A Primer on the Holy Spirit

Chapter One:

Who is the Holy Spirit? Christians have asked this question throughout the ages. There have been many different opinions as to the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. Some have wondered if the Spirit was a created being, while others believed that the Spirit was an energy force. We can learn a lot from the Bible‘s descriptive title the Holy Spirit.

 The, is an article that stresses the particularity and uniqueness of the Spirit. There are many spirits but there is only one Holy Spirit.

 Holy, stresses the sacredness and purity of the Spirit. Holy also stresses the majesty and glory of God.

 Spirit, implies immateriality, no flesh, or material substance.

1. The Divine Nature of the Holy Spirit
Most religions and cults deny the deity and existence of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, even many Christians believe that the Spirit is not fully divine. The writers of the Bible clearly emphasized the deity of the Holy Spirit. The Bible also shows that there is a unique relationship between the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This interrelationship is often called the Trinity, which refers to three distinct divine Personalities, each wholly God, yet one essence.

The doctrine of the Trinity has been defended by the Christian church for nearly two thousand years. One of the earliest doctrinal statements of the Christian faith called the Nicene Creed (325) beautifully describes the divinity of the Holy Spirit, ―I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.‖ It cannot be overestimated that the Holy Spirit is divine. There are several divine attributes ascribed to the Holy Spirit.

Divine Attributes Ascribed to the Spirit
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.

2. The Personal Nature of the Holy Spirit
Many Christians also find it hard to understand the personal aspect of the Holy Spirit. Too often we think of Him in a symbolic and impersonal manner. What we will find, however, is that the Holy Spirit is also a person. Jesus has many times referred to the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the ―Paraclete,‖ which means one called alongside. It is one who is an advocate, comforter, or counselor. The word Paraclete implies a distinct personality. The Bible ascribes Him personal characteristics such as a will (Acts 13:1, 1 Cor 12:11), mind (1 Cor. 2:10-11, Romans 8:27), and emotions (Eph 4:30).
Personal Treatment of the Holy Spirit

a. The Holy Spirit can be lied to (Acts 5:3).
b. The Holy Spirit can be grieved (Eph. 4:30).
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).

3. The Names and Titles of the Holy Spirit
The Bible uses many different names, titles, and symbols to paint a portrait of the Holy Spirit, each representing what He does and who He is. For example, The Bible uses symbols such as Fire, Wind, Water, Wine, and a Dove. The Biblical names and titles of the Holy Spirit can be divided into three categories: Who the Holy Spirit is, what the Holy Spirit is, what the Holy Spirit does.