The Holy Spirit, a.k.a. Holy Ghost in charismatic circles, is a person. The Holy Spirit has the same nature and characteristics as God the Father and Jesus the Son. We read in Genesis 1 that He is omniscient, omnipotent in Hebrews 9, and omnipresent in Psalm 139.
The Holy Spirit was at work in creation. In Genesis 1 and 2, we see Him hovering over the waters. In the Old Testament, He inspired men to write the scriptures.
He was at work in the New Testament as He overshadowed Mary and created the life of Christ in her womb. He was also present at Jesus’ baptism, “When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him” (Mt 3:16).
God calls people to himself through the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. He is the working entity in the world today as He convicts people of their sins and points them to salvation in Christ. The Holy Spirit works sanctification in the believer’s life, transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit reveals to us God’s character as we read the scriptures. During our earthly journey, the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8:26).
The Holy Spirit brings unity and builds the church (Ephesians 4:3 and Romans 8:4).
The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 12:4), so build and grow the church (I Peter 4:10). The church body produces and is strengthened as the Spirit gifts each member.
Jesus put a lot of emphasis on the Holy Spirit. He was the subject of intense prayer: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him because it doesn’t see or know him. But you know him because he remains with you and will be in you” (John 14:16-17). The Lord mentions two points: the Holy Spirit was already real, and He was about to come. At that time, the Spirit dwelled with the disciples, but they lacked having Him in them. In Acts chapter 2, we see the Holy Spirit coming in a very tangible way, In flaming tongues of fire. He gave the disciples the boldness to witness the gospel. If the Spirit of God was so important to the life of Jesus, how much more so for the lives of the believers!
From beginning to end, the Holy Spirit has always been active: In the beginning, creating, and trough present day, pointing to Christ, Maturing the saints, and leading the church. He comforts us, helps us, guides us, reminds us, teaches us, comes alongside us, counsels us, and intercedes and advocates for us. There is no area of life in which the believer does not need the help of the Holy Spirit.
