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    Theology & Doctrine

    Who Is the Holy Spirit?

    Who Is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.

    Key verse: John 14:26 (KJV)

    The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.

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    Quick Answer

    The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.

    "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26 (KJV)

    The Biblical Answer

    The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person with intellect, will, and emotions. He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3), and resisted (Acts 7:51). Jesus called Him 'the Comforter' (John 14:26) and promised He would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit's work is multifaceted: He convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), regenerates believers (Titus 3:5), indwells them (1 Corinthians 6:19), seals them for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14), and produces spiritual fruit in their lives — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). He also distributes spiritual gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) and empowers believers for witness (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21) and illuminates its meaning to readers today. He is the believer's constant companion, teacher, and source of power for godly living.

    Key Scripture References

    "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
    "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

    Frequently asked questions

    Frequently asked questions

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    Deep Dive Commentary

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    Read it in context

    The answer above sits inside John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.

    Read John on day 302 of the chronological Bible reading plan

    Keep the verses to hand

    Every verse quoted in “Who Is the Holy Spirit?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person with intellect, will, and emotions. He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3), and resisted (Acts 7:51). Jesus called Him 'the Comforter' (John 14:26) and promised He would guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit's work is multifaceted: He convicts the world of sin (John 16:8), regenerates believers (Titus 3:5), indwells them (1 Corinthians 6:19), seals them for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14), and produces spiritual fruit in their lives — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). He also distributes spiritual gifts to the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11) and empowers believers for witness (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21) and illuminates its meaning to readers today. He is the believer's constant companion, teacher, and source of power for godly living.

    The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.

    Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.