Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit…you have not lied just to human beings but to God”

(Acts 5:3-4)

There are many misconceptions about the identity of Holy Spirit. Some view Holy Spirit as a mystical force. Others understand Holy Spirit as the impersonal power that God makes available to followers of Christ. 

What does the Bible say about the identity of Holy Spirit? The Bible declares that Holy Spirit is God. The Bible also tells us that Holy Spirit is a divine Person with a mind, a will and emotions.

The fact that Holy Spirit is God can be seen in many Scriptures, including Acts 5:3-4. In this verse, Peter confronts Ananias as to why he lied to Holy Spirit and tells him that he had “not lied to men but to God”. It is an explicit declaration that lying to Holy Spirit is lying to God. We also know that Holy Spirit is God because He possesses the characteristics of God.

For example, His omnipresence is seen in Psalm 139:7-8, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.”

In 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, we see the omniscient character of Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

We know that Holy Spirit is indeed a divine Person because He possesses a mind, a will and emotions. 

Holy Spirit thinks and knows (1 Corinthians 2:10). 

Holy Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). 

Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). 

He makes decisions according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). 

Holy Spirit is God; the third Person of the Trinity. As God, Holy Spirit can truly function as the Comforter and Counselor that Jesus promised He would be (John 14:16).

For now, the most important truth you need to understand is that Holy Spirit dwells within you. You have literally become His dwelling place as soon as you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. As His dwelling place, your body is a living temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). In the Old Testament, Holy Spirit came upon people. In the New Testament, He comes and indwells people. 

What a marvellous truth to know that wherever you go, He goes. You can never escape His presence; He is with you always (Hebrews 13:5). He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is a permanent indweller that remains with you forever.

These are fundamental truths for you. Holy Spirit is a Person who makes His home in you. You are forever His!

Questions to ask:

Do you honour Holy Spirit as God?

Do you understand that He is a Person? 

How can you grow in your relationship with Him?

 

Let’s pray together:

Thank you Father that You have given me Holy Spirit when I received Jesus Christ as Lord of my life. I acknowledge Holy Spirit as God and the Third Person of the Trinity. Thank you that I am His temple and that He is with me forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen 

 

This was an extract from my devotional book,

“Becoming a Master Builder

The full version is available in the Store on

www.store.gebhardtberndt.com

 

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