A Thumbnail Theology – Peter Lundell, D.Miss.
Who the Holy Spirit Is:
The Spirit is a person, not a force or a ghost (John 14:16–17).
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God (Genesis 1:1, et al.) and is the Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7; Philippians 1:19)
The Holy Spirit—or just “Holy Spirit” without “the,” which is how the Bible has it, is also called
- Spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:9)
- Spirit of truth (John 14:17, et al.)
- Spirit of wisdom, knowledge, counsel, power, knowledge, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:1–2)
- Counselor/Comforter (John 14:16; 16:7)
- Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7)
- Spirit of glory (1 Peter 4:14)
The Spirit is God, as third person of the Trinity. He is the Spirit in and of himself, and he is the Spirit of the Father and of the Son (Acts 5:3–4).
The Spirit is eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immutable (Hebrews 9:14; Psalm 139:7; Zechariah 4:6).
The Spirit has his own mind and will (Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 12:11).
The Spirit has emotions, grieves at sin (Ephesians 4:30).
What the Spirit Has Done:
Active in creation (Genesis 1:2, et al.).
Inspired the writers of the Bible (2 Peter 1:21).
Caused the conception of Jesus (Luke 1:35).
Did miracles through Jesus (Luke 5:17).
Raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11).
What the Spirit Does in and through Us:
The Spirit works in the hearts of people to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7–11, et al.).
The Spirit seals us in Christ, and is a deposit guaranteeing our eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14).
The Spirit enacts our regeneration and adoption (John 3:5–7; Romans 8:15–16).
The Spirit dwells in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; 6:19).
The Spirit baptizes and fills us (Acts 1:5; 2:1–13)
The Spirit sanctifies us (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2).
The Spirit teaches and enlightens (John 16:12–14).
The Spirit aids in prayer by intercession (Romans 8:26–27).
The Spirit guides us (Matthew 3).
The Spirit empowers us (Acts 1:8).
The Spirit heals our bodies (Luke 4:18–19).
The Spirit heals our souls (Psalm 147:3).
The Spirit casts out demons (Mark 3:23–30).
The Spirit manifests in us through spiritual gifts related to ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). These spiritual gifts are manifestations of God’s grace (Romans 12:6).
The Spirit produces through us fruit related to character (Galatians 5:22–23).
Jesus left this earth and gave his followers an impossible task in Acts 1:8.
He made it clear the Spirit’s power was needed.
