Christian Cyclopedia

The Holy Spirit (Spirit of God; Spirit of Christ; Spirit; Holy Ghost) is identified with God (Ps 139:7–8; Acts 5:3–4; Ro 8:9; 1 Co 3:16; 2 Co 3:17). In part He is described as a person distinct from Father and Son and proceeding from them (Mt 28:19; Jn 14:26; 15:26; Gl 4:6). Also called Paraclete on basis of the Gk., e.g., in Jn 14:16; 16:7.

The work of creation, ascribed to the Father (e.g., 1 Co 8:6) and to the Son (e.g., Jn 1:3), is also ascribed to the Holy Spirit (e.g., Jb 33:4); sanctification, ascribed to the Holy Spirit (e.g., Ro 8:14; Gl 5:17–25), is also ascribed to the Father and the Son (e.g., Eph 3:14–19). Acts assigned specifically to the Spirit: revealing of the truth and grace of God to man (1 Co 2:10–11); converting man and putting new life and spirit into him (Jn 3:5; 1 Co 12:3); preserving saving faith (1 Jn 4:13); enabling the believer to resist the flesh and produce fruits of faith in love (Gl 5:16–18, 22–25; Eph 4:22–24; 1 Ptr 1:22).

In one sense the Holy Spirit is wholly beyond reach of man; man makes no contribution to Him or to his grasp of Him (Jn 3:8). But the Christian has received the Holy Spirit and His power through Baptism (Tts 3:5) and can continually reinforce His presence through the Word of the Gospel (1 Ptr 1:22–25). Man is equipped with the Holy Spirit to communicate the grace of God in Christ Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and the life of the Spirit to others (Mt. 28:19–20; Lk 24:45–49; Jn 20:21–23). RRC