What the Bible Teaches on the Holy Spirit.

[Hobie]

The Bible teaches the Holy Spirit is also God and here is a great study by David Curtis on it...


In Acts 13:1-5, the Holy Spirit acts as a Person. He speaks to the leaders of the church at Antioch. He instructs them, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" (v. 2). Notice the personal references "to Me" and "I." The Holy Spirit, along with the Antioch leaders, sends out the missionaries (vv. 3, 4).

Throughout the rest of the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as a Person. He had inspired Scripture which had to be fulfilled (1:16). Ananias lies to the Holy Spirit (5:3). The Spirit bears witness to Jesus (5:32). Philip is instructed by the Spirit (8:28). The early believers are comforted by Him (9:31).

The Spirit tells Peter how to act towards the men He has sent (10:19f). Peter recounts to Cornelius what the Spirit had told Him (11:12). The decisions of the Jerusalem council are confirmed by the Holy Spirit (15:28).

The Holy Spirit forbids Paul to preach in Asia and Bithynai (16:6f). He testifies about the "chains and tribulations" awaiting Paul (20:23). Paul tells the elders of the church at Ephesus, ". . . the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God . . ." (20:28).

The Holy Spirit again prophesies of the problems about to befall Paul (21:11). And finally, Paul declares, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers . . ." (28:25).

The Holy Spirit exhibits personal traits elsewhere in the Bible. The Spirit "hovers" over the creation (Hebrew--rahap Gen 1:2, compare Deut 32:11). He is to send Israel's Redeemer (Isa 48:16).

Jesus promises His followers that the Spirit will speak for them when they are being persecuted (Matt 10:16-20). The Spirit will teach them what they should say (Luke 12:12).

The Spirit assures believers we are the children of God. He leads us, bears witness to us, and enables us to cry out "Abba, Father" (Rom 8:14-17). He intercedes for us before the Father (Rom 8:26). He also loves us and enables us to love God and others (Rom 5:5, 15:30).

The Spirit searches "the deep things of God" and knows them (1Cor 2:10f). He distributes spiritual gifts to all Christians "as He wills" (1Cor 12:11). And we can have "communion" or "fellowship" with the Holy Spirit (2Cor 13:14; Gr. koinonia).

Further, we can grieve the Holy Spirit (Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30). He instructs us as to what will happen "in the latter times" (I Tim 4:1). He witnesses to believers as to the perfection of the sacrifice of Jesus (Heb 10:14-17). He is insulted when people reject what Christ has done (Heb 10:29). As such, the Spirit commands people to accept the free offer of eternal life (Rev 22:17).

Masculine pronouns are used in reference to the Holy Spirit despite the fact that "Spirit" (Greek--pneuma) is neuter (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:8, 13f, Greek--ekeinos, literally, that One).

Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "another Helper" (John 14: 16). "Another" in the Greek is allos. Greek scholar Joseph Thayer states, "Allos generally denotes simply a distinction of individuals." This usage is in contrast to a similar word Jesus could have spoken but did not--heteros (different). "Heteros involves the secondary idea of difference of kind" (Thayer, p. 243). Hence, since Jesus is a Person, the Holy Spirit must be One also.

In addition, the word rendered "Helper" (Greek--parakletos) is applied to Jesus in I John 2:1 where it is generally translated as "Advocate." Thayer writes in reference to both Jesus and the Holy Spirit being called parakletos," so of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension) . . ." (Thayer, p. 483). Only a Person can take the place of a Person.

See Acts 9:31 where the early church is said to be ". . . walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit." "Comfort" is the verb form of the noun parakletos (i.e.. parakleses).

[Hobie]

Here are other attributes of the Holy Spirit..

First:
The Holy Spirit is equated with God in several places in the Scriptures. Peter considers lying to the Holy Spirit to be the same as lying to God (Acts 5:3f). Paul calls the Spirit "the Lord" (2Cor 3:17). Interestingly, the Bible of Jehovah's Witnesses (the New World Translation) renders the phrase "Jehovah is the Spirit."

The Spirit distributes gifts to Christians "as He wills" (1Cor 12:11). But it is God who sets members in the Church "as He pleases" (1Cor 12:18). In addition, the Lord directs our "hearts into the love of God" (2Thes 3:5). Yet, "the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Rom 5:5).

Second:
Christians are the temple of God because the Spirit dwells in us (1Cor 3:16). Further, Paul prays for Christians to "be filled with all the fullness of God" (Eph 3:19). But later, he commands us to "be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18).

Third:
The Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of God. He is eternal (Heb 9:14), omnipresent (Ps 139:7-10), and omnipotent (Luke 1:35-37). He knows "the deep things of God" so He must also be omniscient (1Cor 2:10f).

Fourth:
The Holy Spirit does the works of God. Genesis states, "the LORD God formed man" (2:7). But Job proclaimed, "The Spirit of God has made me . . ." (Job 33:4). The Holy Spirit calls people to be missionaries and elders (Acts 13:2, 20:28). But Jesus tells us to pray for "the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matt 9:38).

Peter states that the Scriptures were written as people "were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2Pet 1:20f) even though Paul informs us that "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2Tim 3:16; MKJV). God gives The Revelation to Jesus, but is the Spirit who is speaking to the churches (Rev 1:1; 2:7).

And most importantly, God gives eternal life, although people must be "born of the Spirit" to be saved (1John 5:11; John 3:3-8). Further, God chooses us for salvation, and the Holy Spirit guarantees our inheritance (Eph 1:3-14).

Fifth:
The words of God are considered to be the words of the Holy Spirit. Compare the following sets of verses: Isa 6:9f; Acts 28:25-27; /Heb 10:15f; Jer 23,33f).Dove

Conclusion:
In light of all of the preceding information, there is only one possible answer to the title of this article--the Holy Spirit is a Person who is God. As such, HE is able to give the believer comfort and direction in life. These things, a "force" could not possibly provide (see Rom 8:14; Acts 9:31).

[Hobie]

A key text in understanding that the Holy Spirit is a Person, is John 14:16, where Jesus promises to send “another Helper (or Comforter)

Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is described as having several personal characteristics. While it is true Scripture sometimes personifies things (e.g., "Wisdom" in the Proverbs), this is not the case with the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit is not a thing—He is not a force or power like electricity, as some teach—neither is He merely the power of God, or God's mind, as other anti-trinitarians assert. Rather, the Biblical record clearly shows the Holy Spirit is a Person:

1. The Holy Spirit leads people:

Matt 4:1 (also Mark 1:12; Luke 4:11) - He led Jesus into the wilderness.

John 16:13 - He will guide us "into all the truth."

Acts 8:39 - He "caught Phillip away."

Rom 8:14 - He leads the children of God (cf. Gal 5:18).

2. The Holy Spirit speaks:

Mark 13:11 - "it is not you who speak, but the Holy spirit" (also Matt 10:19,20).

Acts 4:25 - He spoke "by the mouth of David."

Acts 8:29 - He speaks to Phillip.

Acts 11:12 - He told Peter to go with Cornelius' men.

1 John 4:2 - "Spirit of God" known by His confessing that "Christ has come in the flesh."

Rev 2:7,11,7,29; 3:6,13,22 - "... let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Rev 22:17 - "The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’"

See also: John 16:13-14; Acts 13:2; 1Tim 4:1; Heb 3:7; Rev 14:13; 22:17.

3. The Holy Spirit testifies/ bears witness:

John 15:26; Acts 20:23; Rom 8:16; 1John 5:7,8.

4. The Holy Spirit teaches:

Exod 31:2-4; Neh 9:20; Luke 12:12; John 14:26; 1Cor 2:13.

5. The Holy Spirit helps us in many ways:

John 14:16,17,26; 16:7 - He dwells with us, teaches us, and comes to us.

Rom 8:26 - He "helps in our weaknesses" and "makes intercession for us."

Titus 3:5 - He renews us.

6. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us:

Rom 15:16; 1Cor 6:11; 1Pet 1:2.

7. The Holy Spirit has a mind and can reason:

Acts 15:28 - "it seemed good to us and the Holy Spirit.…"

Rom 8:27 - He has a mind.

1Cor 2:11 - He knows God's thoughts.

8. The Holy Spirit reveals things to us:

Luke 2:26 - He revealed to Simeon he would see the Christ.

John 16:13 - He will disclose to the apostles "things to come."

1Cor 2:10 - God reveals things through the Holy Spirit "for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."

Eph 3:5 - He reveals the mystery of Christ.

1Pet 1:11 - "Spirit of Christ" in the prophets "testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow."

9. The Holy Spirit performs works:

John 16:8-11 - He convicts.

Acts 2:4 - He gave the Apostles "utterance."

Acts 13:4 - He "sent out" Barnabas and Saul (cf. v.2).

Acts 16:6,7 - He forbid Paul to go to Asia.

Acts 20:28 - The Holy Spirit "has made you overseers."

1Cor 12:8,9,11 - Gifts given through, by, and "as He wills."

1Cor 12:11 - "the same Spirit works all these things."

1Cor 12:13 - He baptizes us into Christ.

2Cor 3:6 - "the Spirit gives life."

2Cor 3:8 - Paul speaks of "the ministry of the Spirit."

Eph 3:16 - God strengthens us through His Spirit.

1Tim 3:16 - Christ "Justified in [by] the Spirit."

2Tim 1:14 - He helps us guard our faith.

1Pet 3:18 - He makes us alive.

2Pet 1:21 - He guided men to write Scripture/speak from God.

10. Other indications of the Spirit’s personhood:

Gen 1:2 - He "was hovering over the face of the waters" (compare Deut 32:11).

Gen 6:3 - He strives with sinners.

Ps 51:11; 139:7 - Indicate His personality (in their contexts).

Isa 48:13 - He can be informed, as by a counselor.

Matt 1:18, 28 - Jesus conceived by the Spirit (also Luke 1:35).

Matt 12:31-32 - He can be blasphemed (also Luke 12:18).

Luke 2:25-27 - Simeon "came by the Spirit into the temple."

John 3:5,6,8 - People are "born of the Spirit."

Acts 5:3,4 - He can be lied to.

Acts 7:51 - He can be resisted.

Acts 13:2 - He uses the first-Person pronouns "Me" and "I."

Acts 21:4 - Disciples speak to Paul "through the Spirit."

2Cor 13:14 - "communion (or fellowship) of the Holy Spirit" (also Phil 2:1).

Eph 4:30 - He can be grieved (also Isa 63:10).

Heb 9:8 - "the Holy Spirit is indicating this."

A key text in understanding that the Holy Spirit is a Person, is John 14:16, where Jesus promises to send "another Helper (or Comforter)" to His disciples. These two words - "another" and "Helper" - clearly prove the Spirit is indeed a Person.

The Greek word translated "another" (allos), means "another of the same kind."1 Thus, if we believe Jesus to be a Person (and, for that matter, to be God), then we must believe the Spirit, too, is a Person, and that He is God. To believe otherwise is to make Jesus Christ a mere "power" or "force"— which is obviously false.

As a side-note, Jesus' use of the adjective, "another" clearly demonstrates the Holy Spirit is distinct from the Father and the Son, thus providing support for the doctrine of the Trinity.

Further, the word translated "Helper" (parakletos), includes the idea of "one called alongside to help."2 Surely this indicates another Person called upon for aid, and not some thing!

The Bible Teaches the Holy Spirit is also God

DoveThat the Holy Spirit is also God, is revealed throughout the Scriptures. The several passages which speak of the "Spirit of God" or the "Spirit of Christ" and other like terms, all indicate the Spirit is God. The Holy Spirit is specifically called "God" in Acts 5:3,4 and "Lord" in 2Cor 3:17,18.

That the Holy Spirit is a distinct Person from the Father and the Son is seen in several key texts. These texts clearly and unmistakably separate the three Persons of the Godhead.


Birth of Jesus announced - Luke 1:26-38.

Baptism of Jesus - Matt 3:16-17.

See also: Matt 28:19; Luke 11:13; John 14:16,26; 15:26; 16:7-15; 1Cor 12:3-6; 2Cor 13:14; Eph 4:4-6; 1 Pet 1:2.

If the Holy Spirit were merely God's personal power or force, as some maintain, then it would be redundant for Jesus (Matt 28:19 and the texts from John's Gospel) and the Apostle Paul (especially 2Cor 13:14), to speak of the three members of the Godhead as they do.

The only plausible explanation is that the three—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—are in fact three distinct Persons, comprising the one and only God.

This is the plain teaching of the Bible.

[Hobie]

The holy Spirit:
Teaches John 14:26
Testifies John 15:26
Guides Romans 8:14
Convinces John 16:7,8
Restrains Genesis 6:3
Commands Acts 8:29
Performs Miracles Acts 8:39
Calls Acts 13:2
Sends People Acts 13:4
Intercedes Romans 8:26
Comforts Galatians 5:22,23

It also does the following:
John 16:8-11 - He convicts.
Acts 2:4 - He gave the Apostles “utterance.

[Hobie]

Here is a description one of my friends sent which is good.."Some view the Holy Spirit as a mystical force. Others understand the Holy Spirit as the impersonal power God that makes available to followers of Christ. What does the Bible say about the identity of the Holy Spirit? Simply put, the Bible declares that the Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also tells us that the Holy Spirit is a divine person, a being with a mind, emotions, and a will.

 The fact that the Holy Spirit is God is clearly seen in many Scriptures, including Acts 5:3-4. In this verse Peter confronts Ananias as to why he lied to the Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God."

[Hobie]

Here is from the Blue Letter Bible...

The Holy Spirit, to many people, is an enigma. Some see Him as an impersonal force or influence, some deny His very existence, and others are not certain who or what the Holy Spirit is. The Bible, as we have established, teaches that the Holy Spirit is a person, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. By "person" we mean one who has his own identity or individuality as a rational being, conscious of his own existence. The fact that the Holy Spirit is a person can be observed in four ways: He has the characteristics of a person, He acts like a person, He is treated as a person, and He is the Third Person of the Trinity, and therefore, is personal.

Characteristics Of A Person

 The Scriptures attribute to the Holy Spirit characteristics that only a person can possess. He is portrayed as a thinking being, an emotional being, and a volitional (choosing) being.

1. A Thinking Being
 
 The Bible says that the Holy Spirit has the intellectual capacity to think:


But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10).


The Holy Spirit thinks and reasons. These things imply personality.

2. An Emotional Being
 
 The Holy Spirit not only thinks like a person. He has feelings like a person. He can give and receive love.


Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me (Romans 15:30).


He can be grieved:


And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).


The Holy Spirit can be insulted:


Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insult the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29).


He responds emotionally the way that a person responds.

3. A Choosing Being
 
 The Holy Spirit also has a will to choose:


But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).


These attributes are consistent with personhood. Therefore, we see that the characteristics ascribed to the Holy Spirit - thought, feelings, choice - are attributes of a person.

ACTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 The deeds that the Holy Spirit performs are deeds only a person can do.

1. Teaching


These things we also speak not in words which mans wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13).


2. Giving Guidance


For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God (Romans 8:14).


3. Comforting


Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send him to you (John 16:7KJV).


4. Commanding
 

Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot" (Acts 8:29).


5. Giving Understanding
 

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak (John 16:13).


6. Speaking
 

As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them" (Acts 13:2).


These deeds attributed to the Holy Spirit are not the acts of an impersonal force; they are the acts of a person.

Treated As A Person

 Whenever the Holy Spirit is encountered in a historical situation we discover that He is always treated as a person. The Bible records that Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit.


But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself" (Acts 5:3).


You can lie only to a person.

 Stephen told the Sanhedrin that they were disobeying the Holy Spirit by resisting Him:

You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you (Acts 7:51).


You do not disobey an impersonal force, you disobey a person.
 On another occasion Simon Peter went to the house of Cornelius as the Holy Spirit directed:


While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold three men are seeking you" (Acts 10:19).


Consequently whenever we find the Holy Spirit in a historical narrative He is consistently treated as though He is a person, never as anything less.

Part Of The Godhead
 
 The final reason that we conclude that the Holy Spirit is a person is that He is addressed as God. He is a member of the Godhead which consists of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus said:


Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).


The Father and Son are personal beings and the Holy Spirit is treated in the same manner and assumed to be a person.

Blasphemed
 
 Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit could be blasphemed:

Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men (Matthew 12:31).


Only God can be blasphemed. Thus, if the Holy Spirit is God and God is personal, then the Holy Spirit must be personal.

Conclusion
 
 We conclude the following concerning the Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit has the attributes of a person.
2. The Spirit also performs the acts of a person.
3. The Holy Spirit is treated as a person.
4. The Holy Spirit is God, and therefore, by nature is personal....https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_404.cfm

[yogi bear]

Will come back and read through this when I have time

[4WD]

There are books and books out there that have been written with the goal of presenting what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit.  Trying to reduce that down to a few paragraphs in a forum such as this seems a bit fruitless.  It would be better to pick one special feature of the Holy Spirit and examine that rather than the broad brush attempt at everything.