Study Four: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation [various NT texts]

The role of the Holy Spirit in salvation can be summarized in three concepts: Renewal, Transformation, and Liberation. These three concepts we will study, using three pairs of NT texts.

The Spirit Renews
In John 3, Jesus talks about two births — the first a birth of the flesh (a fleshly birth), the second a birth of the spirit (a spiritual birth). The Holy Spirit plays an important role in the new birth. If that truth is less than obvious in John 3:1-8, it is abundantly clear in Titus 3:4-7. Salvation is regenerative; newness comes and the Holy Spirit is an important part of that renewal.
• John 3:1-8
• Titus 3:4-7

The Spirit Transforms
Salvation is transformative. As Christians, we have been set free in Christ. Biblically, liberty in Christ includes limitations. How is that possible? The presence of the HS in the life of a Christian is both transforming and liberating (2 Cor. 3:16-18). Living in the HS is God’s antidote to ungodliness: “live in the Spirit and you will by no means fulfill earthly desires.” The spiritual life is lived “in the spirit.” The HS is the transforming power needed to win the struggle between the carnal being and the spiritual being (compare 1 Cor. 2-3).
• 2 Cor. 3:16-18
• Gal 5:13-26; 6:1-6

The Spirit Liberates
The Spirit of God liberates the human spirit from bondage to the old masters of sin and death. If we are no longer under obligation to the previous masters, why do we choose so often to recognize their authority? The liberating presence of the HS is essential to our continued experience in salvation.
• 2 Cor 3:16-18
• Romans 8:1-27