Monday, October 13, 2008

Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is a distinct member of the Godhead (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4), and He is distinct from the Father (John 14:26), and the Son (Acts 10:38). He was active in creation (Genesis 1:2, 26-27; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30). He was given to the apostles to reveal "all truth" so that they might be able to preach the gospel (John 16:13). When people believed this preaching, they obeyed and were then saved (James 1:21).

The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles included the ability to work miraculous gifts, such as speaking in tongues in Acts 2. These gifts could only be transferred through the laying on of the apostles' hands (Acts 8:18). Paul stated that these gifts would cease in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. No one today possesses gifts such as healing or speaking in tongues. The Holy Spirit was given to confirm the word of God (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4). After the word was revealed (Jude 3), no additional gifts were needed.

The Holy Spirit also indwells in us. He does not do it by physically entering our body, helping us to make decisions or "steering" us in the right direction. The Holy Spirit is in us like God is in us (1 John 4:15) and Christ is in us (John 14:20). As long as you and I live by the Holy Spirit's law (the Bible), He will dwell within us, and we will be guided by His wonderful precepts.

Kyle Campbell

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