What is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is a personal and individual member of the Trinity who is equal to the Father and the Son and shares the same divine essence (Isa. 6:8–9; Jer. 31:31–34; 1 Cor. 12:11; 2 Cor. 13:14). He is known by many names, including the Spirit of truth (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13), the eternal Spirit (Heb. 9:14), the Spirit of life (Rom. 8:2), and the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10:29).
In the Church Age, the Holy Spirit permanently indwells every believer (John 7:37–39; 14:16–17; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19–20; Rom. 8:9; Gal. 3:2; 4:6). He serves as a Parakletos—an Encourager, Helper, Consoler, and Comforter—who provides the supernatural power necessary to live the Christian life and function under the strain of life.
The Holy Spirit performs several critical works. He convicts unbelievers of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8–11). For the believer, He bears witness to our relationship with God (Rom. 8:16), guides us into all truth through the study of the Word (John 16:12–14), and empowers the Church for its mission of evangelism and edification (John 7:37–39; John 14–16; Acts 1:8; 19:1–7).
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Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Holy Spirit' (printed pp. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 53, 62, 66, 72, 78, 79, 80, 81, 84, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 105, 144, 145, 147, 149, 150, 151, 164, 181, 187, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 231) · Read this lesson in the book →
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Related questions
- What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?Isa. 6:8–9 · The Basics
- What is the Church Age and how does it relate to God's plan for history?Isa. 6:8–9 · The Basics
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life?1 Cor. 12:11 · The Basics
- What is the role of edification in the Church's mission?1 Cor. 12:11 · The Basics
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism?John 14:17 · The Basics
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- Why is the third Person of the Trinity called the Spirit of truth?John 16:13 · The Basics · Lesson 1–4: The Power—The Holy Spirit
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Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality
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