Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit Is God

The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but God Himself. In the account of Ananias and Sapphira, lying to the Holy Spirit is described as lying to God: “You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” (Acts 5:4, NIV). He is the third person of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

The Holy Spirit Was Active from the Beginning

The Spirit of God has always been present and at work. In creation, we read: “Now the earth was formless and empty… and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2, NIV). Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit empowered prophets, leaders, and kings for God’s purposes (Judges 6:34, 1 Samuel 16:13).

The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper

Jesus promised His disciples that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to help them after He returned to heaven: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16–17, NIV). The Spirit is a comforter, counselor, and guide for every believer.

The Holy Spirit Teaches and Guides

The Spirit enables us to understand God’s truth. Jesus said: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26, NIV). The Spirit leads believers in righteousness and convicts the world of sin (John 16:8).

The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers

Before Jesus ascended, He told His disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8, NIV). On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit filled the early church, equipping them with boldness to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2:1–4).

The Holy Spirit Produces Spiritual Fruit

The evidence of the Spirit’s work in a believer’s life is seen in transformed character: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23, NIV). The Spirit shapes us into the likeness of Christ.

Walking in the Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within believers, teaching, guiding, empowering, and transforming us to live for Christ. As Paul writes: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25, NIV). To walk with God is to walk in the Spirit daily.