The most famous prayer ends with these words: “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” while few people have a complete understanding of all three participants described. In fact, these are important personalities in Christianity who are an inseparable part of the Lord.

Holy Spirit - mysticism or reality?

There are different options for describing and presenting the Holy Spirit, but in fact it is the third hypostasis of the one God. Many clergy describe him as the active force of the Lord and he can send it to any place to fulfill his own will. Many explanations regarding what the Holy Spirit looks like agree that it is something invisible, but has visible manifestations. It is worth noting that in the Bible he is represented by the hands or fingers of the Almighty, and his name is not described anywhere, so we can come to the conclusion that he is not a person.

Another important point that interests many is the symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christianity. In most cases, it is represented as a dove, which in the world symbolizes peace, truth and innocence. An exception is the icon “The Descent of the Holy Spirit”, where it is represented by tongues of flame located above the heads of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles. According to the rules of Orthodox cathedrals, it is forbidden to represent the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove on the walls, with the exception of the icon of the Epiphany. This bird is also used to describe the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which will be discussed below.

Holy Spirit in Orthodoxy

For a long time, theologians have been discussing the nature of God, trying to come to a decision about whether he is a single person or whether it is advisable to settle on the trinity. The importance of the Holy Spirit is due to the fact that through it the Lord can act in the world of people. Many believers are sure that he descended several times in the history of mankind on some people who received.

Another important topic is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which refers to the work of grace leading to salvation and perfection. They are an important part of the spiritual life of every Christian. The acquired gift of the Holy Spirit should bear fruit, helping a person cope with various passions. These include love, abstinence, faith, mercy, and so on.

Signs of the Absence of the Holy Spirit

Believers will never exaggerate their own merits, be proud, try to be superior, deceive or commit actions to others that are considered sinful. This indicates that the Holy Spirit is present in them. Those who are sinners are deprived of the Lord's help and the chance of their salvation. The presence of the Holy Spirit can be identified in several ways.

1. A person easily identifies his weaknesses that require correction.
2. Jesus Christ is accepted as Savior.
3. There is a desire to study God's word and a thirst for fellowship with the Lord.
4. The desire to glorify God in your words, songs, actions, and so on.
5. A change in character occurs and bad qualities are replaced by good ones, which makes a person better.
6. The believer understands that he cannot continue to live for himself, so he begins to create God's Kingdom around himself.
7. The desire to communicate with other people, for example, in church. This is necessary for common prayer, support for each other, joint glorification of the Lord, and so on.

Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit - Orthodoxy

Special actions of divine grace that occur in the soul of a believer and give strength to perform actions for the sake of his neighbor and the Higher powers are usually called the gifts of the Holy Spirit. There are many of them, but the main ones are seven:

1. Gift of the Fear of God. Many people see this formulation as a kind of contradiction, since two words such as gift and fear are used together. This is explained by the fact that a person has a tendency to feel self-sufficient and perfect, and this alienates him from the Lord. Only by realizing the greatness of God can one see the reality of the world without making serious mistakes, therefore fear is the source of good.
2. Gift of Piety. The Lord forgives sins and constantly saves people by showing mercy. The gifts of the Holy Spirit in Orthodoxy are realized through prayer, the celebration of the liturgy, and so on. Piety also involves charity, that is, helping those in need. By showing condescension towards others, a person acts as God does towards people.
3. Gift of Knowledge. It stands for knowledge of truths based on faith and love. It is worth noting that this refers to intellect, heart and will. The gifts of the Holy Spirit show that you need to understand the world through God and then no temptations will lead you astray from the righteous path.
4. Gift of Courage. It is very important for salvation and resisting various temptations that come along the way throughout life.
5. Gift of advice. Every day a person faces different situations where he needs to make a choice, and sometimes spiritual advice is useful to make the right decision. The Holy Spirit helps you stay in harmony with God's plan of salvation.
6. Gift of Reason. It is necessary in order to know God, who is revealed in Holy Scripture and in the Liturgy. The first option is a source of inspiration for the transition to divine knowledge, and the second implies the acceptance of the Body and Blood of the Lord. All this helps a person.
7. Gift of Wisdom. Having reached this last stage, a person will be in unity with God.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

Many religious terms are unfamiliar to a large number of people, so there are those who do not know that blasphemy is a deliberate rejection of the grace of the Lord in its obvious effect on a person, that is, it is blasphemy. Jesus Christ said that it implies denial and insult. He also asserted that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, since the Lord invests His Divinity in it.

How to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit?

The phrase was introduced into use by Seraphim of Sarov during a conversation concerning the essence of faith. To acquire the Holy Spirit is to acquire grace. In order for this term to be understood by all believers, Sarovsky interpreted it in as much detail as possible: every person has three sources of desires: spiritual, personal and demonic. The third forces a person to commit actions out of pride and self-interest, and the second provides a choice between good and bad. The first will is from the Lord and it encourages the believer to do good deeds, accumulating eternal riches.

How to communicate with the Holy Spirit?

The saints and the three persons of God can be addressed in several ways, for example, through prayer, by reading the Word of God or Holy Scripture. The church allows communication in ordinary dialogue. Invoking the Holy Spirit can be done with a few tips.

1. It is necessary to retire by taking and reading a few pages of the Bible. It is important to relax and free yourself from all thoughts.
2. Communication begins with a normal conversation, so you need to introduce yourself.
3. A person must understand and feel that the Holy Spirit lives within him.
4. During communication, you can ask different questions, ask for training, and so on. Listen to the whispers and inner voice.
5. The more often a believer conducts such sessions, the stronger he feels the voice of the Lord.

Orthodox prayers to the Holy Spirit

Today there are many prayer texts known that help people in difficult times. The current topic is whether it is possible to pray to the Holy Spirit, and what requests can be made to him. It is allowed to use both special texts and to say everything in your own words. Sincere faith and the absence of evil thoughts are of great importance. You can pray in church and at home.

Prayer to Invoke the Holy Spirit

The most common prayer text that can be said at any time when you feel that you need help from a Higher Power. It helps you live your day in spiritual purity and peace. Prayer for receiving the Holy Spirit is directed to God, and it helps to receive the seven gifts described above. The text is short, but at the same time it contains enormous power that helps you find solace and find peace.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit for the fulfillment of desires

It is difficult to meet a person who does not dream of a better life, and the hope that when this all becomes reality always remains in the heart. If desires are only well-intentioned, then the power of the Holy Spirit can help make them come true. It is important to use the presented text only if the need to realize your desire is enormous. You need to turn to the Holy Spirit at dawn, repeating the text of the prayer three times.

Prayer for help to the Holy Spirit

Difficult times periodically occur in the lives of many people, and in order to cope with the problems that arise, you can turn to Higher powers. There is a special prayer to the Holy Spirit that will help you gain confidence in your abilities, understand the current situation and become... You can pronounce it anywhere and at any time when the desire arises. It is better to learn the text by heart and repeat it three times.

The Holy Spirit - why do we need it?

We continue our conversation about the Sacrament of Confirmation. What does the Holy Spirit bring into our lives?

Holy Spirit. Mosaic of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. XI-XIII centuries.

Human can cognize Godonly in the Holy Spirit.

Human can win sinonly by the Holy Spirit.

Human can become like Christonly by the power of the Holy Spirit.

These three actions of the Third Person of the Holy Trinity determine His role in our lives. He is the only “Mediator” between us and God. The Holy Spirit is a bridge spread over the abyss of original sin, which once separated man from the Creator; the bridge over which we move from a state of guilt, sin, shame and fear (see Gen. 3) to a state of filial and intimate relationship with God. In the Holy Spirit our Lord is revealed and experienced as Father (Rom. 8:15).

That is why for the early Church it was obvious and demonstrable that the sons and daughters of God are those who are “led” by the Holy Spirit in their lives; and “he who does not have the Spirit of Christ is not His” (Rom. 8:9). The daily guidance of the Holy Spirit was to be experienced in practice (see Acts 8:29).

Without the Holy Spirit, the Church would be just one of many religious institutions on our planet, and every Christian would be just an adherent of this religious organization. Unfortunately, it is precisely this view of Christianity that predetermined its “crisis” in modern society. Without “recognizing” the mysterious action of the Holy Spirit in the Church, without listening to His voice, without following His guidance, believers lose that very “salt” that alone makes Christianity a new Life, joyful News, and not another “human, too human” "system.

The Church is a community of disciples of Christ, filled and constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. The Church is a family of God's children, those who have trusted Him and whom the Spirit takes by the hand, leading them through their entire lives to complete and perfect likeness to Christ in the Kingdom of Heaven (in Eternity). This is how the Church was conceived, this is how it was created. The historical path of the Church from century to century is a thorny path, during which betrayals and deviations from the original Plan are constantly and patiently healed, healed by the same grace of the Holy Spirit that invariably resides in the very heart of the Church.

So, the Holy Spirit reveals to us God the Father and Christ as our Lord and Savior - yes; He reveals to us the Church as our common family, gathered around Christ and His Eucharistic Table.

Last Supper. Miniature from the Armenian Gospel of 1232

But the Spirit reveals ourselves to us too! It reveals the richness and beauty of our personality, with all its fragility and gifts. He seeks to gradually transform our entire being. Because He loves us. And more and more highlights those facets by which each of us begins to become remotely similar to Christ...

In this sense, we can say that the gift of the Holy Spirit is given for the service of others, for the full development of a person's personality in such service. The early Church was well aware of this: very often, at the moment of the descent of the Spirit, believers immediately experienced extraordinary actions in themselves of spiritual gifts: prophecy, special inspired prayer, healing, etc. (1 Cor. 12). The gift through which the Holy Spirit manifests itself in each individual believer corresponds partly to his natural inclinations, character traits, and partly reflects the inscrutable ways of Providence about this person.

And now, as 2000 years ago, the Holy Spirit still shines on believers and those who seek Him, although this does not always happen as clearly and brightly - however, if grace has touched the heart, it will certainly leave in it some kind of “inner testimony”, knowledge (cf. 1 John 2:20). To think otherwise would mean to reject the Church as such, to devalue the whole work of Christ and, according to the thought of the great Byzantine mysticSt. Simeon the New Theologian , fall into the worst of heresies.

But, just as in the case of Baptism, the grace of Confirmation must be deepened and revealed within oneself throughout the rest of one’s life. Otherwise, the Christian will remain a barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-19). What fruits should the indwelling of the Holy Spirit have in a Christian? They are listed by the ap. Paul: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

These fruits ripen only under the condition of close communication with the Holy Spirit, in the literal sense of cooperation with Him. And it, in turn, passes through four main channels:

- prayer;

— Sacraments (especially the Eucharist);

- reading the Word of God;

- communication with people, with brothers and sisters in faith, and all the resulting actions, words and thoughts.

Of course, such a division is conditional: in the end, absolutely everything in our life must be spiritualized - become “spiritual,” that is, participating in the grace-filled action of the Holy Spirit. But this is Christian perfection. And while we are on the way to it, it is necessary to use the indicated “tools”. Holy Theophan the Recluse expresses the idea that the grace of Confirmation is like a fire hiding under the ashes of our passions, oblivion, and negligence: this fire should be fanned by the work of prayer and other Christian virtues. ASt. Seraphim of Sarov even taught , using visual images from the life of merchants, that these virtues need to be “traded spiritually,” that is, to see which of them give each of us more of the grace of the Holy Spirit: “prayer and vigil gives you more of the grace of God - watch and pray; Fasting gives a lot of the Spirit of God, fast, alms gives more, do alms, and thus reason about every virtue done for the sake of Christ” (conversation between St. Seraphim of Sarov and N. A. Motovilov). These images may confuse some with their seeming “commercialism,” as if the whole life of a Christian revolves around one’s own ego and its spiritual benefit. In fact, there is a deep truth here: that work, that work, in the performance of which a person feels grace to a greater extent than in other activities, indicates his calling and service in the Church and in the world, shapes him as a person. This is that personal and unique gift (or gifts) of the Holy Spirit to a specific person, which is given, in the end, for one purpose: growth in love. If you listen carefully, with reasoning and consultation with spiritual mentors, brothers and sisters in Christ, to this quiet movement of the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Kings 19:12), it is possible - and certainly necessary! – find the answer to the frequently asked question: “What is God calling me to?”

And it's not as difficult as it sometimes seems. As a witty remarkprot. Alexy Uminsky , God does not hide His will from us (and His calling is always the greatest joy for the person himself!), like some kind of rebus. The Father is interested in making His children happy. The realization of a Christian's personality is nothing other than his response to God's call to him personally, and the fullness of this realization depends on the fullness of self-surrender in following the leading of the Spirit.

This is how many gifts, meanings and purposes are contained in the most little-known Sacrament of the Church. If Baptism is the starting point of the Christian path, then Confirmation itself contains the seed of its ultimate goal - “deification”, when a person’s entire being is transformed, transformed and renewed by the uncreated energies of the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, all subsequent Sacraments of the Church, as well as all his works, are called upon to reveal the potential that is given in Confirmation. And if a disciple of Christ becomes like a sponge, filled with grace, so that it flows and pours out of his entire being like rivers of living water (John 7:38-39) - in other words, if he becomes a saint - this is that perfect fruit, growth and the maturation of which began in the sacrament of Confirmation. But I don’t agree with the lesser Gospel...

P.S. In conclusion, here is the most famous hymn of Simeon the New Theologian about the Holy Spirit:

Don't say that it is impossible to receive the Divine Spirit,

Don't say that without Him it is possible to be saved,

Do not say that anyone is involved in Him without knowing it,

Don't say that God is invisible to people,

Don't say people don't see Divine light

Or that it is currently impossible!

It's never impossible, friends!

But it is very possible for those who wish.

Conversation with Motovilov by Seraphim of Sarovabout the purpose of Christian life

subscribe to the channel Predaniye.ru V Telegram so as not to miss interesting news and articles!

As we remember, even in the Old Testament there were separate references to the Spirit of God. However, it is in the New Testament that the Spirit of God is revealed not simply as a mysterious force acting on behalf of God, but as a Deity with personal characteristics. The New Testament, moreover, reveals the inextricable connection that exists between the Son and the Spirit.

During the earthly life of Jesus Christ, He was constantly accompanied by the Holy Spirit. Even before His birth, an Angel appears to the Virgin Mary and says: The Holy Spirit will come upon You, and the power of the Most High will overshadow You; therefore the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God(Luke 1:35). Jesus is born of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit (see: Matthew 1:18-20). The forerunner of Jesus is fulfilled the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb(Luke 1:15). He baptizes people to repentance but says that Going behind him will baptize... with the Holy Spirit and fire(Matthew 3, i; cf.: Mark 1.8; Luke 3, 16). At the moment of Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descends on Him and rests on Him (see: Luke 3:22). Immediately after baptism Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, is given Spirit into the desert for temptation from the devil (Luke 4:1).

In His sermon, Jesus speaks repeatedly about the action of the Holy Spirit. He predicts that His disciples will be persecuted, but exhorts them not to think in advance what to say, for it is not they who will speak, but the Holy Spirit (see: Mt 10:20; Mk 13:11; Lk 12:12) . Jesus warns that blasphemy will not be forgiven by the Holy Spirit person neither in this age nor in the next(Mt 12:32; cf: Mk 3:29; Lk 12:10).

Until Jesus was glorified, His disciples did not have the Holy Spirit (see: John 7:39). The death and resurrection of Christ was a necessary condition for His disciples to receive the Holy Spirit. Christ speaks about this in his farewell conversation with his disciples, one of the leitmotifs of which is the sending of the Comforter:

And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; and you know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you...(John 14, 16-17)

When the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the SpirittruthWho comes from the Father, He will testify of Me...(John 15, 26)

...BetterForyou so that I may go; for if I do not go, the Comforter will not come to you; and if I go, I will send Him to you, and He, when He comes, will convict the world about sin and about righteousness and about judgment: about sin, that they do not believe in Me; about the truth that I go to My Father, and you will no longer see Me; about judgment, that the prince of this world is condemned. I still have a lot to tell you; but now you cannot contain it. When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth: for He will not speak from Himself, but He will speak whatever He hears, and He will tell you the future. He will glorify Me, because He will take of Mine and proclaim it to you. All that the Father has is Mine; therefore I said that he will take from Mine and tell you(John 16:7-15).

After His resurrection, Jesus appears to the disciples and sends them the Holy Spirit through a breath, saying: Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive, they will be forgiven; whoever you leave it on will stay on it(John 2:22-23). At the same time, He commands the disciples: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from Me, for John baptized with water, and a few days after this you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.(Acts 1:4,8).

The event predicted by Jesus took place on the day of Pentecost, when tongues of fire descended on the apostles, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance(Acts 2:4). Many people gathered in Jerusalem for the holiday, and everyone heard the apostles speaking in their own language, and some thought that they were drunk with wine (see: Acts 2:7,12). On behalf of the apostles, Peter addressed the people with a sermon and said:

Men of Judah and all who live in Jerusalem! let this be known to you, and listen to my words: they are not drunk, as you think, for it is now the third hour day; but this is what was foretold by the prophet Joel: “And in the last days, says God, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy; and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”(Joel 2, 28 -32 Men of Israel! Hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man, behind testified to you by God by the powers and wonders and signs that God did through Him among you, as you yourselves know,Ceth according to the definite advice and foreknowledge of God, you took and nailed him with the hands of the lawless and killed him; but God raised Him up, I broke the bonds of death, because it was impossible for it to hold Him... So,Oand having been exalted by the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he poured out what you now see and hear. "... Hearing this, they were touched in their hearts and said to Peter and the other Apostles: what should we do, men and brethren? Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. For forgiveness of sins; and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit(Dejan 2, 14-17, 21-24, 33, 37-38).

With Pentecost, the mission of the Christian Church began, which continues to this day and in which the action of the Holy Spirit plays a central role. It is the action of the Holy Spirit that is perceived in the Church as a guarantee that the teachings of Christ will not be distorted, that His ministry will be continued by His disciples and followers, that Christ will remain the living and active Head of the Church, guiding it with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the One Whom Jesus left in His Church in His place: He is “another Comforter,” Who, unlike Jesus, will not ascend into heaven, but will remain with His disciples forever (see: John 14:16). He will not speak on His own behalf, but on behalf of Christ (see: John 16:13-14).

If the Synoptic Gospels were devoted primarily to the story of the earthly ministry of Christ, and the Gospel of John and the Apostolic Epistles were devoted to the theological understanding of this ministry, then the book of the Acts of the Apostles is primarily evidence of the gracious action of the Holy Spirit in the Church founded by Christ. It is no coincidence that in the Orthodox Church the reading of the Acts of the Apostles begins at the Easter liturgy and ends at the Feast of Pentecost.

The action of the Holy Spirit on believers in the Acts of the Apostles is described using the expressions “to be filled with the Holy Spirit” (see: Acts 4:8; 4:31; 9:17; 13, 9; 13:52) and “receive the Holy Spirit” (see: Acts 8:15; 8:17); it also speaks of the descent of the Holy Spirit on believers (see: Acts 8:39; 10:44; 11:15). Speaking in tongues was often a sign of the descent of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced, in particular, by the following story:

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper countries, arrived at Ephesus and, finding some disciples there, said to them: Have you received the Holy Spirit by believing? They said to him: we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit. He said to them: What were you baptized into? They answered: in John's baptism. Paul said: John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in him who would come after him, that is, in Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in other tongues and prophesy(Acts 19:1-6).

In this story, the Holy Spirit descends on the disciples not at the moment of baptism, but immediately after it, with the laying on of hands by the Apostle Paul. The fact that baptism and the laying on of hands were independent sacramental acts is also evidenced by the story of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Samaritans, to whom the apostles sent Peter and John so that they would come and pray for them, so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet descended on any of them, but only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit(Acts 8:16-17).

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the early Christian Church is in many ways similar to the presence of Yahweh God among the people of Israel. The Holy Spirit takes a living and direct part in the life of the Christian community. He speaks to the disciples (see: Acts 13:2; 21:11), sends them to preach (see: Acts 13:4), appoints them to ministry (see: Acts 20:28). When making certain decisions, the apostles feel the action of the Holy Spirit and announce the decision made with the words: It pleases the Holy Spirit and us(Acts 15:28). This formula subsequently began the definitions of the Ecumenical Councils.

If in the Old Testament the presence of God primarily evoked awe and horror, then the action of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church fills its members with joy and motivates them speak the word of God with boldness(Acts 4:31). At the same time, sometimes the action of the Holy Spirit through the apostles leads everyone into “great fear” (see: Acts 5, 5, 11), as happened after the sudden death of Ananias and Sapphira. As the book of Acts narrates, in the early Christian community all believers “were together” and “had everything in common,” they sold their property and divided the proceeds among themselves, based on the needs of each (see: Acts 2:44-45 ); therefore there were no needy people among them (see: Acts 4:34). However, two spouses, Ananias and Sapphira, decided, having sold their estate, to hide part of the proceeds from the community. When Ananias came and laid the money at the feet of the apostles, Peter said to him: Ananias! Why did you allow Satan to put into your heart the idea of ​​lying to the Holy Spirit and hiding from the price of the land? What you owned was not yours, and what you acquired by sale was not in your power?.. You lied not to people, but to God. Hearing these words, Ananias fell lifeless. About three hours later his wife came, not yet knowing about what had happened, and Peter asked her: Tell me, how much did you sell the land for? She answered: Yes, for that much. But Peter said to her: Why did you agree to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, those who buried your husband are entering the door; and they will carry you out. Suddenly she fell at his feet and gave up the ghost(Acts 5:1-10).

It is characteristic that for the Apostle Peter “to lie to the Holy Spirit” and “to lie to God” are synonymous, which confirms the apostles’ faith in the Divinity of the Holy Spirit. No less characteristic is the uncompromising attitude with which the apostles treated matters of faith: they did not recognize partial, incomplete conversion to Christ, and did not allow lies in regard to the general rules of community life.

Just as it was considered unacceptable to conceal the real price of a sold property, just as unacceptable was the desire to receive the grace of the Holy Spirit for money. This is evidenced by the story of Simon the Magus, who, Seeing that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostolic hands, he brought them money, saying: Give me this power too, so that whoever I lay my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him: Let your silver perish with you, because you thought to receive the gift of God with money.(Acts 8:18-20). In subsequent centuries, the Church tirelessly fought against “simony,” the giving of bribes for ordination to the priesthood: according to the canons, both the cleric who received ordination for money and the bishop who ordained him were subject to deportation.

The Holy Spirit is spoken of in the Council Epistles, in particular in the 1st Epistle of Peter, where the Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of Christ” (see: 1 Pet 1:11), the “Spirit of Glory” and the “Spirit of God” resting on those who is slandered “for the name of Christ” (see: 1 Pet 4:14). According to the teaching of the Apostle Peter, the same Holy Spirit, sent from heaven, who acted in the prophets, acts in the evangelists of the Christian faith, the apostles of Christ (see: 1 Pet 1:11-12). Peter calls on Christians to purify their souls obedience to the truth through the Spirit(1 Pet 1:22), reminding us that their decoration should be the hidden person of the heart in the imperishable beauty of a meek and silent spirit(1 Pet 3, 4).

According to the teaching of the Apostle John the Theologian, participation in the Holy Spirit is a sign of a person’s abiding in God: That we abide in Him and He in us, we know from what He has given us of His Spirit(1 John 4:13) - The Apostle says that Christ has come water, blood and the Spirit, not only water, but water and blood, and the Spirit testifies of Him, because the Spirit is truth(1 John 5, 6). Christians are also saved through spirit, water and blood (see: 1 John 5:8), that is, through baptism, martyrdom and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Speaking about the need to test spirits, the apostle contrasts the “Spirit of God” with the spirit of Antichrist operating in the false prophets: Recognize the Spirit of God (and the spirit of error) this way: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ who has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ who has come in the flesh is not from God, but is the spirit of Antichrist(1 John 4, 2-3). Thus, the criterion for recognizing the Holy Spirit and distinguishing Him from false spirits is faith in the Incarnation.

The doctrine of the Holy Spirit occupies a significant place in the Epistles of the Apostle Paul. In his theological vision, the action of the Holy Spirit is inextricably linked with the redemptive feat of Christ. In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul calls Christians to “live according to the Spirit,” seeing in this way of life a guarantee of a future resurrection:

Therefore those who live according to the flesh cannot please God.But you do not live according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness.If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.So, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh;For if you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.Because you did not receive the spirit of slavery to live in fear again, but you received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry: “Abba, Father!”This very Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with Him in order to be glorified with Him.(Rom 8:8-17).

Above, we already drew attention to the thought of the Apostle Paul that the right to turn to God the Father with the prayer “Abba, Father!” testifies to the adoption of Christians to God. According to the teaching of Paul, when a Christian turns to God in prayer, he does not pray on his own, but the Holy Spirit prays to the Father in him: for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be expressed. He who searches the hearts knows what the Spirit thinks, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.(Rom 8:26-27).

In 1 Corinthians, speaking about the secret and hidden wisdom of God, the Apostle Paul states that God reveals this wisdom to spiritual people through the Holy Spirit:

But, as it is written: eye has not seen, ear has not heard, and what God has prepared for those who love Him has not entered into the heart of man.But God revealed this to us by His Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.For which man knows what is in a man except the spirit of man that dwells in him? Likewise, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.But we have not received the spirit of this world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we might know the things freely given to us by God,which we proclaim not in words learned from human wisdom, but in words learned from the Holy Spirit, comparing spiritual with spiritual.The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, because he considers them foolishness; and cannot understand, because this must be judged spiritually.But the spiritual one judges everything, but no one can judge him.For who has known the mind of the Lord so that he can judge him? And we have the mind of Christ.(1 Cor 2:9-16).

Warning the Corinthian Christians against an unpleasing life, the Apostle Paul exclaims: Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will punish him: for the temple of God is holy; and this temple is you (1 Cor. 3:16-17). The inadmissibility of fornication is explained, according to the Apostle Paul, by the fact that the bodies of Christians are members of Christ and the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:15-19).

The apostle pays special attention to the variety of gifts and actions of the Holy Spirit in the Church of Christ. According to his teaching, all ministries in the Church are distributed by the Holy Spirit, and all of them are necessary to preserve the unity, integrity and completeness of the church body:

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit;and the services are different, but the Lord is the same;and the actions are different, but God is one and the same, producing everything in everyone.But everyone is given the manifestation of the Spirit for their benefit.To one is given the word of wisdom by the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;to another faith by the same Spirit; to others gifts of healings by the same Spirit;to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another divers tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.Yet all these things are done by one and the same Spirit, distributing to each one individually, as He pleases.For just as the body is one, but has many members, and all the members of one body, although many, constitute one body, so is Christ.For we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, and we have all been given one Spirit to drink.(1 Cor 12:4-13).

Question: “Who is the Holy Spirit? I've seen this name phrase in several places on your site."

Our answer: The Holy Spirit is a real person. He is sent by God to be among the true followers of Jesus Christ after His resurrection from the dead and His ascension into heaven (Acts 2). Jesus told His apostles...

“And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees nor knows Him; you know Him, because He abides with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans: I will come to you.” (John 14:16-18)

The Holy Spirit is not a vague divine shadow, not a faceless force. He is a person equal in everything with God the Father and God the Son. He is the third person of the Godhead or Divine Trinity. Jesus told His Apostles...

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And all the divine attributes attributed to the Father and the Son are equally attributed to the Holy Spirit. When a person is born again through faith and acceptance of Jesus Christ (John 1:12-13; John 3:3-21), God dwells in that person through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). The Holy Spirit has intellect (1 Cor. 2:11), emotions (Rom. 15:30), and will (1 Cor. 12:11).

The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Jesus Christ (John 15:26, 16:14). He brings the truth about Jesus Christ to people's hearts. The Holy Spirit also acts as a teacher for Christians (1 Cor. 2:9-14). He reveals God's will and God's truth to the believer. Jesus told his disciples...

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and remind you of everything that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

“When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak from Himself, but whatever He hears, He will speak, and He will tell you the things to come.” (John 16:13)

The Holy Spirit was given to live in those who believe in Jesus to shape God's character in the life of the believer. The Holy Spirit produces in our lives love, joy, peace, long-suffering, goodness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23). He does it in a way that we could never do on our own. Instead of trying to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him, and He Himself will produce these qualities in our lives. Thus, Christians are told to walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to carry out ministries that contribute to the spiritual growth of other Christians (Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4).

The Holy Spirit also has a function for non-believers. He convicts human hearts, telling them the truth that we are sinners and need God's forgiveness; about how righteous Jesus is - He died in our place, for our sins; and of God's final judgment on the world and those who have not known Him (John 16:8-11). The Holy Spirit awakens our hearts and minds, calling us to repent and ask God for forgiveness and new life.

Although the crucifixion of Jesus Christ caused pain and terror to His followers, His resurrection brought new light to their lives. When Christ broke the shackles of death, the dawn of God's Kingdom arose in their hearts.

Just a few weeks ago, the disciples were divided by unworthy differences, but now they admitted their guilt to each other, opening their hearts to the Savior and the ascended King.

Only now did they realize the absurdity of their ambitious motives and rallied closer, spending time day after day in joint prayer. And then on one of the unforgettable days, when they were praising God, suddenly there came “a sound from heaven, as from a rushing mighty wind... And cloven tongues appeared to them, as if of fire, and rested, one on each of them (Acts. 2:2, 3). Like blazing fire, the Holy Spirit fell upon the followers of Christ.

The Spirit-filled disciples could not contain within themselves that extraordinary feeling of joy and love for Jesus Christ. They enthusiastically began to proclaim the good news of salvation. Alarmed by the unexpected noise, local residents, along with pilgrims from other countries, hurried to the house. Amazed and confused, they heard in their own language the testimony of the great works of God from the lips of ordinary Galileans.

“It’s not clear,” some said, “what does all this mean?” Others mocked: “Yes, they are drunk.” The Apostle Peter, being among the noisy crowd, raised his voice: “They are not drunk, because it is only the third hour of the day. Today you are witnesses of how the risen Christ, whom God exalted by His hand, gives us the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2).

Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

The Bible reveals to us that the Holy Spirit is a Person and not a faceless force. Expressions such as “according to the Holy Spirit and us” (Acts 15:28) suggest that the early Christians perceived Him as a Person. Christ also speaks of Him as a Person. “He will glorify Me,” said Christ, “for He will take of Mine and proclaim it to you” (John 16:14). Scripture speaks of the Triune God, presenting the Holy Spirit as the Person (see Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 13:13).
The Holy Spirit has personal qualities. He experiences disdain from people (see Gen. 6:3). He teaches (Luke 12:12), convinces (see John 16:8), directs the affairs of the Church (see Acts 13:2), helps and intercedes (see Rom. 8:26), inspires (see 2 Peter 1:21) and sanctifies (see 1 Peter 1:2). These actions can only be inherent to the Personality, and not to the faceless power and influence emanating from God.

The Holy Spirit is the true God

In the biblical account, the Holy Spirit is spoken of as God. Peter, turning to Ananias, said to him: “...Why did you allow Satan to put into your heart the idea of ​​lying to the Holy Spirit... you lied not to men, but to God” (Acts 5:3,4). Jesus Christ called blasphemy against the Spirit an unforgivable sin. In the Gospel of Matthew we read: “If anyone speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but if anyone speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31, 32). These words of the Savior emphasize the biblical truth that the Holy Spirit is God.

According to Scripture, the Holy Spirit is endowed with Divine properties. He is life itself. The Apostle Paul calls Him “the Spirit of life” (Rom. 8:2). He is the truth. Jesus Christ called Him “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). The expressions “the love of the Spirit” (Rom. 15:30) and “the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30) show that love and holiness are part of His nature.

The Holy Spirit is omnipotent. He distributes spiritual gifts “to each one individually, as He pleases” (1 Cor. 12:11). The Holy Spirit is omnipresent. He will “abide” with His people “forever” (John 14:16). No one can hide from Him (see Ps. 139:7-10). He is also omniscient because “the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God,” and “no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:10, 11).

The works of the Holy Spirit are connected with the works of God the Creator. He participates in both creation and resurrection. Job said, “The Spirit of God created me, and the breath of the Almighty gave me life” (Job 33:4). The psalmist says in prayer: “If you send forth your spirit, they will be created” (Ps. 103:30). The same thought is found in Paul: “He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you” (Rom. 8:11).

Only the omnipresent God, and not a faceless force and an uncreated being, is subject to the laws of the world, and He showed this in the miracle of the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary. On the day of Pentecost, the only God-man Christ, thanks to the Holy Spirit, could simultaneously be present with everyone who wanted to receive Him.
Reading the Gospel carefully, we see that the significance of the Holy Spirit as Divinity is not inferior to the authority of the Father and the Son both in the apostolic blessings (see 2 Cor. 13:14) and in the words spoken at the moment of baptism (see Matt. 28:19 ), and in Paul's descriptions of spiritual gifts (see 1 Cor. 12:4-6).

Holy Spirit in Trinity

Initially, God the Holy Spirit coexisted unmerged and indivisible in the Holy Trinity. According to the Bible, like God the Father and God the Son, God the Holy Spirit has life in Himself. But despite the fact that the Persons of the Holy Trinity are equal to each other, each of them performs His own special ministry (see Chapter 2 of this book).

The truth about God the Holy Spirit is most fully revealed through Jesus Christ. When the Holy Spirit descends upon believers, He acts as the “Spirit of Christ,” without claiming His personal rights or defending His own powers. His activity in history is focused on the saving mission of Christ. The Holy Spirit was actively involved in the birth of Christ (see Luke 1:35), confirmed the beginning of His public ministry at baptism (see Matt. 3:16,17) and made available to mankind the blessings of Christ's atoning sacrifice and His resurrection (see Rom. 8:11).

In the Holy Trinity, the Spirit appears to be the performer. From the Holy Spirit (see Matt. 1:18-20) the Son of God was conceived when the Father gave Him to the world (see John 3:16).
The Holy Spirit came to fulfill God's plan for man in this world and make it a reality.

According to the Bible, the Holy Spirit took part in Creation, as evidenced by His presence at the creation of the earth (see Gen. 1:2). Life originates from Him, and it is sustained by Him. When the Spirit leaves, death occurs. The Holy Scriptures say that if God “turned His heart to Himself and took to Himself the spirit thereof (the earth) and the breath thereof, suddenly all flesh would perish, and man would return to dust” (Job 34:14, 15; cf. 33:4).

The creative ministry of the Spirit is reflected in the fact that He creates a new heart in a person open to God. God transforms and creates man through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Spirit carries out God's purposes in the mystery of incarnation, creation and rebirth to new life.

The Holy Spirit promised to the world

According to God's plan, the Holy Spirit was originally supposed to dwell in man. But the sin of Adam and Eve deprived them of the Garden of Eden and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. This break of creation with its Creator led the antediluvian civilization to tragedy. And God was forced to say: “My Spirit will not forever be despised by men” (Gen. 6:3).

In Old Testament times, it was the Holy Spirit who, through his influence, formed this or that person, preparing him for a special service (see Num. 24:2; Judg. 6:34; 1 Sam. 10:6). There were times when He dwelled in the hearts of individuals (see Ex. 31:3; Isa. 63:11).

It is true that true believers have always been aware of His presence, but biblical prophecy speaks of a special outpouring of the Spirit “on all flesh” (Joel 2:28) when a greater manifestation of the Spirit will usher in a new era.

While the world was subject to the devil, the endowment of the Spirit was fully expected and expected in the future. Christ, according to God's providence, had to fulfill His earthly mission, make an atoning sacrifice, and only after that the Holy Spirit could be poured out on all flesh. Pointing to the ministry of Christ as the ministry of the Spirit, John the Baptist said: “I baptize you with water, and he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 3:11). But in the Gospel we do not find concrete evidence that Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. Only a few hours before His crucifixion, Christ promised the disciples: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16, 17). Is there any reason to say that the baptism of the Spirit took place on the cross? No. At the moment of the crucifixion, the dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit did not appear - only pitch darkness descended, and only peals of thunder were heard.

It was only after His resurrection that Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit on His disciples (see John 20:22). In the Gospel of Luke we read: “And I will send the promise of My Father upon you; but remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are endowed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). The followers of the great Teacher were to receive power as a result of the work of the Holy Spirit and become His witnesses to the ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8).

The Evangelist John wrote: “The Holy Spirit was not on them, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:39). According to God's plan, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was to follow only after the Father accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The dawn of a new era arose only when our Lord, the Victor, sat on the heavenly throne. Only then could He pour out the Holy Spirit in all His fullness. According to Peter, Jesus, “having been exalted by the right hand of God... poured out” the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33) on His disciples, who were anxiously awaiting this event and, having gathered, “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 2:33). 1:5, 14). The Day of Pentecost, which came fifty days after Calvary, marked the beginning of a new era with a powerful manifestation of the Spirit. “And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they (the disciples) were sitting... And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:2-4).

The mission of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Holy Spirit are completely interconnected. The Holy Spirit could not be given in full until Jesus fulfilled what God had ordained. In turn, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit (see Matt. 1:8-21), baptized by the Spirit (see Mark 1:9-10), led by the Spirit (see Luke 4:1), carried out His miracles through the Spirit (see Matt. 12:24-32), sacrificed Himself on Calvary through the Spirit (see Heb. 9:14,15) and was resurrected by the Spirit (see Rom. 8:11).

Jesus Christ was the first to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. It is comforting to know that the Lord is ready to pour out His Spirit on all who seek Him with all their hearts.

Mission of the Holy Spirit

In the evening, on the eve of His death, Christ told the disciples that he would soon leave them. His words alarmed the disciples. But the Lord assured them: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever... I will not leave you orphans...” (John 14:16,18).

Origin of the mission. The New Testament reveals the truth about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of Jesus" (Acts 16:7), "the Spirit of the Son" (Gal. 4:6), "the Spirit of God" (Rom. 8:9), "the Spirit of Christ" (Rom. 8:9; 1 Peter 1:11) and “by the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:19). The question arises: who has the authoritative right to send the Holy Spirit into this world - Jesus Christ or the Father?

When Christ reveals the mission of the Holy Spirit in a fallen world, He speaks of two sources. First, He points to God the Father: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter” (John 14:16, cf. 15:26 “from the Father”). It was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that the Savior called “promised of the Father” (Acts 1:4). Secondly, Christ points to Himself: “I will send Him (the Spirit) to you” (John 16:7). Therefore, the Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son.
His mission in the world. Christ can only be recognized as Lord through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, “No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3).

The Word of God assures us that through the Holy Spirit, Christ, the “true Light,” “enlightens every man who comes into the world” (John 1:9). His task is to “reveal to the world the truth about sin, righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8, English translation).

Firstly, it is the Holy Spirit who helps us realize our sinfulness and exposes our complete indifference to Christ (see John 16:9). Second, the Holy Spirit moves people to accept the righteousness of Christ. Third, the Holy Spirit warns us of judgment, which causes the sin-clouded mind to feel the need for repentance and conversion.

Having experienced the renewing power of repentance, we can be born again through water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see John 3:5). This, undoubtedly, is the beginning of our new life, for we become a temple of the Spirit of Christ.

Mission for believers. Most biblical texts that talk about the Holy Spirit deal with the issue of His relationship with God's people. By exerting a sanctifying influence, He leads us to obedience (see 1 Peter 1:2). However, in order for His influence to be constant and creative, the Christian must take into account certain conditions. The Apostle Peter emphasizes the idea that God gives the Spirit to those who continually obey Him (see Acts 5:32)1. Moreover, believers are warned not to resist the Holy Spirit, not to grieve or extinguish His influence in their lives (see Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30; 1 Thess. 5:19).

What is the participation of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian?

1. He helps believers by supporting them spiritually. Jesus Christ calls the Holy Spirit by the ancient Greek word “Parakletos” (John 14:16). Translated into Russian, this word means “Helper”, “Comforter”, “Adviser”. It can also mean "Intercessor", "Mediator" or "Attorney".

In addition to the Holy Spirit, the Holy Scripture calls the name “Parakletos” only Christ Himself. He is our Protector or Intercessor before the Father. “My children!” exclaims the Apostle John, “I write this to you so that you do not sin; but if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

As Advocate, Mediator and Helper, Christ represents us to God and reveals God to us. In like manner the Spirit leads us to Christ and makes us partakers of Christ's grace. This is why the Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:29). The Holy Spirit helps to ensure that the saving grace of Christ becomes the property of people. Without this, the salvation of humanity is unthinkable.

2. He reveals the truth about Christ. Jesus Christ speaks of the Holy Spirit as “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13). He is called, according to Christ, to remind us of everything that He said to us" (John 14:26), and to guide us "into all truth" (John 16:13). He testifies of Jesus Christ (John 15:26 ) “He will not speak from Himself,” Christ emphasizes, “but He will speak what He hears, and He will tell you the future. He will glorify Me, because He will take of Mine and proclaim it to you" (John 16:13, 14).

3. He makes the presence of Christ real. The Holy Spirit not only proclaims Christ, He makes the very presence of the Savior real. Jesus said: “It is better for you that I go; for if I do not go, the Comforter (Holy Spirit, John 14:16, 17) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 14:16, 17). 16:7).

Being limited by human capabilities, Jesus could not be present at the same time in different places. That's why it was so necessary for Him to leave. Through the Holy Spirit He will be able to be present everywhere and always. Jesus said, “I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth.” He assured that the Spirit will be with us" and in us it will be: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:17, 18). "The Holy Spirit is the representative of Christ, not burdened by human nature, and therefore independent of circumstances."

The Virgin Mary conceived Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit revealed Christ the Victor to the world. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ's promises were fulfilled: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5) and “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). This is why the New Testament gives the Holy Spirit a name that is not given to Him anywhere in the Old Testament - “the Spirit of Jesus” (Phil. 1:19).

It is through the Holy Spirit that the Father and the Son dwell in the hearts of His followers (see John 14:23). In the same way, only through the Holy Spirit can believers abide in Christ.

4. He directs the activities of the Church. Because the Holy Spirit, through its influence, makes the presence of Christ evident in the life of a person. He is the true Vicar of Christ on earth. It is He, the Holy Spirit, as the unchanging authority in matters of faith and teaching, who leads the Church along the paths of truth and goodness in full accordance with the principles of biblical teaching. “The distinctive feature of Protestantism among other religious denominations, without which there would be no Protestantism, is the conviction that the Holy Spirit is the true vicar or successor of Christ on earth. To rely on church organization, leaders or human wisdom is to elevate man above the authority of God.”

The Holy Spirit really and visibly participated in the formation of the First Apostolic Church. On that important day of fasting and prayer, when missionaries for the Church were chosen, “the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:1-4). The chosen ministers expressed their willingness to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Acts speaks of them as a people “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:9, cf. 52), whose activities were under His Divine guidance (see Acts 16:6, 7). The Apostle Paul considered it necessary to remind the elders of the church that the Holy Spirit chose them to be the messengers of God (see Acts 20:28).

The Holy Spirit played an extremely important role in those churches where serious contradictions arose that threatened fraternal unity. Indeed, in Scripture the message about the decisions of the first church council is preceded by the words: “For it pleased the Holy Spirit and us...” (Acts 15:28).

5. He endows the Church with special gifts. The Holy Spirit has endowed God's people with special gifts. In Old Testament times, the “Spirit of the Lord” came upon individuals, giving them wisdom and the ability to guide the spiritual and political life of Israel (see Judges 3:10; 6:34; 11:29, etc.), as well as to prophesy ( see Numbers 11:17, 25, 26; 2 Kings 23:2). The Holy Spirit came upon Saul and David when they were anointed rulers of God's people (see 1 Sam. 10:6,10; 16:13). Additionally, according to Scripture, the Holy Spirit endowed individuals with various artistic gifts (see Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 35:30-35).

In the early Christian Church, Christ also sent down His gifts of grace to the Church through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit distributed these spiritual gifts given to believers as He saw fit for the benefit of the entire Church (see Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 12:7-11).

In addition, the Holy Spirit imparted special power to all who proclaimed the gospel to the ends of the earth (see Acts 1:8; see chapter 16 of this book).

6. He is present in the hearts of believers. The Apostle Paul asked the disciples in Ephesus: “Have you received the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Acts 19:2). This question is still decisive for every Christian today.

After receiving a negative answer, Paul laid hands on the disciples and baptized them with the Holy Spirit (see Acts 19:6).

This incident in Paul's missionary activity shows that the recognition of one's own sinfulness, possible under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in a person's life are far from the same thing.

Jesus Christ pointed out to Nicodemus the need to be born of water and the Spirit (see John 3:5). Immediately before His ascension, He gave instructions to baptize new converts “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19). This is why Peter said in his sermon that at baptism one must receive “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The Apostle Paul affirms the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (see chapter 14 of this book) and strongly encourages believers to be “filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).

The Holy Spirit, spiritually transforming us into the image and likeness of God, continues the work of sanctification begun at the new birth. God saved us in His mercy “by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” (Titus 3:5, 6).
"It is the absence of the Spirit that makes the gospel ministry so impotent. Learning, talent, eloquence, every natural or acquired ability may have its place, but without the Spirit of God no heart will be touched, no sinner will be won to Christ. On the other hand, the most the poor and uneducated among His disciples will have a power that appeals to the hearts if they are united to Christ and receive the gifts of the Spirit. God will make them channels for the transmission of the most sublime influence in the universe."

The Holy Spirit is of utmost importance in the lives of Christians. Jesus accomplishes all changes in our hearts through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. And we, believers, need to constantly realize that without the Holy Spirit we cannot do anything (see John 15:5).

Today the Holy Spirit directs our attention to the greatest gift of love that God offers in His Son. He pleads with us not to resist His calls, but to accept the only way we can be reconciled to our loving and kind Father in Heaven.

1 See Arnold V. Wallenkampf, Hew by the Spirit (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1978), pp. 49, 50.
2 E. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 669.
3 Leroy E. Froom, The Coming of Comforter, rev. ed. (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1949), pp. 66, 67.
4 E. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 21, 22.