Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Abstract That the Spirit gives life is plainly stated and demonstrated in Scripture. How the Spirit gives and continues to sustain life in humanity is an ongoing discussion in contemporary theology that involves topics like justification and sanctification, theosis or deification, and the metaphysics of God’s relation to creation. Understanding the human dynamic of the Holy Spirit’s work in cultivating life is an area of continued debate with some relegating the human dimension of holiness to the exclusive work of God as an agent of holiness while others regard the human dynamic of holiness to be something attainable. The purpose of this essay is to argue for a view of human holiness that begins with and remains grounded in an understanding of the Holy Spirit proceeding as the ‘Gift of Love’ that is selflessly shared between the Father and the Son. Because the Holy Spirit is a gift, he is able to be truly given in a way that transforms human beings without tarnishing God. Human holiness is possible generally because of creation’s inherent participation in God and particularly because of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit giving himself to human beings in a way that makes them holy. The essay concludes with a proposal for the Christian life consisting of ‘holy happiness’ that is possible because of the Spirit indwelling, directing, and habituating humanity towards a life of holiness and happiness ( beatitudo ).