Holy Spirit
Summary
The third person of the Trinity, fully God, who inspired the Scriptures, empowers believers for service, convicts of sin, regenerates souls, and indwells all who trust in Christ.
☩Divine Person
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or influence but a divine Person possessing intellect, will, and emotions. He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3-4), and resisted (Acts 7:51). Jesus called Him 'another Counselor' (John 14:16), using a Greek word meaning 'another of the same kind,' indicating the Spirit's equality with Christ. The Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son and is worshipped together with them as one God.
☩Work in the Old Testament
The Spirit of God was active from creation, moving over the waters (Genesis 1:2). He empowered specific individuals for particular tasks: artisans for tabernacle construction (Exodus 31:3), judges for military leadership (Judges 3:10; 6:34), prophets for divine revelation (2 Samuel 23:2), and kings for ruling (1 Samuel 16:13). However, His presence could be withdrawn from individuals who persisted in disobedience, as with Saul (1 Samuel 16:14). The prophets anticipated a future outpouring on all flesh (Joel 2:28-29).
☩Work in the New Testament
Jesus promised that after His departure, the Spirit would come to indwell believers permanently (John 14:16-17), teach them all things (John 14:26), testify about Christ (John 15:26), convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11), and guide into all truth (John 16:13). At Pentecost, the Spirit was poured out on the church, enabling bold witness and establishing a new era in God's redemptive plan. Every believer is now sealed with the Spirit as a guarantee of inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) and empowered for ministry through spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12).
