The third Person of the Trinity, active in regeneration and sanctification.
1. The Biblical Definition of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, influence, or “it.” He is the third Person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14). He is personal, relational, and active in creation, redemption, and the ongoing life of the believer.
Key Biblical Terms
Hebrew: Ruach
Often translated “spirit,” “breath,” or “wind.” It conveys the idea of invisible, powerful, life-giving energy.
“The Spirit (ruach) of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).
God “breathed into his nostrils the breath (neshamah) of life” (Genesis 2:7) – closely related concept: God’s own life imparted.
Greek: Pneuma
Likewise means “spirit,” “breath,” or “wind.”
Jesus: “The wind (pneuma) blows where it wishes… so is everyone who is born of the Spirit (pneuma)” (John 3:8).
The biblical picture is of God’s own life and presence actively moving, empowering, and transforming.
The Holy Spirit’s Identity and Role
Fully God
He is lied to as God: “You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:3–4).
He speaks (Acts 13:2), teaches (John 14:26), can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), and makes decisions (Acts 15:28).
He is not the Father and not the Son, yet one in essence with them (Matthew 3:16–17).
Regeneration and Sanctification
Regeneration: He causes us to be born again (John 3:5–8; Titus 3:5).
Sanctification: He progressively makes us holy, conforming us to Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5:16–25).
In short, the Holy Spirit is God present and active in and among His people, bringing new birth, transformation, power, and intimacy with the Father and the Son.
2. Old Testament Foundation
The Holy Spirit did not suddenly appear at Pentecost. His activity runs through the entire Old Testament, though not yet in the fullness revealed in Christ.
The Spirit in Creation and Sustaining Life
Creation: “The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).
Sustaining Life: “You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth” (Psalm 104:30).
From the beginning, the Spirit is the agent of creation, order, and life.
Empowering Individuals for Specific Tasks
In the Old Testament, the Spirit typically came upon individuals temporarily for particular assignments:
Bezalel: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3).
Judges:
Othniel: “The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel” (Judges 3:10).
Gideon: “The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon” (Judges 6:34).
Samson: “The Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him” (Judges 14:6).
Kings and Prophets:
Saul and David were anointed, and “the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13).
The prophets spoke by the Spirit: “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue” (2 Samuel 23:2).
The pattern: selective, temporary, task-oriented empowerment, not yet the universal, permanent indwelling promised in the New Covenant.
Prophetic Promises of a New Era of the Spirit
The Old Testament anticipates a coming outpouring and indwelling of the Spirit:
New Heart and Spirit:
“I will put a new spirit within them” (Ezekiel 11:19).
“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes” (Ezekiel 36:27).
Universal Outpouring:
“I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh” (Joel 2:28–29).
The Messiah Anointed by the Spirit:
“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him” (Isaiah 11:2).
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings…” (Isaiah 61:1).
The Old Testament thus sets the stage: the Spirit who once came upon a few will one day be poured out on all God’s people, bringing inner transformation and power.
3. The Fulfillment in Christ
Jesus Christ is the center of the Spirit’s work. The Holy Spirit’s Old Testament activity and promises converge in Him.
Conceived, Anointed, and Led by the Spirit
Conceived by the Spirit: “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).
Anointed at Baptism: “The Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him” (Luke 3:22).
Led and Empowered:
“Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit… was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Luke 4:1).
“Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee” (Luke 4:14).
Jesus’ earthly ministry is a Spirit-empowered ministry, modeling the normal Christian life under the New Covenant—not as God acting independently of the Spirit, but as the incarnate Son relying on the Spirit.
Jesus’ Ministry in the Power of the Spirit
He proclaimed: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor… to heal the brokenhearted… to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18–19).
He cast out demons “by the Spirit of God” (Matthew 12:28).
He healed the sick and performed miracles as signs of the Kingdom, in the Spirit’s power (Acts 10:38).
Jesus demonstrates what a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led human life looks like: intimacy with the Father, authority over darkness, compassion for the broken, and obedience unto death.
Promise of the Spirit to Believers
Jesus did not intend to keep this anointing to Himself. He promised to send the same Spirit to His followers:
“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Paraklētos), that He may abide with you forever… He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16–17).
“It is to your advantage that I go away… if I depart, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
After His resurrection: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry… until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
At Pentecost (Acts 2), Jesus, exalted at the right hand of the Father, “poured out” the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33), inaugurating the age of the Spirit in the church.
4. The Power for Today (Critical Section)
The Holy Spirit’s ministry did not end with the apostles. The New Testament presents a normative pattern of Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered believers—meant for every generation until Jesus returns.
Regeneration: New Birth by the Spirit
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
“He saved us… through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
The Spirit imparts new life, making us new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is not mere moral improvement; it is a supernatural work where our dead spirit is made alive to God.
Indwelling: The Spirit Within
Every true believer receives the indwelling Spirit:
“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9).
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16).
The Spirit within us is our seal and guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14). He bears witness that we are children of God (Romans 8:15–16).
Baptism in the Holy Spirit: Power for Witness
Scripture distinguishes between the Spirit’s work in regeneration and the subsequent empowerment for service:
Jesus spoke to already believing disciples: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8).
At Pentecost, they were “all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4).
Throughout Acts, believers repeatedly experience fresh fillings of the Spirit (Acts 4:31; 13:52). This is not a one-time event but a lifestyle of fullness (Ephesians 5:18).
Gifts of the Spirit: Supernatural Equipment
The Spirit distributes charismata (grace-gifts) for the building up of the church and the advance of the Kingdom:
“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Gifts include: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8–10).
These are not relics of the first century but ongoing provisions for the body of Christ. The New Testament never suggests they will cease before Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 13:8–12).
Sanctification: Transformation into Christ’s Image
The Spirit not only empowers us outwardly; He transforms us inwardly:
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
He produces the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).
“We all… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Sanctification is not achieved by human effort alone but by cooperating with the Spirit, yielding to His inner work.
Guidance, Revelation, and Intimacy
The Spirit leads us (Romans 8:14), teaches us (John 14:26), and guides us into all truth (John 16:13).
He reveals the things freely given to us by God (1 Corinthians 2:10–12).
He brings us into intimate fellowship with the Father and the Son (2 Corinthians 13:14).
The Holy Spirit is the living, speaking, guiding presence of God in the believer’s daily life.
Expecting God to Move Today
A continuationist, biblical stance means:
We expect the Spirit to heal the sick (James 5:14–16; Mark 16:17–18).
We expect prophetic insight, words of knowledge, and supernatural guidance (Acts 11:28; 13:1–2).
We expect deliverance from demonic oppression in Jesus’ name (Mark 16:17; Acts 16:18).
We expect boldness to preach the gospel with signs following (Acts 4:29–31).
Unbelief and tradition may resist this, but Scripture calls us to “earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31) and “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1).
The Holy Spirit is God’s power in the present tense. He has not retired. He has been poured out—and remains available to every believer who will receive in faith.
5. Practical Application: Walking in the Spirit’s Reality
Here are concrete steps to cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s work in regeneration, sanctification, and power.
1. Repent, Believe, and Surrender Fully
The Spirit is given to those who repent and believe:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized… and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
Turn from known sin. Confess Jesus as Lord. Yield every area of your life to Him. The Spirit fills surrendered vessels.
Action: Pray specifically: “Lord Jesus, I turn from all sin and self-rule. I confess You as Lord. I yield my body, mind, and spirit to You. Make me Your dwelling place.”
2. Ask and Receive the Fullness of the Spirit
Jesus encouraged persistent asking:
“How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13).
If you are born again, the Spirit already dwells in you, but you may not yet have entered into His fullness and power. Ask in faith for the baptism and ongoing filling of the Spirit.
Action: In prayer, ask the Father to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Expect to receive. Yield your tongue, your body, your will. If He gives you a new language (tongues), speak it out in faith (Acts 2:4; 10:44–46).
3. Cultivate Daily Fellowship with the Spirit
Treat the Holy Spirit as the divine Person He is. Talk to Him, listen, and obey.
“The fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25).
Action: Set aside daily time in the Word and prayer. Ask the Spirit to illuminate Scripture, convict you, guide your decisions, and show you Jesus. Learn to pause and ask, “Holy Spirit, what are You saying in this situation?”
4. Obey Promptly and Yield to His Sanctifying Work
The Spirit will put His finger on attitudes, habits, and relationships that do not please God.
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30).
“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13).
Action: When the Spirit convicts you, respond quickly. Confess, renounce, and replace sinful patterns with obedience. Ask Him to produce His fruit in your character. Cooperate, don’t resist.
5. Step Out in Faith to Minister in the Spirit’s Power
Gifts are activated as we step out:
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6).
The disciples “went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20).
Action:
Pray for the sick in Jesus’ name.
Ask God for words of knowledge or prophetic encouragement for others.
Share the gospel, trusting the Spirit to convict and confirm.
As you obey, you will grow in sensitivity and boldness.
6. Key Scriptures and Brief Commentary
John 3:5–8
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
Jesus teaches that new birth by the Spirit is essential for salvation. The Spirit is the agent of regeneration, not human effort.
Ezekiel 36:26–27
“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.”
A foundational New Covenant promise: the Spirit indwells and empowers obedience from the inside out, not merely external law-keeping.
Acts 1:8
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
The purpose of the Spirit’s coming “upon” is power for witness—bold, effective testimony to Christ, often accompanied by signs and wonders.
Acts 2:38–39
“You shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off…”
The gift of the Spirit is for all generations, not only the first-century church. This undergirds a continuationist understanding of the Spirit’s work.
1 Corinthians 12:7–11
“The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…”
The Spirit distributes various gifts as He wills. Every believer can expect some manifestation of the Spirit for the edification of the body.
Galatians 5:16, 22–23
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
The Spirit not only empowers ministry but also transforms character, producing Christlike fruit as we walk in step with Him.
Romans 8:14–16
“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God… the Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”
The Spirit brings assurance, guidance, and intimacy. Being led by the Spirit is a hallmark of true sonship.
The Holy Spirit is God’s own presence, power, and purity at work in and through the believer. He regenerates, indwells, sanctifies, equips, and empowers. The call to the church today is to return to biblical expectation: to repent, believe, be filled, and walk in the Spirit—until the life and ministry of Jesus are once again clearly seen in His body on earth.