THE HOLY SPIRIT : A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
For many Christians, the doctrine about the Holy Spirit has been enshrouded by mystery and speculations. Yet, we know that the Holy Spirit is of vital importance.
So, is the Bible really that obscure on “who” or “what” the Holy Spirit really is? Is there really another Divine Being in Heaven called “God the Holy Spirit”, as many Christians believe today?
As we shall all learn, there are two aspects about the Holy Spirit that the Bible teaches. Let’s now delve into the Scriptures of Truth…
WHO DID THE ANCIENT BELIEVERS IN BIBLICAL TIMES REGARD THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BE?
The first thing we need to do is find out exactly what the ancient believers in the Old & New Testaments believed about the Holy Spirit. Let’s begin by examining the Scriptures throughout the history of the Old & New Testaments:
- Genesis 1:2
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit OF God moved upon the face of the waters.”
- 1 Samuel 10:10
“And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit OF God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.”
From these verses, we see that the “Holy Spirit” is called the “Spirit OF God”—meaning that this “Holy Spirit” is from God. God is the “Father/Jehovah.”
- Psalm 51:11
“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not THY holy spirit from me.”
Here, the word “thy” (an old English word meaning “your”) is used. Again, the Bible confirms that the Holy Spirit has a connection to God.
- Joel 2:28
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out MY spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”
- Isaiah 42:1
“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put MY spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.”
In these verses, the simple word “my” is used—meaning the “Holy Spirit” belongs to God. He is the owner of it.
- 1 Corinthians 2:12
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is OF God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
Here, we see that the ancient believers clearly understood that the Holy Spirit had its origins in God our Creator. It couldn’t get any simpler—the verse states regarding the Holy Spirit: “which is of God.” Therefore, the Holy Spirit couldn’t originate from anybody else, nor is it separate from the Father.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:8
“He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us HIS holy spirit.”
From examining these Scriptures, it is clear that the ancient believers in the Old & New Testament times regarded the Holy Spirit as a supernatural power or a Divine influence that emanated from God (Jehovah).
This Divine influence or power was poured out upon the believers on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2:1-4:
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 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, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
WHO ELSE DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT COME FROM?
Many sincere Christians today don’t realize that the Holy Spirit is also given to believers by another Being in Heaven. Let’s examine the Scriptures to see who this is:
- Romans 8:9
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit OF Christ, he is none of his.”
- 1 Peter 1:11
“Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit OF Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”
- Galatians 4:6
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit OF his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
In those verses above, we see that the Holy Spirit (or the “Spirit of God”) is also referred to as the “Spirit OF Christ.” Why is this? The answer is found in:
- Titus 3:4-6
“But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”
Here, we see that the “Holy Ghost/Spirit” is imparted from God the Father and then given to His Son, who transfers this Divine influence to us, His believers. This is why the Holy Spirit is sometimes called the “Spirit OF Christ.”
DOES THIS MEAN THAT THERE ARE TWO HOLY SPIRITS AT WORK?
No, not at all. We can confirm this by looking at:
- Ephesians 2:18
“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
- Ephesians 4:4
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.”
The Bible teaches that there is only “one Spirit”, which the Father and His Son share. This same Spirit is then imparted to believers to help them live a successful Christian life. God the Father is the originator of this Spirit.
ISN’T THERE A “PERSON” WHO IS THE SPIRIT?
The Bible also teaches a second aspect about the role of the Holy Spirit—that the Holy Spirit can also be a “Person”. This is seen in the following Scripture verses:
- John 14:26
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
- Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
So, ‘WHO’ is the “PERSON” of the Holy Spirit?
In Revelation, we find startling information about the “Person” of the Holy Spirit:
- Revelation 1:13, 16, 20
“And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle… And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength… The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”
Here, we see that “the Son of Man”— who is none other than Jesus Christ, standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (representing the churches) and holds the seven stars (representing the angels).
Then, in Revelation 2:1, 7, it states the following:
“Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he (Christ) that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”
SO, IN VERSE 7, CHRIST CALLS HIMSELF THE “SPIRIT” WHO IS SPEAKING TO THE CHURCHES!
This truth is emphasized throughout Revelation, where Christ identifies Himself as the “Holy Spirit”:
- Revelation 2:8, 11
“And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.”
- Revelation 2:12, 17
“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
- Revelation 2:18, 29
“And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
- Revelation 3:1, 6
“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
- Revelation 3:7, 13
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth… He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
Notice how Christ calls Himself “Holy” in verse 7, and then in verse 13, He calls Himself “the Spirit.” Therefore, it is clear that Christ was declaring Himself to be the “Person” of the Holy Spirit.
- Revelation 3:14, 20-22
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God… Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.”
In this verse, we see that it is “Christ” who is knocking at the door of our hearts—not another.
IS THIS TEACHING FOUND ELSEWHERE IN SCRIPTURE?
This truth is not only in Revelation but also in other Scriptures:
- 2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
- Acts 20:28
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Question: Who “purchased” us “with His own blood”? That’s right—it was Christ.
- John 20:21-22
“Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”
Thus, we see that it has been “Christ” who has been the “Holy Spirit” throughout Church history—not another.
HOW CAN CHRIST, ALSO BE THE “HOLY SPIRIT”?
In the “Who Is Christ?” section, we learnt that Christ has “Two Natures”:
- Divine
- Human
This is clearly taught in:
- Philippians 2:5-7
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
- John 1:1-2, 14
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
These verses teach that Christ has “Two Natures”. It is the ‘omnipresence’ of Christ’s Divine Nature that is at times called the “Holy Spirit”—the “Person” of the Holy Spirit.
THE BIBLE’S DEFINITION OF THE “HOLY SPIRIT”
These following verses are too plain and clear to be misunderstood!
Psalm 51:11
“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
Psalm 139:7
“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?”
SUMMARY & CONCLUSION OF THE TWO ASPECTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:
FIRST ASPECT: The Holy Spirit is the Divine influence or power imparted from the Father or His Son to believers.
SECOND ASPECT: The Holy Spirit can also be a “Person”—the omnipresence of Christ.
A careful examination of Scripture reveals that the Holy Spirit is not another Divine Being called “God the Holy Spirit.” This belief is one of the greatest deceptions in the Christian world and will have detrimental consequences in the last days. We have been warned…
