There are many different and often conflicting teachings regarding the subject of the Holy Spirit. So much misunderstanding and misinformation on the subject has led Christians to either shy away from the subject or embrace a position that is not Biblical. Some congregations have asked song leaders not to lead songs referencing the Holy Spirit during worship services. Some congregations have held Holy Spirit-filled healing services. The discussion of how the Holy Spirit works in the life of a child of God is filled with one extreme or another. 

Most of the confusion comes from what Christians believe about the Holy Spirit from personal experiences, feelings, “visions,” and desires to establish their religious viewpoint. However, when these methods are used, there is no way to accurately assess the validity of their teachings on the Holy Spirit. Believers need to remember that all information about the Holy Spirit has been given to them through the pages of inspiration. Spirit is used 576 times in 523 verses—88 passages in the Old Testament and 262 in the New Testament. Except for Philemon and 2 & 3 John, all New Testament books refer to the Holy Spirit.

The Bible remains the same throughout the centuries and to all generations. Wherever and whenever the teaching of the Holy Spirit is presented, the Bible is the only source material the believer has about the Spirit’s nature, work, and power. The Bible gives personality to the Holy Spirit, or the qualities of character that distinguish a person from other creatures. The Holy Spirit is a person, not an impersonal “it,” a dove, a ghost, a miracle, the time, an experience, or a power. He is a real person, not a mere influence. Five names are common to both Testaments:

• He is called “the Spirit of God” (Genesis 1:2)
• He is called “the Spirit of the Lord God” (Isaiah 61:1)
• He is called “the Spirit” (Revelation 1:7)
• He is called “the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)
• He is called “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13)

Other passages ascribed to Him intellect and emotions:

• He loves (Romans 15:30).
• He can be grieved by our behavior (Ephesians 4:30)
• He can be lied to (Acts 5:3)
• He is insulted by those who trod underfoot the blood of the covenant and do so despite the Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:26)

The Holy Spirit has a name; he is the Comforter or the Helper, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). [All Scripture references are from NKJV unless otherwise noted.] “But before we go any further, it should be observed that the context limits the work of the Comforter to that done through the apostles, the men chosen by Christ through whom His will was to be revealed. No one else is under consideration in these verses.”^[1] Jesus told His apostles that the Holy Spirit would come to them with work that the Spirit would do upon the apostles and work the Holy Spirit would do upon this world (John 16:7-14). 

“One important truth that Jesus sought to convey to His apostles in the upper room that Thursday night preceding His death was the truth that He would be sending the Holy Spirit to them. The Holy Spirit would provide the help required for their future task. In fact, Jesus was going away so the Holy Spirit could come. In the immediate future, as Jesus began His reign as Lord over the church (Acts 2:36), the Holy Spirit was to begin His work of teaching and guiding. In light of these facts, it was to the apostles’ advantage for Jesus to depart so the Holy Spirit could come and begin His work. The apostles needed Him, and without Him the world could not be saved.” ^[2]

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^[1] Winters, Howard. The Work of the Holy Spirit, Win-More Publications, 1978: 33.

^[2] Lipe, David. John 13-21, Truth for Today Commentary: An Exegesis & Application of the Holy Scriptures. Eddie Cloer, ed. Resource Publications, 2019: 201

By: Justin Odom