The study of the Holy Spirit is termed Pneumatology. In Chafer’s work on Pneumatology we find ample consideration for the name of the Holy Spirit, the Deity of the Holy Spirit, types and symbols of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit and prophecy, the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, distinctive character of the present age, work of the Holy Spirit in the world, and the Holy Spirit in relation to the believer. The latter will be examined in a latter study of additional chapters in Chafer’s work.
Concerning the name of the Holy Spirit, Chafer concludes that the Holy Spirit is given the names of God, Jehovah, the God of Israel, Jehovah God, and Jehovah God of hosts. These are just a few of the names given to the Holy Spirit. The ultimate conclusion that we gather from the various names of the Holy Spirit is that the Holy Spirit is indeed included in the trinity and thus possess all the authority and power that belongs to the Deity.
This brings us to the next consideration that pertains to the Deity of the Holy Spirit. As God we see that the Holy Spirit thus obtains the attributes of God. Those attributes are as follows: eternal, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, love, truthfulness, faithfulness, and holiness. In addition to the examination of His attributes, Chafer also examines the divine works of the Holy Spirit. We see the Holy Spirit involved in creation, striving, inspiration, generating Christ, convincing, restraining, and regeneration, among many other divine acts.
In this volume, Chafer also includes the types and symbols of the Holy Spirit. Chafer notes the various metaphors, similes, symbols, types, parables, allegories, and emblems pertaining to the Holy Spirit. All of these are supported by reality and truth.
A work on the Holy Spirit would not be complete without a section on the Holy Spirit’s involvement in prophecy. Chafer points out that the Holy Spirit is the author of all prophecy as well as the subject of prediction.
It is also carefully examined by Chafer how the Holy Spirit is involved in the Old Testament and not just the new. It is thus observed that the Holy Spirit was involved from Adam to Abraham and from Abraham to Christ. This brings us to conclude that the Holy Spirit is sovereign in all the affairs of men.
The Holy Spirit is not only involved in the Old Testament and in prophecy but also in this present age. The Holy Spirit’s influence is seen in the life of the believer and also in the working of God’s divine purpose for this earth. The Holy Spirit is currently the constrainer of evil in the world and the potter that is molding the clay of time and human history.
Chafer gives more detail in dealing with the Holy Spirit’s involvement in the world. His involvement includes the following: restraining evil and the conviction of the unsaved.
We also see an introduction to the involvement of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. This, as previously noted, will be studied in more detail. However, we must note here that the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the believer is the major concern in Pneumatology.