5) An Introduction to The Jewish Narrative of Redemptive History - Part 5: Charismatic Category

Introduction

In this insightful lesson, drawn from John Harrigan's illuminating work, "The Gospel of Christ Crucified: A Theology of Suffering before Glory," we traverse the profound theological terrain that unfolds after the death and resurrection of Jesus. As the disciples receive the Holy Spirit, we explore the Spirit's pivotal role, serving as the agent of life from the beginning of creation to the ultimate resurrection at the end of days. Scriptural foundations rooted in Genesis and Psalms converge with New Testament revelations, revealing the Spirit's transformative power in initiating and culminating divine purposes. With a keen focus on the resurrection, we unravel the Holy Spirit's role in raising the dead on the day of the Lord, underscoring the interconnectedness of spiritual activities across the ages. By delving into the New Testament's portrayal of the Holy Spirit as a "first fruit" or "guarantee" of the resurrection, we gain profound insights into the present assurance that foreshadows the abundant promises awaiting fulfillment in the age to come. This lesson offers a nuanced understanding of the Holy Spirit's dynamic involvement in shaping the Christian narrative, bridging the gap between the inception and consummation of God's redemptive plan.

The Holy Spirit is the Agent of Life

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, we see the disciples are given the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was the agent of life in the beginning:

Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (Genesis 2:7, ESV Bible)

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. (Psalm 33:6, ESV Bible)

The Spirit will be the agent of life in the end:

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11, ESV Bible)

Who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6, ESV Bible)

The Holy Spirit is the Guarantee of Life to Come

Through the Holy Spirit, the dead will be raised to life on the day of the Lord and judged according to their deeds. Thus, all activity of the Holy Spirit in this age is understood in light of the activity of the Spirit in both the beginning and the end. This is why the New Testament describes the Holy Spirit as a "first fruits" or "guarantee" of the resurrection:

And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23, ESV Bible)

He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 5:5, ESV Bible)

Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14, ESV Bible)

What we have received in a small measure in this age is an assurance of what we will receive in full measure in the age to come.

Summary

In conclusion, this exploration into the role of the Holy Spirit as the agent of life, from the beginning of creation to the promised resurrection, unveils a profound continuity in God's redemptive narrative. The Scriptures emphasize the Spirit's active involvement in initiating and fulfilling divine purposes. As a "first fruits" and a "guarantee," the Holy Spirit is a testament to believers' present assurance, foreshadowing the glorious consummation in the age to come. Through the lens of the Spirit's work, we perceive the intricate threads weaving together the grand tapestry of God's plan, portraying a divine unity across time and eternity. May this understanding deepen our appreciation for the Holy Spirit's pivotal role in shaping our past, present, and future as we await God's redemptive promises.