Doctrine, Part 3: The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

As mentioned earlier (in God), there is only one god who exists co-equally and eternally as three persons: God the Father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is one of those three persons of the Godhead or Trinity.

He is equal and One with God the Father and God the Son as referenced by His power (Micah 3:8; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:10), His work in creation (Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30), and His omnipresence (Psalm 139:7).  In the New Testament of the Bible the Holy Spirit is clearly called “God” (Acts 5:3-4; John 14:16; 2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

The Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force or just an extension of God, but a unique individual that is equally a part of the Godhead or Trinity, shown by His ability to be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), resisted (Acts 7:51), and insulted (Hebrews 10:29).

Before Jesus’ ascension into heaven, He promised that the Holy Spirit would be sent to His followers (John 14:15-17; Acts 1:4-8). On the Day of Pentecost this promise was fulfilled as the Holy Spirit did descend upon the Followers of Jesus (Acts 2:1-40)  and continues to be fulfilled today as the Holy Spirit is active in the world.

The Holy Spirit is active today in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11); thus having an active part in God’s gift of salvation through Jesus(John 6:63; John 3:5-7).

The Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-15), dwells within every believer from the moment of salvation (Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and seals the believer until the Day of Redemption (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 4:30).

The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer-making them more like Jesus- (John 14:26; Romans 8:9), thus regenerating the believer and giving them a new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Holy Spirit comfort us in times of trouble (Acts 9:31), even giving us words to say when we know not what to (Matthew 10:19-20).

The Holy Spirit helps us and empowers us to do God’s work and spread the Good News of Jesus to all men (John 3:34; John 7:38-39; John 15:25-27; Acts 1:8; Acts 9:31). The Holy Spirit gives every believer a Spiritual Gift (or Gifts) to accomplish His work on earth (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Ephesians 4:11-12).