Is the Holy Spirit a person or some type of impersonal force? from Compelling Truth
The Holy Spirit is indeed a person. Along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, the Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity, which is a name theologians gave to describe the triune nature of God presented in Scripture. They are three distinct personalities which are all parts of one God. Because we tend to think of spiritual things as immaterial or transcendent, many people assume that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force, rather like the Buddhist concept of “prana” which they see as life energy by which all things are connected. The English word “Spirit” is translated from the Greek word pneuma. This Greek word is genderless, but is modified by the pronouns around it. The Bible clearly uses the male pronoun in conjunction with the word pneuma when referencing the Holy Spirit. This shows that the Holy Spirit is a male person.
Furthermore, throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit interacts with people on a personal level. For example, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to comfort the believers, and to “teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). This promise is still being carried out—when we read the Bible or pray, or when we are struggling with some issue or temptation, believers will testify that the perfect verse often comes to mind and it is indeed a great comfort. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. He is near us, helping us, and teaching us to follow God. Another example is the way the Holy Spirit prompts or moves believers. Sometimes there is an audible voice (Acts 8:29) but most often it is an indescribable “sureness” in the heart that a certain action is correct. We are encouraged to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, and to trust Him (Galatians 5:16–24; Proverbs 3:5–6). Also, He was personally involved in the creation of the universe, “hovering over the face of the waters” while the Earth was still without form (Genesis 1:2).
In addition, the personhood of the Holy Spirit is proven by His attributes, which are the same as God’s attributes. He is omnipresent; He is the Comforter who is always with us (John 14:16; Psalm 139:7). He is omniscient, knowing everything, and revealing God’s mind to us (1 Corinthians 2:10–11). He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14). He empowers us according to His will (1 Corinthians 12:11). An impersonal force or unifying energy does not have a distinct will, but a person certainly does. The Holy Spirit speaks to the people of God, and encourages us to hear His voice (Hebrews 3:7).
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