God the Holy Spirit

God the Holy Spirit is a Presbyterian Primer, one of a series of books by Don Clements that has been written in non-academic style, specifically designed to reach new or previously unread Church members. This title, on New Testament biblical theology, is an adaptation of the original work by Edwin H. Palmer The Holy Spirit, initially published by Baker Books in 1958 (out-of-print). Palmer, before his death in 1980, was Executive Secretary for the Committee on Bible Translation for the NIV, and General Editor of the NIV Study Bible.

In reworking Palmer's book, Clements has used up-to-date language in hopes of inspiring a new generation of churchgoers and seekers of truth to come to a rich understanding of the clear biblical teaching concerning the Holy Spirit. His goal is to help his readers, particularly those in Reformed circles, gain a comfort level and understanding of the Holy Spirit, which has long been missing.

Topics covered in this volume include "The Third Person of the Trinity," "The Holy Spirit and the World," "The Holy Spirit and the Bible," "The Holy Spirit and Jesus," "The Holy Spirit and Regeneration," "The Holy Spirit and Sanctification," "The Holy Spirit and Guidance," "The Holy Spirit and Assurance," "The Holy Spirit and Prayer," "The Baptism and Fullness of the Holy Spirit," "The Gifts of the Holy Spirit" and "Symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible." Appendices include a "List of Charismatic Gifts," a study outline on "Speaking in Tongues Today" and a Memoriam to Dr. Palmer. The book also contains a Scripture Index. Clements uses the English Standard Version throughout for references.

As a sample of the interesting concepts in the book, consider Dr. Clements' explanation of "one God, in one substance, who exists for eternity in three persons." Or delve into the work of the Holy Spirit in order to get a better understanding of who he is. What about guidance from the Holy Spirit; how does that work? A particularly helpful subject in the book is the Holy Spirit's work to assure believers of their salvation, especially during dark periods in their life.
Carl Robbins, Senior Minister of Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC says, "The whole book is a solid piece of work, but the chapters on 'The Holy Spirit and the World' and the 'The Baptism and Fullness of the Holy Spirit' are worth the price of the book. But-if you're going to read just one chapter-peruse the segment on 'The Holy Spirit and Guidance.' . This book fills a much-needed slot on my shelf."