Comprehensive Study on THE HOLY SPIRIT (episode 1)

The Nature Of The Holy Spirit
Is the Holy Spirit a Living Spirit Being in the Godhead?

What terms does the Bible use to refer to the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit a living spirit being separate and distinct from God the Father and the Son, or is the Spirit just a power or a characteristic of God? Does the Holy Spirit possess the characteristics and do the works of Deity? Is He a Being in the Godhead? Is he an angel?  Who exactly is the Holy Spirit?

Introduction:
The purpose of this study is to consider the nature of the Holy Spirit and especially whether or not the Holy Spirit is a Diving Being who possesses Deity as part of the Godhead, like God the Father and God the Son.
Our understanding of the nature of the Holy Spirit is necessarily limited.
Many things about the infinite, spiritual God are beyond our ability to understand as finite, fallible humans. Can we answer every question about the nature of the Father? If not, why should we expect to be able to answer every question about the nature of the Holy Spirit?
Often we are uncomfortable discussing the Holy Spirit, simply because we have not studied enough. We talk about the Father so often that we get used to the fact that there is much about Him we do not know. But when we have neglected studying the Holy Spirit, it bothers us to discover how little we know about Him. But there are some things we'll never know this side of eternity (Job 26:14; 36:26; 37:5,23; 11:7-9; Isaiah 55:8,9; Deut. 29:29).
On the other hand, there are many things we can know about Deity.
Even with limited understanding, we can know that the Father and the Son exist, possess Deity, and possess the characteristics of Deity (eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, etc.). Likewise, we can determine whether or not the Holy Spirit possesses Deity and the characteristics of Deity. That is the purpose of this study.
I. The Names of the Holy Spirit
The Bible often uses interchangeable terms for things. For example:
* God is called Jehovah, Almighty, or the Most High.
* The church is called the kingdom, body, house, or bride.
* The gospel is called the New Testament, the truth, the Word of God, the will of God, or the faith.
* Christians are called children of God, disciples, saints, or priests.
* Elders are called bishops, overseers, pastors, or presbyters.
In each case the different terms emphasize different aspects of the same thing, person, or concept. Likewise, we will see that the Scriptures use a number of names interchangeably to refer to the Holy Spirit.
A. The "Holy Spirit" (or "Holy Ghost")
Obviously this is a common expression. We will see it used repeatedly as the study proceeds.
[Psalm 51 :11; Isaiah 63:10; Matthew 3:11; 12:32; 28:19; Mark 12:36; 13:11; John 14:26; Acts 1:5,8; 2:4; 5:3,32; 8:14-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19]
B. "The Spirit of Truth" and "the Comforter".
John 14:16,17,26; (15:26; 16:7,13) - Jesus promised to send "the Comforter" even "the Spirit of Truth" to the apostles.
But in 14:26 He calls this one He would send the "Holy Spirit."
Hence, "Spirit of Truth" and "Comforter" here are simply other names for the Holy Spirit. This demonstrates that different terms are used for the Holy Spirit.
C. "The Spirit"
Often the Holy Spirit is called simply "the Spirit."
Matthew 22:43 - David spoke Psalms 110:1 "in the Spirit." But the parallel passage in Mark 12:36 says He spoke it by the Holy Spirit.
Mark 1:10 and John 1:33 - At Jesus' baptism, "the Spirit" descended in a form like a dove. But Luke 3:22 says this was the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 - Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and led of "the Spirit."
Acts 2:4 - The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues as "the Spirit" gave them utterance.
1 Corinthians 2:10 - The apostles and prophets spoke the will of God by revelation from "the Spirit." But v13 (NKJV) and John 14:26; 16:7,13 show this was the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:7-13 - Miraculous gifts were given to men by "the Spirit," but 12:3 shows that this was the Holy Spirit.
2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5 - "The Spirit" is the earnest or pledge of our inheritance given us by God. But Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30 say that this earnest or seal is the Holy Spirit.
In these passages "the Spirit" is simply another name used to refer to the Holy Spirit.
However note that, in other contexts, "the spirit" may be identified as a spirit other than the Holy Spirit (see James 2:26; Matt. 26:41; Ephesians 4:23; etc.). The context must determine.
D. "The Spirit of God"
The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as "the Spirit of God," or God may refer to the Holy Spirit as "my Spirit," or others may refer to Him as "His Spirit" (speaking in reference to God).
Matthew 3:16 says "the Spirit of God" descended on Jesus as a dove at His baptism, but remember Luke 3:22 says it was the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:17,18 quotes Joel 2:28,29 where God said "I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh." But this was fulfilled by the coming of the Holy Spirit (vv 4,33).
1 Corinthians 2:11,12 - "The Spirit of God" revealed God's will,  but v13 (NKJV) and John 14:26 show that this refers to the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30 combines the terms as the "Holy Spirit of God."
1 Thessalonians 4:8; Psalm 51:11; and Isaiah 63:10 combine "Holy Spirit" with "My Spirit" or "His Spirit" speaking of God.
Acts 5:3,9 use Holy Spirit and "Spirit of the Lord" interchangeably.
Hence "Spirit of God," "My Spirit" (God speaking), etc., are other names for the Holy Spirit. Question: Can you find any instance where you can prove these phrases refer to anyone other than the Holy Spirit?
[Matthew 12:18,28 with Isaiah 42:1; Matt, 12:32; Luke 4:1; Acts 10:38.]
II. A Living Spirit Being
Like other Bible words, "spirit" can have different meanings depending on context. Consider some alternative ways "spirit" may be used in the Bible. Then we will consider which of these meanings applies to the "Holy Spirit."
A. Alternative Meanings of the Word "Spirit"
A living spirit being
"Spirit" can refer to a person or living being who possesses the characteristics of a person or living individual separate and distinct from other such beings. The Bible mentions several kinds of living beings or individuals who are spirit beings (or in some cases, like man, a spirit dwelling in a body).
* God the Father and Jesus the Son - John 4:23,24; Luke 23:46
* Angels - Hebrews 1:13,14
* Satan and demons - Matthew 8:16; 12:24,43-45; Mark 1:23-27
* Human beings - 1 Corinthians 15:35,44; James 2:26; Luke 8:55; Acts 7:59; 17:16; 1 Corinthians 2:11
Note that the spirit of each such individual being is separate and distinct from the spirits of other living beings. For example, the Father is a Being whose spirit is separate and distinct from the spirits of angels and men, etc. The spirit of each angel is separate and distinct from the spirit of the Father and from other angels, etc.
The characteristics, qualities, or attitudes possessed or expressed by a person
"Spirit" in this sense can refer to some aspect of a person's personality disposition, nature, character, etc. Examples:
Luke 1:17 - John came in "the spirit and power of Elijah."
Romans 11:8 - A spirit of slumber ("stupor" - ASV)
1 Corinthians 4:21; Galatians 6:1 - A spirit of meekness.
2 Timothy 1:7 - A spirit of fear contrasted to a spirit of power and of love and of a sound mind.
1 Peter 3:4 - A meek and quiet spirit.
Many other examples can be given. The spirit of man is the inner man - the part that feels, wills, motivates, etc. So the real character of a man is determined by the nature or condition of his spirit. Hence, the word "spirit" came to refer to the various attitudes or qualities expressed by the spirit.
Note that each individual can have only one "spirit" in the sense that he is just one living individual being. Yet he may have many different "spirits" in the sense of qualities or attitudes. And in fact his spirit (in the latter sense) can even change as time passes.
B. The Holy Spirit as a Living Spirit Being.
Is the Holy Spirit a living spirit being separate and distinct from other spirit beings, like the Father and angels, etc.? Or is the Holy Spirit just a characteristic or an attitude possessed by God? Could the "Holy Spirit" be just a way of referring to the power, character, nature, attributes, or disposition of God?
The Holy Spirit possesses the characteristics and qualities of a living spirit Being.
Consider the following descriptions of the Holy Spirit. Would the following things properly be said of a mere characteristic or attitude? Or does this language demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is a person who possesses personal characteristics and qualities?
* He hears - John 16:13
* He can be lied to - Acts 5:3
* He makes decisions about right and wrong (like people do) - Acts 15:28
* He intercedes - Romans 8:26
* He has a mind - Romans 8:27
* He loves - Romans 15:30
* He searches - 1 Corinthians 2:10
* He knows (like the spirit of a living being knows) - 1 Corinthians 2:11
* He gives gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:8,11
* He wills - 1 Corinthians 12:11
* He grieves - Ephesians 4:30 (Isaiah 63:10)
The Holy Spirit is not just a characteristic or attitude. Rather He is a living Being who possesses the characteristics of a person.
[See also Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 12:8,11; 6:11; Matthew 12:31; Hebrews 10:29; Acts 5:9; 7:51; 8:29; 16:6,7; 13:2,4; 1 Timothy 4:1; John 15:26; 16:13; 14:26; 16:7,8; Ephesians 3:5; Revelation 22:17; Neh. 9:20]
He is referred to by masculine pronouns
This evidence may not be conclusive by itself apart from the point we just studied. But with the evidence above, it confirms the personal nature of the Spirit.
John 16:13,14 - "He," the Spirit of Truth, will guide you into all truth, and "He" (the Spirit) will glorify Me (Jesus). ("Spirit" here is neuter in Greek, yet "He" in both cases is from a masculine demonstrative pronoun.)
Ephesians 1:13,14 - The Holy Spirit "who" is the guarantee of our inheritance (NKJV). (This is a masculine pronoun referring to the neuter "Spirit." But note that some manuscripts here have the neuter "which" - see ASV.)
He is referred to along with the Father and the Son, who are surely living persons.
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commands people to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Clearly the Father and Son are living spirit Beings. How could the command make sense if the Holy Spirit is just a power or characteristic, rather than a living Being like the Father and Son?
2 Corinthians 13:14 - The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Since Christ and God are living Beings, how would this make sense if the Holy Spirit is just an attitude or characteristic?
1 Peter 1:2 - We are elect according to the foreknowledge of the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus. The Father and Son are living spirit Beings, so the Spirit must also be. All three are here mentioned as being involved in our salvation.
Luke 3:21,22 - When Jesus was baptized, the Father spoke from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove. This pictures the Holy Spirit as having life of Himself, like the Father and Son, and He took a separate bodily form.
These verses show the Holy Spirit to be acting jointly with other persons. Since He acts like a person along with other persons, this implies that He is a person like the other persons in the context.
[See also John 14:26; 14:16,17; 15:26; 20:21,22; Acts 1:4,5; 2:32,33; 10:38; Luke 1:35; John 3:34; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 1:21,22; Ephesians 2:18; 4:4-6]
These points taken together indicate that the Holy Spirit is a living person or being. He cannot be just a characteristic, attitude, power, or influence. (This does not deny that He possesses characteristics and attitudes. But He is more than just a character or a power. [See Rom, 15:13,19.]
He is a living being. He possesses the characteristics of a person. He is referred to by terms that imply He is a personal Being. He does works and acts like a living Being. And He is described and classified along with other personal beings. We conclude that the Holy Spirit is a living Spirit Being, not just a characteristic or a part of another Being.

To be continued...
  Next on this study...  Distinction of the Holy Spirit from other spirits.
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