How can Jehovah's Witnesses, who believe that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force of God, explain texts such as Luke 4:14 and Acts 10:38?
3
votes
3
answers
97
views
How can Jehovah's Witnesses, who view the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force of God, like electricity, explain the following Bible passages that distinguish the Holy Spirit from the power of God?
Bible and theology professor Wayne Grudem, in a polemic with those who hold that the Spirit is simply the power of God, notes:
> If we consider the Holy Spirit simply as the power of God and not as a separate person, then many texts simply lose their meaning, since they mention both the Holy Spirit Himself and His power or the power of God. For example, Luke 4:14: “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee” would then mean: “And Jesus returned in the power of the power of God into Galilee.” And Acts 10:38: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” would mean: God with the power of God and with power anointed Jesus of Nazareth.”
>
> — Systematic Theology: Introduction to Biblical Teaching. St. Petersburg: Mirth, 2004. P. 248).
Asked by Artem
(31 rep)
Jun 17, 2025, 01:56 AM
Last activity: Jun 18, 2025, 07:13 PM
Last activity: Jun 18, 2025, 07:13 PM