The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity—not an impersonal force, but a Person with mind, will, and emotions. He is equal with the Father and the Son, with all the attributes of deity.
The Holy Spirit Is a Person
Many Christians treat the Holy Spirit like a vague force that occasionally shows up during worship. But Scripture is clear:
The Holy Spirit:
- Has a mind (Romans 8:27)
- Has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11)
- Has emotions (Ephesians 4:30)
- Speaks (Acts 13:2)
- Teaches (John 14:26)
- Guides (John 16:13)
- Intercedes (Romans 8:26)
- Can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30)
- Can be resisted (Acts 7:51)
- Can be lied to (Acts 5:3)
The Holy Spirit as Fire
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit manifested as fire:
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." — Acts 2:3-4
This fire purges, illuminates, energizes, releases miracles, gives authority, and multiplies through spiritual connection.
Spirit IN vs Spirit UPON
There is a critical distinction between the Holy Spirit IN you and the Holy Spirit UPON you. See Spirit IN vs UPON for full explanation.
- Spirit IN you: Occurs at salvation, for your personal transformation
- Spirit UPON you: For supernatural demonstration—when miracles happen
Relationship, Not Ritual
The Holy Spirit wants relationship. He wants communion. He wants to be invited into every area of your life—not just church services or crisis moments, but:
- Daily decisions
- Your thought life
- Your ambitions
- Your fears
The Spirit as Your Barometer
The Holy Spirit functions as your spiritual barometer:
When walking in obedience:
- His voice is clear and distinct
- Peace pervades even difficult circumstances
- Conviction is specific and leads to repentance
- Fruit naturally develops in your character
- Boldness replaces fear
When walking in disobedience:
- His voice becomes muffled by compromise
- Anxiety and confusion cloud decision-making
- Religious activity increases while spiritual fruit decreases
- Fear dominates your witness
- Prayer becomes formal recitation
Quenching and Grieving the Spirit
Scripture warns against hindering the Holy Spirit's work:
"Quench not the Spirit." — 1 Thessalonians 5:19
"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption." — Ephesians 4:30
Churches that deny the gifts of the Spirit, that teach cessationism, that refuse to allow the Holy Spirit freedom to move—these grieve God.
The Promise
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" — Luke 11:13
Your Heavenly Father wants to give you the Holy Spirit. He's not withholding. He's waiting for you to ask.