HOUSTON, March 14, 2006 - It is a profound and perpetual question: Were individual believers in the Old Testament continually indwelt by the Holy Spirit similar to New Testament believers? Dr. James M. Hamilton, Jr., assistant professor of biblical studies at Southwestern Seminary explores this question in his new book God’s Indwelling Presence published by Broadman-Holman.

Why add to the existing volumes of material debating this issue? Hamilton believes the correct interpretation is overlooked by “dispensational theologians who do not adequately explain how Old Testament believers came to know God; and by covenant theologians who import too much New Testament salvation back into the Old Testament.”

He addresses the many aspects that comprise the components of this discussion in order to equip church leaders to accurately and effectively proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A pivotal aspect of understanding the saving work of the Holy Spirit throughout the scriptures is the distinction between regeneration and indwelling, according to Hamilton.

He further explains that “regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit to enable people to believe. Indwelling is God’s covenant presence with His people.”

In his book, Hamilton begins his investigation with a survey of six positions of opinion concerning the relationship of believers before and after the glorification of Jesus. From the Old Testament, he illustrates the lack of specific evidence that the old covenant remnant was continuously indwelt by the Spirit.

With an emphasis on the Gospel of John, Hamilton establishes exegetically the scripture’s teaching concerning the Holy Spirit which is paramount to the book’s biblically-based conclusions.

The exegetical work illustrates the literal temple of the old covenant was indwelt by the Spirit allowing regeneration of Old Testament believers. In the new covenant, believers are the temple of God with the Holy Spirit indwelling each believer.

Hamilton asserts that the interiority of the Holy Spirit upon the glorification of Jesus has many implications in the conduct of believers. He ends his discussion by applying these conclusions to the life of the church today with respect to believers replacing the temple, church discipline, and the priesthood of the believer.

J. Denny Autrey, dean of Southwestern’s Havard School in Houston where Hamilton teaches, believes this “scholarly approach to the valuable question concerning the work and person of the Holy Spirit will be a great contribution to the field for pastors and academics as well.”