The Spirit of Life: The Divine Person and Work of the Holy Spirit

By E. H. Bickersteth, M.A. Vicar of Christ Church, Hampsteap, and Chaplain to the Bishop of Ripon.

In this book, Bickersteth has 9 chapters about the Holy Spirit: the witness of Scripture to the Holy Spirit, the distinct personality of the Spirit, the eternal Godhead of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit anointing the Son of Man, the Spirit as the author of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit striving with the world, the Holy Spirit quickening the soul to life, sanctifying the believer, and the issue of the Spirit’s work.

LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY,
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CONTENTS

SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT.

Chapter I. The Witness of Scripture.

That of the Old Testament, in the Pentateuch and the book of Job, in the historical books, in the Psalms, and in the Prophets : it is a progressive revelation : That of the New Testament, in the Gospels, in the Acts, in the Epistles, in the Apocalypse : this likewise progressive. pp. 13-36.

Chapter II. The Distinct Personality of the Holy Spirit

Not to be confounded with the Father or the Son, for Scripture reveals the simultaneous co-operation and manifestation of Three Infinite Agents : Sometimes the term Spirit is used to signify the gifts or graces of the Spirit : this does not disprove the Personality of the Holy Ghost ; for, according to the Scriptures, He possesses such qualities as a person only can possess. He performs such actions as a person only can perform. He is capable of suffering such injuries as a person only can suffer. He is designated by masculine pronouns, though the noun Spirit is neuter. pp. 37-49.

Chapter III. The Eternal Godhead of the Holy Spirit :

His attributes are the attributes of Godhead. His acts are the actings of Godhead. He is regarded and spoken of, as God, in Holy Writ. He is associated with the Father and the Son in glory and worship. . pp. 50-70. B 3 10 Summary of Argument.

CHAPTER IV. THE HOLY SPIRIT ANOINTING THE SON OF MAN :

Being one with the Father and the Son in the counsels of redemption ; Fashioning the human body of the Saviour, Besting upon Him without measure from His birth, Openly descending upon Him at His baptism, Strengthening Him in the temptation, Enduing him as the Prophet of His Church, Enabling Him in His mighty works, Anointing Him for His atoning sacrifice, Quickening Him in His resurrection, Vouchsafed to Him in the plenitude of Divine gifts after His ascension. pp. 71-84.

CHAPTER V. THE SPIRIT THE AUTHOR OF HOLY SCRIP TURE :

The oracles of God committed to Israel; The testimony of Christ to the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms;  All alike Divinely inspired, though given in sundry portions and in divers manners. The harmony of the Old and New Testaments. The same proofs, which certified Israel of the inspiration of the Old Testament, certify us of that of the New Testament. This inspiration promised by our Lord and claimed by His apostles.

It is compatible with the clear human characteristics of the sacred writers, but incompatible with any error in the Scriptures, as first given to the Church : The due place of biblical criticism : This great gift of God we owe to the Holy Spirit. pp. 85-108.

CHAPTER VI. THE HOLY SPIRIT STRIVING WITH THE WORLD :

He strove with the world before the Flood : He was resisted by Israel, as St. Stephen testifies. Summary of Argument. 11 Even in the case of those who finally repulse His grace He may enlighten the understanding ; He may work strong convictions ; He may invite them to embrace the Gospel; He may warn them and awaken alarm; He may wound the heart by His word ; He may persuade them to effect an outward reformation. Examples in Scripture of those convicted but not converted. The Spirit may bj grieved, vexed, insulted, blasphemed. Blasphemy of the Spirit, and the sin unto death. pp. 104-119.

CHAPTER VII. THE HOLY SPIRIT QUICKENING THE SOUL TO LIFE:

The conversation of our Lord with Nicodemus : Scripture designations for the new birth of the soul : The Spirit s illumination of the understanding : His saving conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment : He brings the soul to self-despair and self-surrender: He enables the contrite heart to pray : He effectuates the obedience of faith : He gives peace with God : He sheds abroad the love of God in the heart: He awakens godly sorrow : He leads the convert to confess Christ. pp. 120-139.

CHAPTER VIII. THE HOLY SPIRIT SANCTIFYING THE BELIEVER :

Definition of sanctification : it is progressive. Sanctification of the believer includes An ever-deepening knowledge of the things of God, A growing delight in the heavenly duties of prayer and praise, A more and more vigorous faith in the salvation of Christ, A more entire submission of our will to the will of God, A more, resolute crucifying of the flesh and a more earnest cultivation of the fruits of the Spirit, 12 Summary of Argument. A readier willingness to serve and suffer for our Master here, And a brighter prospect of reigning with Him for ever. On declensions and falls : the Holy Spirit jestoring the soul. The seal of the Spirit. pp. 140-177.

CHAPTER IX. THE ISSUE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S WORK

In the everlasting kingdom, In the perfection of the glorified saint, In the completion of the Elect Church, In the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. pp. 178-192.