There are many contradicting beliefs, teachings, and opinions in the religious world concerning the Holy Spirit. Some believe they have been baptized in the Spirit and are empowered by Him to perform miraculous works. Others deny this can happen today. Some believe the Holy Spirit personally and literally dwells in them. Others teach this is impossible. Some insist the Holy Spirit is nothing more than an influence or a mere manifestation of God - that He is not real. Others confess Him as a distinct member of the Godhead.

Sadly, some Christians are not equipped to defend the truth about this subject. Compared to the Holy Spirit, we know quite a bit about the Father and Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit remains a mystery to most of us. This is unfortunate, for the Holy Spirit is a prominent subject in the Bible, mentioned as early as Genesis1:2 and as late as Revelation 22:17.

The only things we can know for certain about the Holy Spirit are those things that have been revealed in the Bible. We must be content with the teachings of the Bible, as opposed to relying upon denominational doctrines, human opinions, and personal feelings. In this article, we will discuss what the Bible has to say about the identity of the Holy Spirit.

The Names of the Holy Spirit
While the following is not an exhaustive list, it does contain many of the names or designations given to the Holy Spirit in the Word of God.

These names or designations tell us some important things about the Holy Spirit. For instance, we know that He is a spirit. The word "spirit" is translated from the Greek word pneuma which means "a current of air, a spirit." He is not flesh and blood; not a physical being but a spiritual being.

He is not a "ghost" in the modern use of the word. In 1611, when the King James Version was translated, the word "ghost" meant "the soul as the seat of life or intelligence; hence, the spirit of man, as distinguished from the body" (Webster). Today the word carries the idea of a disembodied spirit or a spook. While the "Holy Ghost" is a scriptural and accurate designation, there is nothing "spooky" about the Holy Spirit.

Also, notice these designations connect the Holy Spirit with God, as well as with truth, grace, life, and holiness.

Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4). He exhibits all the attributes of deity.

While these attributes identify the Holy Spirit as deity, the Bible also shows the Holy Spirit has all of the qualities, characteristics, and attributes of a person or an individual. The following are all things that a person can do. The Holy Spirit...

The following are all things that can be done to a person. The Holy Spirit can be...

The following are all things that a person has. The Holy Spirit has a...

These Scriptures help us to see the Holy Spirit is a distinct individual. The Holy Spirit is not a manifestation of the Father or the Son. He is not the Word, nor a mere divine influence. He is a distinct member of the Godhead: one with God the Father and with God the Son.

There are three distinct personalities or individuals that make up the Godhead. They are all separate from one another (the Father is not the Son or the Spirit, etc.), yet they are all equally God. The Scriptures show they are distinct from each other. One example occurred when Jesus was baptized by John. When this event occurred, the Bible says the Father was in Heaven, the Son was on Earth, and the Spirit was seen descending upon the Son in the form of a dove (Matthew 3:16-17). They are separate, yet they are united in nature, character, and purpose.

Conclusion: While we know less about the Spirit than we know about the Father and the Son, the Spirit is God. As a member of the Godhead, He deserves our reverence and respect.