Topical Encyclopedia
The Holy Spirit, as the third person of the Holy Trinity, possesses a distinct personality and power that is evident throughout the Scriptures. His role is not merely an impersonal force or influence but an active, dynamic presence with unique attributes and abilities.
Divine Power and AuthorityThe Holy Spirit's power is divine and sovereign, as seen in the creation narrative. In
Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God is described as "hovering over the surface of the waters," indicating His active role in creation. This creative power is further affirmed in
Job 33:4, where it is stated, "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Empowerment for ServiceThe Holy Spirit empowers individuals for specific tasks and ministries. In the Old Testament, He came upon individuals to equip them for leadership and prophecy. For instance, in
Judges 6:34, "The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him." This empowerment is not limited to the Old Testament; in the New Testament, Jesus promises the disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (
Acts 1:8). This power enables believers to be effective witnesses and to carry out the mission of the Church.
Giver of Spiritual GiftsThe Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts to believers according to His will, demonstrating His sovereign power and authority. In
1 Corinthians 12:11, it is written, "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines." These gifts are given for the edification of the Church and the advancement of God's kingdom.
Conviction and TransformationThe Holy Spirit's power is also evident in His work of conviction and transformation. In
John 16:8, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will "convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." This convicting power leads individuals to repentance and faith in Christ. Furthermore, the Spirit's transformative power is seen in the process of sanctification, as He works within believers to produce the fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22-23).
Intercessory RoleThe Holy Spirit exercises His power in intercession for believers.
Romans 8:26-27 states, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." This intercessory role highlights the Spirit's intimate involvement in the lives of believers, providing guidance and support in accordance with God's will.
ConclusionThe Holy Spirit's power is a testament to His divine personality and active presence in the world. Through creation, empowerment, the distribution of spiritual gifts, conviction, transformation, and intercession, the Holy Spirit demonstrates His unique and sovereign power, working to fulfill God's purposes and glorify Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 15:13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Personality of the Holy Spirit.
... in the entire Bible in which the personality of the ... in act or word or thought or
fancy, He is grieved ... will allow those words, "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter i the personality of.htm
The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
... His brightness is complete in all our personality, and the ... and beautiful art of which
the Holy Spirit is the ... alone understands it, and they whom He has taught. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxi the love of the.htm
The Personality of Power.
... and in sober earnest, you know how insulted he would be. ... use of the word "itself"
for the Holy Spirit in the ... persons to a vague idea of the personality of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the personality of power.htm
He Does Wrong in Assuming, to Account for the Existence of the ...
... after the Almighty at all, when he counts Him ... Only-Begotten, and by which the Holy
Spirit came into ... found to have no foundation: another personality, prior to ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 20 he does wrong.htm
The Holy Spirit Convicting the World of Sin, of Righteousness and ...
... and women of most exemplary conduct and attractive personality. ... The Holy Spirit needs
human lips to speak through. He needs yours, and He needs lives so clean ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter vii the holy spirit.htm
The Power of the Holy Ghost
... existence of the Holy Ghost and his absolute personality, what will ... There is power
enough in the Holy Spirit. ... He is able to bring sinners to Jesus; he is able ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the power of the holy.htm
The Personality of the Holy Ghost
... some little instruction concerning the proper personality of the ... you will find a
will ascribed to the Holy Spirit. ... So it is plain that the Spirit has a will. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the personality of the holy.htm
Gifts and Talents.
... come from the Father; are disposed for each personality by the Son; and kindled
in each by the Holy Spirit as by ... there is in it, and not whatever he chooses ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm
On the Holy Spirit.
... to time; for that which receives its personality from a ... spoken, "He giveth life to
whom He willeth." But ... is the True life, by the operation of the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the holy spirit.htm
Power --Its Source
... To the actual Christian, the personality of the Holy ... The Holy Spirit has all the
qualities belonging to a ... He possesses attributes and qualities which can only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter i powerits source.htm
Resources
What are some of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWill the Holy Spirit ever leave a believer? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I live a holy life? | GotQuestions.orgHoly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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