What (or Who) is the Holy Spirit?

It may seem like an odd question, but in my experience as a Christian thus far this topic can be rather... polarizing. It is usually met with either very warm enthusiasm, or else outright trepidation, discomfort and avoidance.

Interesting. I know of someone else whose name invokes a starkly polarized reaction: Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ

It sounds fundamental, but the realization and acceptance of this truth is crucial to our development as believers. Twice in the Bible the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of Christ. Further, the first reference (found in Romans 8:9, "But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.") seems to indicate that the terms "Spirit of God" and "Spirit of Christ" can (and should) be used interchangeably.

What Does The Holy Spirit Offer Us?

John Stott wrote this regarding the Holy Spirit in his book The Message of Acts: 

Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, even impossible. There can be no life without the life-giver, no understanding without the Spirit of truth, no fellowship without the unity of the Spirit, no Christlikeness of character apart from his fruit, and no effective witness without his power. As a body without breath is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead. (italics added)

The Holy Spirit offers essential gifts to us as believers that enable us to understand scripture and bring to remembrance important details and truths during our witness to others. He gives us inspiration in our prayer life, encouraging words, dreams, visions and prophecy. He comforts, exhorts, teaches, emboldens, and loves us as only He can! (Matthew 28:20, John 14:26, 16:7, Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 and many more).

Finally, if we love Jesus, we must accept that He sent His Spirit to us while we wait for His return. He offers us in addition to salvation, a life that is literally “filled” with His presence, His Word, and a myriad of other awesome gifts.

Photograph by David Emond