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Biblical Designations of the Spirit

In the Bible, there are various titles and definitions that are applied to the Holy Spirit. As these are carefully studied, it becomes evident that all of them describe characteristics that stem from God and Christ and do not necessitate an additional personality. Many are also reflected in the life of the Church. Note these examples.

  • "The Spirit of God" (Matt. 3:16)
  • "The Spirit of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:11)
  • "The Spirit of Holiness" (Rom. 1:4)
  • "The Spirit of Truth" (John 14:17)
  • "The Spirit of a Sound Mind" (2 Tim. 1:7)
  • "The Holy Spirit of Promise" (Eph. 1:13)
  • "The Spirit of Meekness" (Gal. 6:1)
  • "The Spirit of Understanding" (Isa. 11:2)
  • "The Spirit of Wisdom" (Eph. 1:17)
  • "The Spirit of Glory" (1 Pet. 4:14)
  • "The Spirit of Counsel" (Isa. 11:2)
  • "The Spirit of Grace" (Heb. 10:29)
  • "The Spirit of Adoption" (Rom. 8:15)
  • "The Spirit of Prophecy" (Rev. 19:10)

Even the most avid Trinitarian would find it necessary to define "Spirit" in most usages as an influence or power. Personhood of the Trinity just does not fit into these descriptions. So the Trinitarian must use two definitions when referring to "Spirit" in the Bible: one meaning the Third Person of the Trinity and the other as an influence or power. Unless the meaning is continually defined in each verse, the reader is left uncertain as to what is meant.

There is another side to this matter which is very revealing. There is also an "unholy spirit" that is referred to frequently in the Scriptures. This spirit is described in opposite terms to that of the holy Spirit. Note the following:

  • "The Spirit of Fear" (2 Tim. 1:7)
  • "The Spirit of Divination" (Acts 16:16)
  • "The Spirit of Bondage" (Rom. 8:15)
  • "The Spirit of Antichrist" (1 John 4:3)
  • "The Spirit of the World" (1 Cor. 2:12)
  • "The Spirit of Slumber" (Rom. 11:8)
  • "The Spirit of Error" (1 John 4:6)

Would anyone propose to add personhood to these spirits or to suppose that these various designations, unitedly considered, prove there is another evil being apart from Satan, the adversary of God? Not very likely, because it is commonly recognized that these terms, which generally signify the wrong spirit, all have their chief exemplification in Satan. A separate personality is not required, nor are a host of personal spirits needed to justify the listings. We submit that for consistency a similar conclusion should be drawn in regard to the various references to the holy Spirit as well.

Excerpted from "The Holy Spirit Misunderstood".