In this new episode of our "Good Question" series, we begin exploring the question: Who is the Holy Spirit?
Key points:
- In the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood compared to the Father and the Son
- This is partly due to the Holy Spirit's deferential role, pointing to the Father and Son rather than seeking attention
- Translations that render "Holy Spirit" as "Holy Ghost" may also contribute to confusion or discomfort
- However, the Bible clearly teaches two crucial truths about the Holy Spirit:
- The Holy Spirit is fully God, equal to the Father and Son
- Divine attributes like omniscience (1 Cor. 2), omnipresence (Ps. 139), and eternality (Heb. 9:14) are ascribed to the Spirit
- The Spirit is involved in divine works like inspiring Scripture
- The Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal force
- While not a human person or physical being like the incarnate Christ, the Spirit is a distinct, personal being
- This is reflected in the Bible's use of personal pronouns and titles like "Counselor," "Helper," and "Advocate" (Greek: "paraclete")
Understanding the divine personhood of the Holy Spirit is foundational to grasping His role in the Trinity and His work in the life of the believer. The Spirit is God Himself, personally present and active within us.
Join us next time as we continue to unpack the identity and ministry of the Holy Spirit in this "Good Question" series.
