Is The Holy Spirit A Person?

What is God's holy spirit? In its opening words, the Bible speaks of the holy spirit-also rendered "God's active force"-as moving to and fro over the surface of the waters." (Genesis 1:2) In the account of Jesus' baptism, while God is described as being "in the heavens," the holy spirit appears "descending like a dove" upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17) Additionally, Jesus spoke of the holy spirit as a "helper." - John 14:16.

These and other Bible passages have led some to conclude that the holy spirit is a person, just as God, Jesus, and the angels are individual spirit persons. In fact, for centuries some of the most influential religions of Christendom have attributed personality to the holy spirit. Despite this long-standing doctrine, many church members remin confused, and some even disagree with their religious leaders. For instance, according to a recent survey, 61 percent of those interviewed believe that God's presence or power but is not a living entity." What, though, does the Bible say?

Next time: What The Bible Says