3: The Deity of the Holy Spirit

We have already seen that, to use Ryrie’s terminology, that the Holy Spirit has the “appellation” of deity, that is, He is called God (Acts 5:3,4). Peter tells Ananias that in lying to the Holy Spirit he has lied to God.

But we can also see further evidence of the Holy Spirit’s deity in that He…

Has the Attributes of God

• Omniscience (ability to know all things)

^{1 Corinthians 2:10} these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹ For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

The Holy Spirit cannot know the thoughts of the omniscient, all knowing, God, unless He too, is God.

• Omnipresence (ability to be present in any part of the universe)

^{Psalm 139:7} Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

• Omnipotence (all power)

^{Zechariah 4:6} So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

• Truth

^{1 John 5:6} This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

• Holiness

^{Luke 11:13} If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

• Life

^{Romans 8:2} because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

• Wisdom

^{Isaiah 40:13} Who can fathom the Spirit of Yahweh, or instruct Yahweh as his counselor?

 He Does the Actions of God

• Creation (Genesis 1:2)
• Inspiration of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21)
• Begetting Christ (Luke 1:35)
• Convincing Sinners (John 16:8)
• Regenerating (John 3:6)
• Interceding (Romans 8:26)
• Sanctifying (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

 

He Has the Associations of God

• With Yahweh

Acts 28 says, ²⁵ The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: ²⁶ “Go to this people and say, ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding…’

While Isaiah 6 says, ⁸ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” ⁹ He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding…”

Therefore, the Holy Spirit is Yahweh.

 Hebrews 10 says, ¹⁵ The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he [the Spirit] says: ¹⁶ “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” ¹⁷ Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts     I will remember no more.”

While Jeremiah 31 says, ³¹ “The days are coming,” declares Yahweh, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel…”

Therefore, the Holy Spirit is Yahweh.

• With the Father and the Son

Matthew 12 says, ³¹ And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

But blasphemy can only be spoken against God

^{Matthew 28:19} Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Here, the making of disciples and baptizing are done equally in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

^{2 Corinthians 13:14} May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. The three are closely associated on an equal par.

 

The Holy Spirit is God, as demonstrated by His attributes, actions and associations. He can be trusted to take care of you, and that is what He will do.