The 411 on the Holy Spirit

The 411 on the Holy Spirit
You may know someone who seems to have three personalities (the real one, the phony one, and the really phony one). But have you ever seen three people who represented one person? Historically, Christians have believed that God exists in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How this works, no one knows. This is one of the mysteries that the Bible mentions.

If we were to take a poll, we might find that the Holy Spirit is probably the least understood of the three. So just who is the Holy Spirit? What does he do?

First of all, the New Testament always refers to the Holy Spirit as 'he,' not 'it.' The Spirit is personal, not merely a 'force' or instrument. He has an intellect, feelings, will, and other personal characteristics.

Second, the Holy Spirit is not in any way inferior to the Father or the Son. He is equal to them. One of the clearest statements of this reality is found in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus tells the disciples: 'Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.'

Third, the Spirit acts in many powerful ways. Here are just a few: he unifies believers and helps them grow and serve others (1 Cor 12:4-11; Eph 4:1-16; 5:22-25); he gives new life (John 3:5-8); he helps us own up to what we've done and to change (John 16:8); he reminds us of the truth of Jesus as the Savior (John 14:26 and 16:13-14); he prays for us (Rom 8:26); he is present in all Christians (Rom 8:9-11; 1 Cor 6:19-20). His arrival in Acts 2 completely changed the lives of all of the believers.

Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the 'Counselor' (John 15:26). Unlike a high school guidance counselor, the Holy Spirit is with you 24/7. He is your unseen adviser--one who will never steer you wrong.