The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory, with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

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The Holy Spirit, (also known as the Holy Ghost in older translations), is the third person of the Trinity and is just as much God as the Father and the Son. He is not the personification of the power of God. As the breath of life, He is the active agent of God’s power in Creation. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is ever-present and active in the affairs of Humanity. 

As we will examine in the next section, it is the Holy Spirit who guided the writing of the Holy Scriptures, and He guides us as we read them, so that we might understand God’s words to us, His purposes for us, and His plan for creation. He opens our eyes and ears that we might see and hear, glorifying Jesus and drawing us to the Father. He enlivens our conscience, convicting us of sin. He regenerates those who repent and place their faith in Jesus, transforming their lives from the inside out. He sanctifies and empowers all Christians for godly living and service.

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Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Genesis 1:1-31 (cf. Job 33:1-33) 

Psalm 143:1-12 

Isaiah 59:1-21 

Ezekiel 36:16-37:14 

Matthew 28:1-20 

John 3:1-36 

John 13:1-17:26 

Acts 1:1-26 / Acts 2:1-47 / Acts 5:1-42 

Romans 8:1-39 

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 

Galatians 5:1-26 

Ephesians 5:1-21

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Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader. 

Why do we teach that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and not just the energy force of the universe? 

The word “spirit” translates literally as “wind” or “breath”. How does this help us understand the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the lives of those who place their trust in Christ and call on His name?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith? 

Notes: