The Personality of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament*

Contrary to those who claim the Holy Spirit is only an energy or force, the Bible clearly shows that the Holy Spirit has the attributes of a Person. In the New Testament, the Bible says that the Holy Spirit,

  • Is a member of the Godhead (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2)
  • Convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8)
  • Guides Christians to all truth (John 16:13)
  • Speaks (John 16:13; Acts 1:16; 10:19; 13:2; 20:23; 21:10-11; 1 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:7; Revelation 14:13; 22:17)
  • Hears (John 16:13)
  • Tells what is yet to come (John 16:13)
  • Brings glory to Jesus by taking what is Jesus’ and making it known to Christians (John 16:14)
  • Uses the personal pronouns “me” and “I” to refer to Himself (Acts 13:2)
  • Can make decisions (Acts 15:28; 1 Corinthians 12:11)
  • Appoints overseers or bishops (Acts 20:28)
  • Communicates to God the words we cannot express (Romans 8:26-27)
  • Has a mind (Romans 8:27)
  • Teaches spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:13-14)
  • Can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30)

 

*I do not claim this list to be exhaustive.

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Related article: Why Christians Believe in the Trinity

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