Who is the Holy Spirit?
In Acts 2:38-39, after the coming of the Holy Spirit,Peter calls those who have heard the gospel to repentance and baptism, and to receive the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38-39 (NIV)
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.
The promise of the Holy Spirit is for them, and each of us who follows Jesus.
So,who is the Holy Spirit?
The author Sinclair Ferguson (“The Holy Spirit”, Inter-varsity press, Illinois; 1996; p. 36) reminded us that in John 14-16 Jesus speaks about the sending of the Holy Spirit and what he will do. Looking at what Jesus has to say in answer to this question, we find the following:.
- Jesus calls the Holy Spirit, Advocate. (The word carries the idea of a lawyer providing advice and counsel, one who gives strength or encouragement. The experience in acts also saw supernatural abilities.)
- The Holy Spirit = the presences of Jesus = presences of God
- Teach us and remind us everything Jesus taught
- Testify about Jesus
- Convict us of our sin, and God’s goodness and judgment
- Guide us into truth.
In the Old Testament (This just a quick overview)
- We see the Spirit over the waters in Genesis 1
- King Saul – When the evil spirit was sent to him. The text shares the arrival of the evil “ruach” (Spirit) follows the departure of the “ruach” (Spirit) of the Lord”
- Four main contexts in which the spirit of God is spoken of in O.T. Creation, Outstanding gifts (placed on people for such a time for work), Prophecy, Future hope
- The Spirit of God is the promise of new covenant
- Jeremiah 31 ” I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts”
- Joel 2:28 = Acts 2
If you read through the book of Luke
- We see Jesus is filled with the Spirit. The Spirit empowers Jesus to accomplish his mission.
- We see people are filled with the Spirit and the mission of God is furthered.
Paul talks about Gifts of the Spirit as something that is not just for first century believers, but for all to come afterward. (1 Corinthians 12)
If you read through Acts, you see the words or similar words as “filled with the Spirit.” There is a connection to the disciples of Jesus, and you also to see supernatural things, which are all connected to God’s activity through the church.
Jesus says in Acts 1:8 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” “
Looking at Acts 2 to understand who the Holy Spirit is, we see there is an enablement given from the Spirit for us to bear witness of the glory of Jesus.
The best way to understand what Jesus meant by “power” is to read through the gospels and Acts. Look for what happens when people are filled with the Spirit. Then, read the other letters of the New Testament looking at their understanding of what the Spirit would do?
A summary of what we see regarding the Holy Spirit’s role in our life:
- Reminder of who God is and who we are.
- Giving of an ability to bear witness
- Courage given to believers
- Language/words given to believers for times of sharing the gospel
- Strength given for circumstances
- Miracles taking place.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is of the same essential nature, majesty, and glory, as the Father and the Son, truly and eternally God. He is the Administrator of grace to all, and is particularly the effective Agent in conviction for sin, in regeneration, in sanctification, and in glorification. He is ever present, assuring, preserving, guiding, and enabling the believer.
What further questions do you have about the Holy Spirit?