The Mystery of the Holy Spirit by R.C. Sproul

Author:R.C. Sproul [Sproul, R.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Holy Spirit, Theology, Doctrine, Reformed
Publisher: Christian Focus
Published: 2009-06-14T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7:

Safe And Sound By The Holy Spirit

To the one who remembers the Spirit

there is always a way out,

even in the wilderness with the devil.

HERBERT F. BROKERING

THE THIRD PERSON of the Trinity is named the Holy Spirit. We wonder why the title Holy is ascribed in a special way to Him. The attribute of holiness belongs to the Father and to the Son as well. Yet we normally do not speak of the Trinity in terms of the Holy Father, the Holy Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Though the Spirit is no more and no less holy than the Father and the Son, the Holy in His name calls attention to the focal point of His work in the economy (plan) of redemption. The Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier. He is the One who applies the work of Christ to our lives by working in us to bring us to full conformity and the image of Christ.

In salvation we are not only saved from sin and damnation; we are saved unto holiness. The goal of redemption is holiness.

When Peter wrote concerning regeneration, he made this comment:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope. (1 Peter 1:3)

We are newly begotten people, people vested with a hope for the future. In the light of this gracious work of re-creation and regeneration Peter adds this exhortation:

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Peter’s exhortation begins with the word therefore. This word signals a conclusion that is about to follow based on the premises already set forth. In light of the marvelous work of regeneration we are challenged to a diligent pursuit of holiness.

What follows the word therefore is a strange-sounding metaphor: “Gird up the loins of your mind.” We are not accustomed to relating loins with mind. Peter’s image is reminiscent of Paul’s panoply of the armor of God:

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth. (Ephesians 6:11-14)

When Paul sounds the clarion call to battle, the first preparation involves a girding of the waist. Peter speaks of girding the mind. In His debate with Job, God commanded Job to “Gird up your loins like a man” (Job 40:7).

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