9/14/2017 The Holy Spirit Isnt Just for Charismatics

Reviews, Bible & Theology

The Holy Spirit Isnt Just for Charismatics

Graham Cole / June 26, 2017

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Michael Horton, professor of systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Seminary California, is a
prolific author. His latest work is on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

InRediscovering the Holy Spirit: Gods Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life,
Horton aims to explore the Spirits role in the external works of the Trinity. Central to his exploration is the
idea that Pentecost marks a qualitativechange (his emphasis) between the Spirits role in the Old
Testament era and in the New, which is the age of the Spirit.

He also wants to establish both the Spirits person and work, and he emphasizes the Spiritswork in the
ordinary, not just the extraordinary.In accomplishing these tasks, Horton shows a deep grasp of Scripture
and the flow of redemptive history.

Controversial Matters
A book on the Spirit needs to deal with certain controversial matters in todays theological climate. On the
matter of cessationism and continuationism with reference to the signgifts, Hortonsees no reason to
assume that all of the marvelous signs of the Spirits outpouring in the apostolic era are normative today.
He argues, There is a qualitative distinction between the inauguration of kingdom (foundation laying) and
the erection of the building upon it. Nevertheless, he doesnt preclude the possibility that the Spirit in his
marvelous freedom might bestow them today.

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But Horton contends that the offices of apostle and prophet havent continued past the apostolic era. With
reference to the second blessing, Horton, in his own nuanced way, follows John Stotts theology of one
baptism, many fillings.Hesinclined to think that New Testament tongues, both in Acts and the Pauline
epistles, refer to the gospel spoken in a known language,but one unknown to the speaker. He sees no
exegetical support for the Puritan notion that preaching is prophecy.

Given Hortons emphasis on the Spirits involvement in everyday life, his discussion wouldve been
strengthened by some extended treatment of how Christians may sin against the Spirit by grieving the Spirit
(Eph. 4:30) andquenching the Spirit (1 Thess. 5:1921). Horton doesnt raise the question of praying to the
Spirit, whichis the daily practice of many contemporary Christians.Guidance on how to help those who
believetheyve blasphemed the Spirit (Mark 3:2230) would also have beenvaluable.

Theological Context
The word Rediscovering in the title is a little puzzling, as there are works on pneumatology thatexplore
the Spirits role in the day-to-day life of the Christian (e.g., J. I. PackersKeep in Step with the Spirit).
Hortons accent on the Spirit asGods perfecting presence has a long history in Christian thought, back to
the Cappadocian Fathers of the fourth century, as he acknowledges. But Hortonexplores the idea in a
systematic way, which is a significant strength of the book.

He writes from a Reformed theological stance, soits no surprise his secondary sources reflect that tradition
(e.g., Augustine, John Calvin, John Owen, Abraham Kuyper, Sinclair Ferguson, Richard GaffinJr.). What is
surprising is the relative lack of interaction in the main text with charismatic and Pentecostal scholars who
are now a force to be reckoned with in pneumatology (e.g., Max Turner, Gordon Fee, Robert P. Menzies,
Roger Stronstad, Veli-Matti Krkkinen, Amos Yong).

Clark Pinnock is an exception. Horton offers a sustained critique of Pinnocks putative panentheism.
Butheidentifies Pinnock simply as a Baptist theologian, when Pinnock was both a Baptist and a
charismatic theologian.

Profitable Read

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This book is clearly written, organized, and argued. Its a learned work thatwears its considerable
scholarship lightly. Enjoyably, there are striking turns of phrase, like when he writes of the Spirit, Nature is
his palette. There are also illuminating analogies. Horton draws an analogy between the two types of
speech acts of God in creation (i.e., direct and indirect) and the ones in revelation and inspiration (i.e., direct
and indirect). The overall tone is doxological.

Horton writes thoughtful books thatserve the church well. Rediscovering the Holy Spiritis no
exception.Theological students and pastors will find it a profitable and stimulating read.

Michael Horton. Rediscovering the Holy Spirit: Gods Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and
Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2017. 336 pp. $22.99.

Graham A. Cole(ThD, Australian College of Theology) is the dean and professor of systematic theology at Trinity
Evangelical Divinity School. An ordained Anglican minister, he has served in two parishes and was formerly the
principal of Ridley College. Graham lives in Libertyville, Illinois, with his wife, Jules. He is the author of Engaging with
the Holy Spirit: Real Questions, Practical Answers, He Who Gives Life: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, and God the
Peacemaker: How Atonement Brings Shalom.

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