While there has been some controversy over the work of the Holy spirit in the old testament, it is evident that the spirit was at work throughout the old testament era. He was particularly evident in the life anf ministry of Jesus. He continues to work in the lives of person who God calls to repentance and faith. He guide the believer from spiritual birth to maturity. With the changes in attitude towards the gift of the spirit in recent years, the miraculous gift have assumed a significant role in some circles. Some assessment needs to be made regarding how one should view these gifts. (Millard j. Erickson Christian Theology USA: Baker books, 1998, p.880)
INTRODUCTION
The Holy spirit operations can be considered as the works if the Holy Spirit. This implies that the article will not cover the aspect of the personality, Deity or Divinity of the Holy spirit. It will not also cover the place of the Holy spirit in the trinitarian debate. However, the article seeks to trace the activities of the Holy spirit in the old and new testament eras. It will be concluded with the influence of the Holy spirit in the contemporary era.
THE OLD TESTAMENT ERA
scholars generally agree that it is often difficult to identify the Holy spirit within the old testament period. This is because the period is regarded as the earliest stages of progressive revelation. The term "Holy spirit"is rarely employed in the old testament. Rather, the usual expression is " the Spirit of God" most old testament references to the third person of the Trinity consist of the two nouns Spirit of God, from the expression, "Spirit of God ", from the old testament is not very clear that the construction refers to a separate person. The expression Spirit of God could well be understood as being simply a reference to the will, mind, or activity if God. We have to look to the new testament to have a clearer understanding if the old testament reference to the Spirit of God to mean the reference to the Holy Spirit. The comments of Peter in acts 2:16-21, us one such passages that helps thus understanding. In the passage Peter explains that what is occurring at Pentecost is the fulfillment of the prophet joel's statement, "i will pour out my spirit on all people". (Joel 2:17). Actually the events of Pentecost were the realization of Jesus promise " But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (acts 1:8). In short the old testament " Spirit of God" is synonymous with the Holy Spirit
To be continued...