God the Holy Spirit – Wonder Lake Bible Church

God the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (and the Son), was active in the creation, inspired the Scriptures, regenerates sinners, and ministers to believers for the glory of God the Son. In part 5 of We Believe, Pastor Dan Cox reads from John 15:26 – 16:15, Genesis 1:1-2, 2 Peter 1:16-21, John 3:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Ephesians 1:13-18, Romans 8:9-11, Galatians 5:16-26, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and Romans 8:26-27.

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Study Notes

WE BELIEVE… GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict, regenerate, seal, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower for life and service. He has given spiritual gifts for the functioning of the Church to each believer.

Eternal Generation of the Son

The Son is said to be “begotten” of the Father, a relationship traditionally described as “eternal generation.” This means that the Son eternally proceeds from the Father, not as a creation, but as a necessary and eternal relationship within the Godhead. The Son is of the same essence as the Father and has existed eternally.

The Procession of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is said to “proceed” from the Father (and also from the Son in Western Christian theology). This procession is distinct from the Son’s generation and refers to the Holy Spirit’s eternal relationship with both the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit’s procession is often seen as a mysterious aspect of the Trinity that underscores the unity and distinction among the three Persons.

The Ontological Trinity

The term “ontological” comes from the Greek word ontos, meaning “being” or “essence,” and in this context, it deals with the essential nature of God as three Persons in one substance.

The “Ontological Trinity” refers to the understanding of the Trinity that focuses on the nature and being of God, particularly in how the three Persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—relate to one another within the Godhead.

The Economic Trinity

The term “economic” comes from the Greek word oikonomia, meaning “management” or “arrangement,” and in this context, it describes how God’s triune nature is revealed and operates in the world. The “Economic Trinity” refers to the way the three Persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—relate to creation and carry out their roles in the history of salvation.