What is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit According to The Church of Pentecost

Overview

The Church of Pentecost teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force but a divine Person who actively participates in the life of believers, empowering, guiding, and sanctifying them for God’s purposes.

The Personhood and Deity of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is acknowledged as fully God and a distinct person within the Godhead. The Church of Pentecost believes the Holy Spirit possesses personal attributes such as will, intellect, and emotions (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

  • Personhood: The Holy Spirit speaks, teaches, and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30).
  • Deity: The Spirit shares divine attributes with God, such as omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience (Psalm 139:7-10).

The Work of the Holy Spirit

1. The Role in Salvation

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). He regenerates and sanctifies believers, bringing them into new life in Christ (Titus 3:5).

  • Conviction of Sin: John 16:8
  • Regeneration: Titus 3:5
  • Sanctification: 1 Corinthians 6:11

2. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

The Church of Pentecost emphasizes the importance of the baptism in the Holy Spirit as a distinct experience that follows salvation. This baptism empowers believers for witness and service, often evidenced by speaking in tongues (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4).

  • Empowerment for Service: Acts 1:8
  • Speaking in Tongues: Acts 2:4

3. The Gifts of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts (charismata) to believers as He wills, for the edification of the church and the glorification of God. These include gifts like prophecy, healing, and discernment (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

  • Spiritual Gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

4. The Fruit of the Spirit

As believers walk in step with the Holy Spirit, their lives are transformed to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

  • Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23

The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Church

The Church of Pentecost emphasizes that the Holy Spirit plays a central role in the life and growth of the church. Through His power, the church is built up, and believers are equipped for the ministry of reconciliation and evangelism (Ephesians 4:11-13).

  • Building Up the Church: Ephesians 4:11-13

Conclusion

In summary, the Holy Spirit is essential for the Christian life according to the Church of Pentecost. He regenerates, empowers, sanctifies, and equips believers for service and witness. The church teaches that believers must continually seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), walking in step with His guidance and relying on His power for everyday living.