“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:1-4
Who exactly is the Holy Spirit? To many in the cults He is merely an impersonal force; while others see Him as a dove like creature, fragile and super sensitive.
The Bible speaks of Him in very different terms, ascribing to Him attributes that could only be true of God Himself.
The Holy Spirit is:
a. Omnipresent – The Holy Spirit is everywhere at all times (Psalms 139:7-10).
b. Omnipotent – The Holy Spirit is all-powerful (Luke 1:35).
c. Omniscient – The Holy Spirit has all knowledge (1 Corinthian 2:10-11).
d. Eternal – The Holy Spirit has no beginning and no end (Hebrews 9:14).
e. Holy – The Holy Spirit is wholly pure, perfect, and sacred.
Lets look at the simple words “The Holy Spirit.”
The word “The” is a definite article denoting the uniqueness of the Spirit. While there are many different spirits out in the world, there is only one Holy Spirit.
The word “Holy” depicts His utter purity and sacredness.
The word“Spirit” speaks of immateriality, rather than physical or material substance.
The Bible ascribes Him all the characteristics of personality. He is a “He” not an “it.”
He has a will (Acts 13:1, 1 Cor 12:11)
He has a mind (1 Cor. 2:10-11, Romans 8:27)
He has emotions. A force cannot be “grieved” but the Holy Spirit can be (Eph 4:30).
Unlike a mere force:
a. The Holy Spirit can be lied to (Acts 5:3).
b. The Holy Spirit can be grieved (as mentioned above).
c. The Holy Spirit can be quenched (1 Thess. 5:19).
d. The Holy Spirit can be resisted (Acts 7:51).
e. The Holy Spirit can be blasphemed (Matt. 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29, Luke 12:10).
The Bible uses names, titles and symbols to describe the work of the Spirit. He is referred to as Fire, Wind, Water, Wine and is even referred to as being dove like. Yet the Holy Spirit is actually none of these things. These are merely symbols used to illustrate something about the Spirit and His work yet neither one of these terms individually, nor all of them collectively, fully characterize the Holy Spirit.
He is called:
a. The Spirit of Christ (1 Peter 1:11)
b. The Spirit of God (Genesis 1:2, Job 33:4, Romans 8:11)
c. The Spirit of Glory (1 Peter 4:14)
d. The Spirit of the Lord (Isaiah 61:1)
e. The Spirit of the Father (Matthew 10:20)
f. The Spirit of the Son (Galatians 4:6)
g. The Power of the Highest (Luke 1:35)
He is also:
a. The Spirit of Holiness (Romans 1:4)
b. The Spirit of Knowledge (Isaiah 11:2)
c. The Spirit of Life (Romans 8:2, Revelation 11:11)
d. The Spirit of Might (Isaiah 11:2)
e. The Eternal Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
f. The Spirit of Truth (John 14:17; 15:26)
g. The Spirit of Grace (Zechariah 12:10)
h. The Spirit of Judgment (Isaiah 4:4)
i. The Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8:15)
j. The Spirit of Counsel (Isaiah 11:2, John 14:15-18)
k. The Spirit of Revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
Much more could and should be said about this divine Person called the Holy Spirit and yet, even these few thoughts are enough to cause us to marvel that such a wonderful Person has been sent to us as His children, to lead and guide us into the truth of the word of God. He is the Paraclete, the One called alongside us to help. The Christian life is impossible without the Holy Spirit’s involvement in our lives.
C. H. Spurgeon in a sermon entitled “The Holy Ghost – the Great Teacher” said, “I do not know whether it has struck you—the Holy Spirit can “guide us into a truth.” Now, man can guide us to a truth, but it is only the Holy Spirit who can “guide us into a truth.” “When he, the Spirit of truth, shall come, he shall guide you into”—mark that word—”all truth.” Now, for instance, it is a long while before you can lead some people to election; but when you have made them see its correctness, you have not led them “into” it. You may show them that it is plainly stated in Scripture, but they will turn away and hate it. You take them to another great truth, but they have been brought up in a different fashion, and though they cannot answer your arguments, they say, “The man is right, perhaps,” and they whisper—but so low that conscience itself cannot hear—”but it is so contrary to my prejudices, that I cannot receive it.” After you have led them to the truth, and they see it is true, how hard it is to lead them into it! There are many of my hearers who are brought to the truth of their depravity, but they are not brought into it, and made to feel it. Some of you are brought to know the truth that God keeps us from day to day; but you rarely get into it, so as to live in continual dependence upon God the Holy Ghost, and draw fresh supplies from him. The thing is—to get inside it. A Christian should do with truth as a snail does with his shell—live inside it, as well as carry it on his back, and bear it perpetually about with him. The Holy Ghost, it is said, shall lead us into all truth. You may be brought to a chamber where there is an abundance of gold and silver, but you will be no richer unless you effect an entrance. It is the Spirit’s work to unbar the two leaved gates, and bring us into a truth, so that we may get inside it, and, as dear old Rowland Hill said, “Not only hold the truth, but have the truth hold us.””
Jesus said, “He (the Holy Spirit) will glorify Me.” The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us and seeks to glorify Him.
Although He is God, in and of Himself, He is what one theologian referred to as “the shy Member of the Godhead.” He does not seem comfortable being the center of focus, but seems to wish for all the attention to be given to the Son; and yet, in like manner, even the Son wishes to glorify the Father. Though each member of the Trinity has differing and distinct roles within the Godhead, all are co-equal, co-eternal and equally deserving of our worship.
Prayer: We worship You our great God – the one true God – one in essence, three in Personality; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May Your Spirit lead and guide us, keeping us from error. Show us more of the wonders of the perfect Savior and His perfect work. Open up to us the truth of Your word, ridding us of all man made traditions that do not have their source in You. Glorify Yourself O God and even now, fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit.”