In the coming weeks at our services, we are going to focus attention on the Spirit of God, as he is revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures. It is interesting to note that while he is spoken of in both the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament writings, reference to the Spirit of God is not as pervasive in the Hebrew Scriptures ashhe is in the texts of the New Testament.

For example, the Spirit of God is mentioned in every New Testament book with the exception of the three short personal letters of Philemon,  II John,  and III John. On the other hand, He is only referred to in less than half of the thirty-nine books that make up the Hebrew Scriptures. 

We are first introduced to the Spirit of God in the opening verses of the Bible which records the creation of the universe. There He is called רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים (pronounced ruach elohim) meaning "the Spirit of God."

Depending upon the context, the Hebrew word ruach can be translated as "spirit," "wind" or "breath." Here in Genesis chapter 1, reference is to the third person of the Tri-unity who is described like that of a bird "brooding" on its nest.

The Hebrew term translated as "hovering," or "moving" is מְרַחֶפֶת (pronounced m'rachephet) meaning "to flutter," or "brood." As such, the Spirit of God is pictured as a brooding bird conveying life and providing protection to its young.

In a word, this is "regeneration" - the bringing about of life. In the context of creation, that which was initially formless, void and in darkness comes to life over the course of the six days of creation.

Regeneration is a gift of the Spirit of God in two senses. It is a gift from God as well as a gift of God. This is to say regeneration is a work of God in us by him. Paul explains: 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

We do not save ourselves. He saves us. This grand work of salvation does not come from us. It comes to us from God.

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