As confirmation of the Spirit’s work in the past we can consider the following: he was present at creation (Genesis 1:1–2) and is the source of life (Psalm 104:30). He instructed God’s people after the Exodus from Egypt (Nehemiah 9:20) and warned them through the prophets (Nehemiah 9:30). He equipped prophets and other people for works of service (Exodus 31:3; Haggai 2:4–5) and inspired David to the design the temple (1 Chronicles 28:12 [NIV]). He gave wisdom to Moses, Joshua, and the elders of Israel (Numbers 11:17, Numbers 11:25–29; Deuteronomy 34:9). He came upon David in power (1 Samuel 16:13–14). He was active and involved in the time of the old covenant, only the Spirit could circumcise the foreskin of the people’s hearts (Deuteronomy 30:6) so that they would repent and believe. Given the active involvement of the Spirit in the past, in what way are things new and different after Pentecost? What has changed from what came before? 

Taken as a whole the New Testament points to one clear and fundamental difference: the spiritual union of Christ with his church, the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3–7). This is a union that was not enjoyed prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Certainly old covenant believers were regenerated, justified, and sanctified on the basis of Christ’s future work. They trusted in a Messiah to come and were saved through faith in God’s promises (see Genesis 15:6). But their covenant fellowship with God was more provisional and lacked the finality and permanence of union with Christ. There was a tabernacle where they went to meet with God; their bodies were not temples of the Holy Spirit in quite the same manner. They longed to experience our day (Matthew 3:16–17; Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 11:39–40).¹ 

Perhaps one could state things as follows: under the old covenant the Spirit was present ahead of time in terms of promise. In the new covenant he is present in due season on the basis of fulfillment. Previously he worked mostly amongst the descendants of Abraham, the ethnic nation of Israel; now he is poured out on all flesh (Acts 2:17), the blessing of Abraham come to the Gentiles (Galatians 3:14).² Previously he primarily empowered kings and leaders, now he fills the heart of every believer and equips us all for works of service. A trickle under the old covenant has now become a stream, the light of the moon replaced by the light of the sun.

There is most certainly much more that can be said on this topic and it is one that is worthy of further study and consideration. In essence, however, we should note the following: there is much continuity between the Spirit’s work in the old covenant and the new covenant, and yet there is also significant difference. A difference in terms of permanence, our union with Christ, and a difference in terms of measure, an abundance of fruit.