What is the Holy Spirit?

Who or what the Holy Spirit Is

I am revisiting a paper I wrote while a law student at Oral Roberts University. This article discusses who and what the Holy Spirit is. While I do not claim to hold all the answers, the topic is worthy of discussion. The Holy Spirit, referred to in the Bible as the Spirit of God, is a divine presence that plays a pivotal role in guiding, comforting, and empowering believers. The concept of the Holy Spirit is central to Christian theology and to believers as the life force of God.

The Distinctiveness of the Holy Spirit

The role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers is vital. It is the source of spiritual gifts and divine inspiration. The Holy Spirit enables individuals to live by God’s will and provides them with wisdom, understanding, and strength to face life’s challenges. The Holy Spirit is instrumental in the process of sanctification, helping believers grow in holiness and become more like Yeshua.

The Bible presents the Holy Spirit as a distinct personality and part of the Trinity’s Godhead. Matthew 3:16-17 (CJB) communicates: “As soon as Yeshua had been immersed, he came up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, He saw the spirit of God coming down upon him like a dove, and a voice from Heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with him.”

The Essence of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, part of the trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, serves as everlasting protection to each of us. Yeshua’s statements in Matthew 28:18-20(CJB) assure us of the Holy Spirit ever being present with us. “Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, all authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son, and the Ruach HaKodesh, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the Age.”

John 14:16-17 (CJB) also speaks of how the Holy Spirit acts as a comforter to us, and in us. John 14:16 states: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforting Counselor like me, the Spirit of truth, to be with you forever.” Verse 17 continues: “The world cannot receive him, because it neither sees nor knows Him. You know him because he is staying with you and will be united with you.”

The scripture and the work, and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit

Regarding work and ministry, the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance to men. The miraculous power of the Working Ministry of the Holy Spirit is located in Luke 1:36-37 (CJB), and it reads: “You have a relative, Elisheva, who is an old woman, and everyone says she is barren. But she has conceived a son and is six months pregnant! For with God, nothing is impossible.”

All You Have to do is Ask

The Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth, and the source of the scriptures recorded in the Holy Bible. Yeshua assures us of knowing the truth and trusting in the Holy Spirit as our strength. John 14:26-27 (CJB) tells us: “But the counselor, the Ruach HaKodesh, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything; that is, he will remind you of everything I have said to you. What I am leaving with you is Shalom – I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourself be upset or frightened.”

Yeshua said if we believe and ask, we will receive. It states in John 16:23 (CJB): “When that day comes, you won’t ask anything of me! Yes, indeed! I tell you that whatever you ask from the father, he will give you in my name.” Romans 8:9 (CJB) confirms that if the Spirit is in us, the Spirit of God will dwell in us also.

God’s Temple

I Corinthians 6:19-20 (CJB) speaks of the rejoicing we should have because the Holy Spirit dwells in us. “The scripture states: “Or don’t you know that your body is a temple for the Ruach HaKodesh who lives inside you, whom you receive from God? The fact is you don’t belong to yourselves, for you were bought at a price. So, use your bodies to glorify God.”

As God is one body and one spirit, so we are also. Ephesians 4:30-32 (CJB) proclaims: “Don’t cause grief to God’s Ruach HaKodesh, for he has stamped us his property unto the day of final redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, violent assertiveness, and slander, along with all spitefulness. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, and forgive each other, just as in the Messiah God has also forgiven you.”

My Relationship to the Person, Work, and Ministry

My relationship is one of total dependence. Often, when I have trials and tribulations, I have felt lost, like quitting. Since I have known Yeshua, I glory in those times. II Corinthians 12: 9-10 (CJB) comes to mind. It is a great scripture for anyone experiencing challenging times. Always remember, Yeshua’s grace is sufficient. I hope this article is a blessing, and a buzz will ensue.