WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
KEY POINTS
- The Holy Spirit is the third part of the trinity, or God-head, which is made up of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit makes humanity aware of their need for Jesus.
- The Holy Spirit provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right.
There are many misconceptions about the identity and functions of the Holy Spirit. Some view the Holy Spirit only as an ethereal mystical force. Others see the Holy Spirit as an impersonal power that God makes available to followers of Christ. But what does the Bible say about the identity of the Holy Spirit? Simply put, the Bible declares that the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also tells us that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, a being with a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit is the third part of the trinity, or God-head, which is made up of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The fact that the Holy Spirit is God is clearly seen in many Scriptures, including Acts 5:3-4. In these verses Peter confronts Ananias as to why he lied to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God.” It is a clear declaration that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. We also know that the Holy Spirit is God because He possesses the characteristics of God. For example, His omnipresence is seen in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” In 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, we see the characteristic of omniscience in the Holy Spirit. “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
Throughout scripture many pictures and metaphors have been used to describe the essence of the Holy Sprit, from a dove, to water, to wind and even oil. Know that these things are not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not these things, they only display or symbolize a part of the essence or role of how the Holy Spirit functions in the physical realm. We can know that the Holy Spirit is indeed a divine person because He possesses a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). He makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit is God, and as God, the Holy Spirit can truly function as the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16, 26; 15:26).
The fact that the Holy Spirit is God is clearly seen in many Scriptures, including Acts 5:3-4. In these verses Peter confronts Ananias as to why he lied to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God.” It is a clear declaration that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God. We also know that the Holy Spirit is God because He possesses the characteristics of God. For example, His omnipresence is seen in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” In 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, we see the characteristic of omniscience in the Holy Spirit. “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
Throughout scripture many pictures and metaphors have been used to describe the essence of the Holy Sprit, from a dove, to water, to wind and even oil. Know that these things are not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not these things, they only display or symbolize a part of the essence or role of how the Holy Spirit functions in the physical realm. We can know that the Holy Spirit is indeed a divine person because He possesses a mind, emotions, and a will. The Holy Spirit thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). The Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). He makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). The Holy Spirit is God, and as God, the Holy Spirit can truly function as the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16, 26; 15:26).
BIBLICAL REFERENCES
Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:3-4
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7
Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Corinthians 12:7-11
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. John 14:16
TRUE NORTH
COLLEGE COURSES
The Holy Spirit | Biblical Studies 115
A systematic study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology). Special attention will be given to the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Special emphasis will be on the nature and use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
TOPICAL RESOURCES
All about the Holy Spirit
YouVerison
YouVerison
Potential Series
True North Church
True North Church