The Holy Spirit (#3)

Like the other persons in the Trinity the Holy Spirit has many names that reflect His nature and what He does. A few of the names for the Holy Spirit include the following: the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of grace, the Spirit of truth, the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of promise, the Spirit of counsel, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, and the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.  The Holy Spirit is God!

The Holy Spirit is the executor of the purposes and plans of the Godhead. He is the direct work of God which impacts us directly. Upon salvation we were justified before God by the Holy Spirit. Our ongoing sanctification process where we become more like Christ over time is the work of the Holy Spirit. God will complete the glorification process once we get to heaven through His Holy Spirit. You do not belong to Christ if you do not have the Spirit of Christ within you.

Romans 8:14 – For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are Sons of God.

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Ephesians 1:17 – That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Galatians 5:16 – I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

When we become members of the body of Christ the Holy Spirit will give to each believer at least one spiritual gift that we can use to glorify God and benefit the kingdom of God.  A few individuals may receive more than one spiritual gift but one will always be dominate. The Holy Spirit is within you and knows you intimately so who better to decide which special gift would be best for you? The decision of which gift to give you is totally up to the Holy Spirit and it’s irrevocable.

You can’t return your spiritual gift and your greatest impact for God will always be with the gift you were given. As believers we are charged with finding out our spiritual gift, developing it and then using it effectively for the glory of God. Nine spiritual gifts are listed in the Bible: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues.