THE HOLY SPIRIT

, ,
Carmel Carberry (Author) Avatar
Carmel Carberry (Author)

The Holy Spirit is introduced to us in the first words of The Bible where He is shown to be actively involved in creation. Genesis 1:1-2 (NLT) says: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

He is seen throughout the Scriptures, helping people, guiding, and pointing to mankind’s need for Jesus. The Bible shows us that the Holy Spirit is not merely an impersonal force, but a ‘Divine Being’ with a mind, will and emotions (1 Cor 2:10-11). He is part of The Godhead ~ ONE GOD, three distinct persons ~ Father, Son and Holy Spirit ~ each being equal but having different roles ~ working together in perfect fellowship and harmony (Matt 28:19-20).

Divine characteristics seen in The Holy Spirit:

  • He is eternal [everlasting] (Heb 9:14)
  • He is omniscient [all-knowing] (1 Cor 2:10-11)
  • He is omnipresent [ever-present] (Ps 139:7-10)
  • He is omnipotent [all-powerful] (Luke 1:35)

THE GODHEAD (Acts 17:29 / Col 2:9 / John 14:26)

  • FATHER: The Creator of all things (Gen 1:1 / Rom 1:19-20)
  • SON: God’s Living Word, who became a human being (Jesus) ~ fully God, fully man ~ to be mediator between God and man (John 1:1+14 / 1 Tim 2:5)
  • HOLY SPIRIT: God’s Presence in the world, helping people and drawing them towards God (Ps 139:7-10)

Jesus promised that after He went back to Heaven (after His resurrection), The Father would send the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter and Counsellor (John 14:16+26 / John 15:26), our Teacher and our Guide (John 16:13). And that He would be with us always. In The New Testament, the word “paraclete” is used to refer to the Holy Spirit. It is a Greek word that is translated as: advocate; counsellor; helper; someone who comes alongside. 

The Bible tells us that when we put our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside our hearts to be our Helper and our Friend (John 14:17 / 1 Cor 6:19). He helps us in our weaknesses and that He helps us to pray (Rom 8:26-27). Jesus said the Holy Spirit will be He our Comforter and Guide throughout our lives (John 14:27 + 16:13-15).

The Holy Spirit reminds us about things Jesus taught and builds up the Body of Christ. He gifts people with talents and abilities to help others  (John 14:26 / Acts 10:19-20 / Rom 12:6-8 / 1 Cor 12:13–14). He will freely grant wisdom to us in our life situations. We simply need to ask God for His Wisdom,  listen and follow His Spirit’s wise leading (Prov 2 / James 1:5+3:17).

He will remind you and I that we are His children (John 1:12 / Rom 8:14-15) and build us up in reverence for God as He reveals God’s Heart of Love and Grace (John 3:16-17) empower us to do good (Acts 1:8). And when we are filled with The Holy Spirit, His Spiritual Fruit will grow in our lives (Gal 5:22-23). He will help us mature in Christ, as we continue to look to Jesus, The Wisdom of God (Col 2:2-3).

This is Good News! We are not alone; we have a Helper and Friend who lives within us, as we look to God’s Son.