The Mystery of God the Holy Spirit

The doctrine of the Trinity is as confusing as it is mysterious. Christians believe in one God, but he is also three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There are many articles and videos available online that discuss it, but we have to admit that this doctrine — vital to our salvation — is taken by faith.

Some may find the Holy Spirit the most difficult. He descended on Jesus like a dove (Luke 3:22), but apparently does not take physical form, even in visions. Some folks adore him because he makes them feel ecstatic at times, but forget that he testifies of Jesus (John 15:26).

Holy Spirit like a dove, Pixabay / jplenio

Many professing Christians are so caught up in what they consider to be spiritual gifts that they are scripturally shallow, and lack knowledge about who the Spirit is and what he does. Some people think he speaks audibly to them, but such claims seem to be based on emotion (and, let's face it, charlatans making money).

On the other hand, this child believes that there are occasional exceptions and he really does occasionally speak to individuals — I am certainly not going to tell God that he can't do that! Also, (and there are people who oppose this) the Spirit may speak to us in our own spirits. It seems that one must be grounded in the Bible so he has something to work with for it to happen. By far, the most reliable way to hear from the Holy Spirit is to get into the written Word of God.

At the moment of salvation, we are baptized in the Spirit. He testifies to us that we have become children of God, enlightens us when we read Scripture, and helps us when we pray. Indeed, I have had anguished prayers of, "God...help!" and asked the Holy Spirit to intercede for me. He does that, and many other things.

The Holy Spirit can speak (Acts 8:29, 11:12, 13:2)—though some people don’t think the Holy Spirit can speak because they think of the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force, or simply a presence. . . 

The Jehovah’s Witness sees the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force. Maybe you too have trouble thinking of the Holy Spirit as a real person. After all, he doesn’t have a physical body like Jesus does. But he is a person who has eternally lived in an intimate relationship with God the Father and God the Son. And now, he invites each of us to participate in that dynamic relationship of love.

To learn more, read "God, the Holy Spirit."