Originally Posted by Cal Gal
So here are my questions: Were Old Testament saints indwelt with the Holy Spirit? I think they were. I don't think they were saved any differently than we are saved today, except we have more revelation and the blessing of being able to look back at history's most significant moments.
First, we can say in general terms that it is the Spirit of God Who regenerates, sanctifies and preserves ALL whom God has determined to save. This is the work of the Spirit in all generations. Without the Spirit, no one can be saved, sustained nor secured unto eternal life in Christ.

Secondly, specifically there are clear OT references to the indwelling Spirit. Here are but a few:
  1. The promise of the Spirit in the blessing of Abraham. (Gal 3:14)
  2. Joseph is said to have the Spirit of God within him. (Gen 41:38)
  3. Moses and the 70 elders were raised up and qualified by the Spirit of God for his commission. (Num. 11:17)
  4. Joshua possessed the indwelling Spirit. (Num 27:18; Deut 34:9)
  5. The comforting power of the Spirit during the wilderness journey. (Neh 9:20; Isa 63:11, 14)
  6. Othniel (Judg 3:10), Gideon (Judg 6:34), Jephthan (Judg 11:29), Samson (Judg 14:19)
  7. Samuel was filled with the Spirit. (1Sam. 10:20)
  8. All the Prophets had the indwelling Spirit. (2Pet 1:21; Ex 4:16; 2Kgs 9:7; Hos 8:7; Isa 21:11; Zech 11:3)
  9. David had the Spirit of God with him. (1Sam 16:13; 2Sam 23:2; Ps 51:11; 139:7; 143:10)
  10. Solomon wrote of the indwelling Spirit. (Prov 1:23)
  11. Hosea was said to be 'the man of the Spirit'. (Hos 9:7)
  12. The OT Church in general had the same 'Spirit of faith'. (Ps 45:7; 68:18; cf. 2Cor 4:13 and Ps 114:10)

That should suffice to show that the Spirit indeed indwelt believers before the coming of Christ. grin

Originally Posted by Cal Gal
And secondly, I am new to this Bible study, basically unknown to the group, and more than likely one of the few Calvinists in the bunch. I am inclined to think that this issue is not worth approaching the teacher about. Would you agree?
That's a judgment call. IF the subject of the class is salvation; how it is accomplished and appropriated, then it is more than relevant. For, how could any of the OT be written by inspiration (2Pet 1:21) without the indwelling Spirit and without which there would have been no Gospel? How could anyone before Christ be saved if it was not for the inner working of the Holy Spirit who regenerates the soul and brings sinners to faith in Christ? etc., etc.

IF, however, this subject of the indwelling Holy Spirit in the OT was simply an aside brought up by one of the participants, then perhaps it would be prudent to let it slide. wink

In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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