The Holy Spirit

Who or what is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is one member of the Holy Trinity (God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit). Also known as the Holy Ghost and treated as an individual he proceeds from the Father (God) and from the Son (Jesus). Jesus described the Holy Spirit as a comforter sent to teach those who receive him.

John 14:26 – 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.

This is not a topic that I would have thought to write about before my epiphany. In fact it was something that I knew nothing about so I had to do some research to appreciate how the Holy Spirit appears in the bible.

Appearances in the old testament

The Spirit of God came to several people in the old testament in order that they would carry out God’s wishes. Primarily it guided them in carrying out a specific task. Essentially the receipt of the Holy Spirit was a temporary coming together of God and the individual concerned.

In the old testament God established seven festivals with Israel (Leviticus 23). These festivals were a time when Israelites would interact with God by making food offerings. One of the festivals was a harvest festival known as the Feast of Weeks. It celebrated the first produce of the annual wheat harvest and occurred seven weeks after Passover. This was also the time when Moses received the ten commandments from God on Mount Sinai and it became known as Pentecost.

It is interesting that in each instance where there was interaction between God and his followers there was evidence of the Holy Spirit and this led to significant change. The receipt of the ten commandments represented a covenant between God and his people. It was a new beginning by the adoption of new laws.

Appearance in the new testament

Pentecost is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter. It recognises the time when the disciples of Jesus received the Holy Spirit. Described in the new testament this occurred some seven weeks after the resurrection of Jesus. Also, pentecost recognises that this was the start of the Christian Church. Once again the receipt of the Holy Spirit brought about a significant change.

The number seven is seen to be divine and to represent God’s influence. It is generally accepted worldwide as a lucky number.

The new testament teaches that the Holy Spirit comes to you only when you turn to God. That is, only when you have faith. If you are preoccupied with worldly things or self-interest the Holy Spirit will not be evident. It is only evident as a quiet internal voice that brings awareness of what is the right thing to do.

What happens when you receive the Holy Spirit?

Numerous versus in the bible identify that the Holy Spirit regenerates, seals and sanctifies the receiver. 

• Regeneration is often referred to as being born again. It means that our old self is crucified and we are washed of sin.
• Sealing is a reference to God’s stamp of approval and ownership.
• Sanctification is the transformative process that makes us more like Christ.

Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

My firsthand experience with the Holy Spirit

I am convinced that my epiphany was a meeting with the Holy Spirit. It had such a profound effect on me and I am no longer the person that I used to be. I am no longer fearful of the future and feel a great sense of peace. This is only due to my newfound Christian belief.

There were immediate changes in me and I no longer had any desire to pursue selfish interests or to prove myself to others. Pride simply fell away and I had no need to compete with others for attention. I took on life more as an observer and this significantly reduced my stress levels. This made me feel a profound sense of peace.

I feel that I have discovered my true self and my purpose in life. I have always been an emotional person and have felt strong connection with others. But my level of empathy and appreciation of beautiful things has skyrocketed. Human suffering, the achievement of others and touching demonstrations of kindness often bring me to tears. That’s particularly the case when it involves children and disadvantaged people. I am the only person I know who can get choked up and tearful watching an advertisement on TV. 

Ever since that epiphany I have had a strong need for understanding of the bible and exposure to Christian teaching. That was the impact of the Holy Spirit and the fact that it occurred without me, at least initially, wishing for it to happen is why I now have faith and Christian belief.

Ezekiel 36:27 – And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.