Who or What is the Holy Spirit?
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009First of all, I can unapologetically say that the Holy Spirit is a “Who” not a “What,” a “Force,” or an “It.”
The Holy Spirit is a person: He is the third member of the Trinity, which is made up of 3 distinct persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We see all three members of the Trinity in a variety of places in the New Testament. Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; John 14:16-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; and Acts 2:32-33.
The Holy Spirit has a mind: Romans 8:27 “And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
The Holy Spirit has a will: 1 Corinthians 12:11 “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”
The Holy Spirit has emotions:
- He can be grieved: Ephesians 4:30
- He gives Joy: Luke 10:21
He teaches: John 14:26 “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to You.”
He testifies of Christ: John 15:26 “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me.”
He convicts: John 16:8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness and judgment”
He Leads: Romans 8:14 “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
He reveals truth: John 16:13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”
He strengthens and encourages: Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord
He comforts: John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
He helps us in our weakness by interceding for us: Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express
He searches the deep things of God: 1 Corinthians 2:11 The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
He sanctifies: Romans 15:16 To be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit
He can be lied to: Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
He can be resisted: Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
He can be quenched: 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
He gives gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:11 “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”
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