Dictionary of Biblical Words:
With the definite article prefixed, this word always refers to the Holy Ghost, the third person of the Trinity. He is God (Acts 5:3, 4), is eternal (Heb. 9:14), omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-13), omniscient (1 Cor. 2:10), omnipotent (Luke 1:35), is equal to, and one with the Father (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14), He quickens sinners so that they are born. again (John 3:5, 6; 5:21; 6:63), He seals believers (Eph. 1:13), He is the comforter (John 14:16), and abides with the saints on earth forever (John 14:16), since He descended at Pentecost (Acts 2. and John 8:39), to teach them (John 14:26), to comfort them (Acts 9:31), also to reprove the world (John 16), He appoints and sends ministers (Acts 13:2, 4), directs in preaching (Acts 16:6, 7, 10), is the source of wisdom (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 12:8). He is a person, not an influence, for He can be grieved (Eph. 4:3), vexed (Isa. 63:10), resisted (Acts 7:31), tempted (Acts 5:9), He searches all things (1 Cor. 2:10).
He is now on earth, in each individual saint, and with gathered saints, leading, directing, instructing. We cannot pray to Him as if He were in heaven, and ask for Him to be sent down. He is here, and what we have to do is not to grieve, tempt, resist, or quench Him in His actions and ministry of Christ to our souls.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The third Person in the Trinity, as seen in the formula of baptism (Matt. 28:19). The Spirit moved upon the face of the waters at the creation (Gen. 1:2); and He came upon certain persons in the Old Testament to fulfill the purposes of God. David asked that the Holy Spirit might not be taken from him (Psa. 51:11); which stands in contrast to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Christians, for He abides with them. It is by the operation of the Spirit that they are born anew, and He is the seal of their faith in Christ, and the earnest of their inheritance above (John 3:5; Eph. 1:13-14). He is their COMFORTER or Advocate (παράκήτος, one who manages their affairs) on earth, as Christ is the same in heaven (John 14:16, 26).
Though the Holy Spirit influenced and came upon the Old Testament saints, He did not come personally until Christ had ascended (John 16:7). Many passages prove His personality—a matter of great importance, often lost sight of by those who constantly speak of Him as an influence. Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3). “The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 13:2). “Dividing.... as He will” (1 Cor. 12:11). The Holy Spirit directed the labors of Paul and his companions (Acts 16:6-7), and the Lord Jesus cast out demons by the Spirit of God (Matt. 12:28).
His presence and operations here are some of the fruits of Christ’s exaltation. He forms Christ in the believer. He is also the power of life and the power for testimony. Indwelling the saints individually, He forms them collectively into one body, they are also builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:22).
To be indwelt by the Holy Spirit is an immense favor, for He is a divine Person: any one so indwelt is not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. He is the Spirit of sonship and by Him the believer cries, Abba Father. Christians are exhorted to be guided by Him, and neither to quench nor to grieve that holy One. Our responsibility is to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16).
His presence on earth is a demonstration as to the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment (John 16:8-11).
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Narrator:
Chris Genthree
Duration:
1hr 43min