Chapter 5: On the distinct operations of the Holy Spirit in redemption
In this, He appears on behalf of all those for whom He suffered, presenting the merit of His satisfaction to the Father.
The Foundation: The Father's Promise Remember also what the Father promised the Son when He undertook the work of redemption: that He would be the captain of salvation, bringing many sons to glory (Heb. 2:10). It is for this and this alone that Christ intercedes—nothing beyond what the Father covenanted with Him.
Because of this, we can draw near with confidence:
"By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified" (Heb. 10:14).
This completes the threefold work of the Son:
1. His incarnation, 2. His oblation, 3. His intercession—all for the same people, all in perfect unity and purpose.
Book I, Chapter 5
The Distinct Work of the Holy Spirit in Redemption Thirdly, we now consider the work of the third person of the blessed Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who contributes distinctly and powerfully to every essential part of the work of redemption. His involvement can be grouped under three main headings:
1. The Spirit's Role in the Incarnation and Earthly Life of Christ The Holy Spirit was instrumental in the incarnation of the Son and His ministry on earth.
Christ's conception was "by the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 1:18).
When Mary asked how this could be, the angel answered:
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1:35).
This "overshadowing" evokes the image of birds warming their eggs —life brought forth by the Spirit's power, as at creation's dawn. The conception of Jesus was not through any natural means, but entirely by the creative, life-giving work of the Spirit.
As Jesus grew, He was filled with the Spirit, and strengthened by Him (Luke 1:80). Eventually, He received the Spirit without measure, being fully equipped with every spiritual gift and grace for the mission before Him.
2. The Spirit's Role in Christ's Sacrifice The Holy Spirit was also active in Christ's sacrificial death—or His oblation.
"By the Eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself without blemish to God" (Heb. 9:14).
Whether this refers to His bloody death on the cross or His ongoing presentation of Himself before the Father, the point is the same: it was through the Spirit that Christ willingly and perfectly gave
Himself as a sacrifice.
This willing self-offering was animated by the Spirit—He was the eternal fire beneath the altar, making the offering acceptable to God.
Some argue that "Eternal Spirit" here refers to Christ's divine nature. But there's no strong reason to take it that way. Some early
Greek and Latin manuscripts even read "Holy Spirit" instead. And Scripture elsewhere supports this view:
Christ was "declared to be the Son of God… according to the Spirit of holiness" (Rom. 1:4).
He was "made alive by the Spirit" (1 Pet. 3:18).
If the Spirit was active in Christ's resurrection, it makes sense that He was also active in His offering.
3. The Spirit's Role in Christ's Resurrection
Finally, the Holy Spirit was the divine agent in raising Christ from the dead.
"If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then He who raised Christ will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit" (Rom. 8:11).
The resurrection, like the incarnation and crucifixion, was a Trinitarian work—each person acting in harmony, the Spirit exercising His power to raise the Son.
Summary: One Work, Three Persons We have now seen the distinct yet united work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in our redemption:
The Father sends, furnishes, and covenants; The Son becomes incarnate, offers Himself, and intercedes;
The Spirit conceives, empowers, offers, and raises.
Though these actions can be distinguished, they are never divided.
Each belongs to the one divine nature shared equally by all three persons.
Together, they not only began this work of redemption, but they continue to apply it until its full and final accomplishment.
As Paul says:
"Give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit (by His Spirit) to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has