If you asks leaders you will probably get two answers depending
on which theological camp they are in.
Those who embrace covenant theology believes that the Church of God
existed around Abraham's time and thus say that the role of the
Holy Spirit is the same as His role in the Church now.
those who embrace dispensational theology believes that the Holy
Spirit has a distinct role between Church Age times, Israel and
pre-Israel times.
I personally believe that the role of the Holy Spirit is the same
in every age whether in the Old Testament or in tHe New Testament
times [though i embrace dispensational theology]
The Holy Spirit
1) convicts us of sin makes us see our utter helplessness
2) opens our eyes with regards to the righteousness offered by the
Lord Jesus
3) sanctifies [makes us righteous], conforms, fills molds us unto
the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Like in the Church age the Holy Spirit indwells them
Isa 63:11 Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people,
saying: "Where is He who brought them up out of the sea With the
shepherd of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit
within them,
Like in the Church Age, they can grieve the Holy Spirit
Isa 63:10 But they rebelled and grieved His Holy
Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And
He fought against them.,
The difference however is that the Spirits indwelling can be on and
off depending on the faithfulness of the believer.
Ps 51:11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not
take Your Holy Spirit from me.
1Sa 11:6 Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he
heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.
and
1Sa 16:14 But the Spirit of the LORD departed from
Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled
him.
One of the reasons why the Holy Spirit's ministry is on and off is
because of the nature of the Covenant they are in. They are in a
conditional covenant. The Old Covenant.
Does this mean that they can lose their salvation back then?
I don't think so. Like in our age, God has His own elect. And when
you are elected you are guranteed preservation.
Old tesatament election
1Ki 19:18 "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose
knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed
him."
paul quoting the same verse for God's election said:
Ro 11:4 But what does the divine response say to him? "I have
reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee
to Baal."
5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according
to the election of grace.
