Getting to Know the Holy Spiritਨਮੂਨਾ

A Spirit, a Person, or Both?

Today, we will explore the Holy Spirit as a personal being.

Webster's Dictionary offers two intriguing definitions of a person, amongst others. The first is "one of the three modes of being in the Trinitarian Godhead as understood by Christians." The second is Christ's “unitary” personality, which “unites the divine and human natures.”

First, the universal truth that the Holy Spirit is part of the Triune God—God the Father, Son, and Spirit—is at the centre of Christian doctrine.

In Acts 5:4, Peter referred to the Holy Spirit as God, saying to Ananias, “Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God” (ESV). The Holy Spirit is, therefore, part of the Holy Trinity (see also Matthew 28:19).

Scripture highlights an essential characteristic of the Holy Spirit as a personal being: He possesses life and can act freely without interference. Romans 8:2 states, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death” (ESV). Additionally, 1 Corinthians 12:11 notes, “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills” (ESV).

Scripture also refers to the Holy Spirit as a distinct person. According to the original Greek text of the New Testament, the pronouns refer to the Holy Spirit as “He” or “Him,” not “It.” For example, in John 15:26, Jesus proclaims, “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, He will bear witness about me” (ESV). To further support this point, John 14:17 refers to Him as “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him” (ESV).

We also know that the Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3), and sinned against (Isaiah 63:10). These reflect actions against a personal God, not an impersonal force.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending us a personal Helper in the Holy Spirit. Help us to be men who are attuned to His guidance and conviction. Amen.

Reflection: Have you ever heard the voice or sensed the leading of the Holy Spirit? How is He guiding you in your spiritual life?