The holy spirit is God’s invisible power and influence.
Over time, the role of the holy spirit changed. In Old Testament times and before Jesus’ baptism, the function of the holy spirit was primarily to guide and direct His prophets by inspiring them to write or speak words they generally did not understand. The meanings of these writings were often revealed in the New Testament, meant for us to study and understand now.
After Jesus died, the apostles and others received miraculous “gifts of the holy spirit” (see 1 Corinthians 12:8-10) to help establish the early church and quickly spread the gospel message, such as being able to preach in different languages (see Acts 2:1-4). These miraculous gifts ended once the apostles died. (see 1 Corinthians 13:8, Phillips Translation, see also 2 Peter 1:19-21, Young’s Literal Translation)
In our day, those who make a consecration to God, if accepted, receive the gift of the holy spirit. To “make a consecration” means transforming one’s life, trying to follow the way Jesus lived his life. A consecrated person turns away from their natural sinful tendencies and instead tries very hard to obey God’s will in every decision of life.
The Bible calls those with the holy spirit, “spirit begotten.” (1 John 5:1, ASV) A spirit-begotten person sees, thinks, speaks, and acts differently than they did before (2 Corinthians 5:17). Their loyalty and allegiance are to God first. They are committed to a higher purpose – doing things God’s way instead of their way.
The holy spirit is like a tool to help a person do the work required to live a consecrated life.
When a person is spirit begotten, they can:
…be helped with their weaknesses. (Romans 8:26-28, Rotherham)
…be a good example to others. (Galatians. 6:10, 1 Timothy 4:12)
…develop the “fruit of the spirit” Paul describes in Galatians, in order to glorify God. (Galatians 5:22,23, John 5:18)
…be comforted through difficult experiences, knowing that the power of God is working in their lives for their best spiritual welfare. (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 1:4)
…be inspired to share the word of God with others. (Matthew 5:16, Philippians 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Timothy 4:6,7)
…help transform and renew their minds to set their focus on serving God. (Romans 12:2)
…have a greater understanding of the Bible – not through a miracle without any effort, but through the hard work of studying God ’s word. (Matthew 6:15-17, 2 Timothy 2:15)
…have a sense of peace as they rejoice in the Lord and guard their hearts and minds against evil. (Matthew 10:13, Philippians 4:4-7)
…be motivated to serve and build up other Christians. (Galatians 6:10, Hebrews 6:10, Matthew 25:40)
…be guided in the work of self-sacrifice, which is giving up one’s own desires in order to do the will of God. (Romans 12:1,2, Philippians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 3:9)
…increase their own hope and faith in God and His promises.
Romans 5:5, NLT says, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the holy spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
So, what’s the use of the holy spirit to a human being? The function of the holy spirit changed over time. Today, it motivates, helps, comforts, and inspires dedicated Christians. A consecrated life is not easy – it is full of hardships, persecutions, and sacrifices. However, with the holy spirit, there is a quiet joy, peace, comfort and strength that God – through His invisible power and influence – is helping every step of the way.
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?
