Our Readers' Opinions
March 30, 2012

There is overwhelming evidence that The Holy Spirit is a Person

Fri, Mar 30. 2012

Editor: In response to an article in the Searchlight newspaper of Friday, 23rd March, 2012, written by Simeon James, captioned ‘What is the Holy Spirit’, I submit below 10 biblical texts that demonstrate that Holy Spirit is indeed a person.{{more}}

The writer Simeon James referred to several scriptures regarding persons being filled with Holy Spirit, and concluded that Holy Spirit is merely a force. However, the Spirit’s work is multifaceted. The Oxford study dictionary defines a person as “an individual human or divine being”. Holy Spirit is a divine being, and biblical references which demonstrate His personality include the following:

1. Holy Spirit has a mind (Romans 8:27)

2. Holy Spirit has a will (1 Corinthians 12:11)

3. Holy Spirit has feelings (Ephesians 4:30)

4. Holy Spirit reveals (2 Peter 1:21)

5. Holy Spirit teaches (John 14:26)

6. Holy Spirit witnesses (Hebrews 10:15)

7. Holy Spirit intercedes (Romans 8:26)

8. Holy Spirit speaks (Acts 13:2, Revelation 2:7)

9. Holy Spirit commands (Acts 16:6,7)

10. Holy Spirit testifies (John 15:26)

Other aspects of Holy Spirit’s character indicate that He has a relationship with human beings in that He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3) and blasphemed against (Matthew 12:31,32). I urge all readers to read the aforementioned scriptures and appreciate the extent to which the Word of God goes to persuade us that Holy Spirit is a person. St John 16: 13 -15 is very instructive in this regard, considering that Holy Spirit is nine times referred to as He. We must be careful that we do not blaspheme by misrepresenting the identify of Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is not a thing. He is the third person of the Godhead, whose power expels darkness so that the God’s light can fill our lives and indeed the earth. Gen 1:2-3.

Paul Kirby