The Holy Spirit is the power of God—not a personage, consciousness, entity, or part of a trinity. It is the mind and essence of the divine nature and the spiritual extension of God through which He carries out His will. Bestowed upon or poured out upon individuals, it causes regeneration of God’s children. God's Spirit empowers the mind to comprehend spiritual matters, producing conversion. It leads us into all truth; convicts us of sin and righteousness; and imparts faith, the love of God, power to overcome sin, and other gifts essential to do His will. It is the earnest or guarantee of eternal life.
Scripture References:
Genesis 1:2; Psalm 104:30; Isaiah 11:2; 32:15; 40:13; Ezekiel 39:29; Joel 2:28-29; John 7:37-39; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 8:15-17; Romans 8:9-14; John 14:16-17, 26; I Corinthians 2:9-16; 12:4-11; II Timothy 1:6-7; II Peter 1:2-4; Ephesians 1:13-14
From the Library: Holy Spirit
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasAmong all the Christian doctrines, the nature of the Holy Spirit is among the most difficult to understand, and one that is commonly misconstrued.
What Is the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeEven theologians admit that the Holy Spirit is a mystery to them. Yet the confusion comes from pagan thought patterns that have affected how Scripture is read.
The Holy Spirit
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Bible speaks of the Spirit as the power or mind of God, the power of love and of a sound mind. It emanates from Him and thus can be said to be poured out
Misconceptions and Malarkey About the Holy Spirit (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMost of Christianity believes in the Trinity, but a slim minority holds to a much older belief, one that hearkens back to the earliest Christians.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe architects of the trinity doctrine admit that it is a 'somewhat unsteady silhouette', requiring assumptions and inferences, but unsupportable by Scripture.
The Trinity and the Holy Spirit (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Father and the Son are two separate personalities, with the Father having pre-eminence. The Bible contains no evidence of a third person in the God family.
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's Spirit is the essence of His mind rather than a third person. With this Spirit, God opens our minds, dwells in us, and transfers His nature to us.
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJust as our human spirit can be grieved, God is grieved by willful sinful behavior—sullying, suppressing, or stifling the Spirit that identifies us as His.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Holy Spirit