Two Foundational Truths About the Holy Spirit

The following is an excerpt from my book Abiding in the Vine that explains two foundational truths about the Holy Spirit.

We often use phrases like “led by the Holy Spirit,” “praying in the Spirit,” “filled with the Spirit” and the like. But who is the Holy Spirit? There are two basic truths regarding the Holy Spirit that are foundational to our understanding of who He is and how He operates in our lives.

1.) The Holy Spirit is a person.

The Holy Spirit is not simply a force or an impersonal energy in the world. He is not to be referred to as an “it.” Consider the following passage where Jesus describes the work of the Holy Spirit:

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13)

Notice that Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as “He” not “it.” Notice also some of the functions that Jesus describes: guiding, speaking, and hearing. We also see from Scripture that the Holy Spirit can be grieved (see Ephesians 4:30). These are all attributes of a person.

When I say that the Holy Spirit is a person, I do not mean that He is a human being. I mean that He is personal, not just some cosmic force or universal energy “out there” that cannot be known. We can know the Holy Spirit, fellowship with Him, and be led by Him in our lives.

2.) The Holy Spirit is God.

The Holy Spirit is not just any kind of person…He is God! He is all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful.  Consider the following passages:

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land…You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4 NIV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

There is only one God, but He has revealed Himself in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is just as much God as the Father and the Son. Therefore, He is to be worshipped, obeyed, honored, and loved.

Do you know the Holy Spirit? Is He real to you or simply a theological concept? I pray that you will come to know Him intimately and seek to be filled with and led by the Spirit.

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Abiding in the Vine is a collection of 40 devotional writings that are meant to feed your spirit and draw you closer to God. Rich with the Word of God and insights into the Spirit-filled life, each reflection will bring understanding and encouragement, as well as challenge you to go deeper in your walk with Christ.