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Who or What is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is probably the most misunderstood and misrepresented Bible subjects. It is interesting that even though more than 90 passages mention the Holy Spirit by name and over 300 speak of the Spirit (without saying "Holy Spirit") many have failed to put together an understanding of "who" or "what" the Holy Spirit is. There is a lack of understanding even among the members of the Lord’s church. Many members have difficulty answering, in much detail, questions concerning the Holy Spirit. Too many people have failed to do thorough study and have also been influenced by false teachings in the larger religious world. Certainly, because of the supposed difficulty of understanding, many teachers have risen up to attribute things to the Holy Spirit today that are not true nor ever have been. Some misconceptions have come from things as simple as the improper translation of the word "Pneuma" to our English word "ghost". The whole idea of a ghost carries with it mystery and incomprehensible qualities. The proper translation is "Spirit" not "Ghost"—in this we find the Holy Spirit to be like God, who is a Spirit (John 4:24). We can know more about the Holy Spirit—as much as what has been revealed and nothing more. We know that God has seen fit to not reveal all things. The things revealed are ours to use (2 Timothy 3:16-17); the rest are His alone (Deuteronomy. 29:29). Let’s ask and answer this question: "Who, or what, is the Holy Spirit?" The Holy Spirit Is Part of the Godhead It is hard for us to fully comprehend the Godhead. The Godhead is a singular working unit made up of three individual beings: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To be part of the Godhead one must possess the characteristics of Godhood. Godhood is like manhood. One who has the attributes of a man qualifies for manhood. Thus, one who has the attributes of God qualifications for Godhood. The Holy Spirit has the attributes of God: 1) He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14). 2) He is omniscient [all knowing] (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) 3) He is omnipresent [able to be anywhere, at anytime] (Psalm 139:7-10). 4) He is omnipotent [all powerful] (Psalm 104:30). God is three beings united in purpose and intent. The Godhead, or the Trinity are ways of describing this unit, but simply "God" carries enough description itself. The plurality of God is evident in the scriptures: Genesis 1:26 "Let Us…In Our"; Genesis 3:22 "like one of Us"; Genesis 11:7 "Let Us go…"; Isaiah 6:8 ‘Who will go for Us". The Holy Spirit is involved in the "Us" and "Our" mentions of God in the creation scene (Genesis 1:2). The Holy Spirit is a Distinct Being We eliminate half of our question right away. The Holy Spirit is not a "WHAT". He is a "WHO." He is not just an ethereal presence—some mystical force supplied by God. Some have taught that the Holy Spirit is just "God’s doing power". Others have suggested that the Holy Spirit is literally "the word—the Bible". We need to get past the guesswork and truly see some facts from the different passages that speak of the Holy Spirit. The words of these scriptures paint us a picture of a distinct being (Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22), who can hear (John 16:13), who can speak (John 16:13), who can be grieved (Isaiah 63:10), who can teach (Luke 12:12), and who can think (Acts 15:28). These passages all show us a being separate and distinct from the Father and the Son: In Matthew 3:16-17 we see the Spirit descending, the Father speaking from Heaven, and the Son present on the earth. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize converts, "In the name of Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". In John 16:12-16 we are told of the Spirit being sent and the Son returning to the Father in Heaven. The Holy Spirit Fills A Role The Holy Spirit is an essential part of the Godhead. Again, the Godhead is three beings all possessing attributes of deity (Godhood) with distinct personalities and distinct labors: the Father is the Originator (John 12:49); the Son is the Operator (John 6:38); the Spirit is the Revelator (John 16:13). In other words, the Father establishes His will for man. Jesus carried out the Father’s will for man. The Spirit makes that will known to man. The Holy Spirit has carried the word of God to the writers so that we can have knowledge of God’s will—what He expects and how to please Him. The work of the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary to our salvation simply because He delivered the "standards" by which we must be saved. Conclusion: Since we do not have an exacting definition concerning the Holy Spirit many have misused and misapplied His ability. The things that are attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit by some today are shameful. People ignore the greatest gift—that of salvation through Jesus Christ and the deliverance of the Father’s will for mankind. They rather would desire the side-show entertainment of some so-called faith healer or some man who claims a new revelation. Over the next few weeks (Lord Willing) we will come to a better understand of who the Holy Spirit is, what He does and how He does it. The information is right here in the word of God. One of the things that the Holy Spirit did was deliver a message to the writers. In that message is contained a plan of salvation. Will you obey God’s plan? ~Sean Sullivan (Taken from, The Messenger) |