It is not the purpose of this article to attempt to define “Spirit” or the exact means of its operation—to understand that exactly is beyond mortal [understanding]. The Greek or Hebrew terms are not very enlightening, with their meanings such as “wind” and “breath.” It is sufficient to know that there is “One” Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), and that it is God’s spirit or power. God, Himself, is a spirit being (John 4:24) and “of Him are all things” (1 Corinthians 8:6, Romans 11:36). It is written of Creation, “Thou sendest forth Thy spirit, they are created” (Psalms 104:30), and “By His spirit He hath garnished the heavens” (Job 26:13). In Him—by this spirit—“we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). If God withdraws this spirit, we die (Job 34:14-15). Hence, in this spirit we are in the domain of a fixed law.
But, when the term “Holy” is applied to the spirit it has a special significance—and its operation is distinct from that of the universal spirit of God. It cannot be distinctive in the sense of “holiness,” for God’s spirit could never be other than holy in that sense. The preponderating meaning of “holy,” as used in Scripture is “set apart” or “separate.” It is thus that it is used of the Holy Spirit. By it God is in communion with man for words of wisdom, or works of power—“holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
Are men moved today in that way by the same spirit? There is no evidence of it at all. Possession of that Spirit could always be demonstrated. Whenever the Spirit moved men, it was not merely an urge or a quickening of the pulse. It imparted special knowledge, faith or power. The early Christian believers received it variously—but, by it each recipient had some added power (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). Spirit is essentially power, and this “set apart” power could not be possessed except as a power beyond ordinary or natural power. It is not a part of our nature; we are not born with it.
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Author: James B. Watson
Keywords: Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, filled with the holy spirit, spirit of truth, holy spirit gifts, speaking in tongues, spirit gifts
Bible reference(s): Luke 11:13, John 14:17, John 16:7, John 16:13, John 20:22, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:18-20, 1 Co 6:19, 1 Cor. 12:1-11, 2 Corinthians 1:22, Galatians 3:14, Eph. 1:13, Ephesians 4:30, 1 John 5:6
Source: “Is the Holy Spirit a Present Possession?,” The Testimony, Vol. 19, No. 224, August 1949, pp. 273-8.
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