Who Is the Holy Spirit? Understanding the Third Person of the Trinity
Introduction
One of the most misinterpreted topics in Christianity is the Holy Spirit. Some conceive of Him as the unseen power, as an emotion or as merely the power of God. The Bible, however, gives us the Holy Spirit as much more than that.
The Holy Spirit is also the Person, equal with God the Father and God the Son, and who is Him. He is personal, holy, eternal and is active in creation, salvation, guidance and the daily life of believers.
From the opening verses of Genesis to the closing chapters of Revelation, the Holy Spirit is at work accomplishing God's purposes.
The Holy Spirit is a Person or a Power?
The Bible clearly teaches that the Holy Spirit is not just a 'force' but a Person.
The Holy Spirit:
* Speaks (Acts 13:2)
* Teaches (John 14:26)
* Guides (John 16:13)
* Comforts (John 14:16)
Prays for others (Romans 8:26-27)
Can be poured out (Ephesians 7:7)
* Sows seeds (Matthew 13:55)
These are individual behaviors. A faceless person isn't capable of teaching, speaking, loving, or being grieved.
The Holy Spirit is God!
The Holy Spirit is called God.The Holy Spirit is said to be God.
He has heavenly qualities:
* Eternal (Hebrews 9:14)
* Omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–10)
* Omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10–11)
* Healer (the word is of the object, not the action, and the focus here is on His nature, not His work)
The Holy Spirit's divine identity is revealed in Acts 5:3-4 where Peter says that it is lying to God to lie to the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The Holy Spirit was not first seen in the New Testament.
He was well on the way and active from the start.
At Creation
Before creation, Genesis tells us of the Spirit of God moving over the face of the waters.
The Spirit was a part of God's creative plan, filling the empty spaces with order.
Empowering God's Servants
The Spirit was used throughout the Old Testament to give people power for particular tasks.
Examples include:
Bezalel was the artisan for the LORD (Exodus 31).
God is the leader for leadership (Judges 6)
* The prophet for health (Samuel)
David for kingship (1 Samuel 16)
The prophets to proclaim God's message,
These times prepared the way for the more complete ministry of the Spirit that is lived out in Christ.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
The prophets expected a time of greater outpouring of the Spirit of God.
The Spirit of God fills the earth, Joel said, and God gives his people a new heart and a new spirit so they will be able to obey, Ezekiel said.
These promises are directed to the future: Christ's coming and Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit in the Life of Jesus
The ministry of Jesus was intimately related to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the one who conceived Jesus.
At His baptism the Spirit came down upon Him.
The Spirit led him out to the desert.
He was a minister of the Spirit.
He had told His disciples that He would send the Spirit to them.
In the ministry of Jesus, the work of the Spirit is seen as harmonious with the ministry of Jesus.
Pentecost: A Turning Point
Jesus' resurrection and his ascension led to a gathering of disciples in Jerusalem as Jesus had commanded.
On the Day of Pentecost, they received the Holy Spirit, and He came to them like a mighty rushing wind, and like tongues of fire.
The fearful disciples were bold witnesses.
A large crowd of people believed in Christ because of Peter's preaching.
On the day of Pentecost, the Church began its mission throughout the world with the help of the Holy Spirit.
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The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, but what does He do?
1. Convicts of Sin
The Holy Spirit illuminates people to see their need for forgiveness, and directs them to Christ.
People would not realize that they needed a Savior if He did not work.
2. Gives New Life
The Holy Spirit brings about spiritual rebirth.
Nicodemus was told that one has to be born of the Spirit.
It isn't just about getting better, it's about getting new life from God!
3. Lives Within Believers
The NT makes it clear that believers are made temples of the Holy Spirit.
God does not just assist His people from afar but lives with them and in them.
4. Guides Into Truth
The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to grasp God's Word and to recall the teachings of Christ.
His direction is always in agreement with Scripture—and is always directed to Jesus and not away from Him.
5. Produces Spiritual Fruit
The Spirit works to conform believers to the likeness of Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit are:
* Love
* Joy
* Peace
* Patience
* Kindness
* Goodness
* Gentleness
* Self-control
It is in His transformative work that these characteristics are developed.
6. Gives Spiritual Gifts
The Holy Spirit gives members of the church different gifts to serve the church.
These gifts are given "for the common good and for God's glory" and not for personal glory.
7. Strengthens Believers
We play no part in the Christian life by our own efforts.
The Holy Spirit gives us strength to endure trials, overcome temptation, and to remain faithful.
The following symbols represent the Holy Spirit:
There are several symbols in the Bible that help us to understand the work of the Spirit.
Dove
Symbols purity, peace, and God's presence.
Fire
Symbols purity, God's holiness, and spiritual power.
Wind
Symbols the unseen yet mighty work of God.
The work of the Holy Spirit is not always visible but its power is manifested through the changes it brings.
Water
Symbols of purity, vitality, rebirth and spiritual renewal.
Oil
Symbols of consecration, blessing and empowerment for service to God.
May the Holy Spirit be offended?
Yes.
Ephesians says that we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit.
The long-term effects of sin, bitterness, dishonesty, and disobedience are harmful to our relationship with God.
This does not imply that the Spirit is not God, nor that He is not powerful, but that believers' relationship with Him is personal and should be approached with reverence.
Common Misunderstandings
The Holy Spirit is not a force or work that does not involve a person.
He is a Person of the Divine Family.
The Holy Spirit Does Not Glorify Himself By Himself or Unsupervised.
His ministry is to glorify Christ and to bring people to Him.
The Holy Spirit never contradicts Scripture.
He gives guidance that is in line with God's Word, because He is the one who inspired the Scriptures.
Five Key Lessons
God is always there with us.
The Holy Spirit assures believers that God is not far away, but close.
Real Change comes from God
It is the work of the Spirit and not just human will that brings about lasting transformation in the soul.
Every believer has a purpose.All believers have purpose.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to each member of the church to enable him or her to serve others.
Spiritual Growth is characterized as a Lifelong Journey.
As we continue to walk with the Lord, we will grow the fruit of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit always leads us to Jesus.
His mission is: To make known the glory of Christ, to increase people's faith and to bring them to truth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Holy Spirit God?
Yes. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is fully divine, having the same divine nature as the Father and the Son.
The Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, or Helper, why?
Jesus called the Spirit the one who would be with His disciples to teach, encourage, remind and keep them faithful.
What are the differences between the Holy Spirit and an angel?
Angels are creatures made by God to serve Him.
The Holy Spirit is not created, He is everlasting, and He is God.
Can someone see the Holy Spirit?
The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not evident to our eyes, but it can be seen through transformed lives, conviction of sin, spiritual growth and the advance of God's kingdom.
Reflection
The Holy Spirit is no doctrine to be studied, but God Himself reaching out to draw people closer to Christ.
The Spirit is found in Scripture bringing life to the dead, joy to those who were despondent, wisdom to those who were confused, and strength and power to those who were weak.
His coming is a reminder to believers that God has not left his people without a help. He remains to transform, guide and empower all who put their faith in Him.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. To know You better through Your Word, to walk in Your ways with a humble heart and to be filled with the fullness of Christ. Strengthen me in my fidelity to You, my love for others, and my living out Your truth in my everyday life.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
