The Holy Spirit of the Promise

The giving of the Holy Spirit of promise was the great turning point in world history. This was “the promise” [of the Father] (Acts 1:4) who brought life out of the dry bones of Israel (Ezekiel 37), empowered the letter of law with the “Spirit of Life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). It was the Holy Spirit who secured the work of Christ (Hebrews 9:14), sealed the church in that work (Ephesians 1:13), made it the “power of God” (Romans 1:16) and extended it across the universe (Matthew 11:28; 16:18). Paul tells us that the promise of the Spirit was included in the content of the Gospel preached to Abraham—He is the Spirit of the [gospel] promise (Ephesians 1:13 cf. Galatians 3:13-14). As the fullness of time drew closer and the anticipation heightened the idea of “promise” became more prominent (Joel 2:28), closely associated with grace contrasted with works (Galatians 3:13-14) and synonymous with “the gift of God” (John 4:10 cf. Acts 2:38).