God's Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology) [Hardcover]

James M. Hamilton Jr. (Author), E. Ray Clendenen (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006 | Series: New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology (Book 1)

Does the Holy Spirit do the same things now and in the New Testament times that He did in Old Testament times? Volume one in the NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY STUDIES IN BIBLE AND THEOLOGY series for pastors, advanced Bible students, and other deeply committed laypersons addresses this challenging subject.

God’s Indwelling Presenceasks and explores to answer: What are the spiritual differences and similarities between Old Testament and New Testament believers? Did God dwell in Old Testament believers as He does in New Testament believers? Were Old Testament believers born again (that is, experience regeneration)? What do the words indwelling and regeneration mean? How is the Holy Spirit’s ministry similar or different during Old Testament and New Testament times?

Users will find this an excellent extension of the long-respected NEW AMERICAN COMMENTARY.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James M. Hamilton Jr.,is assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) on the Houston Park Place Campus in Houston, Texas. He holds degrees from the University of Arkansas (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.), and SBTS (Ph.D.). He has published articles in Trinity Journal, Westminster Theological Journal, and many others.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: B&H Academic (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805443835
• ISBN-13: 978-0805443837
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jim Hamilton is Associate Professor of Biblical Theology at Southern Seminary and preaching pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Review of James Hamilton's "God's Indwelling Presence", January 24, 2011

By 

Daniel - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: God's Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology) (Hardcover)

The Holy Spirit is the third, and perhaps the most misunderstood, member of the Triune God. When the topic of the Spirit surfaces the typical student of God's Word normally turn to Acts 2. Because of the post-resurrection description of Pentecost we are familiar with how the Spirit was poured out upon the church. In Acts the gift of Holy Spirit and the Spirit's power were confirmed through signs that validated God's new eschatological work. Many believers spoke in tongues, others were healed, and ultimately a powerful proclamation of the Word took place. The result of this out-pouring was many were converted and the church grew in power and impact.

The Spirit's work is highlighted in the first days and years of the early church. However, confusion or even disagreement often surfaces on how the Spirit has worked throughout history. The Spirit is mentioned all the way through the Old Testament as God's presence is revealed. But how is this compared to the Spirit's work in the early church or the body of Christ today? Obviously the same Spirit has been at work in each epoch of history, but has all the Spirit's work in each period of time been the same? James M. Hamilton's work seeks to shed light on these questions. He addresses how God's Spirit worked in both the Old and New Testaments and how this work holds ramifications for the lives of believers today.

Summary

Based upon the prolegomena that the Bible is completely true, logically connected, and fully congruent in the truth it promulgates, Hamilton tackles the topic at hand (1). The purpose of his work is to answer the question, "were individual believers under the old covenant continually indwelt by the Holy Spirit" (1)? "Indwelling" is obviously the way God resides in his people in the New Testament church and today, but it is not so clear in the lives of old covenant believers.

The author begins by surfacing key texts on the subject (John 7:39; 14:16-17; 16:7). All of these passages support one common theme; the Spirit did not indwell the disciples because Jesus had not been glorified (1). This also unearths questions about old covenant members because there are accounts of indwelt believers before Jesus was glorified (Num 27:18; Ps 51:11).

Before pressing on Hamilton steps back to explain the Spirit's acts of indwelling and regeneration. By using the New Testament concept of "regeneration" he refers to God giving people "the ability to hear, understand, believe, obey and enter the kingdom" (2). In the Old Testament this is described by using the metaphor of "the circumcision of the heart" (47, 138). Referring to "indwelling," the author means "God's abiding, positive, covenant presence in believers through the Spirit" (3). A climactic point of the book is the clarification between these two concepts. Hamilton explicates that these works of the Holy Spirit are related but separate actions in God's people. With this distinction made, the rest of the book seeks to prove that God's presence was "with" people under the old covenant and "in" new covenant members both communally and individually (3).

Throughout church history scholars have taken different stances on the Spirit's presence in the covenants. There is a wide array of opinions on this issue. The spectrum runs from those who hold the Spirit's work and presence being basically same in regeneration and indwelling to not even mentioning the Spirit's role and function in old covenant believers (23). Those who hold to a strong continuity between the covenants tend to believe there is no distinction between regeneration and indwelling, and that old covenant believers were indwelt (13). On the other extreme there is an assertion that the Spirit works in new ways in the new covenant and neglect to address to the Spirit's role and function regarding old covenant fidelity (22). Hamilton deems both of these extremes as weak and takes a "middle of the road" stance. He affirms the Spirit works to regenerate and sanctify members of the old covenant but according to John 7:39 and 14:17 they are not indwelt (24).

So, how is the Spirit's presence in the Old Testament to be explained? In the Old Testament God's presence resided mostly in specific geographical locations such as the tabernacle or temple (25). There are a select number of individuals indwelt, but they are given the Spirit for a special office such as a prophet or political leader (27). Deuteronomy 12:1-14 describes how God's how presence would dwell in the tabernacle and temple, causing it to be the central place of worship and of utmost importance (37). Instead of conveying the Spirit's indwelling as the norm, the prophecies of Jeremiah 31 and Ezekiel 36 speak of indwelling as a component of the new covenant (41).

To advance his argument the author moves from the Old Testament to the Book of John. This gospel provides the basis of the Hamilton's exegetical support as the rest of the New Testament seems to match up with John's perspective (125). In John the Spirit is called the Paraclete and performs a variety of functions, such as: providing God's presence, teaching, testifying to Jesus, convicting the world of sin, and glorifying Jesus (72). However, central to the author's thesis on the Spirit is John 7:39. This passage (along with 14:15-17 and 16:7) proves that God's Spirit did not normally reside in members of the old covenant but was active in regeneration (75). To further this point, Jesus could not teach His disciples certain things because they were still under the old covenant and had not received the indwelling of the Paraclete (81).

John 7:39 teaches the disciples were not indwelt until after Jesus was glorified. This teaching was not unique to John. Rather, it was founded upon the Old Testament idea of an expected Messiah who would come to usher in a new eschatological era (102). Holding good to the promise of 7:39 and 14:17, Jesus is glorified, he marshals in a new epoch, and in John 20:22 he offers the disciples the promised indwelling of the Spirit (94, 118). The presence of God, the same presence that used to reside only in the tabernacle andtemple, now indwells Jesus' followers (117).

After describing how the disciples received the Spirit, Hamilton again addresses the concepts of regeneration and indwelling. From John 3 it is clear that "new birth," "circumcision of the heart," or regeneration is essential to enter the Kingdom of God. This is true whether one lived under the old or new covenant. Ephesians 2:1 shows the helpless and sinful state in which the unregenerate live. As a result, the regeneration of believers is essential to "see" God's Kingdom and believe. Human ability can't accomplish this, only the Holy Spirit can regenerate (130).

John 3, a passage that primarily unveils Jesus' teaching on regeneration says nothing of indwelling (131). Later on the evangelist clarifies that indwelling occurs after Jesus' glorification (7:39). The temple is no longer the residence of the Spirit, God's presence comes most fully in Jesus who replaces the temple (149). Jesus not only replaces the role and function of the temple, he gives his followers the Spirit too along with the authority and blessings formerly bestowed on the temple (155). This is the basis of Hamilton's argument in distinguishing the Spirit's works in regeneration and indwelling.

The book concludes with some practical and contemporary results of believers being indwelt by God's Spirit. Because the Spirit resides in believers they are given authority from Christ (Matt 18:15-20). The church can submit to one another and be corrected by one another as the biblical guidance is followed (167). In addition, the priesthood of believers is better understood in light of being indwelt. On the authority of John 20:23 Jesus' disciples have a role in mediating the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, because of the priesthood of the believer, every Christian holds the authority to disciple and share the good news of Christ's forgiveness (168).

Critical Evaluation

Hamilton accomplished his objective for the book. He set out to identify whether or not believers in the old covenant indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1). Through the exegesis of selected passages in the Gospel of John he proves the Spirit would not indwell believers until after Jesus was glorified. By giving an overview of God's presence in the Old Testament Hamilton demonstrated how the Spirit dwelt in the tabernacle, temple, and in uniquely selected individuals (25). This validated his stance that the Spirit was with, and not in, the members of the old covenant.

The author also made the important distinction between regeneration and indwelling (131). This point was vital because it explained how members could be made a part of the old covenant community of faith through regeneration. It also illuminated the fact that the Spirit did not indwell most individuals. Therefore, Hamilton logically and coherently made a solid argument that most old covenant members were not indwelt by the Spirit in the same manner that new covenant members are temples of the Holy Spirit (I Cor 6:19).

A couple of the major points made by the author were particularly helpful. First, the explanation of God's presence in the old covenant and how it indwelt the tabernacle and temple and was "with" the members was useful. This, along with the clarification and distinction between the Spirit's works of regeneration and indwelling, can definitely deepen one's understanding of the subject at hand. Many Christians are unsure of how the old covenant members came to faith. In addition, many have wondered about how widespread God's presence was among old covenant members.

Second, Hamilton's exposition of John 20:22... Read more ›

32 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sound Pneumatology, September 21, 2007

By 

Jacques Schoeman (SA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God's Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology) (Hardcover)

This helpful study does not cover the ecclesiology, starting from Pentecost, as most authors of the Holy Spirit usually do. It starts with a study of God's own Spirit in the OT, which strongly suggests that 'revivalism' is of no concern to Hamilton. He describes how, in the time of the theocracy, God ruled through His chosen judges, kings and prophets by anointing some literally.

Yet with the advent of Christ, the Messiah, God's 'Anointed One', the literal anointing no longer exists (and neither does the theocracy!) and the Spirit-aspect in the new life of believers is brought into proper perspective. This process, and its unique godly origin, known as the 'indwelling', is made clear to the reader. Implications regarding the 'anointing' now dwelling in us as opposed to being sought for as a special second blessing subsequently, are discussed in view of the fallacious teaching on the Holy Spirit prevalent in charismatic and pentecostal churches. 'Many assume that enabling an individual to believe is equivalent to an individual's reception of the indwelling Spirit. But John 7:39 speaks of people who had been enabled to believe in Jesus but had not yet received the Spirit.' p 75 Hamilton sees indwelling as separate to conversion in Acts, p 193. Believers would be well reminded that as there exists distinctions between our salvation experience and those of the apostles and their contemporaries, so there exists a clear distinction in 'the age of immediate revelation' with regard to the Holy Spirit's work in the apostolic age, especially as the Holy Spirit was active to that end primarily.

Hamilton sees eschatological fulfillment taking precedence in Acts over personal conversion or regeneration, in four clear-cut instances. Specifically Acts 2, where some of those already believed in Christ prior to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Subsequent to this, Hamilton holds three other unique, though corollary salvation-historical outpourings wherein personal conversion is subordinated to eschatological advancement amongst the gentiles etc.: Acts 8, 10 and 19. 'In each instance of Spirit-baptism, those baptized were already believers when the Spirit fell on them.' p 192 Again, this must not be seen as normative for the post-apostolic church as these were once-off occurrences germane to the apostolic era.

'Under the new covenant, God would not have a tribe of priests ministering to the rest of His people, but His people as a whole would be a kingdom of priests (see Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9; Rev 1:6). In these respects it may be said that there is discontinuity between the old and new covenants. There is continuity, however, in that the Spirit has been active in the lives of believers under both covenants.' p 76

Whereas in the OT the Spirit was present 'with' the people of God, He only came upon those appointed to office i.e., Gideon and Sampson. In the NT (post-Pentecost) the Holy Spirit no longer is given only to specific individuals, but to all who have experienced salvation, and gifts of diverse kinds are given to the church on the whole, and to the NT apostles uniquely. 'The OT prophesied an eschaton of the Spirit ushered in by the Spirit-filled Messiah.' p 114 Hamilton spends considerable time on this singular instance of anointing in the New Testament, as Christ remains uniquely the Anointed One of God. 'His anointing as the Messiah occurred when the Spirit came down upon Him (John 1:32-34).' p 111 Whilst the indwelling Spirit as an 'arrabon' guarantees our bodily resurrection at the end of the age, our redemption, giftings and graces are applied by the Spirit in this age. Hamilton uses good examples to explain this doctrine and its implications, i.e. the eschatological church as the new temple on pp. 44, 117, and 144.

'It is difficult to disassociate 'one spirit' (1 Cor 6:17) in this sense from the one Spirit in whom all the people of Christ are united into one body with Him, just as it is difficult to disassociate the 'life-giving spirit' (1 Cor 15:45) that Jesus became in resurrection from the Spirit of life that indwells His people.' FF Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free p 114

Hamilton's treatment is sound in the light of his effort to correct ahistorical attempts to glorify the indwelling Spirit, even erroneously elevating the indwelling to a special 'anointing': 'Since the stress in John 14:15-17 is not on the Spirit's teaching but on the Spirit's abiding presence with and in the disciples...' p 77

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, August 11, 2011

By 

Jacob Sweeney (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: God's Indwelling Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Old and New Testaments (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology) (Hardcover)

As a senior in high school I took a course in Old Testament survey. I can still remember the day that my teacher explained the feast days, sabbatical years and years of jubilee. It all sounded wonderful. I remember feeling hopeful and curious. Until my teacher dropped a bomb: it never happened.

I couldn't understand. Why wouldn't they have followed through with such a wonderful event? Why couldn't they have followed the law (I could ask myself the same question)? Where was the Holy Spirit in all of this? I have been helped by Dr. James Hamilton before. His work God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment provided some tremendous insight into God's Word. Before he published God's Glory he wrote God's Indwelling Presence which was an edited form of his doctoral dissertation. Indwelling Presence seeks to discern the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and the New.

Dr. Hamilton argues that the Holy Spirit was with the people of God but not in them. Faithful Israelite would have been regenerate but not indwelt. The presence of God among his people was limited to the tabernacle - and later the temple. In the New Testament, with the coming of the Spirit, each individual believer is indwelt with the spirit and, thus, are the temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). He traces and develops this idea through the Bible.

God's Indwelling Presence is an insightful and helpful exploration of the work of the Holy Spirit among God's people. The insights he gleans from his study are quite practical. I'm grateful for Dr. Hamilton and his excellent scholarship and clear writing.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received the aforementioned title for the purpose of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.