Doctrine of the Person of the Holy Spirit

Doctrine of the Person of the Holy Spirit

Introduction:

The Doctrine of the Person of the Holy Spirit is one of the most crucial ones as the Understanding of it is very essential to know the Work of God in a believer. Also, it helps us to have much Reasonable Faith in our Almighty and Most High God.

The wrong understanding of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit will not only lead us to much confusion but also lead to the wrong understanding of God.

If we observe the Lives of people in the Bible, They will be very unique and specific amid their limitations, Strengths, and God’s presence. The Holy Spirit’s work is also very unique and specific since the beginning of mankind.

1.0. Etymology And Synonyms:

The term breathe (רוח- ruach) (Exo 35:21) is preliminarily used to denote Spirit in the Old Testament and the term holy (קדשׁו- qodesh) (Gen 2:3) is commonly used in different circumstances. Two words combine to form the Holy Spirit (רוח קדשׁו- Ruach Qodesh) (Isaiah 63:10).

In the New Testament also, the term breathe (πνεύμα- pneuma) (Mark 7: 26) is used to denote Spirit, and the term holy (αγιον -hagion) (Matt 27: 23) is commonly used in different circumstances. Two words combine to form the Holy Spirit (hagion pneuma - αγιον πνεύμα) (John 14: 24).

Some of the words/ phrases that are used about the person of the Spirit of God are

·         Spirit of God (Gen 1:2)

·         Spirit of the Lord (Judges 11: 29)

·         Spirit to Instruct (Neh 9: 20)

·         Good Spirit (Psalm 143: 10)

·         Spirit of Judgment and Spirit of burning (Isaiah 4: 4)

·         Spirit of counsel and strength (might) (Isaiah 11: 2)

·         Spirit of knowledge and piety (fear of the Lord) (Isaiah 11: 2)

·         Spirit of equity for judgment and strength (Isaiah 28: 6)

·         New Spirit (Eze 36: 26)

·         Spirit of Grace (Zec 12: 10)

·         Spirit who gives life (John 6: 63)

·         Spirit of Holiness (Rom 1: 4)

 

2.0. Attributes of the Holy Spirit:

The Attributes of the Holy Spirit are similar to the attributes of God the Father and God the Son, which makes Him the same Personality of God as both of them.

*        Exists during Creation: The Spirit of God was hovering over the Waters. Genesis 1:2, when God sent His Spirit the creatures are created. Psalm. 104:30

*        Instructs- Nehemiah wrote that God gave His Spirit to instruct the Israelites. Nehemiah 9:20

*        Admonishes- God admonished them through His Prophets with much patience.  Nehemiah 9:30

*        Makes- Spirit of God made me. Job 33:4

*        Omnipresent- The Psalmist exclaims where he could go away from the presence of the Spirit of God. Psalms 139:7

*        The Spirit of Work gathers the words of God together. Isaiah 34:16

*        The Spirit of God gave rest to the people after a long journey. Isaiah 63:14

*        The Spirit of God descended like the Dove. Matt 3:16; Mark 1:10

*        God is Spirit John 4:24

*        Counsellor- to be with all the believers always. John 14: 16

*        The Spirit of Truth- The world cannot see him. John 14:17

*        Only one Spirit of God. 1 Corin 12:13

*        Spirit sanctifies. 2Th 2:13

*        The Spirit of God helps in Weaknesses. Roman 8:26-27

*        The Spirit testifies. Romans 8:16

 

 

3.0. Roles of the Holy Spirit:

The Work of the Spirit of God is very different according to the Will of God when the people of God allowed Him to Work in their lives.    

*        Eldad and Medad were among 70 elders selected to lead the Israel People by Moses. But they remained in the Camp and prophesized after receiving the Holy Spirit. Numbers 11:26

*        Elisha’s Spirit helped him to know what Gehazi did. 2Kings 5:6

*        The Spirit had put the plans in the minds of David and he communicated it to Solomon. 1Chronicle 28:12

*        God will put His Spirit on His servant and He will bring Justice to all the nations. Isaiah 42:1(Jesus quotes that prophecy about Him was fulfilled. Matthew 12:18)

*        Isaiah said that the Sovereign Lord had sent him with His Spirit and then Prophesized. Isaiah 48:16

*        The Spirit of God is upon the Prophet as he is assigned to preach good news to the poor. Isaiah 61:1

*        The Spirit of God raised Ezekiel to his feet to hear from one who is in the likeness of the glory of God. Ezekiel 2:2

*        The Spirit raises/lifts up Ezekiel. Eze 3:12,14,24; 8:3; 11:1, 43:5

*        Vision is given to Ezekiel by the Holy Spirit. Eze 11:24

*        The Spirit of God told Ezekiel to prophesy against Israel.  Eze 11:5

*        The Spirit of God brought Ezekiel in the middle of the valley full of bones. Eze 37:1

*        The Spirit of God does good things to those who are upright. Micah 2:7,8

*        Micah says that he is filled with the Power of the Spirit of the Lord to declare Jacob his transgression to Israel his sin. Mic 3:8

*        Lord said to Zerubbabel that by the Spirit he can know the unknown things. Zec 4:6

*        The Words of the Lord Almighty had been sent by His Spirit through the earlier Prophets but they refused to pay attention, So the Lord Almighty was very Angry. Zechariah 7:12

*        Jesus said to His disciples that the Spirit of Father will be speaking through them when they are persecuted. Matt 10:20, Mark 13:11

*        Jesus drove out demons by the Spirit of God. Matt 12:28

*        Virgin Birth- Mary was found to be with a child through the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18,20

*        Jesus was led by the Spirit to be tempted. Matt 3:16, Mark 1:12

*        Jesus says that the Spirit of Father will be speaking through disciples when they are arrested and brought before kings and officials. Matt 10:20

*        Jesus told His Disciples to Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of our Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Matt 28:19

*        David called Jesus as Lord. The Holy Spirit Helped David to understand who Jesus is. Mark 12:36

*        John, the Baptist had been revealed about Jesus, by the Holy Spirit. Luke 2:25

*        Jesus full of Joy of the Holy Spirit praised God. Luke 10:21

*        No one enters the Kingdom of God, unless he is born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5

*        A man born of Spirit is led by the Spirit of God and it is hard to predict about him. John 3:8

*        Jesus gave the Instructions to the chosen apostles through the Holy Spirit. Act 1:2

*        Stephen full of the Holy Spirit saw the glory of God at the verge of his death. Act 7:15

*        The Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Paul for the work he wanted them to do. Act 13:2

*        As the Ministry spread, the Disciples were filled with the Joy of the Holy Spirit. Act 13:51

*        Gospel came by the power of the Holy Spirit and deep Conviction. 1 Thes 1:5

*        Spirit reveals the happenings to Peter. Act 10:19

*        The Holy Spirit Carries the Prophecy of God. 2 Peter 1:2

 

4.0. Rebellion/Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit:

The Israel people didn’t obey the Prophets who spoke with the Spirit of God and rebelled against them. The Pharisees wanted to accuse Jesus and to do that they said He is casting out the Evil spirit with the Evil Spirit. Jesus pointed out at their Evil thoughts and told them that it was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, that is the work of God, which will not be forgiven.  

*        Israel rebelled against the Spirit of God due to their Sins. Psalms 106:33

*        Zion had rebelled against the Holy Spirit though God was faithful to them. Isaiah 63:10

*        Blasphemy against the Spirit of God is not forgiven because the Pharisees knew the work of the Spirit of God though they said that Jesus does the things with evil spirit. Matt 12:31, Mark 3:29

*        Ananias lied to the Spirit of God and tried to test Him. Act 5:3,9

 

5.0. Renewal of the Holy Spirit:

Renewal of the Holy Spirit doesn’t mean that the residing Holy Spirit should go out and come in as a renewed one. When a Believer Commits Sin, the Holy Spirit Convicts and he feels guilty to be close with God. Though man changes from time to time, God is ever unchanging.

*        David asks to renew his Spirit when committed a mistake to Bathsheba. Psalm 51:10

*        Zion People remembered God who set His Holy Spirit among them. Isaiah 63:11

 

6.0. Holy Spirit Vs Other Spirits

Some other spirits were mentioned in the scriptures other than the Holy Spirit which has some significance, though the other spirit mostly means life of the being or some specific underlying attributes.

6.1. Spirit of Man:

God had made every man with the Spirit which is the invisible Component and It gives life to him. The Bible says many things about the spirit of man and a few are below:

*        The Lamp of the Lord, Searches the Spirit of a man. Proverbs 20:27

*        Jacob’s Spirit (breath of life) revived to see his son Joseph again. Genesis 45:27

*        The Lord said, that his servant Caleb has different Spirit and follows him wholeheartedly. Numbers 14:24

*        The Lord made the Spirit of Sihon king of Heshbon, stubborn and obstinate to give him in the hands of Israelites. Deut 2:30

*        Joanathan became one in spirit with David. 1Samuel 18:1

*        Each one (David’s Companions) was bitter in his spirits because of their Sons and daughters. 1Samuel 30:6

*        Spirit of the King (David) longed to see Absolom his son though he killed his other son. 2Samuel 13:39

*        God puts a spirit in the king of Assyria to turn back to his country himself. 2Kings 19:7  

*        God of Israel stirred up the Spirit of Pul, king of Assyria to take some territories because of the unfaithfulness of the Lord’s people. 1Chronicles 5:26

*        Eliphaz says that a spirit glided his face. Job 4:15

*        Job says his spirit drinks in his poison. Job 6:4. Job’s anguish of Spirit Job 7:11. Job’s spirit is broken. Job 17:1

*        Spirit within Elihu Compels. Job 32:18

*        Spirit of the man gives him Understanding. John 32:8

*        David Commits his Spirit to God for Redemption. Psalms 31:5

*        Blessed is the man in whose Spirit is no deceit. Psalms 32:2

*        Lord saves those who are crushed in their Spirit. Psalms 34:18, Deceitful Tongue Crushes the Spirit. Proverbs 15:4, Heartache crushes the Spirit. Proverbs 15:13, Crushed Spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22, A man’s Spirit can sustain him in his sickness but it is difficult to bear the Crushed Spirit. Proverbs 18:14

*        David asks for a willing Spirit to sustain himself. Psalms 51:11

*        God desires a broken heart rather than a sacrifice. Psalms 51:17    

*        The Psalmist writes that when his Spirit Embittered, he was senseless and embittered. Psalm 73:21

*        The Psalmist says that God breaks the Spirit of the rulers. Psalm 76:12

*        The Psalmist says that his Spirit grew faint while in distress. Psalm 77:3; 142:3; 143:4       

*        The Psalmist says that his Spirit inquired about God. Psalm 77:6

*        The Psalmist says that his Spirit fails. Psalms 143:7

*        The Psalmist says that when the Spirit of Mortal man departs, they return to the ground. Psalm 143: 4

*        Having a haughty Spirit will lead to fall. Proverbs 16:18, Better to stay lowly in Spirit. Proverbs 16:19, 29:23

*        A trustworthy Messenger refreshes the Spirit of his masters. Psalms 25:13

*        Solomon writes with interrogation that the Spirit of the Man rises upwards. Ecc 3:21, Sprit returns to God who gave it. Ecc 12:7

*        When the people see the Work of God, those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding. Isaiah 29:24

*        Isaiah’s spirit finds life by walking humble Isaiah 38:16

*        Lord will call those who are distressed in Spirit due to rejection. Isaiah 54:6

*        The High and Lofty one lives with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57:15, Lord esteems those who are humble and Contrite in Spirit and trembles at his Word. Isaiah 66:2

*        The Spirit of man will grow faint before God if he is angry forever for his mistakes. Isaiah 57:16

*        God gave a Garment of praise instead of a Spirit of despair to those who grieve in Zion. Isaiah 61:1

*        Those who forsake the Lord will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit. Isaiah 65:14

*        Jeremiah says that there is no one to comfort and restore his spirit because Zion is destitute. Lam 1:16

*        The Lord says Woe to the Foolish Prophets who follow their own Spirits and have seen nothing. Eze 13:3

*        The Lord says to Ezekiel that he will give a new spirit to the people of Israel. Eze 11:19; 18:31; 36:26,27

*        Every Spirit will become faint because of the coming news, says the Lord. Eze 21:7

*        Daniel was troubled in the spirit because of the vision. Daniel 7:15

*        The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the spirit of whole remnant of people. They came and began to work on the Lord Almighty. Haggai 1:14

*        The Lord forms the Spirit of man within him. Zec 13:1

*        Jesus says, Blessed are poor in Spirit. Matt 5:3

*        Jesus said His disciples that the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Matt 26:41, Mark

*        Jesus gave up His Spirit. Matt 27:50

*        Jesus knew in His Spirit what they were thinking in their hearts. Mark 2:8

*        The child’s Spirit returned and she stood up. Luke 8:55

*        Jesus commits His Spirit to the Father. Luke 23:46

*        Spirit gives life and the Flesh counts for nothing. John 6:63

*        Jesus was troubled in Spirit because He knew one among him was going to betray Him. John 13:21

*        Spirit reveals the happenings to Peter. Act 10:19

*        The spirit of the prophets is subject to the control of Prophets. 1Corin 14:32

*        The Holy Spirit Carries the Prophecy of God. 2 Peter 1:2

*        Test the Spirits. I John 4:1

           

6.2. Evil Spirit:

*        The Lord sent an Evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem because of his evilness of killing his 70 brothers (sons of Jerub- Baals Judges: 9:23

*        The Spirit of the Lord departed and the Evil spirit from the Lord tormented Saul. 1 Samuel 16:24-26; 18:10; 19:9. Some of the officials of Saul searched for a person who played the harp so that he could feel better when the evil spirit came and tormented him.

*        Saul consulted a woman who used the medium to speak with Samuel’s Spirit. 1Samuel 28:8, 28:13

Lying Spirit

*        The Lying Spirit in the mouth of the Prophets of the king of Israel was put to destroy him. 1King 22:21-24, 2Chro 18:20-23

*        Evil spirit- Got out of man and Got in with the seven other spirits again. Matt 12:43, Evil Spirit Cried and shook the man violently, It also found out Jesus- the Holy one for God. Mark 1:23,25

*        Man with an evil spirit (Legion) who was very strong and couldn’t be contained by any man, came to Jesus. Mark 5:2

*        A Child was possessed by the Evil Spirit. Mark 7:25

*        A man brought his son to Jesus who was possessed by a Spirit that has robbed his speech. Matt 9:17, Jesus said, ‘You deaf and dumb spirit’ Matt 9:25, Disciples couldn’t cast out the spirit due to their lack of faith. Mark 9:18. The spirit threw the boy into convulsion. Mark 9:20,26. Jesus took him by the hand and raised him and he got up. Mark 9:27

*        A woman was crippled by the Spirit for 18 years. Luke 13:11

 

6.3. Other:

*        Solomon writes with the Interrogation that the Spirit of Animal goes down. Ecc 7:9, The horses of Egyptians are flesh not Spirit. Isaiah 31:3

*        Spirit of Judgement and Spirit of fire- Lord cleanse Jerusalem through it. Isaiah 4:4

*        Spirit of wisdom and understanding. Spirit of Counsel and of Power. Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 4:4    

*        Spirit of dizziness- Lord poured into the wise man (Officials of Zoan and Leaders of Memphis). Isaiah 19:14

*        God will be the Spirit of Justice to those who sit in Judgement. Isaiah 28:6

*        God says Woe to Obstinate children who sin upon sin by carrying out plans that are not His and forming an alliance that is not by His Spirit. Isaiah 30:1

*        God had put a Spirit in the King of Assyria to make him return. Isaiah 37:7

*        Spirit of destroyer- Against Babylon and against the people of Leb kamai to destroy them. Jeremiah 51:1

*        Ezekiel sees a prophecy of creatures following the Spirit. Eze 1:12, 20, Spirit of the Living creatures was in the wheels. Eze 1:20,21; 10:7

*        Nebuchadnezzar wrote that the Spirit of holy gods resides in Daniel. Daniel 4:8, 9, 18; 5:11,14,

*        A Spirit of prostitution leads Israel away and they are unfaithful to their God. Hosea 4:12; 5:4

*        The Lord says he will pour out the Spirit of grace and Supplication on the house of David, Inhabitants of Jerusalem. Zec 12:10

*        The Lord says he will remove the Spirit of Impurity. Zec 13:2

*        The Lord made the Man and Woman one in Spirit for a godly offering. So Man shall guard himself in his spirit, and do not break with the wife of his youth. Mal 2:15

*        As Paul and Silas were going to the place of prayer, they were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling (Act 16: 16).

*        Paul writes to Romans that they did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but they have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom they cry, ‘Abba, Father’ (Rom 8: 15). 

*        It is written that God gave Israel a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to that very day (Rom 11: 8).

*        Paul asks Corinthians what they wish and shall he come to them with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness (1 Cor 4: 21).

*        God of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory may give them the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him (Ephesians 1: 17).

7.0. Misconceptions of the Person of the Holy Spirit

The person of the Holy Spirit is perceived to be a different personality or power, than being considered to be one of the three personalities of the Godhead. There are several common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit as follows.

1.      The Holy Spirit is the force or power of God and not God.

2.      The Holy Spirit is the Only God of recent times.  

3.      The Holy Spirit comes on certain occasions and goes, and is not permanent.

4.      The Holy Spirit is known for the spectacular and supernatural things.

5.      The Holy Spirit convicts any person and makes them confess their sins.

6.      The Holy Spirit keeps the records of sins, accuses a person, and punishes them.

 

Conclusion:

The person of the Holy Spirit could be known, understood, and experienced through the Word of God and by realizing His works throughout the history of mankind. The Holy Spirit encounters with the Spirit of man and helps them to accept and believe Jesus Christ for a life free from guilt and sin. Also, the works of the Holy Spirit are unique and special according to the different circumstances and according to the will of God. 


For Further Learning:

https://biblicalbasis2021.blogspot.com/2024/03/doctrine-of-person-of-holy-spirt.html

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