The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Who or what is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Godhead and is distinct in his personhood and he is fully God.

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

John 15:26 ““But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

Acts 5:3-4 “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.””

What is the primary work of the Holy Spirit?

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Second Edition) Explanation and Scriptural Basis > Chapter 30: The Work of the Holy Spirit

We may define the work of the Holy Spirit as follows: the work of the Holy Spirit is to manifest the active presence of God in the world, and especially in the church.

How does the Holy Spirit accomplish His work?

He applies salvation to our lives.

1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

He guides us into all truth.

John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

He equips us for ministry.

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

1 Corinthians 12:7 “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

He causes us to grow in sanctification.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

He fills us.

Ephesians 5:18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”

He seals us for salvation.

Ephesians 1:13-14 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

Why do we not emphasize the Holy Spirit as much as Jesus?

While the Holy Spirit is equally deserving of worship as Jesus, He leads us to glorify Jesus.

John 16:14 “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”