Who Is the Holy Spirit?
Understanding the Spirit of God Who Lives Within Us
At Church of Grace, we believe that knowing God isn’t just about information—it’s about intimacy and transformation. And when it comes to transformation, no one plays a more central role in the life of a believer than the Holy Spirit.
But who exactly is the Holy Spirit? Is He God? Is He a feeling? A force? A mystery?
Let’s explore what Scripture says—and discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live the life Jesus died to give us.
The Holy Spirit: God’s Presence with Us
The Holy Spirit isn’t an “it.” He’s a person. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity—fully God, just as much as the Father and the Son.
From the opening verses of Genesis to the final words of Revelation, the Holy Spirit is revealed as God’s personal presence at work in the world—and in us.
“You have lied to the Holy Spirit... You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
– Acts 5:3–4
He speaks. He teaches. He comforts. He grieves. He empowers. The Holy Spirit is not a distant concept—we experience Him daily as the one who walks with us, fills us, and leads us into the abundant life Jesus promised.
The Spirit in the Story of God
From the very beginning, the Holy Spirit has been moving.
- In Creation:
“The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” – Genesis 1:2
He brings life, order, and purpose. - In Revelation:
“Prophets... spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:21
The Spirit is the one who reveals truth and inspired Scripture. - In Salvation:
“No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” – John 3:5
We are born again through the work of the Holy Spirit. - In Sanctification:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” – Galatians 5:22–23
The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out. We will begin to see the fruit of the Spirit which is the character of Christ developing within us.
Pentecost: The Spirit Poured Out
When Jesus ascended, He promised not to leave us alone. At Pentecost, that promise was fulfilled.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
– Acts 2:4
Pentecost wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. It marked the birth of the Church and the beginning of a new era where every believer carries the presence of God. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us. (See Romans 8:11.)
This baptism of the Holy Spirit serves as an endowment with power from on High to fulfill the commission of God in our lives.
The Holy Spirit Gives Gifts to His People
God doesn’t just give us His presence—He gives us power and purpose. The Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts to build up the Church and serve the world.
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:7
Examples of spiritual gifts include:
- Wisdom, knowledge, miracles, faith, healing, prophecy, discernment, tongues and interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12)
- Teaching, leadership, encouragement, giving, mercy (Romans 12)
- Serving others in love and grace (1 Peter 4:10)
These gifts may look different from person to person, but they all point to the same thing—Jesus glorified through the lives of His people.
How the Holy Spirit Moves in Our Lives Today
Here at Church of Grace, we regularly talk about living a Spirit-led life. That’s not just spiritual talk—it’s how we live out our faith in a real and powerful way.
Here’s what the Holy Spirit does in us as believers:
- He Empowers Us
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” – Acts 1:8
He gives us boldness, strength, and supernatural courage to be witnesses for Christ. - He Guides Us
“He will guide you into all truth.” – John 16:13
When you need direction, He’s your counselor and teacher. - He Comforts Us
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” – Romans 8:16
He reminds us that we belong to God—even when we feel alone. - He Transforms Us
“Saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit…” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13
He shapes us to look more and more like Jesus every day.
We Can Be Filled With The Spirit
Being filled with the Spirit is meant to be an ongoing, daily experience for the believer.
- “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit…” – Ephesians 5:18-19
When someone is filled with the Spirit the Holy Spirit fills the heart and mind of the believer so that every thought, determination and action is under the pervading influence and direction of the Holy Spirit.
There are many indications of a person being filled with the Spirit including righteousness, peace and joy (Rom. 14:17; Acts 6:15; 7:55). When the disciples (who had already been baptized in the Holy Spirit) were filled with the Spirit the evidence was a new boldness to preach and testify to their faith (Acts 4:31).
Bible Verses That Help Us Know the Spirit Better
If you want to go deeper in your understanding of the Holy Spirit, here are some key Scriptures to meditate on:
- John 14:26 – The Spirit is our Advocate and Teacher
- Galatians 5:16 – Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh
- Romans 8:26 – The Spirit prays for us when we don’t have the words
- Ephesians 1:13–14 – The Spirit is the seal and guarantee of our salvation
Conclusion: The Spirit Changes Everything
The Holy Spirit is not just for pastors or missionaries. He’s for you. He’s God with you—guiding, equipping, empowering, and transforming you daily.
If you’re a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit already lives inside of you. And if you’re still exploring what it means to follow Jesus, know this: the Spirit is drawing you near.
At Church of Grace, we believe life with the Spirit is the only way to live fully alive. Let’s keep seeking Him, listening to His voice, and trusting His power to lead us in grace and truth.
Come, Holy Spirit. Do what only You can do.
-
Yorba Linda