As seen in the Introduction, the work of the Spirit is summed up in John 16:14, where the Lord Jesus says, "He shall glorify Me." Commenting on this passage, James Boice writes, "The work of the Holy Spirit is primarily to glorify Christ. Indeed; when they are correctly understood, all the other works that might be mentioned are included within this one overriding purpose." James M. Boice, Foundations of the Christian Faith, p. 381.

As we begin our study of the work of the Spirit, we first need to recognize that His work is wholly Christ-centered. There is an inextricable relationship between Pneumatology (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit) and Christology. The Spirit carries on the ministry of the Lord Jesus, after His ascension to the right hand of the Father. Jesus Himself teaches this in John 16:5-15. Luke further illuminates this fact in the book of Acts.