A couple of months ago, I had an engaging conversation with a client who was a Jehovah’s Witness. During our discussion, he firmly denied the concept of the Holy Spirit as a Person, instead asserting that it is merely an influence or a mere power. This prompted me to delve deeper into Scripture to better understand the nature of the Holy Spirit.

In examining key verses, particularly Acts 1:7-8, I found rich insights. The passage states, “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” On the surface, one might interpret this as referring to the Holy Spirit solely as a source of divine power bestowed upon believers. However, a more in-depth study reveals that the Holy Spirit embodies attributes that qualify Him as more than just an abstract force; He is truly a Person.

The Personhood of the Holy Spirit

What distinguishes the Holy Spirit as a Person? He demonstrates characteristics that resonate deeply with human personality, including:

1. Intellect: The Holy Spirit has the capacity to think, as indicated in various scripture passages.
2. Will: He exercises His own will and possesses a distinct identity separate from others.
3. Emotions: The Holy Spirit reacts emotionally, reflecting feelings such as sorrow or gladness.

To further illustrate why the Holy Spirit is considered a Person, let’s explore several pertinent verses:

• Indwelling of Believers: In John 14:17, Jesus states, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” This indicates that the Holy Spirit personally resides within all believers, establishing a profound relationship.
• Teaching Role: The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Comforter in John 14:26: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” This highlights His active role in guiding and instructing believers in truth.
• Testimony: John 15:26 states, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” This emphasises that the Holy Spirit actively witnesses and confirms the truth of Christ, reinforcing the idea that He has a personal role in the lives of believers.
• Conviction of Sin: In John 16:7-8, Jesus emphasises, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” Here, the Holy Spirit plays an essential role in convicting individuals concerning sin and righteousness, suggesting a personal engagement in moral guidance.
• Guidance: John 16:13 says, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” This underscores the Holy Spirit’s active involvement in directing believers toward understanding and living out the truth of God’s word.
• Inspiration of Scripture: In Acts 1:16, it is stated, “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.” This reveals the Holy Spirit’s role in inspiring the authors of Scripture, indicating His active involvement in God’s revelation to humanity.
• Communication: Acts 8:29 tells us, “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.” This exemplifies that the Holy Spirit communicates directly with believers, prompting and guiding their actions.
• Direction: Acts 13:2 illustrates, “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” The Holy Spirit directs mission and ministry, further reinforcing His active role.
• Control of Actions: In Acts 16:6-7, we read, “Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.” This showcases the Holy Spirit’s authority and control over the actions of believers, guiding them away from certain paths and toward others.
• Intercession: Romans 8:26 states, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” This illustrates the compassionate and personal nature of the Holy Spirit as He intercedes for us, understanding our needs.

The overwhelming evidence in Scripture clearly illustrates that the Holy Spirit is not simply a force or influence but is indeed a Person with intellect, will, and emotion. His active engagement in the lives of believers signals a dynamic relationship that enhances our understanding of God. Recognising the Holy Spirit as a Person invites us to interact with Him meaningfully in prayer, worship, and daily life as we seek to fulfill God’s purposes on Earth.

Holy Spirit’s Personality

The Holy Spirit demonstrates distinct attributes that affirm His personality and role within the Godhead.

Ability and Will: The Holy Spirit possesses the ability to act independently and has His own will. This is evident in 1 Corinthians 12:11, which states, “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” This passage highlights that the Holy Spirit exercises divine authority to distribute spiritual gifts as He chooses, underscoring His active involvement in the lives of believers.

Mind (Thought): The Holy Spirit has a mind that enables Him to understand and communicate the will of God. Romans 8:27 says, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” This indicates that the Holy Spirit not only knows the thoughts of God but also intercedes on behalf of the faithful, suggesting an intimate relationship between the Spirit and the believer.

Knowledge: The Holy Spirit is a profound source of knowledge. In 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, it is written, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” This passage asserts that the Holy Spirit has access to the deepest truths of God and imparts understanding to believers, signifying His role as a divine teacher.

Teaching Role: The Holy Spirit is also depicted as a teacher. 1 Corinthians 2:13 states, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” This underscores the Holy Spirit’s role in illuminating Scripture and guiding believers in spiritual discernment, distinguishing godly wisdom from mere human understanding.

Love: The Holy Spirit embodies love, as highlighted in Romans 15:30: “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” This passage shows that love is a fundamental characteristic of the Holy Spirit, encouraging unity and fellowship among believers through the Spirit’s empowering presence.

Theological Context: The Bible, particularly in Genesis, asserts that humanity was created in the image of God. Since the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), it follows that He possesses personal attributes. Though some interpretations of the Greek word “PNEUMA” suggest it refers to an influence rather than a person (as it is a neuter noun), the capitalisation of “Spirit” in translations like the KJV indicates a recognition of the Holy Spirit’s distinct personhood. Furthermore, in John 16:7, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit using masculine grammatical constructs, reinforcing this interpretation.

Distinct Roles within the Godhead: While some may confuse the Holy Spirit as merely the spirit of God or the spirit of Jesus Christ, it’s crucial to understand that the Holy Spirit is singular and distinct. The Godhead consists of three co-equal persons with unique roles and attributes. Revelation’s mention of the “seven spirits of God” symbolises the fullness and perfection of the Holy Spirit, as represented through various aspects like “seven horns” and “seven churches.”

Reni Pache’s Insight: Reni Pache emphasises the personal nature of the Holy Spirit by stating, “If the Spirit were merely a power coming from above, it would be at my disposal and I could use it at will. But if the Spirit is a Person, and more than that, if He is God Himself, it is I who should be at His disposal, and love and obey Him in all things.” This quote encapsulates the fundamental truth that the Holy Spirit invites believers into a relationship characterised by reverence, obedience, and love rather than a mere transactional interaction.

Through these passages and insights, it is clear that the Holy Spirit is not just a force but a divine person with the power to teach, guide, love, and interact with humanity in profound ways.