The Holy Spirit as a Person: A Biblical and Spirit of Prophecy Study
- Bradley Evrard
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
I. The Holy Spirit in the Bible as a Person
1. The Holy Spirit Has Personal Attributes
The Bible presents the Holy Spirit as having personal attributes, such as will, knowledge, and emotion. These qualities cannot be attributed to an impersonal force.
a. The Holy Spirit Has a Will
1 Corinthians 12:11 – “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
The Holy Spirit has a will and can make decisions for the distribution of spiritual gifts. This suggests personal agency.
b. The Holy Spirit Has Knowledge
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 – “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.”
The Holy Spirit knows the deep things of God, showing that He has understanding and knowledge, characteristics of a person, not a force.
c. The Holy Spirit Has Emotions
Ephesians 4:30 – “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”
The Holy Spirit can be grieved, indicating emotion, which is a personal attribute.
Romans 8:27 – “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”
The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers with a mind of His own, showing that the Spirit is actively involved in the life of the believer, not a mere force.
2. The Holy Spirit Speaks
Acts 13:2 – “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”
The Holy Spirit speaks and gives direction, a characteristic of personhood. A force cannot speak with intention and direction.
Revelation 2:7 – “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches…”
The Holy Spirit speaks to the churches, again confirming the Spirit's personhood.
II. The Holy Spirit in the Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen G. White's Writings)
Ellen G. White confirms and elaborates on the personal nature of the Holy Spirit. Her writings emphasize the Holy Spirit's role in the Godhead and as a distinct person.
1. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Godhead
The Desire of Ages, p. 671 – “The Spirit was to be given to the disciples as the personal presence of Christ to guide them into all truth.”
The Holy Spirit is described as the personal presence of Christ, emphasizing that He is a distinct person in the Godhead, alongside the Father and the Son.
The Great Controversy, p. 475 – “It is the work of the Holy Spirit to bring home to the heart the very message of the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the one who continues to work to guide and teach God's people.”
The Holy Spirit is involved in the work of guiding and teaching, as any person would.
2. The Holy Spirit Acts as a Teacher and Comforter
Ellen G. White describes the Holy Spirit's work in guiding and teaching, underscoring the Spirit’s personal role.
The Desire of Ages, p. 671 – “The Holy Spirit is the comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul.”
The Holy Spirit is the comforter, who personally guides and comforts believers, which would be impossible for an impersonal force.
Steps to Christ, p. 68 – “The Spirit is the teacher of truth. He who is revealed in the Word of God is the one who inspires the Scriptures and makes them plain to the understanding.”
The Holy Spirit teaches and reveals truth to believers, a task requiring personal intelligence and interaction.
3. The Holy Spirit as the Third Person of the Godhead in Salvation
Ellen G. White also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation, which further establishes His personhood. He is described as the agent of conviction and transformation.
The Desire of Ages, p. 179 – “The Spirit is given to bring the blessing of Christ's salvation to every believer.”
The Holy Spirit is the agent who dispenses salvation to believers, actively involved in transforming lives, which is a characteristic of a person.
Testimonies to the Church, vol. 1, p. 379 – “It is the Spirit that brings the things of Christ to the soul, enabling it to understand and live out His teachings.”
The Holy Spirit’s role in teaching and applying Christ’s teachings further affirms that the Spirit is not an impersonal force, but a distinct person.
4. The Holy Spirit Has a Personal Role in the Church
The Great Controversy, p. 470 – “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world. From the beginning, the church has been God’s appointed means for the salvation of men.”
The Holy Spirit's role is essential to the church's work, and He works personally with believers to carry out God’s will.
III. Conclusion: The Holy Spirit as a Person
Biblical Evidence:
Personal Attributes – The Holy Spirit has will, knowledge, and emotion (1 Corinthians 12:11, 1 Corinthians 2:10-11, Ephesians 4:30).
The Holy Spirit Speaks – He speaks and provides guidance (Acts 13:2, Revelation 2:7).
Intercedes for Us – He intercedes with personal understanding (Romans 8:27).
Spirit of Prophecy Evidence:
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead, fulfilling a personal role (The Desire of Ages, p. 671).
The Holy Spirit acts as a teacher and comforter, bringing truth to the believer (Steps to Christ, p. 68, The Desire of Ages, p. 671).
The Holy Spirit is actively involved in salvation and the life of the believer (Testimonies to the Church, vol. 1, p. 379).
Conclusion:The Holy Spirit is a person who actively works in the lives of believers, guiding them into all truth, comforting them, and interceding on their behalf. Both the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy confirm that the Holy Spirit is not just an impersonal force or influence, but a distinct, personal member of the Godhead.
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