Originally Posted by muchforgiven
I agree that the work of the Spirit was the same in OT believers as it is today. The Spirit bringd Illumination and brings us from death to life. There was ,is, and will be only one way of salvation. It is by grace we are saved .
My only question is, if the Holy Spirit indwelt believers in Jesus day, why did he promise the Spirit's coming at Pentecost?
Please help my confusion.
Okay, let's first iterate and emphasize that the Spirit's work in salvation is and has always been INTERNAL; regeneration, irresistible calling, in conversion, sanctification and preservation to the end of those who have been saved. There is also the "external" working of the Spirit, if we can describe it that way which can be seen in both those who were of faith and those without faith. One aspect of that work was in the empowering to accomplish a specific task for the purpose of accomplishing the work of God on earth; either known or unknown to the recipient.

This same bestowal of "power" and/or "gifts" was promised to the disciples (cf. Jh 14:26; Acts 1:5,8). The Spirit was "to come upon" them. They were to be "baptized in" the Spirit. It was after this receiving of the Spirit that they would recall all that Jesus had taught them and receive a fuller understanding of it. They would receive power to be witnesses of Christ for the furtherance of the kingdom and much more. In the development of the Church after the ascension of Christ where Gentiles were included en masse as prophesied in the OT writings, the Spirit was instrumental in displaying the reality of their inclusion outwardly through the giving of certain gifts. This working of the Spirit must not be confused with the indwelling of the Spirit which is salvific in nature.

Does that help clarify things for you... just a wee bit? grin

In His grace,

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simul iustus et peccator

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