Explained: The Holy Spirit
When you picture the Holy Spirit, what do you think of? A dove? A ghost? The wind?
Those words have been used to describe the Holy Spirit, but that’s not Him. The Holy Spirit is a person. In the book of John, Jesus tells us exactly who the Holy Spirit is and what His purpose is.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. // John 14:16-17 AMP
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Notice that Jesus called the Holy Spirit Him. The Holy Spirit is a person, not a thing. And just like Jesus, the Holy Spirit is Lord, the third member of the Trinity. Throughout the Bible, scripture shows us that God is three persons, one God—a trinity. He’s Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in one. Jesus himself mentions the Trinity when giving us the Great Commission:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…// Matthew 28:19 AMP
Simply put, the Holy Spirit is God, and he dwells in every Christ-follower.
Where is the Holy Spirit?
For believers, the Holy Spirit is literally with us and in us.
…but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you. // John 14:17 AMP
Throughout the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit is mentioned as being with people. For instance, the Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord “came upon” Ezekiel.
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon me, and he told me to say… // Ezekiel 11:5 NLT
In all those mentions, the Holy Spirit was with people, but He did not remain with them permanently.
That changed after Jesus died and was resurrected. On Pentecost, the promise was fulfilled that was made in John 14:17. The Holy Spirit came to be our Helper. Now, every believer receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation. As a believer, He is with you, in you, and REMAINS with you constantly.
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Because the Holy Spirit is with you and in you continually, you are never alone. The Greek word used in John 14:16 for Helper is Paracletos, which translates to “called to one’s side.” The Amplified Bible version, which brings out the fullness of the original Greek words, showcases the rich meaning of Paracletos.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— // John 14:16 AMP
Comforter. Advocate. Intercessor. Counselor. Strengthener. Standby. The Holy Spirit is all of these things for you! He comforts you when you’re grieved. He supports you. He intercedes for you. He counsels you, being your guide and advisor. He gives you strength. He’s your standby, always ready and alert.
He is your Helper in all things, at all times.
How Do I Receive the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit indwells every believer. If you’ve already called on Jesus as Lord, you have the Holy Spirit. So, rely on His Holy Help, and trust His guidance and counsel.
If you haven’t called on Jesus as Lord, you can do it right now and immediately receive the Holy Spirit.
Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. // Acts 2:38 NLT
If you are making the decision to build your life on the hope and help from Jesus and would like prayer and help finding a church community, let us know.