Revelation refers to a whole range of books from the old testament, right through the law, the historical books, poetry and the prophets. The holy spirit in the old testament israel my glory. It is full of strange and often scary imagery, confusing numbers, time references, and much more. The holy spirit as an active character in the book. Although jesus is never described in the new testament as the son of the holy spirit, matthew uses jesus conception through the spirit or the virgin birth to emphasize the inherent relationship of jesus to god through the holy spirit. Tenney, for example, identified 348 clear old testament references in the book of revelation. However, on the other hand many scholars and theologians refer to a much broader and more inclusive and continuous understanding of the holy spirit in the old testament.
The first book of the hebrew bible mentions the spirit and, if we look at the arrangement of the books in the hebrew bible, we find that the last book continues to speak of the holy spirit 2 chronicles 24. The holy spirit, and sanctification sandals promises of the holy spirit preeminence of christ water for baptism shoes fire of the spirit as for me, i baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than i, and i am not fit to remove his sandals. The bible will interpret itself by the holy spirit speaking to your mind through other passages of scripture if you ask for him. Time and space do not allow for a full study of the holy spirit in the gospels. The book of revelation often called the revelation to john, apocalypse of john, the revelation from jesus christ from its opening words, the apocalypse, the revelation, or simply revelation is the final book of the new testament, and consequently is also the final book of the christian bible. Understanding revelation from the old testament gods writer. This present series of articles attempts principally to gather the major issues of the doctrine of the holy spirit being debated in contemporary theology. The old testament and the book of revelation, part 1. Holy spirit bakers evangelical dictionary of biblical. The holy spirit in the old testament jewish people react to the topic of the holy spirit much like gentiles react to gefilte fishwith a rolling of the eyes and contortion of the face. The spirit is seen as the creator, the renewer of the life of humanity in redemption, as the person through whom the prophets of the lord were inspired and through whom men and women received the gifts of wisdom for leadership, administration, and craftsmanship.
And he has filled him with the spirit of god, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship. The revelation of the holy spirit in the new testament. The first reference to the spirit explains how mary conceived her son. Christopher holmess accessible, rich resource, the holy spirit new studies in dogmatics, answers this question and more via three historical interlocutors. In our fallen state, we are enveloped in darkness, unless god reached down to us, we would be without hope. The to pneuma to hagion the holy spirit of the new testament is the ruah elohim spirit of god of the old testament mark. In this closing book of the bible, there are various fascinating aspects of his work still to be considered regarding the importance of the person, presence and. The bible is more then just a book, the contents are spiritual, which means not just. In the old testament, the holy spirit is only mentioned three times, but gods spirit is also mentioned. In the old testament revelation of creation, in most instances the creative act is traced to god, without distinction as to persons. The book of revelation also called the revelation of john or the revelation of st.
The passage summarizes the redeeming work of all three persons of the trinity in the salvation of the lost. Sproul also sees old testament saints as regenerated, and cites deuteronomy 30. The following is a listing of the biblical names of the holy spirit and where they are found in. What does the old testament say about the zondervan. On the one hand there is the view that there are very few references to the holy spirit in the old testament, at least in the sense that it is referred to in the new testament. Genesis contains the first biblical reference to the holy. Is it even the proper pronoun, an affront to the third person of the trinity that bleeds him of his personhood. The spirit plays a significant role in the book of revelation. Further, those in the church who are cognisant of the soon coming of the lord jesus are naturally thinking of the believers who might have lost sight of his coming, and add. The holy spirit is mentioned by many names in the bible, usually in reference to a particular role or function. Apologetics press revelation and the old testament. This verse is interpreted to mean that the holy spirit was only with believers during old testament times but now dwells within each believer in the new testament.
Another important role of the spirit is to communicate messages of god and jesus through the gift of prophecy. We may conclude that the old testament teaches the following regarding the holy spirit. I think each of these old testament texts and others like them are calling for a present realization of the promise of the new covenant when i will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. No man can say that jesus is the lord, but by the holy ghost i cor. Oct 25, 2019 is to speak the words of the holy spirit. The holy spirit then gives us the ability understand the words revealed to humanity. For example, the holy spirit is never mentioned in the book of revelation. In all major works of god, a part is ascribed to each person, though often one person is given prominence and special emphasis. Allusions in revelation from old testament christian forums. However, sproul differentiates regeneration from the filling or indwelling of the holy spirit, as does james m. The holy spirit descended over jesus in a corporeal way, as a dove, at the time of his baptism, and a voice from heaven was heard. Old testament scriptures that refer to the book of revelation. Interpreting the symbolism in the book of revelation.
You see the similarity in wording and the context mirrored in revelation and the particular old testament story, and immediately can recognize the reference source. In the american standard version of acts there are fiftysix references to the holy spirit. He is mentioned fiftysix times in the gospels, fiftyseven times in the book of acts, 112 times in the. Founder and director of ariel ministries there are over five hundred references to the old testament in the book of revelation. In the old testament we see most clearly the meaning of the revelation. Some christians wonder why the glaring absence of the holy spirit in this greatest apocalyptic book ever written. The use of old testament in the book of revelation rizalde. Throughout much of the history of christianity, the holy spirit mentioned so often in the new testament was not mentioned very often by christians. In essence, revelation is complemented with old testament allusions. For even to the present moment the spirit breathes in the words once inspired by it. Old testament scriptures that refer to the book of revelation taken from the new kings james version down through the years of my personal studies and research where that i have study form many other resources, i have found where they state that there are over 500 hundred references in the old testament that can be found in the book of revelation. The holy spirit in the book of acts preaching source.
The holy spirit, or the spirit of the lord, is also mentioned in the old testament. They regard the new testament as perfect and inerrant in every way, revealing the lord jesus christ in the flesh, and his atonement, and which also explains and illuminates the old testament perfectly, and is part of the bible canon, not because church councils or decrees claimed it so, but by witness of the holy spirit. In the old testament we see most clearly the meaning of the revelation as of a word. According to especially the new testament, pentecostals and. John the divine is an example of apocalyptic writing a form that delivers a message using symbols, images and numbers. I saw the spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he remained upon him. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of god was hovering over the waters genesis 1. The christians, being familiar with these scriptures, would grasp the significance of the symbols, while their enemies would have no clue as to the thrust of the documents message. The holy spirit s influence kept sin from running entirely rampant. How did the holy spirit work during the old testament period. The reason for holding this view is because it is difficult to see how anyone could have entered a right relationship with god. But that really began to change at the beginning of the twentieth century with the emergence of pentecostals and, later, their younger siblings the charismatics.
Table of contents acknowledgments foreword homer hailey preface the old testament background of the book of revelation the number and analysis of old testament quotations the text used in the old testament allusions the purpose of the old testament allusions the place of the book of revelation in apocalyptic literature the times in which apocalyptic grew apocalyptic a reinterpretation of. How many times is holy spirit mentioned in the bible answers. However, with just a few tips for understanding certain confusing elements, the book opens up as an important and helpful book for christians. In the christian bible, the term seven spirits of god appears four times in the book of. Feb 21, 2017 no clearer statement of the intimate interworking of the triune godfather, son and holy spiritand especially of the spirits powerful role can be found in the old testament than in isaiahs prophecy of the servant of the lord is. In the bible life is identified with god and jesus. The use of old testament in the book of revelation.
Some have argued that old testament believers were saved and sanctified by the spirit just as new testament believers. As you read revelation, a you will see many times b where john speaks as the old testament. In conclusion, it is hard to ignore the overwhelming traces of the old testament in the book of revelation. The book of revelation does not quote the old testament directly, but. I am not saying that every reference to oil in the bible is a symbol for the holy spirit s involvement, but i am saying that every reference to anointing implies either a plea for the spirit s action as in consecration or healing or a revelation of the spirit s presence to empower individuals as for prophets, priests, and kings. The holy spirit s ministry to the world has existed from the beginning of time as a restraining influence. By civil rulers i have in mind a category that moses would fit into who was not a king of israel but none the less acted as the ruler of. The basic method of special revelation, alongside written scripture, is continued in the new testament, much on the same pattern as found in the old testament but with more explicit testimony to the ministry of the holy spirit. When we speak of the role of the holy spirit, we can discern four general areas in which the holy spirit works. The holy spirit in the gospel of john biblical theology. Christian members please remember to read the statement of purpose threads for each forum within christian congregations before posting in the forum. No clearer statement of the intimate interworking of the triune godfather, son and holy spirit and especially of the spirit s powerful role can be found in the old testament than in isaiahs prophecy of the servant of the lord is. Old testament references in the book of revelation by.
Similar to the personification of wisdom in the old testament, many things said about the spirit going forth or being with seem to indicate agency. No other new testament book a has more old testament references than the book of revelation, yet. But the helper, the holy spirit, whom the father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that i said to you. The new testament, like the old was written under the direction of the holy spirit, this was the promise jesus gave to the disciples. But such teaching appears nowhere in the old testament. Yet, hints of gods marvelous plan can be seen throughout the old testament, especially in the book of genesis, preparing the way for the ultimate revelation of himself in the person of jesus. For god did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
The first significant reference to the holy spirit in the gospel of john is found in 1. Revelation parallels, figures and typology in the old. In fact, of the 39 old testament books, one writer has found that revelation alludes to 24 of them. It is possible that the references to the holy spirit being upon joshua and others refer to a special anointing and not the indwelling of the holy spirit. But for some, the fact that the spirit is not described as being on the throne with the father and the son means that he is not a person, much less a member of the godhead. What was the role of the holy spirit in the old testament. The combined sixtyeight chapters of the synoptic gospels contain only thirtyfour references to the holy spirit. These are two aspects of the holy spirits revelation. The importance of the person and deity of the holy spirit is seen in the fact that his first appearance in scripture is in the second verse of genesis chapter 1 and the last is found in the early verses of the closing paragraph of the book of revelation chapter 22.
I find this persons view concerning the allusions found in the book of revelation that are found in the old testament covenant rather fascinating. I was in the spirit on the lords day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, in. One man studied and found 348 allusions not illusions, light in revelation from the old testament. Is the doctrine of the trinity found in the old testament.
What names and titles does the bible use for the holy spirit. The evidence of this pattern is noted through a careful examination of similarities between the old testament and the book of revelation. Therein lies the miracle and mystery of the bible that it is the word of god, the. The role of the holy spirit in the old testament is much like his role in the new testament. The following is a list of such references, but it makes no claim to being exhaustive or complete.
The holy spirit in ezekiel anyone familiar with the book of ezekiel will automatically recall a number of wellknown passages which speak of the spirit spirit. The holy spirit in revelation biblical research institute. These references are more consistent with an attribute or emanation of god. The holy spirit in the old testament thomas nelson bibles. Westcott and horts greek new testament lists over 500 references or allusions from the old testament in the book of revelation. In the new testament alone there are some 261 passages which refer to the holy spirit. Divine time of restoration offerings, old testamnent kinds of sin, and gods character the unpardonable sin holy spirit. Is the holy spirit neglected in the book of revelation. There are many similarities between revelation and the old testament. There are less than a hundred references to the spirit in the whole old testament, about 58 references to the spirit by whatever precise name, including paraclete in all four gospels combined, 57 in just the one book of acts, and about 154 in the rest of the new testament. It has the seal, the sign, and the blessing of the holy ghost. However, more than half of the references are in the psalms, isaiah, ezekiel and daniel. The forums in the christian congregations category are now open only to christian members.
However people were made right with god, the focus of the old testament roles of the spirit lies elsewhere. In the old testament the holy spirit rested on, and came upon people, but until the new birth could not indwell people, but of course that changed when jesus rose from the dead. Ezekiel opens with the famous vision of the chariotthrone of the lord powered by the ruach spirit breath of. Old testament references verse numbers found in revelation approx 540 of them for god so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This is as true today as it was during the old testament period. Then moses said to the sons of israel, see, the lord has called by name bezalel the son of uri, the son of hur, of the tribe of judah.
Table of contents acknowledgments foreword homer hailey preface the old testament background of the book of revelation the number and analysis of old testament quotations the text used in the old testament allusions the purpose of the old testament allusions the place of the book of revelation in apocalyptic literature the times in which apocalyptic grew apocalyptic a re. The new covenant and the holy spirit in the old testament. Down through the years of my personal studies and research where that i have study form many other resources, i have found where they state that there are over 500 hundred references in the old testament that can be found in the book of. When one casually refers to the hebrew bible as the old testament, this is from a new testament perspective. Gentiles react that way because gefilte fish is completely foreign to their experience. The revelation of the holy spirit as a person distinct from the father and the son. Is it akin to george lucass pantheistic vision of the force. The holy spirit manifests in humankind through these graces, reflecting the seven spirits of god. Whereas revelation was written while the christians were oppressed by the romans, the prophets isaiah, ezekiel, and daniel wrote while the jews where under babylonian domination.
The general narrative of the main part of the book has ended at v. There are more than veiled references to the holy spirit in the old testament. How many times is the holy spirit mentioned in the old. This is my beloved son with whom i am well pleased. In the new testament, by the power of the holy spirit jesus was conceived in the womb of the virgin mary, while maintaining her virginity. I go through a chapter of revelation and spot the links to old testament writings. The book of revelation brings together in one place. The catechism of the catholic church, item 17, considers the water of life reference in the book of revelation 21. The author has previously published a theological textbook, the holy spirit, setting forth the biblical doctrine in the old and new testaments. Aug 24, 2016 in conclusion, it is hard to ignore the overwhelming traces of the old testament in the book of revelation.
The final reference to the holy spirit in the book of revelation is found in 22. It seems throughout the old testament that the spirit is the selfconscious immanence of god, as well as the revelation of god. By comparison to other portions of the new testament the special significance of the holy spirit in the book of acts can be demonstrated. Even so, there are at least seventyfive unambiguous references to the holy spirit in the hebrew bible old testament. Revelation parallels, figures and typology in the old testament prophetic books whilst revelation does not have a single direct quotation from the old testament there are hundreds of places where john alludes in one way or another to the old testament scriptures. Parts of the old testament, particularly in the book of daniel, are also written in the apocalyptic genre. In fact, the book begins and ends with references to the spirit rev.
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