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Is the Holy Spirit God? Exploring the Nature of the Third Person of the Trinity – Viral Believer
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Is the Holy Spirit God? Exploring the Nature of the Third Person of the Trinity

Introduction

As Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians, we often talk about the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives. We sing songs about Him, pray to Him, and seek His guidance and power in our daily walk with Christ. But have we ever stopped to ask the question: is the Holy Spirit God?

In this blog post, we will explore the nature of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity, examining biblical evidence that supports the belief that the Holy Spirit is indeed God.

Holy Spirit in the Bible

The Holy Spirit as a Person

Before we delve into the question of the Holy Spirit’s divinity, it is important to establish that the Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal force or power. The Bible refers to the Holy Spirit using personal pronouns, such as “He” and “Him” (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26).

The Holy Spirit also displays characteristics of personhood, such as the ability to teach (John 14:26), guide (John 16:13), and intercede on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27). Additionally, the Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30) and lied to (Acts 5:3-4), further emphasizing His personal nature.

The Holy Spirit and the Trinity

The concept of the Trinity can be difficult to grasp, but it is a foundational doctrine of Christianity. The doctrine of the Trinity asserts that there is one God who exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

While the word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, the concept is supported throughout Scripture. For example, at Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove while a voice from heaven (the Father) declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17).

Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” This passage highlights the equal importance of each member of the Trinity, including the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Evidence for the Holy Spirit’s Divinity

Now that we have established the Holy Spirit as a person and a member of the Trinity, we can turn our attention to the question of His divinity.

Firstly, the Holy Spirit is referred to as God in Acts 5:3-4, where Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Spirit, prompting Peter to declare, “You have not lied to men but to God.” This passage equates lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God, emphasizing the Holy Spirit’s divine nature.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit is described as having attributes that only belong to God. For example, in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, Paul writes, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” Here, the Holy Spirit is described as having omniscience (knowing all things), which is a characteristic of God.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is involved in activities that only God can do. In Psalm 104:30, the psalmist writes, “You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.”

This passage describes the Holy Spirit as being involved in the creation and renewal of the earth, a task that is attributed to God throughout the Old Testament.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit is responsible for the inspiration of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” and 2 Peter 1:20-21 states, “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

These passages affirm that the Holy Spirit played a crucial role in the writing of the Bible, which is ultimately the Word of God.

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit is God

In conclusion, the evidence from Scripture strongly supports the belief that the Holy Spirit is indeed God. The Holy Spirit is a person, a member of the Trinity, and possesses divine attributes and is involved in divine activities.

As Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians, we recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the role He plays in guiding us, empowering us, and revealing truth to us.

It is therefore essential that we understand and affirm the Holy Spirit’s divinity, recognizing Him as a co-equal member of the Trinity and as the third person of God.

Let us continue to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives and strive to live in a way that honors and glorifies Him, recognizing Him as the Lord and God that He truly is.

As John 14:26 reminds us, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.