In Acts 19:1-2, Paul came across some men who were confused about the Holy Spirit. Many today are just as confused. Some say that the Holy Spirit is nothing more than a feeling or experience. Others suggest that He is nothing more than a mythical and indefinable substance or the active force of God.

What does the Bible tell us about the identity of the Holy Spirit?

He goes by many names.

  • The “Holy Spirit” – Matthew 28:19
  • The “Helper” or “Comforter” – John 14:16
  • “The Spirit of the Father” – Matthew 10:20
  • “The Spirit of the Lord” – Luke 4:18
  • “The Spirit of the living God” – 2 Corinthians 3:3
  • “The Spirit of grace” – Hebrews 10:29
  • “The Spirit of Truth” – John 14:17
  • “The Spirit of Christ” – 1 Peter 1:11
  • “The Spirit of God” – Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16
  • God – Acts 5:4

He is a Person in the Godhead.

  • He has all of the attributes of personhood and personality (John 16:12-15).
  • He speaks (1 Timothy 4:1).
  • He grieves (Ephesians 4:29).
  • He is insulted (Hebrews 10:29).
  • He guides (2 Peter 1:20-21).
  • He forbids (Acts 16:6).
  • He possesses knowledge (1 Corinthians 2:9-11).
  • He possesses will (1 Corinthians 12:11).
  • He is sinned against (Acts 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Matthew 12:31).

He possesses all the attributes of deity.

  • He possessed creative power and had an active role in the creation (Genesis 1:2).
  • He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12).
  • He is all-knowing (1 Corinthians 2:10).
  • He is eternal (Hebrews 9:13-14).

He is one with the other members of the Godhead.

  • There are three Persons of deity who make up the Godhead (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20).
  • Those in the Godhead are one in agreement, purpose, and action.
  • Believers are also one (John 17:20-21). Married couples are also to be one (Matthew 19:6).

Why is this important?

  • We cannot truly know who God is without also knowing who the Holy Spirit is!
  • Those who believe lies about the Holy Spirit eventually find themselves adopting all forms of religious error.

Conclusion:

Let us always respect what the Holy Spirit has revealed about Himself.