Jeremy Carr » Scripture Trinity Holy Spirit

Illumination

Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit through Scripture. Millard Erickson states, “Illumination by the Holy Spirit helps the Scripture reader or hearer understand the Bible and creates the conviction that it is true and is the Word of God” (Christian Theology). John Frame writes, “The word written on our hearts is the same Word written in Scripture. Reformed theology has traditionally called this process illumination, a process in which we come to understand, believe, and apply the Bible” (Salvation Belongs to the Lord). Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit demonstrates “illuminating influence” (Ex. 28:3, 31:3, 35:30), “intellectual insight,” and revelation (2 Sam. 23:2, Neh. 9:30, Ez. 11:24, Zech. 7:12, 1 Kings 22:24, 1 Peter 1:11, 2 Peter 1:21). While the inspiration of Scripture is the necessary starting point for understanding illumination and empowerment, the inspiration of Scripture is not enough to effect salvation and knowledge of God’s character. Illumination of the inspired Scripture is necessary. Therefore we must trust, obey, and apply Scripture. This affirms Calvin’s statement that “No man can hesitate to acknowledge that he is able to understand the mysteries of God, only insofar as illuminated by his grace” (Institutes of the Christian Religion).

Regeneration

Hoekema defines regeneration as “that work of the Holy Spirit whereby he initially brings us into a living union with Christ and changes our hearts so that we who were spiritually dead become spiritually alive.” This is the new birth Jesus speaks of in John’s Gospel as he teaches Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). Simply, regeneration is “new life” that produces new obedience. John Murray writes that Scripture confirms “this great truth that regeneration is such a radical, pervasive, and efficacious transformation that it immediately registers itself in the conscious activity of the person concerned in the exercises of faith and repentance and new obedience” (Saved by Grace). The work of the Holy Spirit comes to full culmination in the regeneration of the believer. The inspired Scriptures illuminated by the Holy Spirit effect saving faith and empower obedient living. To be continued.