The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity. The Spirit is eternal - He has always existed. He is equally God (e.g. Matthew 28:19), but distinct from the Father and Son in His personhood and role within the Godhead (e.g. Ephesians 1:17). The word ‘Spirit’ is a translation of the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma. The fundamental meaning of these words is ‘breath’ or ‘wind’ (e.g. John 3:8). The word ‘Holy’ is the Greek word hagios, a term which refers to God’s absolute purity and different-ness. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who moves powerfully to bring life to all of creation, and especially to God’s people. In the beginning, the Spirit of God ‘hovered over the waters’ and so was active in the work of creation (Genesis 1:2). God breathed the breath of life into human beings (Genesis 2:7, Job 33:4) that they might live. The life-giving Holy Spirit is the one who brings eternal life to those who repent and receive forgiveness of sins from Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-12). Every believer in Jesus has the Holy Spirit living in them (John 3:3-8). He enables believers to put to death their old way of life and live a new life that is pleasing to God. He produces the fruit of godly character in them (Galatians 5:22-25) and He equips them with spiritual gifts which God uses to glorify Himself and build up the church (1 Corinthians 12-14). Finally, the Holy Spirit assures the believer in their heart that they are God’s child who will inherit His kingdom (Romans 8:16).
