Episode 17: The Spirit in the Old Testament & the New Testament | We Believe

Understanding the Role of the Holy Spirit: Old Testament vs. New Testament

In our study of the Apostles' Creed, we've explored many foundational aspects of our faith, and today, we are diving into the role of the Holy Spirit, particularly how it differs between the Old and New Testaments. This understanding is essential, as it reveals how the Spirit has always been an active and integral part of God’s plan, even before Pentecost.

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament: Power and Presence

One of the most important things to grasp is that the Holy Spirit is not a new phenomenon introduced in the New Testament, nor did the Spirit just show up at Pentecost in Acts 2. The Holy Spirit is eternal, co-equal with the Father and the Son, and has been actively involved in creation and throughout human history. In fact, we see the Spirit’s presence even in the opening verses of the Bible. Genesis 1:2 tells us that "the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters," displaying God’s power over chaos. From the very beginning, the Holy Spirit was involved in bringing order out of chaos and creating life.

This idea of the Spirit’s power is highlighted throughout the Old Testament, especially in the lives of key figures. Take Samson, for example—his extraordinary strength, which was beyond human possibility, was not due to physical training but rather the power of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, Gideon, a member of the least tribe of Israel, was empowered by the Spirit to lead a small army to victory. The Holy Spirit was constantly empowering individuals with supernatural abilities, including prophets like Elijah, who outran chariots, demonstrating the Spirit’s power.

Additionally, the Spirit’s role was not just about empowering individuals for extraordinary feats but also about providing wisdom and discernment, as seen when Moses was overwhelmed by the burden of leading the Israelites. In Numbers 11, God instructs Moses to gather 70 elders, and He imparts some of the Spirit's power to them so that they can help carry the load. This shows that the Holy Spirit was involved in leadership and governance, ensuring that God's purposes were carried out even when human limitations were evident.

The Shift to the New Testament: The Holy Spirit in Us

The transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament marks a significant shift in how the Holy Spirit interacts with God’s people. In the Old Testament, the Spirit would come "upon" individuals for specific tasks, but in the New Testament, particularly after Jesus' ascension, the Spirit would dwell "within" believers. This was a radical change, as Jesus promised His disciples in John 14-16 that He would send another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who would be with them and empower them to continue His work.

This promise was fulfilled in Acts 2 at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in various languages and spread the message of Jesus Christ. From this moment onward, the Holy Spirit became the permanent presence within every believer, guiding, empowering, and convicting them in their walk with God. Unlike the temporary empowerment seen in the Old Testament, the New Testament gives believers the privilege of having the Spirit reside within them, transforming their hearts and lives from the inside out.

As we reflect on the Apostles' Creed and the role of the Holy Spirit, we see the profound depth of God's plan. The Holy Spirit, present from creation, continues to work in us today—empowering, guiding, and transforming our lives. The Spirit is not just a force but a person of the Trinity, actively involved in the world and in our daily lives, helping us to live out our faith and fulfill God's purposes for us.

The Spirit’s Mysterious Movement

When we turn to the Gospels, especially in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3, we see how the Holy Spirit is compared to the wind. Jesus teaches that the Spirit moves in ways we cannot see, but we can feel its impact. Nicodemus, unable to grasp this mystery, questions how one can be "born again." Jesus explains that being born of the Spirit is not a physical rebirth but a spiritual transformation. The analogy of the wind highlights the elusive and powerful nature of the Holy Spirit—moving where it wills, shaping lives in unseen ways.

This concept of spiritual rebirth is something we, too, can experience. Sometimes, we labor in our efforts, thinking we’ve done everything right, only for our work to feel fruitless. Yet other times, when we least expect it, we find that God is at work through us, often in the most mysterious ways. Like the moment when we deliver a sermon or share a story, thinking we’ve fallen short, and yet someone tells us that it was exactly what they needed to hear. That is the Holy Spirit at work, using our weakness for His glory.

The Spirit’s Power at Pentecost

A powerful illustration of the Holy Spirit’s impact is found in Acts 2, during the day of Pentecost. The disciples, having received instructions from Jesus to wait for the Spirit, gather together in one place. Suddenly, a sound like a mighty rushing wind fills the house, and tongues of fire rest on each of them. The Spirit empowers them to speak in different languages, a miraculous event that allows people from all over the world to hear the gospel in their native tongues. It’s a moment of bold transformation—Peter, who had once denied Jesus, now boldly preaches the gospel, leading 3,000 people to Christ.

This was not the work of the disciples’ own strength but a clear demonstration of the Spirit’s power. The same Spirit that emboldened the disciples to preach fearlessly is the Spirit that works within us today. We may sometimes feel ill-equipped or insecure, yet when we yield to the Spirit’s leading, remarkable things happen. It’s a reminder that our efforts are not the source of lasting impact; it is the Holy Spirit who brings the fruit.

The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit does not only empower us for ministry but also works within us to transform our hearts. In Romans 8, we see that the Spirit sanctifies us, helping us grow in holiness. He convicts us of sin and leads us toward righteousness. As believers, we are not left to our own devices; the Spirit is continuously at work in our lives, shaping us into the image of Christ.

The Spirit’s work goes beyond our understanding—He helps us even in our weaknesses, interceding on our behalf when we don’t know how to pray. As 1 Corinthians 12:3 reminds us, "no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit." Even in our initial confession of faith, the Spirit was already at work, opening our hearts to recognize Christ as Lord. This ongoing transformation is not because of our righteousness but because of God's mercy, as Paul reminds us in Titus 3:5.

The Spirit’s role is far-reaching. He teaches us the Scriptures, convicts us of our sin, and draws us into deeper relationship with the Father and the Son. It’s through the Spirit that we can truly experience the mystery of God’s presence in our lives.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery

As we journey through the Apostles' Creed and our understanding of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that the Spirit is not distant but present with us. From creation to Pentecost and beyond, the Spirit has been at work, and He continues to shape and guide His people. Our call is to remain open to His mysterious movements, trusting that He is always at work—transforming us, empowering us, and drawing us closer to the heart of God.

Let us lean into the mystery of the Spirit, allowing Him to lead us into greater faith and deeper relationship with the Father and the Son. And as we do, may we see the powerful work of the Holy Spirit unfold in our lives in ways we could never have imagined.