Peace Dove, Unknown Author, 2005
The Spirit of God and the Holy Ghost (Spirit) or just plain Spirit; are all one in the same; Divine Person.
In Gen.1:2 and Nu.24:2 we have a reference to, the Spirit of God and in Jud.3:10, the Spirit of the Lord, and in Psa.51:11 the Holy Spirit. Throughout the Old Testament scriptures you will find these terminologies interchangeable used. Likewise; in the New Testament, the terminology for the Spirit of God, Spirit of the Lord and Holy Ghost (Spirit) are interchangeable as well. The only problem that arises is with the translators of the KJV of the Bible. Why they used the word “Ghost” instead of “Spirit”, in so many cases, it is beyond me; even though the KJV is one of the most popular translations.
The use of the word Ghost instead of Spirit does lead to some confusion. The Greek word for ghost is “ekpneo or ekpsucho”, and the Greek word for spirit is “pneuma”, why in so many cases they translate “pneuma” as “Ghost”, and yet in other places “pneuma” is translated correctly as spirit, is confusing, to say the least. For instance in Matt.3:16 it is “the Spirit of God” and in Luke 4:18 “spirit of the Lord”, then in Lk.11:13 and I Tim.4:8 it is the “Holy Spirit”, and in Eph.4:30 we have “Holy Spirit of God”. In spite of this confusion, they are one in the same; Divine Person, the Spirit of God. Using These different terminologies for the Spirit of God, is just like the interchangeable references used for Jesus our Lord, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, or any combination of the above. They all refer to the self-same Divine Person, the Son of God.
As for modern day Bible translators, the terminology Holy Ghost is considered incorrect, and in all cases it is translated Holy Spirit. I enjoy what the Nicene Creed of 451AD says about the Holy Spirit, I quote; “And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Life-Giver, that proceeds from the Father, who with Father and Son is worshipped together, who spoke through the Prophets:”
The question is why in much of the New Testament is the Spirit of God referred to as Holy Ghost (Spirit)? The reason for this terminology comes from the fact, most Jews felt that they weren’t worthy to utter the word “God”, therefore they would say Holy Spirit instead.
As we begin our study of the Divine Person the Spirit of God, or Holy Ghost (Spirit) we need not look too far to see Him mentioned in Old Testament scriptures. For this reason I don’t understand why the Jews couldn’t see that right from the start there were two Divine Persons acting on creation, God the Father and the Spirit of God.
Gen.1:2-3
“And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the water. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
As one can readily see that it is the, Spirit of God that is acting on the spoken word of God, implementing God’s will bring forth the first thing created which was Light. It was the first day and five days later everything including man had been created and all having been implemented by the Spirit of God. It is this self-same Spirit that has interrelationship with mankind, by speaking through the Prophets of God, and performing many miracles.
One of my favorite books of the Old Testament is the book of Job. It is one of the oldest books recorded in the Bible, possible dating back to the nineteenth century B.C… In spite of its age, it is full of insight and wisdom helpful to us even today.
Job 27:1-4
“Moreover Job continued his parable, and said. As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and Almighty, who vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.”
Job 33:4
“The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.”
Job acknowledges that God Lives and that it is the Spirit of God is in his nostrils. Again he makes it quite clear; it is the Spirit of God that created him; giving life to his being. I have always prayed that we might have that same insight and understanding as did Job. If we did; the world would be a much better place to live. These passages of scriptures from the book of Job indicate it was the Spirit of God, which had created us and breathed; the breath of life, into our very being.
Many of us in Christendom hold to the belief that the New Testament scriptures are the only relevant scriptures for our use since the time of Jesus Christ, which isn’t the case. We need to remember that the Apostles only had the Old Testament scriptures for their guidance, plus the teaching of Jesus our Lord, which they handed down to us. In fact; they didn’t look at their own writings as scripture. They were just making a declaration of the truth, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has risen from the dead.
II Tim.3:16, 17
“All scriptures are given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
The Apostle Paul; when speaking of the Scriptures, he is referring to the Old Testament only. The fact is; at this time, the New Testament books and letters were being written and those that were already written were only being shared on limited bases with other Churches. It wasn’t until about 400AD the New Testament books were canonized.
Throughout the Old Testament scriptures we see God’s servants ministering to God’s people; Israel: a generation of people, a type of Church, by the power of the Spirit of God.
One Old Testament servant of God that stands out is Moses. God called Moses out of the burning bush to go into Egypt; God showed Himself to Moses through miracles and signs and gave him Holy Spirit power to perform the task.
The first five books of the Old Testament, called the Pentateuch (Torah) are believed to have been written by God’s servant Moses. If this being so, then the book of Genesis had to have been given to Moses, via the prophetic Spirit of God and revelation of the thing that were before Moses was born. When Moses was in the presence of God on Mount Sinai, he was clothed in the Spirit of God, which we call “Shechia Glory” It was to such a degree that Moses face shined so bright that he had to put a veil over it, because it frightened the people of Israel. The presence of the Spirit of God remained with Moses until died and went to be with the Lord. When the demands of the people of Israel got too great for Moses, it became necessary for Moses to have assistance. Seventy Elders were chosen from the tribes of Israel. God had Moses bring them before Him, and when the cloud came upon them, God shared the Spirit that was on Moses with them, and they all did prophesy. Moses also prayed that all God’s people would be prophets and the Spirit would be upon them. Could Moses prayer have been answered on the day of Pentecost and the New Testament filling of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)giving birth of the Christian Church? Then of course; we have prophecies, as spoken by Ezekiel about the house of Israel and Joel when speaking about all flesh being filled.
Num.11:25
“And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.”
Num.11:29
“And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!”
Eze.36:27
“And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
Joel 2:28, 29
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaidens in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
The concept of prophecy; is the spoken truth by which the power of the Spirit of God coming upon a persons in which they are in completely controlled by the Spirit of God. This idea is foreign to the natural mind, that a person’s mind could be void of all own thoughts, but yet speaking the words of God. It is a very difficult concept indeed, and doesn’t make sense, because spiritual things are spiritual discerned. It can’t be understood by the natural mind, until one experiences this phenomenon for them self. It wasn’t until I experienced this phenomenon. One being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in unknown tongues, that I could understand how the Bible; Holy Scriptures could be the very word of God; written by and under the power of the Holy Spirit. The positive result of this experience is constant edification of the word of God. Day and night; I would think about the things of God, and would read my Bible at every opportunity.
My ability to share the Gospel of God and Jesus Christ to others became, second nature, being a joy to share. In the book of Acts; the apostles have recorded for us, what took place on the day of Pentecost; when 120 of Jesus’ disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Their behavior created so much attention the people were drawn to them. They spoke in unknown tongues! Others hearing these uneducated disciples of Jesus, not schooled in foreign languages; speaking to them in their own language. Others though that they were drunk with wine. But, because of this unusual occurrence some 3,000 souls; Jews were converted and added to the Church (body of Christ) and on that day; after hearing the Apostle Peter and others preach the Gospel. They came to know; the Body of Christ.
Acts 2:4
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:6
“Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:15, 16
“For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel:”
Acts 2:41
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
It was for this very reason; Jesus needed to be crucified and had to die, was buried, and on the third day rose again from the dead; being victorious over sin and death. Now upon Jesus Christ having satisfied God the Father’s need for a sacrifice for sin; Jesus was seated at His right hand, Jesus could impart to us; His righteousness. This occurs through water baptism, filling us with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Because Jesus had ascended into heaven, he too could send the Comforter, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) to us.
John 14:26
“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 15:7
“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 to unto you.”
Acts 1:8
“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 Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Acts 2:28
“Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
After reviewing the New Testament scriptures above; one should be able see that the Holy Ghost (Spirit) is a separate Divine Persona from the Divine Person of God the Father and Jesus Christ. It is to God the Father that Jesus has gone up to heaven. Now, Jesus is in heaven; seated at God the Father’s side. Jesus Christ shall send the Comforter, the Holy Ghost (Spirit), the third Person of the Trinity. To those who believe on God the Father and on His Son, Jesus Christ whom is truly capable of taking away our sins. Throughout the scriptures; we see the workings of the Spirit of God, Holy Ghost (Spirit) through His Servants called, Priest, Prophets, Apostles and Ministers.
To name a few of God’s servants; we have Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Deborah, Gideon, Samson, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, King Saul, King David, King Solomon, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Stephen, Philip, and the list continues. The primary purpose of these individuals, they are God’s servants in the building up of and the perfecting of the His Church, the Body of Christ, and God’s saints Old and New Testament. God has always equipped His servants with the spiritual tools necessary for the ministry He put before them.
Isa.11:2
“And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;”
Eph.4:11-13
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastor and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the working of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of god, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:”
I Cor.12:7-12
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gift of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.”
At this point; I need to provide scriptural evidence that the Divine Person of the Spirit of God, Holy Ghost (Spirit) is an individual, having His own will. In I Cor.12:11, above, which you have just read is one such proof. “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” The words I would like you to take note of this is; “severally as he will.” this is clearly saying that the Spirit has its own will. If the Spirit; has its own will, then it is a separate Divine person, right! Another scripture that I believe shows the Holy Ghost (Spirit), to be His own person, is in reference to blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and the consequence for doing such a deed. Blaspheme against God and the Lord Jesus Christ could be forgiven; but blaspheme against the Holy Ghost (Spirit) forgiveness cannot be granted forgiveness. The Holy Ghost (Spirit) being so grieved, He will not minister salvation to that person that blasphemed Him. So, therefore we come to the judgment that occurred against Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit. I do believe those who make light of, and ridicule the Pentecostal movement; the filling of the Holy Spirit, need to take note of these scriptures; for their own good and salvation.
Matt.12:31
“Wherefore I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto man: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven men.”
Mk.3:28, 29
“Verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith so ever they shall blaspheme; but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:”
Lk.12:10
“And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.”
Acts 5:3
“But Peter said Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Acts 5:5
“And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.”
(The same thing happened to Sapphira, Acts 5:8-10)
As I continue to close on this portion of study related to the Spirit of God, Holy Ghost (Spirit). I would like to refer to scriptures that make it quite clear; there is a difference between, John’s baptism and being baptized into Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost(Spirit).This infilling is evidence by speaking in tongues and prophesying. Those speaking in tongues have a real and positive effect for the believers during their assembling as the Body of Christ; the Church, if accompanied with interpretation. Both of these references have to do with the Apostles Paul ministry and teachings. The first; is when Paul came to Ephesus thinking that he had met Christian believers and the other is when he is giving a teaching about tongues and prophecy, to the Corinthian Church.
Acts 19:2-6
“He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.”
I Cor.14:1-5
“Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”
I Cor.12:18
“I thank my God. I speak with tongues more then you all:”
I likewise pray that all believers in the Church of God in Christ, and those that are saved by the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, could be like the Apostle Paul, and speak in tongues more than them all.