The Holy Spirit: A Distinct, Divine Being

Greg Gwin
05/15/16 - God

The dictionary defines a "person" as: "a being characterized by conscious apprehension, rationality, and moral sense." Certainly, the Holy Spirit has the identifying marks of a distinct personal being.

Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "He" (John 14:26; 16:13). He possesses 'will' or desire (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). He makes judgments (Acts 15:28). He does things that manifest personality. He: searches (1 Cor. 2:11); teaches (1 Cor. 2:13); speaks (1 Tim. 4:1); testifies (John 15:26); leads (Rom. 8:14); forbids (Acts 16:6,7); convicts (Heb. 10:29); hears (John 16:13); and intercedes (Rom. 8:26,27).

The Holy Spirit suffers things that reflect personality. He: can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30); can be insulted (Hebrews 10:28, 29); can be resisted (Acts 7:51); can be spoken against (Matthew 12:32); can be lied to (Acts 5:3, 4).

Additionally, the Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of deity. He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14). He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10). He is omniscient (I Corinthians 2:10-11). And the works that God does (omnipotence) are also attributed to the Holy Spirit (Job 33:4; Psalms 104:30). In fact, in Acts 5:3, 4 the Holy Spirit is actually identified as God.

The Holy Spirit is one of the three divine beings of the Godhead. He possesses distinct personality and owns all the attributes of deity. We must acknowledge and honor Him as God.