The Holy Spirit (referred to as the Holy Ghost in some translations) is one of the persons of the eternal Trinity described for us in the Bible. The Spirit is in every respect the full essence of Yahweh (Jehovah), as are the Father and the Son.

The Holy Spirit is first mentioned in the second verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:2, but there are a limited number of other references to Him in the Old Testament (such as in Exodus 31:1-3, Judges 6:34 & 14:6, I Samuel 10:10 and in prophecies such as those found in Joel 2:28-29).

In the New Testament, we are given a number of functions of the Holy Spirit:

  • He glorifies Jesus (John 16:14)
  • He “carried people along” as they wrote the Holy scriptures of the Bible (2nd Peter 1:21)
  • He confirmed that Jews (Acts 2:32-33), Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17) and, finally, all people (Gentiles) can come to God through salvation in Jesus (Acts 10:44-48)
  • He convicts us of our need for Jesus as our Savior (John 16:8-11)
  • He intercedes on our behalf when we pray (Romans 8:26-27)
  • He works within us to help us mature (be sanctified) as Christians (Romans 15:16, 1st Corinthians 6:11 & 2nd Thessalonians 2:13)
  • And He seals us for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14 & 4:30)

He is Called:

  • The Spirit of God (Genesis1:2)
  • The Spirit of the Lord (Judges 14:6)
  • The Holy Spirit (2nd Peter 1:21)
  • The Helper or comforter (John 16:7)
  • The Spirit of truth (John 16:13)
  • The Spirit of holiness (Romans 1:4)
  • The Spirit of life (Romans 8:2)
  • The Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29)

The Bible warns us not to:

  • Blaspheme the Spirit (Mark 3:29)
  • Resist the Spirit (Acts 7:51)
  • Quench the Spirit (1st Thessalonians 5:19)
  • Or Grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)