Bible Dictionary Definitions

Click here to show/hide instructions.

Results For Word: HOLY SPIRIT OR HOLY GHOST

Open All | Close All Open All | Close All
Word American Tract Society - Definition
HOLY SPIRIT OR HOLY GHOST The third person in the blessed Trinity. He is said to proceed from the Father, and to be sent by the Father and the Son upon disciples, Joh 14:26 15:26; to be the Spirit of the Father, Mt 10:20 1Co 2:11; and the Spirit of Christ, Ga 4:6 Php 1:19.

That he is a real PERSON, and not merely an attribute or emanation of God, is clear from the numerous passages in the Bible which describes him as exercising the acts, thoughts, emotions, and volition of a distinct intelligent person. None other could be pleased, vexed, and grieved, could speak, console, and intercede, or divide his gifts severally to every one, as he will. So also, in Greek as in English, the personal masculine pronouns would be necessary.

That he is a DIVINE PERSON, equally with the Father, and the Son, is proved from his association with tem in a great variety of acts purely divine; as in the work of creation, Ge 1:2 Ps 33:6 104:30. He is honored as they are in the baptismal formula, Mt 28:19, and in the apostolic benediction, 2Co 13:14. He receives the name, 2Co 3:17, and exercises the attributes of God, Ro 8:14 1Co 2:10 6:19 Heb 9:14. He is prayed to as God, Re 1:4,5; sin against him is sin against God, Ac 5:3,4 Eph 4:30; and blasphemy against him is unpardonable, Mt 12:31.

The WORK of the Holy Spirit is divine. Of old, he inspired the sacred writers and teachers, and imparted miraculous gifts. Under the Christian dispensation, he applies the salvation of Christ to men's hearts, convincing them of sin, Joh 16:8,9; showing them "the things of Christ," illuminating and regenerating them, Joh 3:5 Eph 2:1. He is the Comforter of the church, aids believers in prayer, witnesses with and intercedes for them, directs them in duty, and sanctifies them for heaven.
Top