What Is The Spirit Of God?

The spirit of God is an intriguing concept that has been pondered by theologians and philosophers for centuries. At its core, it refers to the active, creative power of God that brings life and renewal. But what exactly does that mean?

And what role does the spirit play in religious thought and experience?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The spirit of God represents the personal, dynamic presence and power of God which empowers, guides, and transforms human lives.

The Spirit in the Bible

Old Testament References

The Spirit of God is referenced numerous times in the Old Testament. Here are some key aspects:

The Spirit is involved in creation – “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2)
The Spirit empowers individuals for leadership roles and artistic work – such as Moses, the 70 elders, Joshua, judges, kings, prophets, and craftsmen (Exodus 31:3; Numbers 11:17; Deuteronomy 34:9)

The Spirit is the source of life and can re-animate dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14)
The Spirit will empower the future messianic kingdom (Isaiah 11:2; 42:1)

So in the Old Testament, the Spirit of God is the source of life, creativity, leadership, and revelation – a preview of the fuller work of the Spirit later on.

New Testament References

The New Testament builds on the Old Testament understanding of the Spirit and connects it to the life and work of Jesus Christ. Here are some key aspects:

The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism (Matthew 3:16)
Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit (Luke 4:1)

The Spirit empowers and directs Jesus’ earthly ministry (Matthew 12:28; Acts 10:38)
The Holy Spirit is the promised gift from God to empower his people (Acts 1:8)
The Spirit empowers the church for ministry and mission (Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

The fruit and gifts of the Spirit shape Christian character (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
The Holy Spirit applies the finished work of Christ to people’s lives (1 Corinthians 6:11; Romans 8)

So the New Testament shows an intimate connection between the Spirit of God, the life of Jesus, and the birth and growth of the church.

The Work and Ministry of the Spirit

Giving Life

The Holy Spirit gives new life to those who believe in Jesus Christ. Through the new birth, the Spirit enables sinners to turn from sin and trust in Christ for salvation (John 3:5-8). After conversion, the indwelling Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives that bring glory to God (Romans 8:11-14).

Amazingly, He continues to transform believers to become more Christlike (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Guiding Believers

The Spirit guides believers into truth and reminds them of Jesus’ teachings (John 14:26, 16:13). He speaks to their hearts through Scripture to convict, instruct, and comfort (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Spirit directs believers to fulfill God’s will in making decisions both big and small (Romans 8:14; Acts 16:6-10).

As believers walk in step with the Spirit, He produces His fruit in their lives – “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

Empowering Service

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to serve others with divine love and share the gospel. He gives spiritual gifts for ministry like teaching, mercy, administration, evangelism and more (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30).

When believers yield to the Spirit’s guidance for ministry opportunities, He empowers them beyond their natural abilities (Acts 1:8; Zechariah 4:6). As Dwight L. Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with one life fully surrendered to Him.”

The Spirit amazingly works through ordinary believers to expand God’s Kingdom!

The Spirit and Christian Experience

Conversion

Conversion is the beginning of the Christian life, when a person turns from sin and trusts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit plays a key role in conversion by convicting people of sin and drawing them to Christ (John 16:8-11).

When a person repents and believes, the Spirit regenerates their heart and comes to dwell within them (Titus 3:5). This indwelling Spirit empowers believers to live a new life in Christ (Romans 8:9-11).

Some signs of true conversion include repentance from sin, faith in Christ, desire for obedience, love for God’s Word, fellowship with believers, and bearing spiritual fruit.

Spiritual Growth

After conversion, the Holy Spirit facilitates ongoing spiritual growth and transformation. Believers are instructed to “walk by the Spirit” daily (Galatians 5:16). As we submit to the Spirit’s leading, He shapes our character to become more like Christ.

Key elements the Spirit produces to spur growth include: biblical conviction, illumination of Scripture, revival of our hearts, bearing spiritual fruit, directing our prayers, and interceding for us. The more we yield to the Spirit, the more He frees us from sinful bondage and empowers us to fulfill our calling.

We partner with the Spirit in the growth process by practicing spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and serving others.

Gifts and Fruit

The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers for the building up of the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These gifts include prophecy, teaching, healing, miracles, and more. He also produces spiritual fruit in the lives of believers, reflecting Christlike virtues such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

According to Barna research, 87% of American Christians believe the gifts of the Spirit are still active today [1]. While debate exists over specific gifts, the majority affirm the Holy Spirit still equips believers today as He did in the early church.

As we yield to the Spirit, gifts and fruit emerge to strengthen churches and reach the lost.

The Personhood of the Spirit

The personhood of the Holy Spirit is an important concept in Christianity. Though the Spirit is often depicted symbolically, such as through a dove or flames, the Bible makes clear that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Godhead.

Distinct Identity

Throughout Scripture, we see qualities and actions ascribed to the Holy Spirit that demonstrate His unique personhood (John 14:26; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 2:10). He has intellect, will, and emotions. He prays and grieves. He teaches, testifies, guides, convicts, and comforts.

He can be blasphemed against and lied to. The Spirit is not an impersonal force or mere power—He is a Person who relates to both God the Father and God the Son.

Member of the Trinity

Though Scripture does not use the term “Trinity,” it teaches there is one God eternally existing in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Each member of the Godhead is equally divine and plays a unique role, yet they exist in perichoresis or mutual interpenetration as one Being.

The Holy Spirit’s divinity is evident in Scripture through His attributes (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) and His works, which include creation (Genesis 1:2), inspiration of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), conception of Christ (Matthew 1:20), and the new birth (John 3:5).

Though He glorifies the Son, points to the Father, and seeks no glory of His own, He Himself is glorified alongside the Father and Son (Matthew 28:19).

In Relationship

The Personhood of the Spirit is also seen in His relationships. Jesus spoke of sending “another Comforter” to be with believers, indicating the Spirit’s personal presence (John 14:16). As a Helper and Advocate, He forms intimate connections with God’s people that would not be possible for a mere power (John 14:17).

The Spirit also maintains unique bonds within the Trinity. For instance, He searches and shares the deep things of God, demonstrates the love of the Father for the Son and of the Son for the Father, and brings glory to them both (John 15:26, 16:14; Hebrews 9:14).

As a Person of the Godhead, He fully participates in the holy love relationship that defines it.

Understanding the personhood of the Holy Spirit helps us relate to Him more deeply, obey His leading, and join Him in His sacred work. We can enjoy friendship with this divine Person who so graciously comes alongside us.

Conclusion

The spirit of God is a rich biblical concept with profound implications for Christian theology and experience. Far more than an impersonal force, the Spirit represents God’s personal presence actively working in human lives and communities.

By exploring the Spirit’s work revealed in Scripture and experienced through the centuries, we can come to know God more intimately as a loving, passionate and dynamic personal Being.