Q: What is the Holy Spirit?
A: We call the Holy Spirit, “God,” and we also say that we receive the Holy Spirit during the Feasts of God. Then, how can we define the Holy Spirit?
There are many examples in the Bible where one word can have multiple meanings. The phrase “Holy Spirit” is one of those examples. The Holy Spirit refers to God who comes in the flesh with a personality. But we also say we receive the Holy Spirit when we’re given a special ability through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Simply put, the Holy Spirit is God’s spirit that is holy. Some people insist that the Holy Spirit is just an energy force of God and not a person. However, in the Bible, the Holy Spirit grieves (Eph 4:30), groans, intercedes (Ro 8:26), and thinks (1 Co 2:10–12). So, if the Holy Spirit was only an active energy force, these things wouldn’t be possible.
We also refer to the Holy Spirit when we’re given special abilities. We call them gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Co 12:31-13:3). Many people think this means things like speaking in tongues or healing, but the Bible mentions the wisdom and knowledge to know Christ. Furthermore, it says love is the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit.
Fundamentally, the Holy Spirit is God who comes in the flesh with a personality. So, receiving the Holy Spirit implies that someone has received gifts and abilities from God.
