THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
By R.C. Sproul
Christian Focus. 160 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978-1-84550-481-6
Having first read and enjoyed this book almost 20 years ago (1991), I was a little disappointed that its latest outing is as a reprint not a revision. The book is still good, but now feels a little dated, especially in its focus on the Pentecostal doctrine of the baptism of the Spirit as its main critique.
Sproul opens with some words from Dutch Reformed theologian Abraham Kuyper: ‘The Holy Spirit leaves no footprints in the sand’ — unlike the incarnate Son of God. Therefore, he is ‘mysterious’ and ‘we are vulnerable to superstitions and distortions of his work’. Hence the book.
Sproul explores (biblically) the personality, deity and distinctive activity of the Holy Spirit in creation, regeneration and sanctification. Necessarily, he inserts early on a chapter on ‘The Mystery of the Trinity’, including the useful insight that this doctrine is a mystery but not a contradiction because we do not say God is three in the same way that he is one. I felt the technicalities of this discussion were a little laboured at times.
The work of the Spirit in creation primarily involves his filling with life the formed creation as Lord and life-giver — in clear and exciting parallel to his work in redemption-regeneration —new birth! And whilst regeneration is monergistic (his work alone), sanctification is synergistic (requiring our co-operation with him) as we work out the salvation he is working in us.
The book concludes with the more ‘practical’ chapters on the ‘The Fruit of the Spirit’ and ‘The Other Comforter’, which helpfully unpacks the Greek term paraclete.
Overall, though the book feels a little dated and perhaps a little over-technical in places, this is a very solid biblical and practical guide to the Holy Spirit.
Oliver Rice,
minister, Bow Baptist Church, East London
