Does the Bible Speak of the Holy Spirit as Truly Part of God?

Q: I have heard comedians mock the Holy Spirit. I have even heard religious people say that there is no such thing because they cannot see it. What does a person of faith say in return, and does the Bible speak of the Holy Spirit as truly part of God? — T.S.

A: The Holy Spirit is not a thing and Scripture severely warns against mocking (blaspheming) the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31). Reverence for the Trinity is at the heart of the Christian faith. “For there are three that bear witness in heaven; the Father, the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one” (1 John 5:7).

Someone told the story of a young boy who asked his father, “How can I believe in the Holy Spirit when I have never seen Him?” His father, an electrician, took the boy to a power plant and showed him the generators. “This is where the power comes from to heat our stove and to give us light. We can’t see the power, but it’s in that machine and in the power lines.” Then he asked his son, “Do you believe in electricity?”

As the boy thought about it his father explained that everyone believes in electricity because they see what it can do. Likewise, though we cannot see the Holy Spirit, believers in Christ know the results of His power in their lives. Surrendering our lives to the Lord Jesus opens up the power source.

The Bible is very clear that the Holy Spirit is God Himself. When you yearn for God and desire His truth that is the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. A life touched by God’s Spirit will run after sin no longer. It is never a question of how much we have the Spirit, but how much He has of us.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(c)2018 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.