The Holy Spirit is a divine person

Some believe the Holy Spirit is merely a power or force. One group says, “[I]t is logical to conclude that the holy spirit is the active force of God. It is not a person but it is a powerful force that God causes to emanate from himself to accomplish his holy will” (Reasoning from the Scriptures, The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 381)

God’s word shows the Spirit is a person, which is seen in various actions he takes. Jesus says the Spirit teaches. He told the apostles, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you” (John 14:26). The Lord also said the Holy Spirit hears (John 16:13). Paul describes him as speaking. “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith” (1 Timothy 4:1a). When Paul and Silas wanted to go into Asia, the Holy Spirit forbad them to go (Acts 16:6). He warned the Ephesian saints not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30a). These actions and feelings leave no doubt the Spirit is a person.

Ananias and Sapphire sold some land and agreed to give only part while making the apostles believe they had given all. “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?’” He went on to say, “Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:1-4). Note that lying to the Spirit is lying to God, thus, the Spirit is God. The letter to the Hebrew Christians describes him as the “eternal spirit” (Hebrews 9:14; Romans 1:4). Only God is eternal, so, the Spirit is God. His omniscience is seen in Isaiah 40:13. His omnipresence is seen in Psalm 139:7. We can safely conclude the Spirit is God.

The works of the Holy Spirit declare his deity. Job said, “By His Spirit He adorned the heavens” (Job 26:13a). His young friend, Elihu, stated, “The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4). Jesus cast a demon out of a man who was blind and mute. The Pharisees said he did it by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons. “‘Assuredly, I say to you, all signs will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation’—because they said, ‘He has an unclean spirit’” (Mark 3:28-30; Matthew 12:22-32). A careful reading of Mark’s inspired comment makes it clear that Jesus worked the miracle by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit works with the Father and Son. All three played a role in Jesus’ baptism. Jesus was baptized, the Spirit descended like a dove and lighted upon him and the Father said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17). Paul’s closing prayer for the saints in Corinth was, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen” (2 Corinthians 13:14). The authority of Father, Son and Spirit are behind instructions to make disciples for Jesus by baptism (Matthew 28:18-20).

The Holy Spirit is one of three people who comprise God. His deity is seen in the works done by him. He is a vital part of God’s plan to save.

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Gary C. Hampton

Gary works with the Siwell Road church in Jackson, MS. He served as the Director of the Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies for six years. Gary has 19 books in print and writes for The Spiritual Sword and The Voice of Truth International.

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