We need the Bible because it is the very word of the Lord, and the holy spirit is the spirit of the Lord. “God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) The holy spirit is not a separate personality, but it is the power, and influence, the mind of God.

The Lord speaks to us – communicates to us through His word. We are instructed in 2 Timothy 2:15, to “study to show yourself approved unto God…” 

Scripture defines the holy spirit in many ways: as the spirit of God (Isaiah 61:1), the spirit of holiness (Romans 1:4), the spirit of truth (John 14:17), the spirit of promise (Ephesians 1:13), the spirit of wisdom (Exodus 28:3), the spirit of glory, the spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13,) the spirit of counsel and might, (Isaiah11:2), the spirit of grace (Hebrews 10:29), as well as the spirit of adoption, the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of Christ, the spirit of a sound mind, the spirit of liberty the spirit of meekness, the spirit of understanding and others.

In the account of creation in Genesis, we read, “…and the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”  (Genesis 1:2) God, by his spirit, his mighty power, created the earth and all life upon the earth.

The spirit of God also rested on faithful men of old, from Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses and all the prophets. These great prophets spoke as they were moved by the spirit of God.

When Jesus was baptized, John saw a vision like a dove (Matthew 3:16). This represented the begetting power of God’s holy spirit upon his son Jesus. This new work of the holy spirit begat Jesus to a new life, a new nature. Jesus was rewarded for his faithfulness with immortality, the divine nature. (See Matthew 28:18 and 1 Corinthians 15:53.)

At Pentecost, believers were begotten of the spirit and certain gifts were bestowed. 1 Corinthians 2:4-12 lists some of the gifts as speaking foreign languages, the ability to heal disease, to prophesy, etc. These gifts passed away when the apostles died, but the gifts helped to establish the church.

Today, consecrated followers of Jesus are also begotten to a new nature by the holy spirit. If we are faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10), a heavenly resurrection is assured. (2 Peter 1:4)

The LORD has a plan for everyone who does not follow Christ in this age. In God’s kingdom, “I (God) will pour out my spirit upon all flesh,” Joel 2:28. By the power of the spirit, mankind will be resurrected and have the opportunity to be restored to human perfection. (Acts 3:21)

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1325: “Does God’s Holy Spirit Speak to Us?”
Unfolding how the holy spirit does and does not function in our lives
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For PDF Booklet: “The Holy Spirit” – describes the operation of God’s holy spirit in the lives of His people, and how it is the Christian’s link to God.

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: What is the holy spirit?
Animated video: What does the holy spirit do?
Animated video: How do Christians receive the holy spirit?