The
purpose of this study is to consider the nature of the Holy Spirit and
especially whether or not the Holy Spirit is a Diving Being who possesses Deity
as part of the Godhead, like God the Father and God the Son.
*****************************************************
Many
things about the infinite, spiritual God are beyond our ability to understand
as finite, fallible humans. Can we answer every question about the nature of
the Father? If not, why should we expect to be able to answer every question
about the nature of the Holy Spirit?
Often
we are uncomfortable discussing the Holy Spirit, simply because we have not
studied enough. We talk about the Father so often that we get used to the fact
that there is much about Him we do not know. But when we have neglected
studying the Holy Spirit, it bothers us to discover how little we know about
Him. But there are some things we'll never know this side of eternity (Job
26:14; 36:26; 37:5,23; 11:7-9; Isaiah 55:8,9; Deut. 29:29).
On the
other hand, there are many things we can know about Deity.
*****************************************************
Even
with limited understanding, we can know that the Father and the Son exist,
possess Deity, and possess the characteristics of Deity (eternal, all-knowing,
all-powerful, etc.). Likewise, we can determine whether or not the Holy Spirit
possesses Deity and the characteristics of Deity. That is the purpose of this
study.
I. The Names of the Holy Spirit
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The
Bible often uses interchangeable terms for things. For example:
* God is
called Jehovah, Almighty, or the Most High.
* The
church is called the kingdom, body, house, or bride.
* The
gospel is called the New Testament, the truth, the Word of God, the will of
God, or the faith.
*
Christians are called children of God, disciples, saints, or priests.
*
Elders are called bishops, overseers, pastors, or presbyters.
In each
case the different terms emphasize different aspects of the same thing, person,
or concept. Likewise, we will see that the Scriptures use a number of names
interchangeably to refer to the Holy Spirit.
A. The
"Holy Spirit" (or "Holy Ghost")
=======================
Obviously this is a common expression. We will see it used
repeatedly as the study proceeds.
[Psalm
51 :11; Isaiah 63:10; Matthew 3:11; 12:32; 28:19; Mark 12:36; 13:11; John
14:26; Acts 1:5,8; 2:4; 5:3,32; 8:14-19; 1 Corinthians 6:19]
B.
"The Spirit of Truth" and "the Comforter"
===========================
John
14:16,17,26; (15:26; 16:7,13) - Jesus promised to send "the Comforter"
even "the Spirit of Truth" to the apostles.
But in 14:26 He calls this one He would send the "Holy
Spirit."
Hence,
"Spirit of Truth" and "Comforter" here are simply other
names for the Holy Spirit. This demonstrates that different terms are used for
the Holy Spirit.
C.
"The Spirit"
=========
Often the Holy Spirit is called simply "the Spirit."
Matthew
22:43 - David spoke Psalms 110:1 "in the Spirit." But the parallel
passage in Mark 12:36 says He spoke it by the Holy Spirit.
Mark
1:10 and John 1:33 - At Jesus' baptism, "the Spirit" descended in a
form like a dove. But Luke 3:22 says this was the Holy Spirit.
Luke 4:1 - Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and led of "the
Spirit."
Acts
2:4 - The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other
tongues as "the Spirit" gave them utterance.
1
Corinthians 2:10 - The apostles and prophets spoke the will of God by
revelation from "the Spirit." But v13 (NKJV) and John 14:26; 16:7,13
show this was the Holy Spirit.
1
Corinthians 12:7-13 - Miraculous gifts were given to men by "the
Spirit," but 12:3 shows that this was the Holy Spirit.
2
Corinthians 1:22; 5:5 - "The Spirit" is the earnest or pledge of our
inheritance given us by God. But Ephesians 1:13,14; 4:30 say that this earnest
or seal is the Holy Spirit.
In these passages "the Spirit" is simply another name
used to refer to the Holy Spirit.
However
note that, in other contexts, "the spirit" may be identified as a
spirit other than the Holy Spirit (see James 2:26; Matt. 26:41; Ephesians 4:23;
etc.). The context must determine.
D.
"The Spirit of God"
=============
The
Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as "the Spirit of God," or God
may refer to the Holy Spirit as "my Spirit," or others may refer to
Him as "His Spirit" (speaking in reference to God).
Matthew
3:16 says "the Spirit of God" descended on Jesus as a dove at His
baptism, but remember Luke 3:22 says it was the Holy Spirit.
Acts
2:17,18 quotes Joel 2:28,29 where God said "I will pour out My Spirit upon
all flesh." But this was fulfilled by the coming of the Holy Spirit (vv
4,33).
1
Corinthians 2:11,12 - "The Spirit of God" revealed God's will, but v13 (NKJV) and John 14:26 show that this
refers to the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 4:30 combines the terms as the "Holy Spirit of
God."
1
Thessalonians 4:8; Psalm 51:11; and Isaiah 63:10 combine "Holy
Spirit" with "My Spirit" or "His Spirit" speaking of
God.
Acts 5:3,9 use Holy Spirit and "Spirit of the Lord"
interchangeably.
Hence
"Spirit of God," "My Spirit" (God speaking), etc., are
other names for the Holy Spirit. Question: Can you find any instance where you
can prove these phrases refer to anyone other than the Holy Spirit?
[Matthew
12:18,28 with Isaiah 42:1; Matt, 12:32; Luke 4:1; Acts 10:38.]
II. A Living Spirit Being
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Like
other Bible words, "spirit" can have different meanings depending on
context. Consider some alternative ways "spirit" may be used in the
Bible. Then we will consider which of these meanings applies to the "Holy
Spirit."
A. Alternative Meanings of the Word "Spirit"
===========================
A living spirit being
****************
"Spirit"
can refer to a person or living being who possesses the characteristics of a
person or living individual separate and distinct from other such beings. The
Bible mentions several kinds of living beings or individuals who are spirit
beings (or in some cases, like man, a spirit dwelling in a body).
* God
the Father and Jesus the Son - John 4:23,24; Luke 23:46
*
Angels - Hebrews 1:13,14
* Satan
and demons - Matthew 8:16; 12:24,43-45; Mark 1:23-27
* Human
beings - 1 Corinthians 15:35,44; James 2:26; Luke 8:55; Acts 7:59; 17:16; 1
Corinthians 2:11
Note
that the spirit of each such individual being is separate and distinct from the
spirits or other living beings. For example, the Father is a Being whose spirit
is separate and distinct from the spirits of angels and men, etc. The spirit of
each angel is separate and distinct from the spirit of the Father and from
other angels, etc.
The characteristics, qualities, or attitudes possessed of
expressed by a person
*****************************************************
"Spirit"
in this sense can refer to some aspect of a person's personality disposition,
nature, character, etc. Examples:
Luke
1:17 - John came in "the spirit and power of Elijah."
Romans
11:8 - A spirit of slumber ("stupor" - ASV)
1
Corinthians 4:21; Galatians 6:1 - A spirit of meekness.
2
Timothy 1:7 - A spirit of fear contrasted to a spirit of power and of love and
of a sound mind.
1 Peter
3:4 - A meek and quiet spirit.
Many
other examples can be given. The spirit of man is the inner man - the part that
feels, wills, motivates, etc. So the real character of a man is determined by
the nature or condition of his spirit. Hence, the word "spirit" came
to refer to the various attitudes or qualities expressed by the spirit.
Note
that each individual can have only one "spirit" in the sense that he
is just one living individual being. Yet he may have many different
"spirits" in the sense of qualities or attitudes. And in fact his
spirit (in the latter sense) can even change as time passes.
B. The
Holy Spirit as a Living Spirit Being.
==========================
Is the
Holy Spirit a living spirit being separate and distinct from other spirit
beings, like the Father and angels, etc.? Or is the Holy Spirit just a
characteristic or an attitude possessed by God? Could the "Holy
Spirit" be just a way of referring to the power, character, nature,
attributes, or disposition of God?
The
Holy Spirit possesses the characteristics and qualities of a living spirit
Being.
*****************************************************
Consider
the following descriptions of the Holy Spirit. Would the following things
properly be said of a mere characteristic or attitude? Or does this language
demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is a person who possesses personal
characteristics and qualities?
* He
hears - John 16:13
* He
can be lied to - Acts 5:3
* He
makes decisions about right and wrong (like people do) - Acts 15:28
* He
intercedes - Romans 8:26
* He
has a mind - Romans 8:27
* He
loves - Romans 15:30
* He
searches - 1 Corinthians 2:10
* He
knows (like the spirit of a living being knows) - 1 Corinthians 2:11
* He
gives gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:8,11
* He
wills - 1 Corinthians 12:11
* He
grieves - Ephesians 4:30 (Isaiah 63:10)
The
Holy Spirit is not just a characteristic or attitude. Rather He is a living
Being who possesses the characteristics of a person.
[See
also Romans 8:26,27; 1 Corinthians 12:8,11; 6:11; Matthew 12:31; Hebrews 10:29;
Acts 5:9; 7:51; 8:29; 16:6,7; 13:2,4; 1 Timothy 4:1; John 15:26; 16:13; 14:26;
16:7,8; Ephesians 3:5; Revelation 22:17; Neh. 9:20]
He is referred to by masculine pronouns
*********************************
This
evidence may not be conclusive by itself apart from the point we just studied.
But with the evidence above, it confirms the personal nature of the Spirit.
John
16:13,14 - "He," the Spirit of Truth, will guide you into all truth,
and "He" (the Spirit) will glorify Me (Jesus). ("Spirit"
here is neuter in Greek, yet "He" in both cases is from a masculine
demonstrative pronoun.)
Ephesians
1:13,14 - The Holy Spirit "who" is the guarantee of our inheritance
(NKJV). (This is a masculine pronoun referring to the neuter
"Spirit." But note that some manuscripts here have the neuter
"which" - see ASV.)
He is
referred to along with the Father and the Son, who are surely living persons.
*****************************************************
Matthew
28:19 - Jesus commands people to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. Clearly the Father and Son are living spirit Beings. How could
the command make sense if the Holy Spirit is just a power or characteristic,
rather than a living Being like the Father and Son?
2
Corinthians 13:14 - The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Since Christ and God are
living Beings, how would this make sense if the Holy Spirit is just an attitude
or characteristic?
1 Peter
1:2 - We are elect according to the foreknowledge of the Father, in
sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus. The Father and Son are living spirit Beings, so the Spirit must also be.
All three are here mentioned as being involved in our salvation.
Luke
3:21,22 - When Jesus was baptized, the Father spoke from heaven, and the Holy
Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove. This pictures the Holy Spirit as
having life of Himself, like the Father and Son, and He took a separate bodily
form.
These
verses show the Holy Spirit to be acting jointly with other persons. Since He
acts like a person along with other persons, this implies that He is a person
like the other persons in the context.
[See
also John 14:26; 14:16,17; 15:26; 20:21,22; Acts 1:4,5; 2:32,33; 10:38; Luke
1:35; John 3:34; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Corinthians 1:21,22; Ephesians 2:18; 4:4-6]
These
points taken together indicate that the Holy Spirit is a living person or
being. He cannot be just a characteristic, attitude, power, or influence. (This
does not deny that He possesses characteristics and attitudes. But He is more
than just a character or a power. [See Rom, 15:13,19.]
He is a
living being. He possesses the characteristics of a person. He is referred to
by terms that imply He is a personal Being. He does works and acts like a
living Being. And He is described and classified along with other personal
beings. We conclude that the Holy Spirit is a living Spirit Being, not just a
characteristic or a part of another Being.
III. Distinction from Other Spirit Beings
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Since
the Holy Spirit is a living spirit Being, we must consider next whether He is a
separate and distinct individual from other spirit beings.
A. Distinct from Demons, Humans, and Angels
=============================
Satan, demons, and humans?
*************************
Obviously
He is distinct from Satan, demons, and humans, since by nature He is the Holy
Spirit. Satan and demons are not holy, and all humans at times are not holy. So
the Holy Spirit is not a demon or human.
Angels?
*******
1 Peter
1:10-12 - Like Old Testament prophets, angels desired to look into the things
that had been prophesied in the Old Testament but were not revealed till the
New Testament. But the Holy Spirit sent from heaven revealed these things.
Clearly the Holy Spirit is here distinguished from angels even as he is
distinguished from humans.
1
Corinthians 2:10-13 - Men cannot know the things of God, but the Holy Spirit
knows and reveals the things of God. But we now know that the angels also did
not know the things of God till the Holy Spirit revealed them. Therefore, the
Holy Spirit is not an angel as surely as He is not a man.
Furthermore,
it follows from these facts that, not only is the Holy Spirit not an angel, but
in fact He is above the angels, even as He is above men. [Note that the Spirit
cannot possibly be an animal or plant, since they don't even possess spirits.]
B.
Distinct from the God the Father and Jesus.
=============================
Is the
Holy Spirit a distinct individual from the Father and Son, or is He just
another name for, or perhaps part of, the Father or Son?
The
Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in the womb of Mary - Matthew 1:18,20.
*****************************************************
Did
Jesus conceive Himself in Mary's womb? Surely not, so the Holy Spirit must be a
separate and distinct person from Jesus. [Luke 1:35]
All
three were present at Jesus' baptism - Luke 3:21,22.
**********************************************
Jesus
was on earth having been baptized. The Father spoke from heaven and
acknowledged Jesus as His Son. And the Holy Spirit appeared in a bodily form
like a dove. All three are present and distinguished one from the other. So the
Holy Spirit is distinguished from the Father and from the Son, just as surely
as the Son is distinguished from the Father.
Blasphemy against Jesus is not blasphemy against the Spirit -
Matthew 12:31,32
*****************************************************
Blasphemy
against the Son would be forgiven but not so blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
But if the Holy Spirit is just another name for Jesus or just part of Jesus,
then blaspheming the Holy Spirit would be blaspheming Jesus.
Baptism
is in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - Matthew 28:19.
*****************************************************
The
Father and the Son are separate and distinct persons. The Son is not just
another name for the Father, nor just part of the Father. So likewise the Holy
Spirit is not just another name for the Father or the Son, nor is He just part
of the Father or the Son. The verse lists three distinct living spirit Beings.
The Father and the Son sent the Holy Spirit
*************************************
John
15:26; 16:7 - When Jesus was about to die and return to the Father in heaven
(14:12,28; 16:7,10), He promised that afterward He would send the Holy Spirit
to guide the apostles. Here you have one living individual Being sending
another individual to do a work.
John
14:16,26; 15:26 - The Father also sent the Spirit. So both the Father and the
Son joined in sending the Holy Spirit. But if the Son is a different Being from
the Holy Spirit and as a separate Being He sent the Holy Spirit, then the
Father must likewise be a separate Being who sent the Holy Spirit.
The
Spirit is another comforter besides Jesus - John 14:16.
************************************************
In
sending the Holy Spirit, Jesus sent "another" (helper).
["Another" is from a Greek word meaning "another one of the same
sort."]
But if
the Holy Spirit is just another name for Jesus or for part of Jesus, then He
did not send "another" comforter at all but sent the same one.
Ephesians
4:4-6 also lists the Spirit separately from the Father and the Lord (Jesus).
*****************************************************
This
passage mentions seven things of which, in God's true plan for man's salvation
and unity, there is only one of each. But each item listed is separate and
distinct from all other items listed:
The
body is not the hope, the baptism is not the Lord, the faith is not the God,
etc. Likewise, the one Spirit (a name for the Holy Spirit) is distinct from the
one Lord (Jesus) and from the one God and Father.
2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2
***************************
Both of
these passages list the Holy Spirit right along with the Father and the Son.
But the Father and Son are living spirit Beings separate and distinct from one
another, so the Spirit must also be.
So the
Holy Spirit is a living spirit Being, just as surely as the Father and Son are.
But He is not the Father nor the Son, nor is He just a part of the Father and
Son. Rather, He is a distinct individual. If we can understand how the Father
and the Son can exist as separate individuals, then we can understand how the
Holy Spirit can exist as a separate individual.
[Acts
10:38]
IV. Deity of the Holy Spirit
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If the
Holy Spirit is a living Spirit Being, but He is not the Father or the Son, then
what position does He hold? What level of authority does He possess and how
should we view Him?
A. He
Is Not a Demon, a Human, nor an Angel.
=============================
The
Holy Spirit is a living Spirit Being, but we have proved He is not a demon, a
human or an angel. The only position left is that of Deity.
The
Bible describes no other kinds of spirit beings other than those we have
considered. Since the Holy Spirit is not any of the other kinds of beings, He
must be Deity.
Further,
we have learned that He is above all the other levels of beings, so this
confirms that His position must be Deity. Those who believe otherwise are
obligated to prove that some other level of authority exists.
B. He
Is Referred to by Terms of Deity.
========================
Acts 5:1-11
**********
Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit - v3.
In so doing, he lied, not to men, but to God - v4.
Therefore,
the Holy Spirit partakes of the character and nature of God, not the nature of
men. He possesses Deity. Lying to Him is lying to God.
He is
the "Spirit of God."
********************
In
studying the names of the Spirit we showed passages where the Holy Spirit is
called "the Spirit of God." (See Matthew 3:16, cf. Luke 3:22; 1
Corinthians 2:11,12, cf. John 14:26; Ephesians 4:30). But how can He be
"the Spirit of God" unless He possesses and partakes of the character
and nature of God?
The
spirit of a man possesses and partakes of the character and nature of man -
humanity. The spirit of a demon possesses and partakes of the character and
nature of demons - demonic. The spirit of an angel possesses and partakes of
the character and nature of angels - angelic. It necessarily follows that the
Holy Spirit could be the "Spirit of God" only if he possesses and
partakes of the nature of God - Deity.
But we
have already proved that the Holy Spirit is a living Spirit Being, and He is a
distinct individual from the Father and the Son. So the Holy Spirit is a living
Spirit Being who possesses the character and nature of Deity. He is a Being in
the Godhead, just as the Father and the Son are.
C. He
Possesses the Character and Does the Works of Deity.
=====================================
Creation, sustaining creation, and eternal existence
******************************************
Genesis
1:2 - The Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) was present at creation and was
involved in it, even as were the Father and the son.
Psalms
104:30 - The context describes God's provision for animals and the creation. He
sends forth His Spirit and they are created and renewed.
Job 26:13 - By His Spirit He adorned the heavens.
[Job
33:4; 34:14,15]
Everywhere present
****************
Psalms
139:7-12 - In describing God as all-knowing (vv 1-6) and present everywhere,
David asked, "Where can I go from your Spirit?" He then describes how
the Spirit would see him everywhere.
All-knowing and source of revelation
******************************
Mark 13:11 - When inspired men spoke for God, it was not they who
spoke but the Holy Spirit.
John
16:13 - He guided inspired men into all truth. He knows all and is the source
of all knowledge. This is surely the work of Deity. What other being would be
so described if it did not possess Deity? [14:16,17,26; 15:26; 16:7-14]
Acts 1:16 - The Holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of David. [Mark
12:36; Acts 28:25; Heb. 3:7]
1
Corinthians 2:10-14 - The Holy Spirit (v13) knows the mind of God (like a man's
spirit knows his mind) and reveals it to men.
Ephesians
3:3-5 - The Spirit made known the mystery of Christ, which had not been made
known to men in earlier ages.
2 Peter
1:21 - Prophecy never came by man's will, but holy men spoke as they were moved
by the Holy Spirit.
The
message of the Scriptures is the message of God (2 Tim. 3:16). But the Holy
Spirit is the Source Who had the power to reveal it.
Men
acted as spokesmen or messengers, but they made clear it was not their message.
They were not the source of origin of it, nor was it based on their authority.
But the work of the Holy Spirit is contrasted to the work of the human
teachers, in that the Spirit (along with the Father and the Son) is viewed as
the source of the message and the authority behind it. This classes the Holy
Spirit with Deity, not with lower beings. It attributes to the Holy Spirit the
work and power of Deity.
[Isaiah
40:13]
Authority and unlimited power
*************************
Miracles
Throughout
the Bible, the Holy Spirit is spoken of as the source of miracles, but miracles
are what prove the power of God.
Matthew 1:18-20 - Mary conceived in the virgin birth by the power
of the Holy Spirit.
Acts
1:8; 2:4,33 - The Holy Spirit came on the apostles and gave them power to speak
in tongues. [10:44-46; 19:6]
Hebrews
2:3,4 - God bore witness to the message of inspired men by signs, wonders,
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
1
Corinthians 12:4-11 - All miraculous powers are from the Spirit (the Holy
Spirit - v3). He distributed these to men according to His own will.
Who
besides Deity is spoken of like this as being the source of miracles? What man
or angel could be described as distributing such powers according to his will?
Men
often did the miracles, but they repeatedly denied that they were the source of
the power (cf. Acts 3:12; 4:10). By the very nature and purpose of miracles,
their source must be God - Deity. Yet the Holy Spirit is repeatedly spoken of
as the source of the power. This is evidence of Deity.
Baptism
Matthew
28:19 - All nations are commanded to be baptized in the name of the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. This passage places the Holy Spirit on an equal authority
with the Father and Son. Baptism is in the name of all three. The name or
authority of the Holy Spirit is the basis of baptism right along with the
Father and Son.
To see
the significance of this, would God ever command to do something in the name of
the Father, the Son, and a human being or even an angel? Such is foolish to the
point of blasphemy. If a thing is in the name of Deity, what significance is
there in adding the name of a man or an angel?
Cf. 1
Corinthians 1:10-13 - Corinthians were divided over preachers. Paul teaches
them in chap. 1-4 to emphasize Deity, not men, since men are just the
messengers (3:3-11; 4:1,2). We should glory in the Lord, not in men (1:29,31;
2:5; 3:21).
To
illustrate, Paul asks if he was crucified for us (v13). No, so Deity is
important, not man. It would be blasphemy to exalt a man or angel as if he had
died for us.
Then he
asks if we are baptized in the name of Paul (v13). Again, we should glory in
Deity, because we are baptized in the name of Deity. It would be blasphemy to
be baptized in the name of any being that is not Deity. But we are baptized in
the name of the Holy Spirit right along with the Father and Son. Therefore, the
Holy Spirit possesses Deity as surely as does the Father and the Son.
The
Holy Spirit does work and possesses a name/authority that only God can possess.
Therefore, the Holy Spirit is Deity.
[Matt.
12:28; Rom. 15:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14]
Forgiveness, redemption, and sanctification
************************************
Matthew
28:19 - We are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But
what is the purpose of baptism? To forgive sins! See Mark 16:15,16; Acts 2:38;
22:16; Romans 6:3,4; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21. So the power and name of the
Holy Spirit stands behind the forgiveness of our sins, right along with the
Father and the Son.
But
only God can forgive sins - Mark 2:5-7. Since baptism forgives sins, then to be
baptized in the name of anyone other than Deity would be blasphemy! But we are
baptized in the name of the Holy Spirit, as well as the Father and the Son;
therefore the Holy Spirit possesses Deity. [Cf. 1 Cor. 12:13]
1
Corinthians 6:11 - Sinners are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by
the Spirit of our God (the Holy Spirit). So the Holy Spirit justifies from sin,
but only God can justify from sin. Therefore, the Holy Spirit is God.
1 Peter
1:2 - We are elect according to the foreknowledge of the Father, in
sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of
Jesus. Again, all three Beings are involved in our salvation. But
sanctification is essential to our salvation as surely as election and the
blood of Jesus. Only Deity can do this. The passage involves the Spirit in our
salvation as fully as the other Beings of Deity.
Romans 15:16 - Gentiles are acceptable, sanctified by the Holy
Spirit.
The
Holy Spirit has characteristics that only Deity possesses and does works that
only Deity can do. Therefore, the Holy Spirit possesses Deity as surely as the
Father and the Son do.
[2
Thess. 2:13; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 2:18]
Conclusion
======
Study
of the Holy Spirit shows that He is not just a force or a characteristic but is
a living spirit Being who possesses personal characteristics. He is not just a
different name for the Father or the Son, nor is He just some part of them, but
He is a separate and distinct individual Being from each of them.
Yet He
possesses characteristics and does works that can only be true of Deity. He is
referred to as Deity and classified as Deity along with the Father and Son.
Therefore, He is a member of the Godhead.
We can
understand that the Father and the Son are separate and distinct living Spirit
Beings, yet each possesses Deity and therefore each should be viewed as God. In
the same way we should understand that the Holy Spirit is a third distinct
individual who also possesses Deity. Hence, the God we worship consists of
three separate and distinct Beings, yet together they make up the one true and
living God.
(C)
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