Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Antediluvians

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The term "antediluvians" refers to the people who lived before the Great Flood, as described in the early chapters of Genesis. The role and presence of the Holy Spirit during this period, though not extensively detailed, can be discerned through careful examination of the biblical text.

The Spirit's Role in Creation

The Holy Spirit is first introduced in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." This passage indicates the active presence of the Holy Spirit in the formation and ordering of the world, suggesting His integral role in the creative process. The Spirit's hovering signifies a protective and life-giving force, preparing the earth for the creation of life.

The Spirit and Humanity

The antediluvian period is marked by the creation of humanity, where the Holy Spirit's influence is implied in the divine breath that gives life to Adam. Genesis 2:7 describes, "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." While the text does not explicitly mention the Holy Spirit, the breath of life is often associated with the Spirit's life-giving power, as seen in other scriptural contexts (e.g., Job 33:4).

The Spirit's Striving with Humanity

As humanity multiplied, wickedness increased, leading to God's declaration in Genesis 6:3 : "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.'" This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's role in striving with humanity, attempting to guide and convict them of their sinfulness. The Spirit's contention suggests a divine patience and desire for repentance, even as human corruption escalated.

The Spirit and Noah

Noah, a righteous man in his generation, found favor with God (Genesis 6:8-9). While the text does not explicitly mention the Holy Spirit's work in Noah's life, his righteousness and obedience imply the Spirit's influence. The Spirit's role in guiding and empowering individuals to live righteously is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, suggesting that Noah's faithfulness was supported by the Spirit's presence.

The Spirit's Withdrawal

The eventual withdrawal of the Holy Spirit's striving, as indicated in Genesis 6:3, marks a turning point in the antediluvian narrative. This withdrawal precedes the judgment of the Flood, underscoring the seriousness of humanity's rebellion and the limits of divine patience. The Spirit's departure serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and the necessity of aligning with God's will.

In summary, while the explicit references to the Holy Spirit during the antediluvian period are limited, His presence and influence are evident in the creation, the life-giving breath to humanity, the striving with sinful mankind, and the guidance of the righteous. The Holy Spirit's work during this era underscores His integral role in both creation and the moral order, as well as His desire for humanity to live in accordance with God's righteous standards.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 6:3-7
And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Difficulties and Objections
... seen that it was by and through Noah that God's Spirit "strove" with the antediluvians. ...
to be effectual; the latter is so." The work of the Holy Spirit upon or ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eleven difficulties and objections.htm

The Bible --The Background and the Picture.
... all the divine judgments were administered, from the destruction of the Antediluvians
down to ... of old spake as they were moved upon by the Holy Spirit." This is ...
/.../the biblethe background and the.htm

Index of Subjects. Abel, 124, 136, 193, 414.
... Antediluvians, longevity of, [84]246; the good, [85]405 ... Holy Spirit, presence of,
in the heart, [776]98; the "finger of God," [777]95; of the Father and the Son ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/index of subjects abel 124.htm

An American Reformer.
... But holy angels were in the throng, and one of ... various churches, but after a time
the spirit of opposition ... When the iniquity of the antediluvians moved Him to ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... But holy angels were in the throng, and one of ... various churches, but after a time
the spirit of opposition ... When the iniquity of the antediluvians moved Him to ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

General Index.
... see also Spirits; Spiritualism. Annihilation, 318. Antediluvians, warnings unheeded
by, 337, 338. ... see also Sanctuary. Holy Spirit, work of, 343, 462. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

City of God
... Also by Which the Lord Conveyed His Spirit to His Disciples When He Said, "Receive
Ye the Holy Ghost ... Of the Long Life and Greater Stature of the Antediluvians. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ...
... the original procession or manner of derivation of the Holy Spirit likewise from ...
by Sanchuniathon and others; the longevity of the antediluvians, by Berosus ...
/.../xiii proposition xiii fourthly all.htm

Chapter vi
... A measure of the truth had been available for these antediluvians. ... Through it God's
Holy Spirit (r?�ch??) operates, instructing or also reproving and judging ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... Roman Catholic expositors take it), but with the Holy Spirit. ... brethren are bound
to live a holy life, to ... to preach repentance unto the Antediluvians, and gives ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm