The Nature of the Holy Spirit
We know the work of the Holy Spirit as it has been shared to us in the Bible. But the nature of the Spirit is a mystery. We cannot say more on a topic that the Bible is strictly silent on. Since the Bible is silent on the topic, some have come to consider the Holy Spirit as merely a “force.” This cannot be right, as the Bible presents the Holy Spirit as a divine Being in the Godhead. Here are some verses that support that:
- “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
- “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
- “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).
- “According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood” (1 Peter 1:2).
- “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
- “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 20,21).
- “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16,17).
In addition, there are other verses to the 3 persons of the “Godhead.” These can be found in:
- Romans 8:9-11
- Galatians 4:4-6
- 1 Corinthians 6:11; 12:4-6
- Ephesians 1:3, 13-14; 2:18; 3:14-17; 4:4-6
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit ministers as seen in the following Bible verses:
Leads and Guides
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). Jesus called the Holy Spirit “He” more than 15 times indicating a divine Being.
Comforts
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever” (John 14:16).
Reproves
“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). The Spirit works at convicting the sinner of his sins. What hinders the Holy Spirit is our effectiveness to respond to His reproof.
Can Be Grieved
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). The reception of the Holy Spirit at conversion is God’s authentication that the believer is accepted.
Inspires
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).
Blesses
“Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne” (Revelation 1:4; Acts 13:52).
Can Be Blasphemed
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31, 32).
Blasphemy is “a contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing against God, who is a consuming fire. Peter said that to lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God (Acts 5:3, 4).
Is a Witness
“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us” (Hebrews 10:15). The Holy Spirit testifies through the Scriptures to the love of the Father and to ministry of the Son.
Intercedes for the saints
“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:27).
Conclusion
The nature of the Holy Ghost is a mystery, one of which the Bible has not seen wise to elaborate on. The Bible show us clearly that the third Person of the “Godhead” is not simply a force. The test of all genuine Christian experience is a relationship with God the Father through the Holy Ghost in the Name of Jesus Christ.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
