God And His Word - A Question And Answer Approach To Understanding The Bible

PART VII. THE LIFE & MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

LESSON 1: THE PERSON OF THE HOLY GHOST 1. WHO IS THE HOLY GHOST?

The Holy Ghost is true God, a vital part of the Tri-unity of God. He is the out-breathing of God; that is, the life of God going forth to quicken. 2. WHAT DOES “HOLY GHOST: MEAN? “Holy Ghost” means Holy Breath or Holy Spirit. Other terms are used in the Scriptures, such as Spirit of God, Comforter, etc. Various natural things are used also as titles of the Holy Ghost, such as wind, fire, oil, and water. Matthew 29:19; Job 33:4; Psalms 33:6; 104:29, 30 Genesis 1:2, 3 3. IS THE HOLY GHOST & THE HOLY SPIRIT THE SAME THING? Yes. In the original language it is the same word. “Ghost” is simply the Old English way of saying “Spirit.” In outreaching, we prefer “Spirit” since it is a more modern, understandable term. 4. WHY DO WE BELIEVE THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TRUE GOD? We believe that the Holy Spirit is true God because the Scriptures ascribe to Him: A. DIVINE NAMES: Acts 5:3, 4 – the Holy Ghost is called “God.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “of the Lord the Spirit” (center column ref.) 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “God” and “Spirit of God” used synonymously. B. DIVINE ATTRIBUTES: Hebrews 9:14 – Eternal

Psalms 139:7-10 – Omnipresent 1 Corinthians 2:10 – Omniscient Luke 1:35 – Omnipotent C. DIVINE WORKS: Psalms 33:6 – Creation Romans 8:11 – Impartation of Life, John 6:63 – Genesis 2:7 D. DIVINE HONOR AND GLORY: 1 Peter 4:14 – “The Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you.”

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