God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

2. The Doctrine of Illumination

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Commenting on the Spirit’s role in illumination, John Miley says, “Such illumination is a familiar idea of Scripture. As a part of inspiration, the operation may be similar to that of Christ when he opened the minds of his disciples that they might understand the Scriptures (Luke 24.45). They were thus able to understand truths previously revealed. In like manner theirs must be divine illumination. . . of revelation for the proper reception and apprehension of its truths” ( Systematic Theology , Vol. 2, p. 481).

a. Definition: Illumination is a work of the Holy Spirit which enables the readers of Scripture to grasp its meaning for their own life and times.

b. The Scriptures testify that God’s revelation can only be understood through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. (1) The Spirit is sent to remind believers of what Jesus taught and to teach them what it means, John 14.26 (cf. Isa. 59.21). (2) The Spirit guides believers into truth by helping believers discern what truly comes from God, John 16.13-15 (cf. 1 John 2.26-27). (3) The Spirit not only chooses the words of Scriptures but he also interprets them and gives believers the ability to discern their meaning, 1 Cor. 2.9-14 (cf. 2 Cor. 4.3-4).

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3. There is an ongoing relationship between inspiration and illumination.

a. In inspiration , the Spirit moves upon a writer to produce a text that truly reveals God’s mind, will, and heart.

b. In illumination , the Holy Spirit moves upon a reader (or hearer) of the Scriptures to help that person correctly understand God’s mind, will, and heart.

c. Without this illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, prophecy would fall upon deaf ears.