"Sinclair Ferguson has done an extraordinary piece of work. This is the most comprehensive treatment of the person and work of the Holy Spirit from a Reformed perspective since Abraham Kuyper." - R. C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries

Staff Review: Ferguson addresses a previously neglected area of Reformed theology in this volume. Although the person and work of the Holy Spirit has received more attention in recent discussion, Ferguson believes that a carefully Reformed and biblical exposition is worth developing. Central to Ferguson's doctrine of the Holy Spirit is the conviction that Scripture provides the sole source and norm for a Christian theology of the Holy Spirit. The author unfolds his theology of the Spirit in terms of the deity of the Spirit and his work in creation and redemption (i.e., re-creation). Ferguson argues that the Spirit is a distinct divine person who is designated by divine titles and engages in divine activity; therefore, the Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son. He discusses the Spirit's role as agent in creation (Genesis 1:2) and re-creation in such paradigmatic events as the Exodus. Ferguson follows Calvin in affirming that the Spirit is also central in the application of redemption through working faith in believers (via regeneration) and uniting them to Christ, by which they experience the simultaneous benefits of justification, adoption, and sanctification. The nature of prophecy is also discussed, including Wayne Grudem's concept of lower and higher levels of prophecy, which Ferguson finds tenuous and lacking in biblical foundation. This is a solid Reformed and biblical approach to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. - Jeff Waddington Westminster Bookstore Staff