The Holy Spirit

by Charles C. Ryrie

Teachings on the Holy Spirit, from one of America's greatest living theologians All students of Scripture can benefit from this concise, practical study of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. All the doctrinal essentials are here, clearly organized and explained by the renowned scholar who prepared the Ryrie Study Bible . Avoiding confusion and trendiness, Dr. Ryrie sticks uncompromisingly to the revealed Word of God to answer questions   This revised and expanded edition includes two new chapters on contemporary issues related to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, new overview charts, handy subject and scripture indexes for quick reference, and an updated selected bibliography for further study.

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian, School, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1965

About the author

Charles Caldwell Ryrie (born 1925) was a Christian writer and theologian. He graduated from Haverford College (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., Th.D.) and the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (Ph.D.). For many years he served as professor of systematic theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and as president and professor at Philadelphia College of Bible, now Philadelphia Biblical University. He was a premillennial dispensationalist, though irenic in his approach. He was also the editor of the popular Ryrie Study Bible.

Reviews

[Dr Author O Wright, PhD, MinD, ThD, DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Holy Spirit by Charles C. Ryrie is a very compelling and authoritative study on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Ryrie is a very knowledgeable theologian and an intense Bible scholar. He possesses a unique ability to present complicated biblical concepts on the Holy Spirit in an accessible and acceptable manner. He also takes a prayerful and systematic approach in presenting all of the biblical teachings on the ministries of the Holy Spirit. Written in a mostly non-technical, conversational style, Professor Ryrie’s teaching on the Holy Spirit is very organized and easy to follow. He carefully walks the student through the Holy Spirit operations in the work of creation and its work and power in the men and women of the Old Testament era. He carefully explains the differences between being baptized with the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit. He teaches in great length the truths regarding the different spiritual gifts and the gift of Tongues. This book is an excellent course of study for pastors and for the layman. It is also a tremendous help and source of material for the Sunday school teacher. It is also suitable for use as a textbook in Bible Colleges and Institutes. It is a good read!

[Chase Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Ryrie

This is not the first Ryrie book that I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as I have all of his other works. His perspective and attention to intricate details of doctrine is much appreciated. Moreover, he addresses common notions of doctrine in the church, not from a denominational or historical perspective, but solely from a biblical perspective. This clearly seen is his writing regarding the “ordo solutis” — the standard Reformed perspective, over and against what Ryrie presents as the biblical perspective. Of course, this is a review so I am not going to reveal what that distinction is, pick up and read to find out! Learn how to rightly think about, live with, praise, and give glory to the most misrepresented person of the Trinity today — the Holy Spirit.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-3.75 stars. This is a great basic, simplistic overview of the topics that will arise in any study of the Holy Sprit. However, it is basic and simplistic. I appreciated that it was laid out in outline form, broken down by topic and subtopic, with definite supporting Scriptures present throughout. I just felt, though, that many times the answers were underdeveloped. This book is, though, mostly meant to be an overview, so there is reason behind the brevity. So if that is what you want, this is a great read. I wanted just a bit more, thus the rating.

Ryrie makes many points that I agreed with, but I didn't always agree with how he got there. Many sections I didn't agree with, but I recognize that he and I are just in different spots in orthodox camps. We can still be friends.

I did appreciate that in the section on being filled by the Holy Spirit, Ryrie did offer some general how-to's, not just "do's." That is never a bad thing within the Church. Also, there is a pretty thorough list of further reading provided at the end, which is another feature that is much appreciated by someone interested in the subject--another reason this book would be a great place to start learning about the Holy Spirit.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me longer to read this book than usual as I only read a chapter at a time with some space inbetween. Although it had a lot to say about the Holy Spirit, it didn't quite answer my question about how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. It was more of a testimonial about how there was proof in the Bible that there is indeed a Holy Spirit and how it worked in the Bible. So, although I did learn a lot from this book and I enjoyed reading it and gleaning more about the Holy Spirit from picking up the verses in the Bible, I find that I want to know more so I am researching other books about the Holy Spirit. This book was a good start to my journey.

[Scott Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Help on Understanding the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is often the misunderstood member of The Godhead in todays religions. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is a big deal because he plays a large role in our every day life.

[Jonathan Klimek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and Comprehensive Work on The Holy Spirit

Charles C. Ryrie provides a biblical and comprehensive defense of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, that is easy to read and understand.

[Annediaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was helpful but kind of confusing. Maybe it’s the reader, but I felt like the author was taking simple concepts and making them extremely complicated by over explaining. But maybe the concepts aren’t that simple to everyone.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a solid look at the Holy Spirit from creation to now dwelling within us. The book touched on the many facets of the Holy Spirit and provided the biblical scripture to back up the ideas. I found it to be intellectual, but not dry or hard to understand.

[Andre Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to a good resource tool along with the Holy Bible Vol1&2

[Awe Ayodeji · Rating 5 out of 5]

IT IS A VERY GOOD BOOK...

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and clear

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well explained.

[Paul Huebner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid cessationist book on The Holy Spirit. He gives good insights and does a great job of keeping his beliefs scripturally-based. His dispensational bias does come through without warning though.

[Tim Wester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview

[Dottie Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles Ryrie’s writing on the Holy Spirit offers Christians a balanced, informative, biblical book about a subject that is often neglected, misunderstood or controversial. The Holy Spirit, he maintains and I agree, “is the solution to the problems in the church today.” The Holy Spirit “is the antidote for every error, the power for every weakness, the victory for every defeat, the supply for every need, and the answer for every question.”

All Christians have the Holy Spirit. “We do not need to have more of Him, but we do desperately need to know more of Him, and with the increased knowledge will come added faith, power, and control in our lives.”

Through out the book Ryrie explains in careful detail the role the Holy Spirit played in the life of Jesus and should play in our lives today. This 202 page book is one to read and refer to over and over for inspiration, answers to questions and practical ways to walk in the light of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit can lead readers to a deeper faith that will change their lives.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly solid but basic systematic theology. If you are not cessasionalist you might find it a bit annoying, but I've found it to be lacking some arguments answering the most common questions against the ideas presented in the book. So while I probably do agree with most of it, I found myself not persuaded by the argument itself.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read - biblical teaching on the ministries of the Spirit. Though I would be careful to say the Spirit does not teach today - that being directed to the Upper Room disciples. A worthwhile study!

[Eric Durso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually better than I thought it'd be. Clear, short chapters, well outlined. Good resource.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's just basic. Typical, lower-level theology. Uninteresting.

[Dr. L.]

Very good book to read, very good insight and easy to read, understand and follow. Great spiritual insight.