Topical Bible: The Holy Spirit: is God: As Called God

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The Holy Spirit, as part of the Holy Trinity, is recognized as God within Christian theology. This understanding is rooted in various scriptural references that attribute divine qualities and titles to the Holy Spirit, affirming His deity and co-equality with the Father and the Son.

Divine Titles and Attributes

The Holy Spirit is explicitly referred to as God in several passages of Scripture, underscoring His divine nature. In Acts 5:3-4, the apostle Peter confronts Ananias about lying to the Holy Spirit, equating this act with lying to God: "Then Peter said, 'Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the sale? Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.'" . This passage clearly identifies the Holy Spirit as God, as lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God Himself.

Divine Works and Roles

The Holy Spirit performs works that are attributed to God alone, further affirming His deity. In creation, the Spirit is described as active and life-giving. Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." . This involvement in creation is a divine act, showcasing the Holy Spirit's power and presence from the beginning.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit is involved in the process of regeneration and sanctification, roles that are inherently divine. In John 3:5-6, Jesus speaks of being born of the Spirit: "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit.'" . The transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life is a testament to His divine authority and power.

Divine Presence and Omniscience

The omnipresence and omniscience of the Holy Spirit are further indicators of His deity. Psalm 139:7-8 declares, "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there." . The psalmist acknowledges the inescapable presence of the Spirit, a characteristic that belongs to God alone.

Additionally, the Holy Spirit's role in revealing divine truth and knowledge is highlighted in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11: "But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." . The Spirit's ability to comprehend and reveal the thoughts of God underscores His divine nature.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit is unequivocally recognized as God within the biblical canon. Through divine titles, works, and attributes, the Holy Spirit is affirmed as an integral and co-equal member of the Holy Trinity, sharing in the essence and nature of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:3,4
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy Spirit is Called the Gift of God in the Scriptures. By ...
... Book XV. Chapter 19."The Holy Spirit is Called the Gift of God in the Scriptures.
By the Gift of the Holy Spirit is Meant the Gift Which is the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 19 the holy spirit is.htm

The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
... V. The Holy Spirit is called God. The final and decisive proof of the Deity of the
Holy Spirit is found in the fact that He is called God in the New Testament. ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter ii the deity of.htm

Of the Holy Spirit and the Mystery of the Trinity.
... is God," [1625] but, "for God is a Spirit;" so that the very Godhead of the Father
and the Son is in this passage called God, and that is the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 9 of the holy spirit.htm

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... the sorrow of Gethsemane may be endured by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the most
sensitive person of the Godhead. He is called the "Mother"heart" of God. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

Holiness
... of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I ... from all filthiness of
the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.""2:Cor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter ix holiness.htm

The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ...
... the praises of Him who has called them out ... But when God accomplishes His good pleasure
in the ... powerfully illuminates their minds by His Holy Spirit, that they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/the corruption of man his.htm

Sanctified by God the Father.
... wholly, made perfect in love, and filled with the Spirit. ... the Old Testament, the
holiness of God is brought ... "Be ye holy, for I am holy," which command and ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter xi sanctified by god.htm

The Work of the Holy Spirit
... XXVIII. The Coming of the Called. XXIX. ... XIX. The Manifestation of Holy Love. XX.
God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart. XXI. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/

A Treatise of Novatian Concerning the Trinity
... Founder of All Things, Their Lord and Parent, is Proved from the Holy Scriptures. ...
Argument.--Moreover, that When God is Called a Spirit, Brightness, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/novatian/a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... of believers today are girded with the power of the Holy Spirit they will ... "For of
a truth against thy holy child Jesus ... (Acts 4:18.) God's called servants could ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm