A Study of the Holy Spirit
The Deity of the Spirit
Deity is defined as "The essential nature or condition of being a god; divinity". Therefore when we speak of the "deity" of the Holy Spirit, we are taking about those qualities about Him that are divine and "Godlike".
Those that do not believe in the Trinity often try to deny the deity of the Holy Spirit. However, the Word of God clearly expresses the divine nature of the Holy Spirit and it does with Jesus Christ. These scriptures are the basis of the belief of the trinity and the deity of the Holy Spirit.
What are the divine attributes of God? We know that God is:
- Eternal (without beginning or end)
- Omnipresence (everywhere at the same time)
- Omniscience (knows everything - past, present and future)
- Omnipotence (all powerful)
- Holy
Eternal
Hebrews 9:14 refers to the eternal Spirit. The Holy Spirit is eternal, having no beginning or end.
Omnipresence
The prefix omni signifies "all". The Holy Spirit can be in all places at one time. He abides with believers in Chicago, St. Louis, Africa, wherever. David asked in Psalms 139:7, "whither shall I go from thy spirit"?
Omniscience
According to 1 Corinthians 2:10, the Holy Spirit "searcheth all things".
Omnipotence
Because God is all powerful, His Spirit is all powerful. This power alone is able to fill us with joy, peace, hope, and an effective witness of Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:13, 19).
Task only Deity could do
The Holy Spirit is recorded as doing task only possible by God. We see His work in:
- Creation of the world (Genesis 1:2, Psalms 104:30)
- Creation of man (Job 33:4)
- Prophecy (2 Peter1:21,1 Timothy 4:1)
- Regeneration (Romans 8:11, John 3:5)
- Indwelling believers (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- Sanctification (Romans 15:16)
- Resurrection (2 Corinthians 1:9)
The Company He Keeps
The Holy Spirit is often identified in scripture with the other Persons of the Godhead (God - the Father and Jesus Christ). Consider:
- The work of the cross (Hebrews 9:14)
- Baptismal formula (Matthew 28:16-20)
- Apostolic benediction (2 Corinthians 13:14)
As we look at the deity or Godlike qualities of the Holy Spirit, keep in mind the mystery of the trinity. There is only one God, but in three Persons. Each Person has a distinctly different personality but have a mutual relationship with each other. Furthermore, although they are all equal, the appears to be a "pecking order". The Holy Spirit does not glorify Himself but glorifies Jesus Christ (John 16:14). In turn, Jesus Christ did not purpose to glorify Himself but God the Father (John 12:49)
Our goal is the same as that of the Holy Spirit and Jesus - to glorify the Father.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Consider this quotation from Herbert Lockyer in his book "All About The Holy Spirit":
During a preaching mission in Minneapolis, D. L. Moody gave his remarkable sermon on "The Holy Spirit." At the close of the service a man came up to the evangelist and said, "Mr. Moody, you speak as if you had a monopoly on the Holy Spirit." Moody’s reply was, "No, decidedly, no! But I do trust the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on me."