ئەپەکە بەدەست بهێنەWho is the Holy Spirit? And What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?نموونە
Who is the Holy Spirit?
I spent years in Baptist churches with no real introduction to the Holy Spirit. I don't remember ever hearing a sermon on the subject. We knew to trust in Jesus and worship his Father, but I had no idea how to relate to the Spirit. Or even if I should.
I suspect that many of us have a similar story.
So, let’s begin with some introductions:
- The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal neuter, an "it."
- He is more than a "presence."
- He is not a "ghost," holy or otherwise (the King James Version notwithstanding).
Rather, the Spirit is a Person who works personally. He possesses the three distinctive characteristics of personality:
- Knowledge (1 Corinthians 2:10–11)
- Will (1 Corinthians 12:11)
- Feeling or emotion (Romans 15:30)
He performs acts only a person can perform. He:
- searches (1 Corinthians 2:10)
- speaks (Revelation 2:7)
- cries (Galatians 4:6)
- prays (Romans 8:26)
- testifies (John 15:26)
- teaches (John 14:26)
- leads Christians (Romans 8:24)
- and commands people (Acts 16:6, 7).
He is treated in Scripture as only a person can be treated. He is:
- grieved and rebelled against (Isaiah 63:10; Ephesians 4:30)
- insulted (Hebrews 10:29)
- and blasphemed (Matthew 12:31, 32).
But is he God?
Why is the Spirit “Holy”?
The Holy Spirit is God for five reasons.
1. The Holy Spirit possesses the four distinctly divine attributes:
- eternity (Hebrews 9:14)
- omnipresence (Psalm 139:7–10)
- omniscience (1 Corinthians 2:10, 11)
- and omnipotence (Luke 1:35).
2. The Holy Spirit performs each of the three distinctively divine works:
- creation (Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30; Genesis 1:1–3)
- impartation of life (John 6:63; Genesis 2:7)
- and authorship of prophecy (2 Peter 1:21).
3. Old Testament statements about God are applied to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament (see Exodus 16:7 and Hebrews 3:7–9).
4. The name of the Holy Spirit is often coupled with that of God (1 Corinthians 12:4–6; Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
5. The Holy Spirit is called God.
Peter asked Ananias, "How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?" (Acts 5:3). Then the apostle warns, "You have not lied to men but to God" (v. 5).
If you’re still unsure, survey the names given to the Spirit in Psalm 104:30, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Isaiah 11:2 and 61:1–3, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Romans 8:9, Philippians 1:19, Acts 16:6, 7, and Galatians 4:6.
The Holy Spirit is God.
Consequently, he matters a great deal.
About this Plan
The Holy Spirit is often the most misunderstood member of the Trinity. But Christians should be more aware of who he is and what he does for us. This devotional will help you better appreciate and incorporate the Holy Spirit into your life. You will also discover your particular spiritual gifts, whether Christians should speak in tongues, and how you can be filled with the Holy Spirit.
More
