Human Spirit and work of THE HOLY SPIRIT

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If the God breathed the breath of life and made man, why do we need to receive the Holy Spirit

The distinction between the "breath of life" given to Adam and the Holy Spirit received by believers is addressed in the provided articles. When God breathed life into Adam, it created the human spirit, which gives humans consciousness, intellect, emotions, and creativity[1]. This breath of life is distinct from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, as described in one of the articles, was given by Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection when he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit"[2]. This act was not to give them life, as they were already living, but rather to empower them for their mission[2]. Some theologians have debated whether the "breath of life" in Genesis and Jesus' breathing on the disciples were similar acts, but the articles suggest these were distinct events with different purposes[3][4]. The human spirit, given at creation, makes us living beings, while the Holy Spirit, received by believers, empowers them for spiritual life and service[1][2].

[1] Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2002–2013).

[2] Roger L. Fredrikson and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, John, vol. 27, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1985), 275.

[3] Augustine of Hippo, “The City of God,” in St. Augustin’s City of God and Christian Doctrine, ed. Philip Schaff, trans. Marcus Dods, vol. 2, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company, 1887), 259.

[4] Saint Augustine, The City of God, ed. Boniface Ramsey, trans. William Babcock, vol. 7, The Works of Saint Augustine: A Translation for the 21st Century (Hyde Park, NY: New City Press, 2012–2013), 93.