Who is the Holy Spirit?

Systematic Theology Class

Lesson 2

(1) Divine names are given to Him, Ex. 17:7 (comp. Heb. 3:7–9); Acts 5:3, 4; 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16 (comp. 2 Pet. 1:21).

(2) Divine perfections are ascribed to Him, such as omnipresence, Ps. 139:7–10, omniscience, Isa. 40:13, 14 (comp. Rom. 11:34); 1 Cor. 2:10, 11, omnipotence, 1 Cor. 12:11; Rom. 15:19, and eternity, Heb. 9:14 (?).

(3) Divine works are performed by Him, such as creation, Gen. 1:2; Job. 26:13; 33:4, providential renovation, Ps. 104:30, regeneration, John 3:5, 6; Tit. 3:5, and the resurrection of the dead, Rom. 8:11.

(4) Divine honour is also paid to Him, Matt. 28:19; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 13:13.[1]

[1]Berkhof, L. (1938). Systematic theology(pp. 97–98). Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co.

His Personhood

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 1. God Is Three Persons

First are the several verses mentioned earlier where the Holy Spirit is put in a coordinate relationship with the Father and the Son

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) 1. God Is Three Persons

Finally, if the Holy Spirit is understood simply to be the power of God rather than a distinct person, then a number of passages would simply not make sense, because in them the Holy Spirit and his power or the power of God are both mentioned

He is a self-conscience, rational individual

His role in the Godhead is unique

In the OT

In the NT

The Holy Spirit is individually tied to specific events

The conception of Christ – Luke 1:35

The calling of Paul and Barnabas – Acts 13:2

The inspiration of the Scriptures – 2 Peter 2:21

What is the sin against the Holy Spirit – Matthew 12:31-32

Arguments against the Deity of the Holy Spirit.

              He is simply the power of God

              A force that God sent out into the world to accomplish His work

Various Teachings on the Holy Spirit

Mormon (Mormonism Research Ministry)

According to Mormonism, the Holy Ghost is a child of God from the preexistence who does not have a body of flesh and bones, as do Heavenly Father and Jesus. He is the third member of the Godhead who is sometimes described as the Holy Spirit and other times described as distinct from the Holy Spirit. The Encyclopedia of Mormonism explains:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Holy Ghost is a spirit man, a spirit son of God the Father. It is fundamental Church doctrine that God is the Father of the spirits of all men and women, that Jesus is literally God’s Son both in the spirit and in the flesh, and that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit separate and distinct from both the Father and the Son. The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Eternal Godhead, and is identified also as the Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord, and the comforter (Encyclopedia of Mormonism 2:649).

The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead (see 1 John 5:7; D&C 20:28). He is a “personage of Spirit” (D&C 130:22). He can be in only one place at a time, but His influence can be everywhere at the same time (Gospel Principles, 2009, 32).

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones (see D&C 130:22). He is often referred to as the Spirit, Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the comforter (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, 2004, 81-82).

The gift of the Holy Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before your baptism, you could feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time, and through that influence you could receive a testimony of the truth. Now that you have the gift of  the Holy Ghost, you have the right to the constant companionship of that members of the Godhead if you keep the commandments (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, 2004, 83).

In Mormonism, having a body is vital for an individual to progress to godhood. Since the Holy Ghost does not have a body, some have asked if he will ever receive a body. Typically, leaders such as Charles Penrose, a member of the First Presidency, chalk it up to the category of nobody knows. He said,

In Mormonism, the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, the divine Comforter. He’s not holy simply because he’s pure and sinless—that’s obvious by his membership in the holy Godhead alongside Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Instead, the Holy Ghost is holy because he sanctifies or “makes holy,” helping Latter-day Saints to become “pure and spotless before God,” according to the Book of Mormon (Alma 13:12).

According to Mormonism, while all people experience the Spirit’s influence, only those baptized properly into the church receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as their “constant companion” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:46). He helps Latter-day Saints become obedient and morally pure. The Holy Ghost convicts of sin, prompts souls toward God’s will, reveals hidden things, and seals families together forever through temple rituals.

This companionship is critical for salvation because “people are saved to the extent that they are sanctified,” according to one LDS source. As long as a person remains worthy of the Holy Ghost, his presence abides.

Jehovah Witness (JW.org)

The holy spirit is God’s power in action, his active force. (Micah 3:8; Luke 1:​35) God sends out his spirit by projecting his energy to any place to accomplish his will.​—Psalm 104:30; 139:7.

The holy spirit is not a person

 By referring to God’s spirit as his “hands,” “fingers,” or “breath,” the Bible shows that the holy spirit is not a person. (Exodus 15:​8, 10) A craftsman’s hands cannot function independent of his mind and body; likewise, God’s holy spirit operates only as he directs it. (Luke 11:13) The Bible also compares God’s spirit to water and associates it with such things as faith and knowledge. These comparisons all point to the impersonal nature of the holy spirit.​—Isaiah 44:3; Acts 6:5; 2 Corinthians 6:6.

Misconception: The Bible personifies the holy spirit, and this proves that it is a person.

 Fact: The Scriptures do at times personify the holy spirit, but this does not prove that the holy spirit is a person. The Bible also personifies wisdom, death, and sin. (Proverbs 1:​20; Romans 5:​17, 21) For example, wisdom is said to have “works” and “children,” and sin is depicted as seducing, killing, and working out covetousness.​—Matthew 11:19; Luke 7:​35; Romans 7:​8, 11.

 Similarly, when the apostle John quoted Jesus, he personified the holy spirit as a “helper” (paraclete) that would give evidence, guide, speak, hear, declare, glorify, and receive. He used masculine personal pronouns such as “he” or “him” when referring to that “helper.” (John 16:​7-​15) However, he did so because the Greek word for “helper” (pa·raʹkle·tos) is a masculine noun and requires a masculine pronoun according to the rules of Greek grammar. When John referred to the holy spirit using the neuter noun pneuʹma, he used the genderless pronoun “it.”​—John 14:16, 17.

Islam

According to the Quran, the “Holy Spirit” (Ar-Ruh al-Qudus) is Jibreel.

The ‘Holy Spirit’ in the Quran

The “Holy Spirit” (Ar-Ruh al-Qudus) is Jibreel (peace be upon him). Shaykh al-Shanqeeti said: “The words of Allah (interpretation of the meaning), ‘and (We) supported him with Ar-Ruh al-Qudus’ (al-Baqarah 2:87) refer to Jibreel according to the most sound view. This is indicated by the words (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Which the trustworthy Rooh has brought down’ (al-Shu’ara’ 26:193) and ‘then We sent to her our Rooh’ (Maryam 19:17).”

Ibn Abi Hatim narrated from Ahmad ibn Sinan… Abu’l-Za’ra’ told us: ‘Abd-Allah said: Ar-Ruh al-Qudus (“the Holy Spirit”) is Jibreel, then he said: something similar was narrated from Muhammad ibn Ka’b al-Qurazi, Qutadah, ‘Atiyah al-‘Awfi, al-Saddi and al-Rabi’ ibn Anas.

Hindi

1. Understanding the Divine Spirit in Hinduism

The "Holy Spirit" can be understood as the divine energy (Shakti) present in all beings, representing the connection to God.

It is often associated with the supreme consciousness of Shiva, the nurturing grace of Parvati, the wisdom of Ganesha, the sustaining power of Vishnu, or the prosperity of Lakshmi.

The divine guidance is experienced as intuition, clarity, or inner peace.

2. Simple Prayers for Divine Guidance

Morning Prayer to Shiva "Om Namah Shivaya" Translation: "I bow to Lord Shiva, the auspicious one who guides us through life's challenges."

Prayer: “O Lord Shiva, the one who destroys ignorance, fill me with wisdom and clarity. Let your light guide my every step.”

Prayer to Parvati (Divine Mother) "Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Parameshwari Namah" Prayer: “O Goddess Parvati, the source of compassion and strength, inspire me to act with love and courage. Show me the way to fulfill my purpose.”

Prayer to Vishnu (Sustainer) "Om Namo Narayanaya" Prayer: “O Lord Vishnu, protector of the universe, lead me on the path of righteousness. Help me uphold truth in every action.”

3. Simple Puja Steps

Preparation

Bathe and wear clean clothes. White, yellow, or saffron are considered ideal for spiritual activities.

Arrange a small altar with images or idols of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Durga, and Ganesha.

The Holy Spirit’s Work in Salvation

Conviction of sin (John 16:8)

Sealing (Eph 1:13)