Who is the Holy Spirit?

Chuckle: President: "Is our advertising getting results?" Vice President: "It sure is! Last week we advertised for a night watchman, and the next night we got robbed!"

Quote: “To God the Father, God the Son, And God the Spirit, Three in One, Be honour, praise, and glory given By all on earth, and all in heaven.” --Isaac Watts

"Go and make disciples of all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit . . ." (Matthew 28:19 NIV).

Some find it difficult to grasp the spiritual dimension of Christianity. Instead, they focus on the teachings of Jesus about living morally and in harmony with others rather than His teachings about the Holy Spirit. They err by concluding that trying to live a good moral life, in accordance with Jesus' teachings, will set them in good standing with God and assure them a place in heaven. In the next few lessons, we will be studying about the Holy Spirit and how He impacts our lives. Today, who is the Holy Spirit and how does He relate to God the Father and God the Son?

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek words for "spirit" have various meanings including: (1) Wind -- an invisible, mysterious, powerful force; (2) Breath or air -- the same mysterious force as seen in the breath or life in man; and (3) Divine power -- as used to describe a supernatural force taking possession of a person(s). Notice how closely related these meanings are. At their heart is the experience of an awesome power that transforms the hearts of people by a manifestation of mysterious, invisible, divine energy. Jesus used the analogy of the wind when He spoke to Nicodemus about being born again of the Spirit. "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You can hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8 NIV). We see the effects of the invisible wind, and we see the effects of the invisible Spirit as He works in the hearts of people.

In our key passage, Jesus told his disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The deity of the Holy Spirit is plainly taught in Scripture. Genesis 1:2 speaks of the Spirit of God. In Acts 5:3-4, Ananias was accused by Peter of lying to the Spirit which is lying to God. The Scriptures teach that there is one God who chooses to reveal Himself as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although not used in Scripture, the terms "Trinity" and "Triune God" describe the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- one God revealed in three persons.

A perfect display of the Trinity occurred when Jesus was baptized. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit (Holy Spirit) of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from (the Father) heaven said, "This is my Son (Jesus), whom I love; with him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:15-17 NIV). Here, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all were interacting as One and emphasize the importance of Jesus' baptism as He began His earthly ministry. If you are a genuine believer in and follower of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives within you.

Love, Jerry & Dotse