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

• Omnipotent – Luke 1:35

• By actions only God could do

• God the Father

• Created everything – Psalm 33:6

• Grants salvation – Ephesians 2:8

• Sent the Son – 1 John 4:9

• Jesus Christ

• Came from the Father – John 1:14

• Controlled nature (calmed a storm) – Matthew 14:32-33

• Healed physical infirmities, forgave sins – Mark 2:5-10

• Resurrected – Romans 1:4

• Raised the dead – Matt 9:23-26

• Creator and sustainer of the world - Colossians 1:16-17

• Holy Spirit

• Provided salvation – 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 9:14

• Moved people to prophesy – 2 Peter 1:21

• Sealed our salvation – Ephesians 1:13-14

• Eternal – Hebrews 9:14

• In the life of Christ on earth, each member of the godhead:

• Contributed to Christ’s resurrection – 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:20

• Participated in His miracles – Matthew 12:28

• Attested that Jesus is the Christ – Matthew 3:1-16; 17:1-7; 27:11; John 17:3

• Their association together as distinct parts of the godhead: the Bible references activities with each member of the godhead participating together such as:

• Salvation

• Christ’s baptism – Matthew 3:16-17

• Christ’s sacrifice – Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 3:18

• Act of preaching the gospel and making disciples – Matthew 28:19

• Making believers into Christians – Romans 8:9

• Salvation – 1 Peter 1:2

• Paul’s ministry – Romans 15:19

• Prayers for Paul – Romans 15:30

• Christian life

• Knowledge for Christians – Ephesians 1:17

• Christian service – Philippians 3:3

• Comfort in time of trials – 1 Peter 4:14

• Recognizing Godliness in others – 1 John 4:2

• Witness of Christ on earth – 1 John 5:6-8

• Christian life – 2 Corinthians 3:3

• Believers’ blessings in God – 2 Corinthians 13:14

• Eternity

• Preserving salvation – 1 Thessalonians 5:23

In summary, God is one, yet there are three distinct manifestations of the one God described in scripture, have names of deity, possess characteristics as well as perform actions that only can be of God and are associated together to accomplish the Father’s purposes. These three members together are known as the ”godhead” which is known as the doctrine of the trinity; accepted by the ecclesiastical fathers from the earliest time the church could legally organize (313 AD).

Thank you for joining me this time. Please join us for my next blog when we discuss the role of the various members of the godhead at different sections in the Bible.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

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Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Holy Spirit's vital role in the believer's life: Part 4

The Holy Spirit is essential to the Christian walk. The last few weeks we have been discussing the role of the Spirit in our lives by examining His important role in our salvation and how He assists our Christian walk.

In this blog, we continue to examine the role of the Spirit in our daily life. This time our responsibilities to the Spirit. Remember, as always, we need to use the Bible to explain the Spirit and not depend on our feelings and experiences. The truth is in scripture!

Believer’s Responsibilities to the Spirit

Christians’ actions towards the Spirit are nicely divided into two categories, what to do and what not to do. According to scripture, the Spirit dwells in believers permanently from the time of belief unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14); the full use of the Spirit’s power is available throughout life.

What not to do!

o   Grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

o   Suppress the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

These verses do not explain how to avoid grieving or suppressing the Spirit. However, we suspect it is sin that would make the Spirit sad or suppress His actions in a person’s life because they are seeking their own desires.

What to do!

o   Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16,25) – The word ‘walk’ (peripateoo, περιπατεω) indicates our manner of life, or lifestyle, especially in the moral realm. Otherwise we walk in the spirit when we were obedient to what the Bible says.

o   Be mature (filled) in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) – The illustration in this great verse is not to be drunk.  Alcohol literally can control brain cells by its chemical effect.

In contrast, Christians are to be filled with the spirit! The Greek word for ‘fill’ is πληρόω (Pleroo), which has an abstract meaning to be mature or complete. For mature Christians, their old actions are no longer possible as we have been changed by the Spirit. Therefore, in contrast with being drunk when actions are controlled by alcohol, a mature believer acts according to the Spirit (i.e., the Bible; John 14:26; John 16:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

o   Be zealous towards the Spirit (Romans 12:11) - We should have an attitude of actively seeking the things of the Spirit, which are found in the Bible.

o   Put to death the deeds of the flesh (Romans 8:13) – The Spirit helps a believer defeat sin, but this verse indicates it is by our obedience that a person facilitates the Spirit’s gracious help.

So to help you remember, we act like a ‘cat’ to the Spirit, remember the mnemonic: MEWS (m=mature; e=end sin; w=walk; s=seek the Spirit).

How does a Christian accomplish the four actions above? Scripture is not specific, but based on the New Testament epistles, these commands seem to indicate it is by actively seeking and knowing God’s word and being obedient to it.

By this process the Spirit can change a believer’s mindset as they see God working, the truth of His word, answered prayer, and power to change lives to a mature person (2 Corinthians 3:18).

We have a great God who has given us wonderful promises and abundant provisions to help us live our lives in a fruitful manner, not only in service to Him but providing joy and peace in our own lives.

Join us next time as we continue our discussion of the major themes of scripture 

Please review the role of the spirit in the last three weeks below or visit our website to review my chapter on this topic in my ebook ‘Know the Bible’.

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   

The Holy Spirit's vital role in the believer's life - Part 3

The Holy Spirit is vital to the Christian walk. The last few weeks we have discussed the important roles the Holy Spirit plays in our lives including in our salvation and invariable assistance He provides every day.

In this blog we examine the role of the Spirit in our lives that are dependent upon our obedience. Therefore, these actions by the Spirit are available to us if we're seeking God through His word. Remember, we need to use the Bible to explain the Spirit’s actions in our lives and not by our feelings or experiences. We should live by facts and not emotion.

Believer dependent roles

Two passages are critical to understand the variable actions of the Spirit, Romans 8:13-16, 26 and Ephesians 6:10-17.

Romans 8:13-16

·       Stops sin (v.13) – As we are obedient, the Spirit helps put to death the deeds of the flesh.

·       Leads us (v.14) – Many Christians believe this biblical concept but may not understand how the Spirit leads. In short, the Spirit uses a believer’s knowledge of God’s word to them (please see below passage in Ephesians 6). Indeed, the Bible often tells us to be people of knowledge and understanding, for example in Paul’s prayers for others (Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 1:9). Please see the chapter over God's leading.

·       Comforts believers that they are God’s children (V.16) – The Spirit encourages us that they belong to God and should not be anxious about eternity.

Ephesians 6:10-17

The magnificent “armor of God” passage is critical to understanding the Christian’s lifestyle. It describes our access to God’s power by arming ourselves as a Greek hoplite soldier. Often Christians wonder how they can know the power of God. These great verses describe it!

However, it is also important in showing the role of the Spirit because His mighty actions are linked to each piece of armor, also described in other scriptures.

·       Truth (the belt to prepare us, v.14) – Developing a mindset of truth is a “fruit” or result of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:9) and provides mental preparation for making proper decisions and actions.

·       Righteousness (the breastplate, v.14) – A fruit of the Spirit is a holy heart that is set apart to serve God and can perceive and reject sin (Ephesians 5:9).

·       Share the gospel (the shoes to carry us to battle, v.15) – By telling others the message of salvation we see the power of God to change others and positively affect society, which is assisted by the Spirit (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 16:8-11).

·       Faith (the shield, v.16) – Another result of the Spirit is faith in which we should make all decisions and God desires (Galatians 5:22,23; Romans 14:23).

·       Eternal security (the helmet, v.17) – The sound knowledge of security of salvation protects our mind in the face of trouble in this world; its function is from the Spirit (Romans 15:13).

·       The Bible (the sword, v.17) – The power of God in the Christian walk is through the action of the Spirit in accordance to the Bible.

Wow what great truths! These passages tell us how the Spirit acts in believers’ lives to cause them to please God and experience His power.

Therefore, in our Christian walk the Spirit has several key roles that He graciously provides to produce results, lead and help us live by His power.  However, as His children we need to be obedient to His word to allow the Spirit to work and to attain full access to the Spirit in our lives. God wants us to know Him and be holy like Him. He graciously provides us every avenue to help us accomplish His great goal. 

Join us next time as we discuss our own responsibilities to the Spirit dependent on our obedience. 

William C. Stewart, MD

For questions or to view more of our research…

Email                info@teleiosresearch.com

Website            http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook          https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram         https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

Twitter             https://twitter.com/TeleiosResearch

Youtube           https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh6wIbPgxeP0YvypwAn5-9Q

LinkedIn           https://www.linkedin.com/company/teleios-research/

Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.