Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Is the Holy Spirit a person, one that possesses "personality"? Or is the Holy Spirit simply an "influence", or "impersonal force" that emanates from God? It is my contention, that the Bible reveals the Holy Spirit to be a "personal" being; possessing every trait of what we call "personality," and not some "impersonal force" that emanates from God as some might have you believe. Let's consider some evidence for this view of the Holy Spirit, shall we?
THE HOLY SPIRIT'S WORKS MANIFEST PERSONALITY
The Holy Spirit speaks! He expressly says "that some will depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). After all, the Spirit spoke and gave directions to Philip (Acts 8:29). He spoke to Peter and gave him charge concerning the Gentiles (Acts 10:19-20). And, He spoke to the brethren at Antioch concerning Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-4).
The Holy Spirit teaches! He was to teach the apostles all things (John 14:26). Please note that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as "He", not "it" (implying a personal being, not an impersonal force) - cf. John 14:16-17.
The Holy Spirit bears witness! He was to testify of Jesus (John 15:26-27). Just as the apostles (who were "personal beings") would bear witness, so also the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit guides, hears, speaks, tells... He would carry on and complete the work started by Jesus (John 16:12-13). Notice again that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as "He."
The Holy Spirit forbids! He prevented Paul and his companions from going into certain areas of Asia (Acts 16:6-7). This He did by "forbidding" them, and "not permitting" them, despite their initial efforts.
The Holy Spirit intercedes! The "Spirit Himself (note Paul's use of the personal pronoun) makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:26); just as Christ "also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:34). As we have seen, all these works of the Holy Spirit manifest personality. But there is more to this as you will see.
THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
He has a mind! We see this in "the mind of the Spirit" as mentioned in Romans 8:27. This suggests thinking on His own.
He has knowledge! He "knows the things of God" ( 1 Corinthians 2:11); just as the "spirit of man (a personal being) knows certain things.
He possesses affection! Paul speaks of "the love of the Spirit" (Romans 15:30). My dear friends, when have you known of an "impersonal force" that could love?
He has a will! 1 Corinthians 12:11 tell us that "the same Spirit works on all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." It was the Holy Spirit who decided what person received which gift.
Obviously, these are all characteristics of a being possessing intelligence and personality. Finally, consider this last piece of evidence...
THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS PERSONAL SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
He can be grieved! Ephesians 4:30 tells us so. He can be made sorrowful through our willful neglect.
He can be blasphemed! That is, to be spoken evil of; as in attributing His deeds to the works of Satan, the "unforgivable sin" (Matthew 12:31-32).
He can be insulted! One who has "trampled the Son of God underfoot" has also "insulted the Spirit of grace" (Hebrews 10:29). This is done by sinning "willfully" (Hebrews 10:26).
He can be lied to! Ananias and his wife Sapphira were guilty of doing this (Acts 5:3).
He can be resisted! As Stephen charged the Jewish leaders of doing (Acts 7:51). They did this by resisting the message and persecuting the messengers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit - cf. Acts 7:52-53
Here are some final thoughts on our discussion today. First, a mere principle or influence cannot sustain these slights, only a personal being. So it is clear that the Bible presents the Holy Spirit as a personal being. And, we should regard the Holy Spirit as a "He", not an "it"!
But is this personal being also a supreme being? Angels are personal beings, but not supreme beings.What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit? For now, have you considered your personal relationship to the Holy Spirit...? How He feels for you? What He has done, and is doing, for you in God's scheme of redemption? How He reacts to your reception or rejection of the Word He has revealed?
Scripture: John.6:63; Ephesians 1:13,14; 1 John.4:13; John.16:14; Ephesians 5:18,19; Romans 8:5-7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John.16:7; 1 Peter 4:14; John 16:13a; 1 Corinthians 2:12
Prayer: Speak, O Lord, for Your servant is listening, Your servant, because at last I am such. I am Your servant and I want to be; I want to walk in Your way all the days and nights of my life. Fill me with a spirit to understand what Your holy plans are for me. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Annette
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