Personhood of the Holy Spirit

By Melissa

Since we have been discussing the Trinity, I would like to discuss a common misconception about the nature of the Holy Spirit. For a standard definition of the Trinity, I like to use the definition given by Dr. James White in his book The Forgotten Trinity: "Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." (p. 26).

Many are thrown off by the term “persons” and do not understand the meaning of this term. The definition of what constitutes a person is one who possesses mind, will and emotion. Most of the time, when we think of a person, we think of a person as only one having flesh and bone- a physical being. While physical persons do possess flesh and bone, it is not necessary for one to possess flesh and bone in order to be a person. That defines humanity, but not personhood. There are also metaphysical persons, such as angels and demons, who also qualify as being persons- just in a different sense- because they likewise possess mind, will and emotion. As humans, we are a hylomorphic composition of matter and spirit (material and immaterial) whereas spirit persons are just immaterial as Jesus teaches in Luke 24:39 that a spirit does not have flesh and bone.

The cults do not usually contest that the Father or the Son are Persons. They don’t even contest that Satan is a person because though He is a spiritual being, he possesses mind, will and emotion. However, they do contest the Personhood of the Holy Spirit. The Jehovah’s Witnesses hold the position that the Holy Spirit is merely God’s active force similar to electricity. However, we know that biblically this is not the case from Scripture. He is a Person and He is also God. If it can be shown, from Scripture, that the Holy Spirit possesses mind, will and emotion, then this shreds the Jehovah’ Witness position. Please study these Scriptures in context and hopefully you can see how Scripture supports the position that the Holy Spirit is a Person, possessing mind, will and emotion and not merely an active force: Once we establish that the Holy Spirit is infact a Person, we are able to then look at Him as not just some active force, but as a personal Being with certain attributes. Upon studying His attributes in Scripture, it is clear that the Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of God, such as eternality, holiness, omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence- which means ultimately that He is God as only God can possess divine attributes.

1.) He has a mind:
- 1 Corinthians 2:10- The Spirit searches all things.
- 1 Corinthians 2:11- He knows the thoughts of God.
- Romans 8:25-27- He knows our minds and searches our hearts.
- John 14:26- He will teach you all things and brings the teachings of
Christ to our remembrance.
- John 16:13- He guides us into all truth.

2.) He has emotions:-
- Ephesians 4:30- He can be grieved.
- Hebrews 10:29- He can be insulted.
- Acts 5:3-4: He was lied to by Ananias.
- Matthew 12:30-32- He can be blasphemed.
- Acts 5:9- The Spirit can be tested.


3.) He has a will:
- 1 Corinthians 12:11- He distributes gifts at His will.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 & 2 Peter 1:21- He gives Scripture.
- Acts 11:7-12- The Spirit speaks and gives commands.
- John 14:3- He brings Scripture to our remembrance.
- Acts 8:29- The Spirit spoke and lead Philip.

Once we establish that the Holy Spirit is infact a Person, we are able to then look at Him as not just some active force, but as a personal Being who possesses particular attributes. Upon further studying His attributes in Scripture, a clear case is made that the Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of God, such as eternality, holiness, omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence- which means ultimately that He is God as only God can possess divine attributes. In conclusion, we can see how important it is to establish the Personhood of the Holy Spirit in making the case for the Deity of the Holy Spirit, which is a fundamental aspect of the Doctrine of the Trinity.

God-centered faith versus Me-centered faith

by Carole

Possibly the most notable shift in Christianity over the centuries is the introduction of “my” and “me” to our vocabulary. While it may seem harmless, the addition of “my” alters not only our focus but also the cultural response. Let me show you how destructive the “my” doctrine is and how it so insidiously ensnares us.

Me-centered faith is entirely unbiblical. It shifts the attention from Christ to me.

Jesus says that we must deny ourselves take up our cross and follow Him. He also tells us that if we save our lives we will lose them. Paul says, it is no longer I who live, but Christ in me. (Matt 16:24-25, Gal 2:20 paraphrased) Clearly, after His Spirit is birthed within us, and we become new creatures, our life is it is not about us but about Him. Let’s become He-centered rather than me-centered.

Faith in faith is idolatry. This promotes faith in us rather than faith in God.

When I say “my faith“ or “my belief“, I’m unintentionally suggesting an end rather than a means. Yes, I have faith. But faith and belief are only as good as their object. I may have faith in a broken chair, but that does not alter reality when I sit down and come crashing to the floor. When someone says “my faith” I’m always inclined to ask, “your faith in what?” If we suggest that it is about “our faith” rather than about the God in who we place that faith, we are making ourselves the author and finisher of faith, rather than the Lord of glory.

The addition of my opens the door to subjectivity. I have my faith, you have yours.

In our pluralistic culture, “my faith” and “my belief” and “my God” are perfectly acceptable and noble phrases to use. It suggests that truth is relative and subjective, and while I have my faith, you have yours. It removes the uncomfortable and disturbing notion of reality, and pushes Christianity into the confines of the personal realm. Try saying that you "know God exists” rather than you “believe in God.” It will be shocking how uncomfortable everyone will be. But isn’t this what you mean when you say you “believe in God?” We must use definitive, uncompromising statements when we discuss the truth. Don’t expect to be well-received.

The one true God verses "my" God.

While there is nothing wrong with saying “my God”, we must again be sensitive to the cultural assumptions built in. When I’m among Christians, its easy and comfortable to say“our God” and this is right and good. God Himself says, “I will be your God, and you will be My people…” Ezekiel 36:28. But in public, among those who don’t know Him, we must clarify. What God? Who is God? The one true God. The God of the Bible. The God who is there.

The Truth Project

We highly recommend this series by Focus on the Family as it has helped to shape us in developing a biblical worldview. What is Truth? Who is God? Who is Man? What is a worldview? Do you really believe that what you believe is really real? The Truth Project is a DVD-based small group curriculum and is taught by Dr. Del Tackett and includes valuable insights from a host of Bible scholars and theologians, including Os Guinness, R.C. Sproul, and Ravi Zacharias. This series will change your life!