The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is due to Sinclairs writing style. Scholarly book, but so dense with meaning it can get very laborious at times. Its like reading a modern day John Owen. Very helpful for gaining an all around biblical veiw of the Spirit and His work. Not a book on guidance or an "experience" related pneumatology. Great for understanding the Spirit in a systematic theology fashion.

Ferguson's book on the The Holy Spirit is fresh and living theology, unlike the plodding work of Kuyper or Owen. It is a wonderful blend of systematic and biblical theology, and I find insights on nearly every page. I, personally, would consider the current standard work on the topic in terms of its reliable scholarship and genuine biblical, and, I believe, Spirit-led focus.

This book took me a long time to read and was challenging at times. Challenging is not a bad thing. I would recommend it to anyone interested in knowing more about God. I will come back to this one again and again.

There's no doubt that Sinclair Ferguson is a savvy theological writer. There's no doubt that the Contours of Christian Theology series by IVP is a theological heavyweight either. While I couldn't exactly call this my favorite Ferguson title, it did dig deep as the series is known to do. Books in this series don't merely regurgitate the main tenets of a doctrine but linger where it makes sense to look under stones where treasure might be found. I always reach for this series when I'm starting a detailed study of a particular doctrine.

Chapter 1 introduces the Holy Spirit in an effort to shorten the distance that stands between Him and most believers while explaining all kinds of theological perspectives. Chapter 2 looks at the Spirit of Christ by explaining "Paraclete" and scoping out the relationship between Christ and the Spirit. Chapter 3 looks at the gift of the Spirit by examining Pentecost. Chapter 4 tackles the ongoing aspects of Pentecost. Chapters 5 through 7 wades through the Spirit's role in salvation. I felt the author bogged down in a pet subject here. His theological positions are well known, and whether you agree or not, perhaps some of this would have fit better in a different book. Chapter 8 looks at other issues involving the Spirit and salvation like first fruits and sealing. Chapter 9 reviews the relationship between the Spirit and the body before chapter 10 dives into the explosive territory of gifts. The final chapter on the "Cosmic Spirit" serves as a great conclusion.

Ferguson always stretches my mind. Whether I agree with him or not, I always find a warmness of one who loves Christ as he writes. There's no way I'd study the Spirit and not see what he has to say.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.