Chapter 4: God’s Holy Spirit

This chapter will challenge many who not only hold dear the trinity doctrine, but also believe it heretical to even suggest that God is not three persons. But before you throw your hands in the air and roll your eyes in disbelief, bear with me as we look at what the Bible actually says, keeping in mind what God says in Proverbs.

Whoso answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him. (Proverbs 18:13 BES)

As will be discussed in greater depth in “The Logical Logos”, God’s word is logical and contains many instances of logical equivalence. God often uses more than one name and/or descriptor to refer to the same person, place or thing. For example, Jerusalem is also referred to as: Zion/Sion, Egypt, Sodom, Ariel, the faithful city, the righteous city, the great city, the holy city, and many other names. Likewise, Jesus has numerous names and titles, from Emmanuel to the Holy One of Israel to King of kings and Lord of lords. Satan also has a number of names, four of which — great dragon, old serpent, the devil, and Satan — are all mentioned in Revelation 12:9¹.

One of God’s foundational attributes is that he is spirit. This is a synonymous statement in which God equals spirit. The Bible refers to this inextricable connection as God’s Spirit or the Spirit of God.

“God [is] Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24 NKJV)

Furthermore, God is holy. Which means his spirit is holy.

Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy. (Psalm 98:9 BES) [(Psalm 99:9 MT)]

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30 KJV)

My Spirit

There are various instances in the Old Testament, a couple of which are referenced in the New Testament, of God saying “my spirit”. In all of these instances, the general understanding is that this denotes the holy spirit. Yet, God tells us that this holy spirit is his spirit. Not a separate spirit or “person”, but God’s spirit.

The Isaiah [Esaias] 42 prophecy of Jesus, in which God says he will put his spirit upon his chosen servant, is referenced in Matthew 12.

Jacob is my servant, I will help him: Israel is my chosen, my soul has accepted him; I have put my Spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles [nations, KM]. [2] He shall not cry, nor lift up [his voice], nor shall his voice be heard without. [3] A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench; but he shall bring forth judgment to truth. [4] He shall shine out, and shall not be discouraged, until he have set judgment on the earth: and in his name shall the Gentiles [nations, KM ]trust. (Isaiah 42:1-4 BES)

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, [18] Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. [19] He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. [20] A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. [21] And in his name shall the Gentiles [nations, KM] trust. (Matthew 12:17-21 KJV)

We all know the story of the day of Pentecost, when the disciples were filled with the holy spirit and spoke with new languages, which caused the multitude to accuse them of being full of new wine. Peter responds by pointing the back to the prophecy in Joel. If we pay close attention to what both Peter and Joel say, we will see that the holy spirit in question is God’s own spirit, not a separate spirit or “person”. There’s no other way to read this, except we wrest the scriptures.

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and [one] sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:3-4 NKJV)

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (Acts 2:16-18 KJV)

And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and [that] I am the Lord your God, and [that] there is none else beside me; and my people shall no more be ashamed for ever. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. And on my servants and on [my] handmaids in those days will I pour out of my Spirit. (Joel 2:27-29 BES)

Additional Instances of “My Spirit”

And the Lord God said, My Spirit shall certainly not remain among these men for ever, because they are flesh, but their days shall be an hundred and twenty years. (Genesis 6:3 BES)

For I will give water to the thirsty that walk in a dry land: I will put my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessings upon thy children: (Isaiah 44:3 BES)

And this shall be my covenant with them, said the Lord; My Spirit which is upon thee, and the words which I have put in thy mouth, shall never fail from thy mouth, nor from the mouth of thy seed, for the Lord has spoken it, henceforth and for ever. (Isaiah 59:21 BES)

And I will put my Spirit in you, and will cause you to walk in mine ordinances, and to keep my judgments, and do [them]. (Ezekiel 36:27 BES)

And I will put my Spirit within you, and ye shall live, and I will place you upon your own land: and ye shall know that I [am] the Lord; I have spoken, and will do [it], saith the Lord. (Ezekiel 37:14 BES)

Yet now be strong, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord; and strengthen thyself, O Jesus the high priest, the son of Josedec; and let all the people of the land strengthen themselves, saith the Lord, and work, for I am with you, saith the Lord Almighty; and my Spirit remains in the midst of you; be of good courage. (Haggai 2:4-5 BES)

And he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the Lord to Zorobabel, saying, Not by mighty power, nor by strength, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6 BES)

Different Ways of Describing God’s Holy Spirit

The Bible refers to God’s holy spirit as: the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the living God, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Lord, the Spirit of his Son, the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Spirit of truth, the Comforter (Helper, Advocate, Counselor), and the finger of God.

Let’s look at all of these. And as we do, we will see that the Father and the Son share the same holy spirit.

The Spirit of God and the Holy Spirit

When Matthew and Luke record Jesus’ baptism, Matthew writes “the Spirit of God” and Luke, “the Holy Spirit” — or “the Holy Ghost” in the KJV, which favours “ghost” rather than “spirit” as a translation for πνεῦμα. The word “ghost” comes from the German word “geist”, which means spirit Logically, therefore, these parallel passages show that the holy spirit is the same as the spirit of God.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (Matthew 3:16 KJV)

When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22 NKJV)

In Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, he equates the spirit of God with the holy spirit In the following verse:

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:3 ESV)

The Spirit of God and the Finger of God

When Jesus cast out a devil from a blind and dumb man, the Pharisees accused him of casting out devils by the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of the devils. As part of Jesus’ answer, Matthew records Jesus referring to the power of the holy spirit as the Spirit of God, whereas Luke records Jesus saying the finger of God.

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. (Matthew 12:28 KJV)

But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. (Luke 11:20 KJV)

As is clear from these two accounts of Jesus casting out a devil, the finger of God is equivalent to the spirit of God. The only other place that we find mention of the finger of God is in the Pentateuch, showing, by implication, that the finger of God is the spirit of God.

So Aaron stretched out his rod with his hand, and smote the dust of the earth; and the lice were on men and on quadrupeds, and in all the dust of the earth there were lice. … So the charmers said to Pharao, This is the finger of God. But the heart of Pharao was hardened, and he hearkened not to them, as the Lord said. (Exodus 8:13,15 BES) [MT Exodus 8:17,19]

And he gave to Moses when he left off speaking to him in mount Sina the two tables of testimony, tables of stone written [upon] with the finger of God. (Exodus 31:18 BES)

And the Lord gave me the two tables of stone written with the finger of God, and on them there had been written all the words which the Lord spoke to you in the mountain in the day of the assembly. (Deuteronomy 9:10 BES)

The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ

In Paul’s epistle to the Romans, when he talks of the importance of walking not after the flesh, but after the spirit, he shows that the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are logically equivalent.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. … For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:9, 14 KJV)

The Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, and the Spirit of Jesus

We all know that we are helped and strengthened by the holy spirit within. In his epistle to the Philippians, Paul writes of the supply [ἐπιχορηγίας: supply, help, aid, support] of the spirit of Jesus Christ. While he doesn’t explicitly equate the spirit of Jesus Christ with the holy spirit, the logical equivalence is implicit.

For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (Philippians 1:19 KJV)

In his second epistle, Peter states that when the prophets spoke they were moved by the holy spirit. However, in his first epistle, when writing about the same topic of the prophets speaking, he says that it was the spirit of Christ within them that declared and testified of the coming grace and the sufferings of Christ. This cross-reference between these two epistles shows a clear logical equivalence of the holy spirit and the spirit of Christ.

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke [as they were] moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21 NKJV)

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. (1 Peter 1:10-11 KJV)

Finally, while Paul and Silas were travelling to cities where they had preached, they were first forbidden to speak in Asia and then forbidden to go into Bithynia. In the first instance it’s the holy spirit that forbids them, and in the second it’s the spirit of Jesus. which logically equates the two.

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (Acts 16:6-7 ESV)

διῆλθον δὲ τὴν Φρυγίαν καὶ Γαλατικὴν χώραν κωλυθέντες ὑπὸ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος λαλῆσαι τὸν λόγον ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ ἐλθόντες δὲ κατὰ τὴν Μυσίαν ἐπείραζον εἰς τὴν Βιθυνίαν πορευθῆναι καὶ οὐκ εἴασεν αὐτοὺς τὸ πνεῦμα Ἰησοῦ (Acts 16:6-7 MGNT)

The Spirit and the Spirit of His Son

When we are saved, we become sons of God and are sealed by his holy spirit, which we receive within our hearts.

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22 KJV)

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Galatians 4:6)

The Spirit of the Living God and the Spirit of the Lord

In Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthians, the heart is one of the threads of chapter 3, in which Paul shows that the spirit of the living God and the spirit of the Lord are logically equivalent. Here are the key verses, but I suggest reading the entire chapter, paying close attention to the logical thread throughout.

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. … Nevertheless when it [KM: the heart] shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:2-3, 16-18 KJV)

“The Lord is that Spirit” cannot be underemphasised. The translations in the KNJV and ESV are perhaps even more to the point, if that’s possible.

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV)

The Spirit of the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus

In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus speaks with his disciple about being delivered up to the councils. The first account in Matthew is when Jesus sends out the twelve, whereas the accounts in Mark and Luke are part of Jesus’ answer to his disciples’ question, “when shall these things be”. While there are differences in what Jesus says before and after, in the part where Jesus tells them to not be concerned about what to say, he gives the same reason each time, telling them that it won’t be them who speaks but the spirit of their Father (Matthew), the holy spirit (Mark), and Jesus himself (Luke).

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:19-20 KJV)

And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:11 ESV)

Settle [it] therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I [Jesus] will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. (Luke 21:14-15 KJV)

The Holy Spirit, God, the Spirit of the Lord

When Ananias and his wife Sapphira lie about the price of the land they had sold, Peter referred to their lie being to the holy spirit, to God, and to the spirit of the Lord, showing that all three are pointing to God’s holy spirit, which is God himself.

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back [part] of the price of the land for yourself? [4]”While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” … [9] Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband [are] at the door, and they will carry you out.” (Acts 5:3-4, 9 NKJV)

The Comforter, Helper, Advocate, Counselor, the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit of Truth

Depending on the Bible version, the word παράκλητος (paraklētos, G3873) is translated as comforter, helper, advocate, or counselor. παράκλητος can also be translated as intercessor.

Jesus talks to his disciples about the comforter in chapters 14 and 15 of the gospel of John. As he describes the comforter, he explains that it is both the spirit of truth and the holy spirit.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, [17] even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. [18] “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. … [26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:16-18, 26 ESV)

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26 KJV)

Further, in John’s first epistle, he says that Jesus is our advocate (paraklētos, G3873), or intercessor.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1 KJV)

And in Paul’s epistle to the Romans, he tells us that it is the the holy spirit, by inference and context, that makes intercession for us, which connects back to John saying that Jesus is our advocate.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26 KJV)

Who Sends the Comforter?

Jesus also uses logical equivalence when speaking of who will be the one sending the Comforter: first saying that the Father will send the Comforter in his [Jesus] name (John 14:26), and then saying that he, Jesus, will send the Comforter from the Father (John 15:26).

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26 ESV))

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26 KJV)

And in John 16, Jesus simply says that he will send the Comforter.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7 KJV)

The Spirit of God

Finally, here are some general verses that show the Spirit of God working in and through us.

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:19 KJV)

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. … But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:11, 14 KJV)

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 7:40 KJV)

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (1 John 4:2 KJV)

There is ONE Spirit

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he includes a passage about one spirit, one Lord, and one God and Father.

[There is] one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [5] One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV)

Reading through the lens of trinitarianism, a person will conclude this as evidence of three “persons”, however, logically, the one spirit that Paul writes of can only be God’s spirit, his holy spirit. Crucially, the passage concludes as follows:

One God and Father of all, who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6 KJV)

We know that God our father is spirit. Paul confirms that he is above all, and through all, and in all who are his. This means it’s God’s holy spirit that’s in us, the ONE spirit that’s often referred to simply as the holy spirit. Not a separate spirit or “person”, but the ONE holy spirit of God.