The Bible describes the holy spirit as God’s invisible power and influence, a special spiritual sense that God gives to faithful Christians to help them make good decisions, understand the Bible and live in ways that please Him.
Jesus called the holy spirit a “helper,” saying in John 14:26 that the Father would send this helper to teach and remind his followers of all Jesus had taught.
Throughout history, the work of the holy spirit has changed. In Old Testament times, it primarily guided God’s prophets, inspiring them to speak or write words they often did not fully understand. After Jesus died, the apostles and early Christians received miraculous gifts of the holy spirit to help establish the church quickly, such as preaching in languages they had never learned. These miraculous gifts ended when the apostles died, just as 1 Corinthians 13:8 explains.
Today, God alone decides who receives this precious gift. James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Drawing near to God means trying to live a life that pleases Him — being humble, teachable, honest and developing faith through studying the Bible to learn His will. As Christians strive to live closer to God, He may draw them further, leading them to learn about Jesus. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” When a person accepts Jesus as their savior, they may receive a higher calling: the invitation to make a consecration, dedicating themselves to doing God’s will instead of their own.
A consecrated person strives to transform their life, following Jesus’ example in every decision. If God accepts their consecration, He gives them the holy spirit, and they become “spirit?begotten,” beginning a new spiritual life guided by God’s invisible power and influence. Romans 8:28 assures them that God will overrule every experience of their consecrated life for their highest spiritual good.
Consecrated Christians live a sacrificial life. Romans 12:1?2 urges believers to present themselves as a “living and holy sacrifice,” meaning they deny the things they naturally want in favor of doing the things God wants. The holy spirit helps them with this difficult work — guiding their choices, strengthening their character, and helping them understand the Bible. It teaches them how to treat others, even in challenging situations. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 to love those who hate us, do good to those who mistreat us, and pray for those who harm us. These commands are impossible to follow without the holy spirit’s help.
The holy spirit also comforts consecrated Christians during trials, renews their minds, inspires them to share God’s word, helps them grow in hope and faith, and produces the “fruit of the spirit” described in Galatians 5:22?23. It does not give instant understanding of Scripture, but it motivates and strengthens them to study diligently and apply what they learn. With the holy spirit, Christians experience a quiet peace, joy, and confidence that God is helping them every step of the way.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:14, “…The gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” But those who do, and who remain faithful unto death, will be blessed beyond imagination — some with heavenly life, and most with perfect life on a restored earth.
So, what is the holy spirit? It is God’s invisible power and influence. Its role has changed over time, but today it motivates, helps, comforts, strengthens and inspires dedicated Christians to live faithfully for God throughout their lives.
Additional Resources:
Booklet (PDF): “The Holy Spirit”
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 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?
