Discovering the Person of the Holy Spirit in Scripture
Introduction: The Unique Knowledge from Scripture
Have you ever wondered what God is really like? While we can learn a lot about God by looking at creation or thinking deeply, there are some things we could never figure out on our own. That’s where the Bible, or Scriptures, step in. The Scriptures give us unique knowledge about God—answers we couldn’t find anywhere else. One of the most amazing truths revealed in the Bible is that God is not just one, but somehow, also more than one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today, let’s reflect on how the Bible introduces us to the Holy Spirit, and why that matters for our lives.
The Mystery of God: One and More Than One
The word “Trinity” might sound complicated, but the idea is simple: God is one in essence, but exists in three persons—Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. This isn’t something we could guess or invent; it’s a mystery God shows us in Scripture. For example, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells His followers to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” The Bible doesn’t give us a math formula, but it does show us that each person of the Trinity is fully God, and yet, there is only one God.
The Personhood of the Holy Spirit
Sometimes, people think of the Holy Spirit as a mysterious force or just God’s “energy.” But the Bible is clear: the Holy Spirit is a person, not a thing. He speaks (Acts 13:2), teaches (John 14:26), can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), and makes decisions (1 Corinthians 12:11). Just like the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit has thoughts, feelings, and a will. This means we can relate to Him, listen to Him, and even talk to Him in prayer.
God’s Presence and Knowledge: Omnipresence and Omniscience
One of the amazing things the Scriptures reveal is that the Holy Spirit is everywhere (omnipresent) and knows everything (omniscient). In Psalm 139:7-10, David asks, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” No matter where we are, the Holy Spirit is present. And in Isaiah 40:13, we read, “Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor?” This shows us that the Holy Spirit’s knowledge is complete—nothing surprises Him. In Jeremiah 23:24, God says, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” The Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us, everywhere and always.
The Holy Spirit in Creation
From the very first verses of the Bible, the Holy Spirit is active. In Genesis 1:2, it says, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Before there was light, land, or life, God’s Spirit was there, bringing order and creating life. The Holy Spirit wasn’t just a bystander; He was part of the team, so to speak, shaping the world and everything in it. Later, in Psalm 104:30, we read, “When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.” The Holy Spirit is the giver of life.
Empowering People in the Old Testament
Throughout the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary people to do extraordinary things. When God chose Bezalel to design the beautiful tabernacle, the Bible says, “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:3). Joshua was filled with the Spirit so he could lead the Israelites (Deuteronomy 34:9). Gideon received the Spirit to become a brave leader (Judges 6:34). King David was anointed with the Spirit from the day Samuel poured oil on his head (1 Samuel 16:13). The prophets spoke God’s words because the Spirit moved them (Ezekiel 2:2).
The Lesson for Us Today
So, what does all this mean for us? The good news is that the Holy Spirit isn’t just for special leaders or prophets. After Jesus rose from the dead, He promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would live in every believer (John 14:16-17). The Spirit comforts us, teaches us, and gives us power to live the way God wants. He helps us understand the Bible, gives us courage to share our faith, and produces good qualities in our lives like love, joy, peace, and patience (Galatians 5:22-23).
Conclusion: Embracing the Holy Spirit
The Scriptures open our eyes to the true nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not distant or impersonal; He is God’s presence and power with us every day. We are invited to welcome Him, listen to Him, and rely on Him. As we do, we will experience God’s love, wisdom, and strength in ways we never imagined. Let’s open our hearts and embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 