God the Holy Spirit

He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior (Titus 3:5).

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all equal in power and one in purpose.  We know that God the Father is the Creator of all things.  We know that His Son became a man to suffer and die for our sins.  But what does the Holy Spirit do for us?  What activities mark Him as distinct from the Father and the Son?

The most important role the Spirit has is being our faith-giver.  No one chooses to believe in God—our sinful nature makes such a decision impossible.  Paul writes, Some people don't have the Holy Spirit. They don't accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. Things like that are foolish to them. They can't understand them. In fact, such things can't be understood without the Spirit's help (1 Corinthians 2:14). This means that faith is a miracle—a miracle worked in us by the Holy Spirit.  This is why Paul says, God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The Spirit of God also changes how we think about the important things in life.  He adjusts our perspective and our priorities to steer us towards happiness, inner peace, and a productive use of our time that is motivated by loving concern for others.  In Galatians chapter five, Paul lists an assortment of these gifts: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 

The Holy Spirit takes an active hand in our daily affairs.  He reminds us of Jesus’ teachings so we can spot evil and avoid it.  He provides wisdom and guidance when we are faced with problems that seem insurmountable.  And He is the Comforter that we desperately need in times of sadness and regret. When we make mistakes, He comforts us with the words of Jesus: take heart…your sins are forgiven (Matthew 9:2).  When tragedy comes into our lives, He comforts us with the Father’s promise I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5).  When death steals away a loved one, He comforts us with hope that comes from Christ’s own lips: I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies (John 11:25).  It is through the Holy Spirit that our lives are touched by the divine; the glorious light of heaven shines on us through Him.