B-4 Personality and Function of the Holy Spirit: A Biblical and Theological Investigation

This paper discusses the personality and function of the Holy Spirit paying attention to its biblical understanding. Down through the history of the Christian Church people have held different views about the Holy Spirit. Some view the Holy Spirit as the personification of holy power in the same sense as they view Satan as personification of evil power. They conclude that both Satan and the Holy Spirit are not personal beings. Others see the Holy Spirit as the energy of God, an impersonal power God uses to activate His will in the universe. Still others maintain that the Holy Spirit, was active with the Father and the Son in creation, incarnation, and redemption. This paper argues that the Holy Spirit is a personal being and not some impersonal power or force. The study investigates and analyzes relevant Scriptural passages and it surveys a number of Christian theologies in order to determine the personality and function of the Holy Spirit and demonstrate that He is indeed a personal being. The paper concludes that from the very beginning it was God’s will that his people should understand the personality and function of the Holy Spirit and view Him as a comforter and faithful guide in their spiritual journey.