Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is a person, and He is God.
“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Job 33:4
Unlike an impersonal power of influence, the Holy Spirit has intelligence (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), feelings (Ephesians 4:30), and a will (1 Corinthians 12:11). As a person, He can be lied to (Acts 5:3), insulted (Hebrews 10:29), and even grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
The Holy Spirit is God, as demonstrated in His role in creation (Genesis 1:2). He is all knowing (1 Corinthians 2:12), present everywhere (Psalm 139:7), and all powerful (Psalm 104:30). He is also the One who revealed truth to the writers of the Bible (2 Peter 1:21).
The Holy Spirit is actively involved in the life of a child of God. It is He who shows us our need to be saved (John 16:7-11). He indwells us at the moment of salvation (Romans 8:9). He provides the power to be witnesses for Christ (Acts 1:8). He leads us into all truth (John 16:13), gives us assurance in our relationship with God (Romans 8:16), and prays passionately for us (Romans 8:26-27). He also bestows upon each believer spiritual gifts for the benefit of all (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
Although believers are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, each believer is also commanded to be constantly filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This “coming upon” experience of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) may be received by simply asking God for this blessing (Luke 11:11-13).
None of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12:6-8) will pass away until we reach our eternal destination in the presence of God (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Until that time, the gifts of the Spirit are to be practiced decently and in order with Biblical direction for their use (1 Corinthians 14:40). The ultimate proof of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of a church or an individual is love (Galatians 5:22-23).
