Who is the Holy Spirit?
Quick Answer
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity - fully God - who convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, and empowers them for godly living and service.
Understanding Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person with intellect, emotion, and will. He is called 'the Comforter' (Paraclete), 'Spirit of Truth,' and 'Spirit of God.' As the third person of the Trinity, He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and Son. The Spirit's work spans all of redemptive history: He was active in creation, inspired the prophets, empowered Jesus' ministry, and now indwells every believer. His primary ministry today is to glorify Christ and apply salvation to individuals. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment; regenerates dead sinners to new life; seals believers as God's possession; produces spiritual fruit in character; and distributes gifts for service. The Spirit leads, teaches, and intercedes for believers.
In the Old Testament
The Spirit of God appears from the very first chapter of Scripture, hovering over the waters of creation (Genesis 1:2). Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon individuals for specific tasks: enabling craftsmanship (Exodus 31:3), empowering judges and kings for leadership (Judges 3:10; 1 Samuel 16:13), and inspiring prophets to speak God's word (2 Peter 1:21). However, the Spirit's presence was selective and often temporary. The prophets looked forward to a day when God would pour out His Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28) and place His Spirit within His people to enable obedience (Ezekiel 36:27).
In the New Testament
The New Testament reveals the Spirit's ministry in its fullness. Jesus was conceived by the Spirit, anointed by the Spirit at baptism, led by the Spirit, and performed miracles in the Spirit's power. He promised His disciples that after His departure, the Spirit would come as 'another Comforter' of the same kind as Jesus Himself (John 14:16). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2), inaugurating the age of the Spirit. Now every believer is indwelt by the Spirit (Romans 8:9), a reality unparalleled in Old Testament times. The Spirit produces character (fruit) and distributes gifts for building up the church.
Key Scripture References
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth.”
Read full commentary →Acts 1:8“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”
Read full commentary →Romans 8:26“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us.”
Read full commentary →Galatians 5:22-23“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance.”
Read full commentary →John 16:8“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”
Read full commentary →1 Corinthians 6:19“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
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