Topical Bible: The Holy Spirit: is God: As Eternal

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Holy Spirit, as a distinct person of the Holy Trinity, is recognized as God and possesses the attribute of eternality. This attribute is foundational to understanding the nature and work of the Holy Spirit within the Godhead and throughout the biblical narrative.

Eternal Nature of the Holy Spirit

The eternality of the Holy Spirit is affirmed in Scripture, indicating that He exists beyond the confines of time and is uncreated. Hebrews 9:14 refers to the Holy Spirit as the "eternal Spirit," underscoring His divine nature and timeless existence: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!" . This passage highlights the Holy Spirit's role in the redemptive work of Christ, emphasizing His eternal presence and participation in the divine plan.

The Holy Spirit in Creation

The Holy Spirit's involvement in creation further attests to His eternal nature. Genesis 1:2 describes the Spirit's presence at the very beginning of creation: "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 depiction of the Spirit's activity at the dawn of time illustrates His preexistence and active role in the formation of the universe.

The Holy Spirit in the Godhead

As a member of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit shares in the divine essence and attributes of God, including eternality. The doctrine of the Trinity posits that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal, each fully and completely God. This understanding is supported by passages such as Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" , indicating the equal standing and eternal nature of each person within the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit in the Life of Believers

The eternal nature of the Holy Spirit is also evident in His ongoing work in the lives of believers. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a promise of eternal life and a guarantee of the believer's inheritance. Ephesians 1:13-14 states, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory" . The Holy Spirit's role as a seal and pledge underscores His eternal presence and assurance in the believer's life.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit's eternality is a fundamental aspect of His divine nature, affirming His role as God and His active presence throughout the biblical narrative and in the lives of believers. Through His eternal existence, the Holy Spirit participates in creation, redemption, and the ongoing sanctification of the faithful, demonstrating His unending presence and power.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 9:14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... a thing wrought in us by the Holy Spirit" (Wm ... because it involves the personal
revelation (inworking) of God. ... Our believing has eternal meaning when it becomes ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

42. hagiosune -- holiness
... sanctification) which focuses on the Holy Spirit's influence of ... is "the brand" of
God's sanctification that ... so the believer can fully enjoy eternal life now ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/42.htm - 7k

Library

The Holy Spirit is True and Eternal God...
... Article XI The Holy Spirit Is TRUE and Eternal God? The Holy Spirit Is
True and Eternal God We believe and confess also that the ...
/.../various/the belgic confession /article xi the holy spirit.htm

Athanasian Creed
... And yet they are not three eternals but one eternal. ... So the Father is God, the Son
is God, and the Holy Spirit is God; And yet they are not three Gods, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the athanasian creed /athanasian creed.htm

The Holy Spirit's Intercession
... this, that the Spirit of God never prompts us to ask anything which is contrary
to the eternal purpose of God. Reflect for a moment: the Holy Spirit knows all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the holy spirits intercession.htm

The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
... and die in my place upon the cross of Calvary." But how often do we kneel and say
to the Holy Spirit, "Oh, Thou eternal and infinite Spirit of God, I thank ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter i the personality of.htm

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we Receive Prepare us for ...
... salvation, believing in which we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise ...
flesh, but they were those who had received the Spirit of God, "by which we ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii the gifts of the.htm

The Apostles Teach that it was Neither Christ nor the Saviour, but ...
... since both contribute towards the life of God, our Lord ... in herself water springing
up to eternal life ... are partakers of Himself, sending the Holy Spirit upon all ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvii the apostles teach that.htm

The Holy Spirit's Chief Office
... "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" The Holy Spirit
is still to the front; the eternal purpose of God to set his King upon the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the holy spirits chief office.htm

Rejection of Errors
... the working of Satan, consists in this that God promises eternal, while Satan ... and
far more powerful and divine manner of the Holy Spirit's working in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors 3.htm

The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
... to the Holy Spirit in Hebrews 9:14, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who
through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter ii the deity of.htm

Of the Union of the Blessed with God in the vision of the ...
... is produced by manner of breathings or spirations, it is called the Holy Spirit. ...
But, O God! ... the sacred exercise of mutual love between the eternal Father and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xiii of the union.htm