The Holy Spirit: An Introduction

By Fred Sanders, Series edited by Oren R. Martin, Graham A. Cole

... Show All

The Holy Spirit: An Introduction

By Fred Sanders, Series edited by Oren R. Martin, Graham A. Cole

... Show All

Understanding the Work and Power of the Holy Spirit in Scripture 

Though he is right at the heart of everything in theology and faith, the Holy Spirit can be hard to focus on. In this addition to the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, Fred Sanders teaches his readers how to hold a proper biblical understanding of both the person and power of the Holy Spirit. 

New believers and seasoned saints alike will learn about the Holy Spirit’s work in the cosmos, salvation history, and God’s plans for the future. To accomplish this, Sanders explains the doctrine of the Holy Spirit in relation to the Trinity, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. In this short introduction readers will gain a better theological grasp of the Holy Spirit and instruction on why he matters for the Christian life. 

  • For Those Interested in Systematic Theology: Particularly helpful for pastors, interested laypeople, and academics 
  • Accessible: Part of the Short Studies in Systematic Theology series, introducing major doctrines of Christian theology in a clear and concise manner
  • Biblical: Examines what Scripture teaches about the Holy Spirit in relation to the Trinity, in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament

Read Chapter 1


Author:

Fred Sanders

Fred Sanders (PhD, Graduate Theological Union) is professor of theology at the Torrey Honors College at Biola University. Sanders is the author of The Deep Things of God and blogs at fredfredfred.com.

Product Details

Title: The Holy Spirit
Subtitle: An Introduction
Published: October 03, 2023
ISBN-10: 1-4335-6143-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-6143-6
Category: Theology
Biblical Studies
Education
Retail Price: $17.99
Binding: Paperback
Trim: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Page Count: 192

Table of Contents

Series Preface
Introduction: Haunted by the Holy Ghost

Chapter 1: Meeting the Holy Spirit
Chapter 2: The Holy Spirit in the Trinity
Chapter 3: The Holy Spirit and the Father
Chapter 4: The Holy Spirit and the Son
Chapter 5: The Holy Spirit Himself

Appendix: Rules for Thinking Well about the Holy Spirit
Further Reading
General Index
Scripture Index

Endorsements

“How do we think about someone who is not merely ‘out there’ but also in, with, and through us? Fred Sanders has set out to do just such thinking. The result is a study on the Holy Spirit that comes like a breath of fresh air where familiar terms and images take on new and unexpected significances.”
Simon Chan, Former Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Theological College, Singapore; Editor, Asia Journal of Theology

The Holy Spirit: An Introduction comes with all the hallmarks we anticipate enjoying in a book by Fred Sanders: Trinitarian foundations without obfuscation; appreciation of rigorous theology without ignoring biblically informed experience; reading from the ancient fathers that does not bypass more recent Americans, Dutch, French—and even Scottish—authors; a willingness to correct error without developing a harsh spirit; a desire to seek rapprochement where possible without compromising important convictions; and reverence for great theologians without losing an engaging playfulness. This is an introduction in the root sense of the word. Here we are led into the living reality of the ‘three person’d God’ who makes himself known through the Holy Spirit. There is theological treasure here, beautifully coupled with theological pleasure! What could be better?”
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“There are many good books on the Holy Spirit, but Fred Sanders has made a most welcome addition to the literature with an approach that is both fresh and faithful. Introducing the theology of the Holy Spirit as part of Trinitarian theology, he shows how the doctrine of the Trinity shapes and informs our understanding of the Holy Spirit. The result is superbly rich, precise, and wonder-inducing, yet at the same time eminently clear and accessible.”
Michael Reeves, President and Professor of Theology, Union School of Theology, United Kingdom

“In his customarily clear, creative, and compelling way, Fred Sanders invites us to consider the Holy Spirit, first, as the divine Trinitarian person whom we already know, and, second, as the subject of theological study. This book covers all its essential aspects, with several unique emphases: an appeal to pneumatology as the doctrine that connects all other doctrines; the proposal that we encounter the Spirit as ‘the Holy Presupposition’ and appropriate him as the consummating person; the question of what alternatives we have created as substitutes for the Spirit; and twenty-seven ‘rules for thinking well about the Holy Spirit.’ Vintage Sanders and, thus, a must-read!”
Gregg R. Allison, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Secretary, Evangelical Theological Society; author, God, Gift, and Guide: Knowing the Holy Spirit

“Fred Sanders is a world-class theologian of the Trinity. In this book, he introduces us to the Holy Spirit—the member of the Godhead whom Christians already know yet often neglect or misunderstand. Accessibly written, rich in historical and theological insight, and unwaveringly faithful to Scripture and orthodoxy, The Holy Spirit: An Introduction is the best book of its kind. It distills a great depth of learning into a clear, friendly, pastoral text. The twenty-seven rules of the appendix alone would make a wonderful primer for every Christian.”
Gavin Ortlund, author, Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals