THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Chapter one

The holy spirit in the godhead
“But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God” (I Cor. 2:10).
“Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your Presence?” (Ps. 139:7).
Basic concepts
The Holy Spirit is talked about as much as any member of the Godhead today, yet the question must be raised — just exactly Who (or what) is the Holy Spirit? A proper understanding of the Person of the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential if we are to be the kind of Christians we should be. Unfortunately, there is much confusion at best, and downright error at worst, concerning the exact definition of this third Person of the “Trinity,” the “Triune God,” or the “Godhead.” (All three terms will be discussed a little further on.)
It might be well to begin with, to state first what the Holy Spirit is not. The Holy Spirit is not a “thing” or an “it.” He is neither a material nor ethereal substance, nor an impersonal force, or energy (such as electricity, radiation, or magnetism). He is not a quality (of goodness, love, morality, or something of this nature). The Holy Spirit is not a fuzzy, abstract idea. He is not a “universal mind” nor some kind of vague “life-giving force.”
And since He is none of these things, just Who and what is the Holy Spirit?
First, the Holy Spirit is a Person, a real Being who thinks, acts, wills, feels, loves, and speaks. The Holy Spirit exhibits all the responses that identify one as a “person.” He cannot be seen by the natural eye, but His actions fulfill all the requirements of a Personality.
In Acts 13:2 it says, “The Holy Spirit said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
As the Holy Spirit referred to Himself here, He used the pronouns “I” and “me.” These words identify a Person and not some abstract idea.
The Holy Spirit is a Person, but He is also a Deity! He is the Third Person of the Godhead — the Trinity. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit is one-third God, nor one-third of God. God cannot be divided.
Neither does this mean that He is one of three Gods. God is One God (Deut. 6:4), yet He is eternally self-existing in three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these Persons is fully God, yet each is an individual Person within Himself. Jesus is God, the Father is God, and the Holy Spirit is God.
Because we are working with our human minds, it is extremely difficult for us to try to picture three individuals in perfect agreement and harmony. If any three of us (humans) tried to accomplish something, we would be a committee. We would argue and debate and finally vote on matters, with the majority ruling — or all three compromising on some middle ground. The Godhead doesn’t work this way.
Because all three members of the Godhead are God, which infers infinite knowledge, infinite love, infinite mercy, and infinite justice, all three are always and eternally in complete agreement on everything. There is always one perfect solution to anything — whether or not we (as humans) can see this perfect solution. But God is Omniscient (all-knowing) and thus always knows this perfect way for anything. It is therefore possible for all three Beings to be in perfect unity at all times — if those three persons all have infinite (unrestricted and unending) knowledge.
This then is why it is possible to have “three members in one,” which is what the words “Triune,” “Trinity,” and “Godhead” describe. It is three individual Persons — each with His own Personality, Awareness, and Mission — occupying the position of God.
The closest analogy we might make in today’s social structures (and it is admittedly a poor analogy) would be the “juntas” which rule some countries. These are groups of men (often military men) who jointly act as the leadership of those countries. The junta rules the nation, although there is more than one co-equal person comprising the junta. Now corrupt, flawed, inadequate politicians or generals are a poor parallel to the Triune God. They argue and bicker and often plot the overthrow of one another — and in so doing, demonstrate the difference between men and God.
The three Persons of the Godhead, on the other hand, never argue or debate. Each One knows, at all times — even before things happen — what should be done and what will be done. They, therefore, don’t even have to discuss matters. Each knows — before, during, and after — what should and what will happen. The final result, as we know, will be “God’s will.” Everything happens for good to those who love the Lord (Rom. 8:28), and thus the three Persons who constitute God agree together always — never debating, never voting, and never disagreeing.
All three members of the Trinity are equal in omniscience (knowledge of everything) and thus have three Minds that act as One. They are a unity. And the Holy Spirit possesses all the attributes that both God the Father and God the Son possesses.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is told in Acts 5:3-4. “But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” And then just a sentence or two later he states, “You have not lied unto men, but unto God.” This confirms that the Holy Spirit is God because Scripture here states that when Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, he was simultaneously lying to God.
Numerous Scriptures could be cited to demonstrate that the Holy Spirit is a Person of the Godhead. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
In John 4:24 it is written, “God is a Spirit: and they who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.”
Another Scripture linking the Spirit with God is to be found in II Corinthians 3:17. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty.”
Many times the Bible will state in one place that God said certain things, and then in another place it will say that it was the Holy Spirit Who said them. This is neither incorrect nor a contradiction. It is completely correct because the Holy Spirit is God.
For example, Exodus 17:7 says that Israel tempted the Lord. (The word translated “Lord” here is Jehovah, or God.) This is referred to again in Hebrews 3:9 where Paul states that they tempted the Holy Spirit.
Again, in Jeremiah 31:33, it says that Jehovah gave a promise concerning the New Covenant. The writer to the Hebrews referred back to this and said that it was the Holy Spirit Who spoke this promise (Heb. 10:15). So it is apparent within Scripture that the Holy Spirit is God — a member of the Godhead. There are several different incidents in the Bible which could be mentioned to further reinforce this conclusion.
Terminology
It is a bit confusing to some people to hear the term “Holy Spirit” used, while at other times the term is “Holy Ghost.” There is really no difference. “Holy Spirit” and “Holy Ghost” mean exactly the same thing.
In Saint John 7:37-38 we read, “Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He who believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water.”
Then the Thirty-ninth Verse goes on to explain, “(But this spoke He of the Spirit, which they who believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”
In this Scripture, both “Spirit” and “Ghost” are used — with both referring to the same Divine Person. In the original manuscript, the Greek word used for “Spirit” and “Ghost” was pneuma, which literally means “breath” or “breeze,” but which came to be used for a “spirit” or “ghost” which could make a candle flame flutter, or leaves rustle.
What it boils down to is that the third Person of the Trinity was referred to by the Apostles as “God’s Pneuma” which could be translated as “the breath of God,” “The essence of God,” “God’s Spirit,” or the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. We (because the King James translators chose to use the two terms “Holy Spirit” and “Holy Ghost”) are most familiar with these two terms. They can be used interchangeably.
The expression “ghost” is an old English word, and its meaning has changed a bit since King James ordered his great translation. Today when one says “ghost,” one usually thinks of haunted houses and disembodied spirits floating around causing terror. Today ghosts are invariably evil. Originally, however, the word “ghost” did not have this meaning or connotation. The term “Holy Ghost” was perfectly in keeping with the beautiful poetic language of the King James Version. In modern usage, the word or term most commonly preferred is “Holy Spirit,” and this is always proper. Either term is correct and acceptable, however, for they are both found in God’s Word.
Characteristics and attributes
INDIVISIBLE — The Holy Spirit is God indivisible. In Ephesians 4:4-6 it says, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” However, John, in Revelation, relating his vision, speaks of seven Spirits of God (Rev. 1:4; 3:1; 4:5, and 5:6).
John was caught up in a vision and saw Heaven, the Throne, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. John also saw the Elders, the Angels, and events that were to take place in the future. And during all this, he refers to the seven Spirits.
The word “Spirits” is capitalized, meaning the Holy Spirit. Of course, in the original Greek manuscript inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by John, this word would not have been capitalized because capital letters were not used until centuries later. Capitalization of certain words, punctuation, and division of Scripture into Chapter and Verse were all additions made by men translating the original documents for King James. These were all done to make study of the Bible easier for ordinary men and women so everyone could read God’s Word directly.
The number seven, however, need not be confusing. In Bible terminology and typology the word “seven” means completion or perfection. Seven is said to be “God’s number.” Therefore, this does not necessarily mean that John saw seven Holy Spirits, but rather a total, complete, and perfect Spirit.
We read in Revelation 5:6, “And I beheld, and, lo . . . in the midst of the Elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the Earth.”
Jesus is, naturally, the Lamb in this Scripture, and the Spirit of God is there with (or upon) the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit aided Jesus Christ in all the Work which He did. Of course, the Holy Spirit is God, Jesus is God, and God the Father is God.
UNITED BUT DISTINCT — They are all of one purpose, one design, and one desire. They are One in fulfillment of the duties pertaining to the Godhead, yet there are certain statements that can be made for each that don’t apply for all. Jesus is the Son of the Father. He is not the Father of the Son, so you cannot say that Jesus is the Father, while you can say that Jesus is the Son. Conversely, the Father is not the Son, but Jesus is the Son. The Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son, while neither the Father nor the Son proceed from the Holy Spirit.
In referring to the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself said that if you say a word against Him it will not be forgiven. Jesus pointed out that you could say something against the Heavenly Father, or even the Lord Himself, and it could be forgiven (if one asks for forgiveness). But He stressed that blasphemous utterances against the Holy Ghost would not be forgiven. So there is a difference even in what can be said to each, or about each.
Jesus was on Earth when He came to redeem man. God the Father did not come to Earth to redeem man, (sending Jesus to accomplish this task), and the Holy Spirit was not present on Earth at that time. The Holy Spirit was only sent to be man’s Comforter after Jesus departed to sit at the Right Hand of the Father.
The Holy Spirit is now present upon this Earth, while God the Father and Jesus are in Heaven. Jesus sits at the Right Hand of the Father — and the Father does not, of course, sit at the Right Hand of Jesus. We know that there is an omnipresent factor in the locations of the three members of the Trinity, but still these specific differences should be noted. While there are differences in description, the Holy Spirit is, nevertheless, totally God.
ETERNAL — The Holy Spirit is eternal, just as God is eternal. This means that He always was, is now, and ever shall be. He had no beginnings and He will have no end. In Hebrews 9:14 it states, “Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself” which confirms that the Holy Spirit is eternal.
OMNIPRESENT — The Holy Spirit is omnipresent (just one of the “omni” attributes of the Godhead). This means that He is present everywhere at once. The Holy Spirit has all the omni-attributes of the Godhead. The Psalmist declares in Psalms 139:7-10, “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your Presence? If I ascend up into Heaven, You are there: If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall Your Hand lead me, and Your Right Hand shall hold me.”
It is impossible to escape the Presence of the Spirit of God for He is everywhere. A sinner under conviction might move from the community in which he was first touched by the Spirit of God, thinking he can escape Him. But even changing a particular environment, a set of circumstances, a church, or preacher, he will be unable to rid his heart of the feeling of conviction. Wherever that person flees, he will not escape the Holy Spirit. Wherever the sinner goes, the Holy Spirit will be there awaiting his arrival, faithfully reproving of sin and pointing the soul toward Jesus Christ.
OMNISCIENT — Another of the omni-attributes is omniscience, which means that the Holy Spirit is all-knowing and all-wise. His wisdom cannot be increased because He already knows all things. A question asked in Isaiah 40:13-14: “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being His counselor has taught Him? With whom took He counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of Judgment, and taught Him in Knowledge, and showed to Him the Way of Understanding?” Of course, the answer to all these questions is obvious. Nobody directs, counsels, or teaches the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Teacher. As God, He is perfect in Knowledge and Understanding. A declaration is made in I Corinthians 2:10-11 that the deep things of God are always open to the Holy Spirit. He knows everything that God the Father knows. “The Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” The deepest limits of knowledge are an open book to the Holy Spirit.
OMNIPOTENT — Not only is the Holy Spirit omnipresent and omniscient, He is also omnipotent — or all-powerful. It is impossible for Him to be more powerful. Another question is asked, in Micah 2:7: “Is the Spirit of the Lord straitened?” Now this word “straitened” (in the King James Version) means “narrowed.” It suggests being limited or restricted. The text literally asks, “Is the Spirit of the Lord restricted?” The answer, of course, is “no.” The Holy Spirit can not be restricted, He is all-powerful. His power is seen both in the Creation, and in His Work in the world today.
Someone might then ask, “Well, why doesn’t he do something about the problems existing in the world?”
He could do anything He wanted, of course, but there is the factor of mercy here — mercy mixed with compassion and love. You see, when the Holy Spirit does finally intrude to bring forth God’s Righteous Kingdom on Earth, all problems will be Divinely removed. But at that moment, everyone’s “second chance” will have been lost. The mercy involved in this means that judgment is currently being withheld. Compassion and love enter in because the sinner is being given the opportunity for Salvation and Redemption from sin before God finally intervenes.
There is a time when judgment will come, evil will be punished, and the orders of God the Father eternally established throughout Creation. Then the orders of God will be carried out (His Will be done) — with eternal punishment for those who have not responded to God’s mercy and love. The Great Tribulation is coming when the Holy Spirit will resolutely carry out the orders of God the Father, and God’s wrath will be poured out upon this Earth.
Even evil isn’t immediately stopped and punished (and the power of the Holy Spirit immediately demonstrated), the Holy Spirit is omnipotent. He is referred to as “the power of the highest” in Luke 1:35. In other words, He is power personified. He is fully God — and through Him the power of the entire Godhead is fully expressed. It is God’s desire that every Believer be “tapped in” to this power. This precious promise is presented in Acts 1:8: “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the Earth.”
Enduement with power by the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian is very important. Immersion (baptism) in the Holy Spirit gives one power. It is not to “get one ready for heaven;” because, as we know, a person is saved by
Grace, through Faith in Christ — with the Holy Spirit bringing conviction. But one of the main purposes—one of the primary reasons for the Holy Ghost’s very existence — is to give Christians the power to live Godly lives. Holy Spirit power is the actual essence of Christian living.
The promise in Acts 1:8 says we shall receive power (the Greek word is dunamis — the word from which we derive our word “dynamite.” He gives dynamic, dynamite to the Christian for victorious living.
It is actually impossible for the Christian to be fully empowered by God without being baptized in the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for a church to have the Spiritual Growth it should without the power of the Holy Spirit. And it is impossible for a preacher to be what he might be without the infusion of Holy Spirit power.
The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for dynamic Christian living.
Names of the holy spirit
DESCRIBING HIS PERSON — Names are important. As a matter of fact, in Biblical times, a person’s name had a special and unique meaning. Reference is made to “The Spirit” in I Corinthians 2:10. He is not a unit, quality, or entity — but a Person, a Personality, an Individual. He is pneuma, or Spirit. He is called the Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them who ask Him?”
He is the one and only Holy Spirit who sanctifies and purifies. Holiness is a characteristic of God, and we are to be holy also. The Holy Spirit is also referred to as the Eternal Spirit in Hebrews 9:14. He has been with the Father always — from even before the dimmest beginnings of time.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD — Several names reveal this relationship to God. He is called the Spirit of God. I Corinthians 3:16 asks, “Know you not that you are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?”
In Isaiah 61, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of the “Lord Jehovah” (Jehovah refers to the covenant-keeping God).
Another name used to demonstrate the Spirit’s relationship to Deity is the Spirit of the Living God used in II Corinthians 3:3. Here Paul was writing to the people of Corinth which housed over twenty temples dedicated to various pagan gods. Paul was pointing out that our God is alive, in contrast to the pagan gods of those temples.
THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON — The relationship of the Spirit to Jesus Christ is shown by a number of expressions. First there is the term “Spirit of Christ” as used in Romans 8:9. We are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, which is sent “in the name of” Christ. That is, the Spirit sent by Christ.
The Holy Spirit’s activity in no way contradicts or conflicts with the Message or Mission of Christ. Every act of the Spirit in the church is to glorify Christ. One’s activities must glorify Christ or they are not in the Spirit.
He is further referred to as the Spirit of His Son in Galatians 4:6 and as the Spirit of Jesus in Philippians 1:19. There are many Scriptures which refer to the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Certain ones of that era accepted Jesus, and others accepted Christ, but some did not accept both. Jesus means “Saviour” and Christ means “anointed one.” Of course, Jesus is both the Saviour and the Anointed One.
THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT — The Holy Spirit is referred to by many names and expressions, among them The Spirit of Judgment and also The Spirit of Burning. Of course, the Holy Spirit is intimately involved in the matter of justice, law, and order. He also works in the area of purging, consuming, and purifying — all results of burning within a fire. Hence the more or less parallel terms “Spirit of Burning” and “Spirit of Judgment.”
The Holy Spirit will not tolerate sin, for He is naturally Holy. It may be said that He is “the moral policeman of the universe.” He is chief agent of the “Justice Department” of God’s Kingdom. He is eternally committed to exposing sin and evil wherever they exist. He reproves sin and does His best to turn people from it. The Word of God tells us, in Isaiah 4:4, “When the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof by the Spirit of Judgment, and by the Spirit of Burning.”
It is also stated, in Isaiah 28:5-6, “In that day shall the Lord of Hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His people. And for a Spirit of Judgment to him that sits in judgment, and for strength to them who turn the battle to the gate.” So, two of the names or terms used with reference to the Holy Spirit are the Spirit of Judgment and the Spirit of Burning.
The reference of burning reminds us of the words of John the Baptist who spoke concerning Jesus saying, “He shall Baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire” (Mat. 3:11). The Holy Spirit burns out the dross in a person’s life. Impurities are revealed and removed as the Holy Spirit brings conviction and judgment. A person responds and is cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God works to convict individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
SPIRIT OF GRACE AND OF SUPPLICATIONS — The Spirit of God is also called the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications. He is God’s Communications Officer, carrying to the soul of man the Divine invitation to come. The Word of God tells us in Revelation 22:17, “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come . . . And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely.”
The Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications. In Zechariah 12:10 we read, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications.”
It is stated, in the warning in Hebrews 10:29, “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the Blood of the Covenant, wherewith he was Sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of Grace?”
Grace is the unmerited, the undeserved, love and favor of God. We do not deserve the things of God, but because of Grace we can be recipients of His blessings. The Spirit of Grace brings us the love, the mercy, and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
How marvelous and precious is the Grace of God! I remember years ago preaching a church meeting in one of our eastern states. We stayed there for several weeks and God gave us a great moving of the Holy Spirit. Hundreds of people filled the auditorium night after night.
I noticed one particular lady in the services. She was a senior citizen, a very stately and dignified woman — and very lovely for her age. She was obviously one of the Godliest women I had ever met. My spirit instantly bore witness with her spirit. I never had the opportunity to talk with her very much, but I couldn’t help but notice her demeanor — the way she entered into the service. The way she participated in the worship was a blessing to behold.
There was something that just poured out of her in the realm of the Spirit. She was a real support for me as I preached, sang, and ministered to the people.
This particular church was a real “praying” church, and she never missed a prayer meeting. One day as I was talking with the pastor, she was standing some distance away. The pastor said to me, “I guess you’ve noticed that lady.”
I answered, “Yes, I have.”
He said, “She is one of the Godliest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.” I nodded in agreement.
“I wish,” he said, “that I had a thousand more just like her. She is a prayer warrior. She is the kind who has a beautiful spirit. She never sinks to fault-finding. She is always constructive — never destructive.”
As he spoke of her sweet spirit and help, I told the pastor that she was also a great help to me as I preached each night. She hadn’t commented on the message or said anything particular, but her spirit could be felt there, encouraging and strengthening me.
Then the pastor told me about this beautiful lady who was the epitome of holiness and perfection in the Lord Jesus Christ. He told me she had once been a prostitute. In fact, she had run a house of ill fame with other prostitutes working for her. She had been mired in a sordid life that can hardly be imagined by the average Christian. But there she stood now, characterized by the pastor as one of the greatest Christians he knew. Only the Grace of God could have accomplished the complete transformation she represented.
Because of the mighty moving of the Spirit of Grace in our meetings across the country, we see drunkards saved, drug addicts delivered, and lives turned from crime to Christ. People are being saved from the vilest, rankest pits of sin — and all because of the Spirit of Grace.
He is the bringer of mercy, delivering the wayward to Christ, drawing them to their Saviour. The Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of Grace. My own heart has been touched, moved, and kept by the Spirit of Grace.
SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE — The Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Wisdom, in Revelation. He is called the Spirit of Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge, and Fear of the Lord. He reveals, He illuminates, and He gives Spiritual Insights. He also gives direction and awakens reverence in the hearts of men. It says in Exodus 28:3, “And you shall speak unto all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the Spirit of Wisdom.”
In Deuteronomy 34:9 we read, “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the Spirit of Wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him.”
A number of facts about the Spirit of the Lord are revealed in Isaiah 11:2: “And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the Lord.”
The promise of Ephesians 1:17 is, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Glory, may give unto you the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him.”
All knowledge is wrapped up in the Spirit of God — the Holy Spirit — for He is the One who imparts wisdom, and knowledge. The Spirit of God will guide us to Truth, Wisdom, and Knowledge.
A person may go through academic studies in Bible Schools or seminaries without believing much about the Bible, the atoning Work of Jesus Christ, His miraculous Birth, His Life, or His atoning Death. There are many with impressive academic credentials in religious activity who do not believe many of the fundamentals of Spiritual Faith. Such knowledge comes from man, from structured theological thinking, from books written by individuals who are not inspired or led by the Holy Spirit. It is essential to read books only by those who are full of the Holy Ghost, Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. Let the Holy Spirit be your Teacher.
THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL — The Holy Spirit will guide the earnest seeker of truth into Divine Truth and Understanding. We must be taught by the Spirit and led by the Spirit — by His Wisdom, His Knowledge, His Understanding, and His Counsel. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Counsel and Might (Isa. 11:2).
There are very few days that I do not go before the Lord and ask specifically for His Counsel. I long ago learned the secret of asking God’s Divine Counsel, because the Holy Spirit is the Counselor. We have to listen to our heart and spirit as the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit.
He doesn’t speak primarily to our physical senses or to our human mind, but to our spirit. If you will listen with your spirit to the Holy Spirit, He will guide and lead you, giving you counsel, knowledge, understanding, and guidance in the affairs of your life. The Lord will give you understanding in areas too difficult for you to understand within your own powers. The Holy Spirit is truly the Spirit of Understanding, Counsel, Revelation, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Truth.
SPIRIT OF THE FATHER — He is called the Spirit of the Father. We read in Matthew 10:20, “For it is not you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father which speaks in you.” This refers to the Holy Ghost — the member of the Godhead who is referred to as the Spirit of the Father.
SPIRIT OF TRUTH — The Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of Truth, and there is no error in Him. As the Holy Spirit leads and guides into a knowledge of truth, it is never contrary to the Word of God, for there is never any variation between the Spirit and the Word. As previously discussed, the Mind of the Godhead is always in perfect agreement, never in conflict. Ephesians 6:17 states that the Word of God is the “sword of the Spirit.” Actually, the Holy Ghost is the Divine Author of the Bible. The Prophets of old spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. II Timothy 3:16 tells us that all Scripture is given by the Inspiration of God. So the Holy Spirit will never contradict or deviate from His Own Word. The Bible is always the basis for any leading of the Holy Spirit. Whenever you are led by the Spirit, you will never be led contrary to the Word of God.
There are some major denominations and preachers who disbelieve certain statements made in the Word of God: that Jesus is the Son of God, that the Bible is Holy and infallible, that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, and that He died and rose again the third day. Many doubt the miracles of the Bible, that God can heal the sick, and that He can do wonders in answer to prayer.
Those who have been baptized (or immersed) in the Holy Spirit know that the Bible is God’s Word and that God performs miracles. They know that the sick can be healed, that Jesus was raised from the dead, and that He’s coming back for His people. There may be differences on minor points, but people who are led by the Spirit of God believe the fundamental Truths of God’s Word as the Spirit of Truth (the Holy Spirit) guides them.
It is imperative that we be led by the Spirit of Truth in order to avoid being led astray. Jesus said in John 14:16-17, “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; Whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but you know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you.”
You will never be in error when you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, for He is the Spirit of Truth. He is referred to as the Comforter, even the Spirit of Truth, in John 15:26: “But when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me.”
The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will guide a person into all Truth: as promised in John 16:13. “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come.”
Then in I John 4:2 and 6 we read, “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: he who knows God hears us; he who is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the Spirit of Truth, and the spirit of error.” It is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is Truth. One needs to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and in fire, otherwise he will inevitably fall into error. But having the Spirit of Truth operating fully within one’s life, one can be confident that he will be guided by Truth.
There is another aspect to the term “Spirit of Truth.” The Hebrew word for truth is one of activity — correct action. God is identified in the Old Testament as “the God who did things for Israel.” He brought them out of bondage and led them into the Promise Land. He is the God of action — the God who acts.
SPIRIT OF HOLINESS — Another name for the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Holiness. This expression is used in Romans 1:4. “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the Resurrection from the dead.” The word “holiness” is significant and beautiful here. God is Holy, and Believers are to be holy (Lev. 19:2.) An emphasis on Holy is vitally important.
There are groups who concentrate on acting as “holiness movements.” Now there’s nothing wrong, fundamentally, in this. But, tragically, some of these movements become overly legalistic. Legalism and a dedication to often-distorted ideas of holiness can lead to a hindering of the movement of the Holy Spirit. There is a tendency to legislate conformity, particularly in the matter of outward appearance, and a demand for adherence to specific outward aspects. While there are, of course, actions a Christian should avoid, being holy is not primarily a question of what we aren’t, or what we don’t do.
Holiness is a positive matter, grained as one draws nearer to God. We should be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is related to the idea of Sanctification — which involves the separating of an individual unto God. This drawing near to God results in an individual developing an inner beauty — the beauty of holiness — and is a transforming process produced only by the Holy Spirit.
Holiness is not a rigid set of rules or standards to be imposed on individuals or groups. Often, pharisaical attitudes have developed by those who see holiness as a set of restrictions to which they, and all others, must conform as a demonstration of holiness. God knows our hearts, and if we are developing holiness He is well aware of it without any outward display. True biblical holiness gives one a sweet, pleasant spirit and a new liberty and freedom in the Spirit. This stands out in marked contrast to the bitter, fault-finding, critical attitude so often demonstrated as the hallmark of condescending, pharisaical, religious snobbery (II Cor. 3:17).
Holiness produces a beautiful spirit and provides one with the qualities that are truly the “beauty of holiness.” In this Spirit there is the possibility of true worship — as well as a true and authentic demonstration, and reflection of some of the most significant aspects of one’s relationship to God.
THE SPIRIT OF LIFE — The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Life. In Romans 8:2 it is written, “For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the Law of Sin and Death.”
The Law of the Spirit of Life is sorely needed today! Nothing is more boring, lifeless, and depressing than a dead church service. Without the Spirit of Life (the Holy Spirit with His life-giving, dynamic power), a church service can be the ultimate expression of boredom!
Spiritual matters are exciting! Want to discuss something exciting? What about Redemption, the Christian life, Heaven! Heaven is phenomenal. It is awesome, tremendous, and indescribable — the eternal abode of every Child of God. We are talking about an eternal future that is going to be beautiful! It is so exciting that it stirs the deepest emotions as one thinks about the sheer splendor of the glory awaiting us.
The Lord Jesus Christ provided for our Redemption at Calvary nearly two thousand years ago. The Gospel is the Good News — the greatest news — and it is exciting! Church services shouldn’t be dead, they should be one of the most pleasant experiences in the life of a Christian. But are they? Unfortunately, not always. Not all churches allow God’s Holy Spirit to run their services. The presence of the Holy Spirit should be a part of every church service because He is the Spirit of Life. The Holy Spirit is, in fact, life personified.
SPIRIT OF ADOPTION — Another of the Holy Spirit’s Names is the Spirit of Adoption. We are told in Romans 8:15, “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of Adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” There is great significance in this statement. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. Through Him (and only through Him) can we become God’s sons, as we are adopted into the family of God.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the Glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). True, but through Christ, provision has been made for the Holy Spirit to reconcile us to God again. Sin separates us from God, but Jesus’ shed Blood provides forgiveness for our sins and a cleansing for our hearts. The sin barrier is utterly removed and we are reconciled to God. Sin stains are eradicated by His cleansing Blood. This is another activity of the Holy Spirit — and through the Spirit of Adoption we become children of the King, members of the family of God.
SPIRIT OF PROMISE — On the Day of Pentecost, the Believers were assembled together, waiting for the promise of the Father, the promise of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-4 and 2:33) as we prophesied in the Old Testament in Joel 2:28. This was a promise that the Spirit should be for all flesh and is a precious promise indeed.
We are told in Ephesians 1:13, “After that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise.” Documents received a stamp, or seal of approval, upon them. Special, important papers have this seal as a certification of their genuineness. In New Testament times, this seal represented ownership. Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit. Once they are sealed, they no longer belong to the Devil. They become the property of God.
Since we belong to God, once we become God’s property (by trusting and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Master) the Holy Spirit bears witness in our spirit that “we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:16). Paul goes on to state that if we are His children, then we are “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:17).
When a person becomes an heir — it means that someone has died. Christ died for us, and we are saved to become heirs. Even if others might try, they won’t convince you that you aren’t an heir. The Spirit bears witness with your spirit and you know what you are.
THE SPIRIT OF HIS MOUTH — This may sound like a strange name or designation for the Holy Spirit. However, in II Thessalonians 2:8 it says, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His Mouth.”
The declarations of God are powerful, and what He says is always significant. His Word is likened to the sword of the Spirit of Hebrews 4:12. In the combination of His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, we see a consuming force. As God’s Word came, the Holy Ghost moved upon the Apostles and Prophets of old to write the Word of God.
Knowledge and Inspiration of Divine Truth and messages of God are conveyed by the Holy Spirit. What God says is important, and what a Christian says under the anointing of the Holy Spirit is also important. What one confesses and says is of great significance.
SPIRIT OF FAITH — Faith is basic and absolutely essential to the life of a Christian. Faith is necessary for salvation, and it is also essential for day-to-day Christian living. “The just shall live by Faith” (Rom. 1:17).
Once again, God’s moving in the heart of the Believer is through the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Faith. According to the words of II Corinthians 4:13, “We having the same Spirit of Faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.”
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Faith assuring us of the certainty of what we believe. This gives us boldness to confess the Truth with conviction. It is really difficult to exercise faith, to understand faith, or to put faith to work — without the power of the Holy Spirit. “So then Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17).
One builds Faith by reading and studying the Word of God, and by applying it within his life. This comes about through the action of the Holy Spirit. Without the baptism in the Holy Spirit, an individual is limited in his development. He is handicapped in his exercise of faith because the infilling of the Holy Spirit builds Faith.
The mere study and memorization of Scripture will not, of itself, ensure faith. It is possible to have the letter without the Spirit. The Bible says, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (II Cor. 3:6). The Holy Spirit enables the individual to put the Word of God to work. The Spirit of Faith will move in the life of the Believer, who will then grow in his Knowledge of God’s Word. At this point, he will be able to exercise genuine Faith and begin to see the power of God at work.
Faith comes to an individual from God but it is the Holy Spirit (the third Person of the Godhead) who moves in on the life of the Believer (as the Spirit of Faith) to produce glorious results.
THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD — Yet another name for the Holy Spirit is found in I Peter 4:14: “If you be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you.”
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Glory and the Spirit of God. He is a Part of the Godhead, and He rests upon us and preserves our joy — even when we are reproached (rejected by the world) for the Name of Christ.
Sometimes — especially when Satan works to hinder the move of God and the blessings of God in a person’s life — there is a flood of God’s Glory and joy that wells up like a river. This is the Holy Spirit moving upon an individual. It is difficult to describe the Presence of God’s Glory, but anyone who has experienced it does not require a description. It is that overwhelming joy and serenity that floods us —by the Holy Spirit — in the midst of dire threats, dangers, and difficulties. It is wonderful to experience this feeling of envelopment by the Holy Spirit — the Spirit of Glory and of God.
THE COMFORTER — The Holy Spirit is the Comforter. Jesus made a precious promise to His followers, “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter” (Jn. 14:16).
The word translated “comforter” is from the Greek word paraklētos. Para means “alongside of” and kalētos is from kalēo which means “to call.” The basic meaning refers to someone who is summoned — called to one’s side. In the broad sense, a paraclete is someone who pleads another’s case before a judge. He is a defense counsel, a legal aid, an advocate, a spokesman, an intercessor.
Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter; to be with us, to instruct us, and be our source of aid and assistance. We read in John 16:25, “These things have I spoken unto you in Proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in Proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.”
The Holy Spirit always reveals and promotes Jesus. For the person who is truly baptized in the Holy Spirit, there is greater and more glorious revelation and understanding of God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit also encourages, comforts, strengthens, and helps us.
MANY NAMES — There are other names and expressions used to identify the Holy Spirit which give insight into His nature and function. These all relate to the Work of the Holy Spirit as a Part of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit has many names and designations. He is called (in Luke 1:35) the Power of the Highest. In other places: the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Judgment, the Spirit of Burning, the Spirit of Grace, the Spirit of Understanding, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge, and the Spirit of Truth. He is called the Spirit of Holiness, the Spirit of Life, the Spirit of Adoption, the Spirit of His Mouth, the Spirit of Faith, and the Spirit of Glory and of God. The Holy Spirit is a Comforter, the one who is our paraclete. He is the Power of the Highest and the Eternal Spirit. These names identify the Holy Spirit and also relate to God, for the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity.
Symbols of the holy spirit
PURPOSE OF SYMBOLS — There are several symbols used in Scripture for the Holy Spirit. These are important, but it must be remembered that symbols are not the Holy Spirit. These are types, suggestions, or representations of the Holy Spirit. They are like a Parable, compared to a clear, concise, factual account of something. They are like a logo or a trademark that brings a company to mind. These are not the company; they represent the company.
Sometimes, for some people, a type or symbol can be a substitute for the real thing. The symbols representing the Holy Spirit are not mystical, nor are they objects of worship. Types and symbols are not intended to become the underpinning of bizarre religious exercises or ritualism. Their purpose is simply to illustrate, to point to something else (namely, the Holy Spirit in this case). Symbols are for the purpose of illuminating and giving new insight and understanding. They are not to obscure, nor to become a substitute, replacing that which they symbolize.
OIL — Oil is a type of the Holy Spirit in Scripture. There are numerous Old Testament uses of oil which relate to the things of God and the Work of the Holy Spirit. When the Israelite priests were consecrated to their office, oil was poured over their heads (Ex. 29:7, 29-30; Lev. 8). We read in Psalm 133:2, “It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.” It appears that oil was used so abundantly that it ran down the beard and saturated the priest’s robes as they were ordained into the great priestly office.
When a king was chosen in Israel, he was also anointed with oil. After Saul failed God and a new king was to be found, the Spirit of God came to Samuel and sent him to the house of Jesse. The sons of Jesse were assembled — strong, powerful, robust young men — but the Spirit of God revealed to Samuel that none of those present was meant to be king.
Samuel was perplexed and asked Jesse, Is this all of your sons?
Jesse informed him that there was one other son, but he was just a lad who tended the sheep. Samuel told him to bring the young man. David came, and the Spirit of God revealed to Samuel that he was the one.
God looks on the heart, for at that time David looked an unlikely prospect. Still, he was God’s choice. Samuel took his horn of oil and poured it on David’s head, and the oil flowed over his face and garments. Of course, this doesn’t mean that today we have to be anointed with a pint or quart of oil in order to have the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus completed His Redemptive Work and ascended to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit, Who came in a new and unique way as He descended on the Believers on the Day of Pentecost. Since that time, people have been able to experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit immerses an individual in His Presence, there is something that flows through the heart — just as the oil flowed down over David’s head, saturating his hair, face, and garments. We can be saturated with God’s love as we are baptized in the Holy Spirit.
In Exodus 27:20, oil is described as the fuel for the lamp in the Holy Place — a lamp that was to burn eternally. The lamp itself, as well as the oil it contained, was also a type of the Holy Spirit. This lamp was never to go out, but due to the failure of the chosen priests (representing all of Israel) it did. Samuel was getting old, and he speaks of the lamp going out because the high priest neglected the duties of the Tsemple. This actually represented the spiritual darkening overtaking the land of Israel.
And there are other references to oil. Mark 6:13 tells us that we are to anoint the sick with oil. And James 5:14 also says to anoint with oil and pray for the sick. This emphasis on oil is intended to teach us that the Holy Spirit is totally involved in the Spiritual Life of the Believer in Christ. We are kings and priests under God, and we are to minister. Oil is a beautiful and appropriate symbol for the Holy Spirit because it penetrates, permeates, saturates, soothes, moistens, protects, and lubricates. Notably, one of the most widely recognized properties of oil is its ability to eliminate friction and abrasion.
Oil also purges and cleanses, and if burned its energy radiates light and warmth. Some kinds of oil are edible and have great nutritional value. The Psalmist spoke of being anointed with oil is Psalm 23:5 “You anoint My head with oil.” Oil is a type, and a beautiful symbol, of the Holy Spirit.
THE DOVE — Another appropriate symbol of the Holy Spirit is the dove. The account in Luke 3:22 mentions the Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove. There are several excellent reasons why God would use a dove to represent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s influence and workings are always gentle — which is a bit in contrast to the methods of God the Son. When Jesus came to die on Calvary, neither sinners, devils, nor all the hordes of Hell could stop him. He died on Calvary, whether they liked it or not. God the Father determines the workings of this world. The seasons come and go, and many things are determined by God that atheists, devils, and demons cannot alter.
The Work of the Holy Spirit, on the other hand, is often quite different. He is either hindered or helped by our reaction to his leadings. When antagonistic or negative attitudes exist, the Holy Spirit will not remain. There is no great outburst, no clap of thunder, but the presence of the Holy Spirit is no longer felt. The Holy Spirit is gentle like a dove. One must walk softly and quietly before God the Holy Spirit.
God has spoken this to my own heart and spirit, as He has said to me, “I want you to walk softly before me.” God then went on to impress me that because I am somewhat high spirited, I must concentrate particularly on learning to walk softly before Him.
It is not difficult to feel the pressure of responsibility and to respond in a bombastic manner. Such pressure can cause one to lose one’s patience and temper. But we should all learn to walk softly and quietly in the Presence of the Holy Spirit.
In His own sweet, quiet way, the Holy Ghost will gently nudge us when we fail to be restrained — as He desires us to be. The Holy Spirit points out our impatience and other faults that can quench the Spirit. If one’s spirit is charged up, overactive or abrasive, it will stop the Holy Spirit from moving on him. The Holy Spirit doesn’t react with a physical body or brain, but rather with one’s spirit. The Holy Spirit is as gentle as a dove, and this is why God used that beautiful symbol when Jesus was baptized.
LIVING WATER — Jesus likened the fullness of the Spirit in the Believer to “rivers of living water” (Jn. 7:37-39). For the individual who is truly filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus said that out of his innermost being, “out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water.”
In Isaiah 44:3 God said, “For I will pour water upon him who is sthirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon your seed, and My blessing upon your offspring.”
It is God’s promise and desire to “pour out of His Spirit.” As used in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17, the term “pour out of His Spirit” suggests an outflowing, an overflowing, an inflowing — as of a river breaking loose from its’ banks. One reason Jesus used water as a symbol of the Holy Spirit is because water brings life. It refreshes, cleans, and purifies.
Water is one of the basic requirements of life. The human body consists of a large percentage of water; we must have it for a healthy physical life. The Holy Spirit is likened to water because just as the body needs water, our spirit needs the Holy Spirit.
When the fullness of the Holy Spirit is within us, there will be a flow of His Presence out through us, touching and refreshing others. When the Word of God flows in a service, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, it can be like a mighty river. What blessings are experienced as the Holy Spirit moves!
There are services where people by the hundreds — without invitation, without urging, without physiological gimmicks — spontaneously get out of their seats weeping, crying, responding to God as the Spirit moves. I have seen this many times when, like a miracle river, the power and Presence of the Holy Spirit flowed through a service.
In my own spirit, I have watched the Holy Spirit flow like a river. If your church is dry, get the river flowing through it — the river of the Holy Spirit. If your messages are dry, get the river of God flowing through them. People will come where the refreshing waters flow. Some preachers are trying to row a boat in a dry river bed and then wonder what’s wrong.
You need a river. Find where the river is and leap in. Where you find the Spirit of God moving, that’s where you’ll find the divine refreshment flowing. And thus it is that the Holy Spirit is likened to living waters or a flowing river.
It is so tragic that some not only have rejected, but opposed, the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Entering into the reality of this Divine refreshing, one can sing with the writer of the song, “It’s real, it’s real, I know it’s real. Thank God, the doubts are settled and I know, I know it’s real.”
I have known individuals who were thirsty for the living waters, but who were hindered and deterred before they came to the refreshing experience of the Holy Spirit — finally being baptized or immersed in Him only after a long and agonizing search. They will tell you that no price is too great if it finally gets you to where you can receive the fullness of God’s blessings through His Holy Spirit.
In our old-fashioned, Holy Ghost, camp meeting services, the power of God falls. And people by the hundreds and even thousands worship God with uplifted hands, tears rolling down their faces, and ecstatic joy filling their hearts. This type of old-fashioned camp meeting is not fanaticism. It is worship of the Lord Jesus Christ in power and Truth. It’s an expression of Holy Spirit power. And believe me, His power is real!
A story is told of a man who experienced this wonderful reality. It was many years ago (perhaps well over forty) when this well-educated and dignified gentleman felt a deepening desire to receive the mighty infilling of the Holy Spirit. He wanted this mighty river within him, but he could not seem to receive. His wife and family members received, but doubts continued to thwart his ability to just “let go and let God.”
He had many questions, and there seemed to be something blocking him. Of course, the basic problem was Satan doing everything he could to hinder this man from coming into the fullness of the Holy Spirit experience.
This brother knew, somehow deep inside his heart, that it was real, so he would not be deterred. After months of searching, hungry for God, thirsting for the living waters, and with people around him telling him how wonderful it was, he still had not been able to experience it for himself.
He finally heard of some precious black brothers and sisters across town in the eastern city where he lived. And he heard of a couple of black sisters in that church whom God was using in a wonderful way as His instruments in praying people through to the baptism. He told his mother that he wanted to go there, and they rode a streetcar all the way across town.
They found the little church, walked in, and sat down. Before too long the pastor left the platform and came back to where they were sitting. “What can we do for you?” he asked. You see, he didn’t really know why they had come, because in those days very few whites sought out the churches of black “Pentecostals.”
They told the pastor that they had heard of many people being baptized in the Holy Spirit in this small church, and that certain black sisters were known to be instrumental in praying for people to receive the Holy Spirit. The pastor said, “Well, that’s right, and they are here tonight.”
The gentleman who had come to the church said, “That is why I have come. I am hungry for the Holy Spirit. I want to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Will you pray for me?” The black preacher said, “Yes sir, we will.” And pray they did — with uplifted hands, worshiping God, and with tears rolling down their faces.
Time went by and it was getting close to midnight and the last streetcar-run. His mother asked him if he had received yet, but he hadn’t. She said, “If we don’t go soon, we will miss the streetcar, and we have a long way to go.”
The man had apparently tried everything. He was dejected, discouraged, and grieving inside but he obviously couldn’t stay the night. He had been on his knees at the altar, and he got to his feet and thanked the brothers and sisters involved. They were sorry, too, that he had not received. In fact, they were more than sorry, they were heartbroken.
As he and his mother walked to the trolley stop, he reflected that he had done everything he knew to do. “I have pleaded, cried, and wept. I have prayed and I don’t know what more I can do.” Of course, his mother didn’t know what to tell him.
They arrived at the trolley stop, and suddenly, as she looked at him, it was like his face was aglow in the moonlight. The streetcar was approaching and his last words in English, as she started to step onto the trolley were, “Mama, get on the car and go, but I’m not coming along. I suddenly feel it. Praise God, I feel it coming.”
As she got on the streetcar, leaving him there, those were the last words in English he was to speak that night. Because as the mother departed, her son raised his hands toward the heavens and started speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.
Eventually he walked home, completely across town. It took the better part of the night, and all the way he was speaking in tongues as the joy of the Lord permeated his soul.
Later on he wrote that song I just quoted: “It’s real, it’s real, I know it’s real. Thank God, the doubts are settled and I know, I know it’s real.”
Yes, it is real. Thousands of lives have been transformed from the mundane to the miraculous, from being dry and dead to refreshed and resurrected. It is more than a refreshing flow, it is life restoring. The Holy Spirit is indeed like a river of Living Waters.
WIND — Another symbol of the Holy Spirit is wind. In Acts 2:2 it is stated, “And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”
In John 3:8 we read, “The wind blows where it listeth, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell from where it comes, and whither it goes: so is every one who is born of the Spirit.”
The Holy Spirit — like a wind — can be gentle as it blows, bringing refreshing coolness. We had a crusade once in an outdoor stadium in Florida on a Sunday afternoon in late spring. The sun was baking down at 2:30 P.M. and it was hot.
Even in the morning as the men were setting up the equipment they remarked that the heat was rising from the platform and burning their feet through their shoes. We knew it was going to be difficult for the people to sit on the concrete risers without anything covering their heads to dissipate the sun’s heat. So we asked the Lord for clouds to cover the sun, and clouds soon appeared to do just that, not too long after the equipment was arranged.
But as I said, even with the cloud cover, it was still hot when the crowd arrived and the service started around 2:30 P.M. So we asked the Lord for a gentle breeze — and very shortly a gentle breeze began. This was an amazing answer to prayer, and our gentle wind refreshed the crowd as it blew across the stadium. It was a beautiful time.
The Lord likened the wind to the Holy Spirit, and used it as a symbol. The wind can be gentle, but it can also be strong — awesomely strong. Despite what we just said about the meekness and the gentleness of the Holy Spirit, there are times when the Holy Spirit can move in might and strength as well.
The Holy Spirit can do mighty and powerful things on behalf of those who are His. The Holy Spirit can be powerful as well as gentle, so it doesn’t pay to oppose Him. Tragic things have occurred to those who have tried to oppose the mighty move of the Spirit of God. In addition to oil, the dove, and water, wind is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
FIRE — God’s Word presents yet another symbol of the Holy Spirit in Matthew 3:11. Here John the Baptist says, “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire.” When the Spirit descended on the Day of Pentecost, there was not only the sound of wind, but also tongues of fire.
It is stated in Acts 2:3, “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.” Fire is used to illustrate some of the activity and power of God. Hebrews 12:29 states, “For our God is a consuming fire.” So fire is another symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Fire refines and can change materials from one form to another. To make a beautiful piece of machinery or equipment from steel, fire must be used to melt the metal so it can be changed to a usable form. Heat it used to soften it so it can be molded or hammered or pressed into shape. Fire can consume an item — to all intents and purposes removing that item from existence. And it can change the appearance of an object, purify it, warm it, light it, or cleanse it. There are many reasons why fire is an excellent type of the Holy Spirit. Each of the actions mentioned is, in fact, typical of Holy Spirit action on people. But always remember, the types of the Holy Spirit are not themselves the Holy Spirit, but illustrations or symbols revealing something of the nature, function, approach, or activities of the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The many characteristics, names, and symbols for the Holy Spirit reveal much of His nature and activities. There is an intrinsic relationship to God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is one member of the Godhead, or the Trinity — the third member. The Holy Spirit does the Work of God. Jesus said He would return to the Father and send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus and the ways of God as He moves in the hearts and lives of Believers. The Holy Spirit moves in mighty and marvelous ways to accomplish the Purposes of God.