June 25
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Just Who is the Holy Spirit? The theological answer to this question is that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Triune God (i.e. three distinct divine Persons, functioning as One). He has a specific role within the Godhead (i.e. a term meaning the triune God), but is just as certainly divine as is the Father and the Son. Literally, He is God, the Holy Spirit – with a specific function in His divinity.
The Holy Spirit’s specific role is perhaps best understood as one of connection, and transference, of divine power. Between the spiritual realm, and the created physical realm, there exists a distinct separation and a need for God to be able to connect, interact, and act within both realms. The Holy Spirit performs this essential role. The Holy Spirit functions in the capacity as a “bridge” (or conduit), and as the means of connection between the physical and the spiritual realms of existence.
As we take a closer look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we understand that the second Person of the triune God, the Son, performs the Father’s will by the Holy Spirit working through Him.
This is illustrated so simply for us within the very first verses of the Bible:
Scripture clearly tells us that Jesus is the Creator of all things. “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
It is highly significant that the very first Scriptural concept shared with us (in Genesis 1) is that the Holy Spirit was waiting to act upon the Son’s words of command (as ordained by the Father). We see:
A) God, The Son, spoke “light” into physical existence (as well as all other aspects of creation);
B) God, The Father was directing The Son according to His purposeful will (see Hebrews 1:2); and
C) God, the Holy Spirit, was “hovering over” the “formless and void” material elements to convey the power of God and to enact the Father’s will whenever the Son commanded.
The Holy Spirit is the power of God at work to bring about the Father’s will and purpose, as initiated through the Son. The Holy Spirit’s role is to provide the means of connection, interaction, and divine power between the spiritual and physical realms.