The Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost refer to the same Person within the Trinity of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is one part of the triune God, along with God the Father and God the Son (Jesus Christ). Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Holy Spirit is referred to by various names, titles, and symbols that reveal His divine nature, works, and ministry. The most common terms are the “Holy Spirit” and “Holy Ghost.”
The word “spirit” in Hebrew is “ruach” and in Greek is “pneuma.” Both words mean “breath” or “wind.” The Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the life-giving power of God that gives us spiritual life and understanding. The word “ghost” comes from the Old English word “gast” which also means breath or life. So “Holy Ghost” is another term for the Holy Spirit of God.
The titles “Holy Spirit” and “Holy Ghost” are used interchangeably throughout the King James Version of the Bible, which was published in 1611. The more modern English Standard Version uses “Holy Spirit” exclusively. Here are some examples where both terms are used to refer to the third person of the Trinity:
- Luke 3:22 – “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (KJV)
- Luke 3:22 – “And the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”” (ESV)
- John 14:26 – “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (KJV)
- John 14:26 – “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (ESV)
So while “Holy Ghost” may sound antiquated to modern ears, it refers to the same Holy Spirit that indwells believers today. The King James Bible was published during a time when people commonly referred to the third person of the Trinity as the “Holy Ghost.” The Holy Spirit was mystifying and misunderstood, like a “ghost.” But today we have a fuller revelation of the Spirit’s role as helper, comforter, guide, and advocate.
The Personhood of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not just an impersonal divine force or power. Scripture is clear that the Holy Spirit has all the attributes of personhood, including:
- Intellect – 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 – The Spirit knows the thoughts of God.
- Emotions – Ephesians 4:30 – The Spirit can be grieved.
- Will – 1 Corinthians 12:11 – The Spirit gives spiritual gifts as He determines.
- Self-awareness – Romans 8:26-27 – The Spirit intercedes on behalf of believers.
- Speaks – Acts 13:2 – The Spirit spoke to the church leaders.
The Holy Spirit also performs personal actions that only a person can do:
- Teaches – John 14:26
- Testifies – John 15:26
- Guides – John 16:13
- Comforts – Acts 9:31
- Prays – Romans 8:26-27
- Searches – 1 Corinthians 2:10
- Commissions – Acts 13:4
The Holy Spirit relates to believers in very personal ways. He indwells us (Romans 8:9), seals us (Ephesians 1:13), guides us (Galatians 5:25), and fills us (Ephesians 5:18). These are not the actions of an impersonal force, but rather a divine Person who loves, communicates with, and works within believers.
The Divine Nature of the Holy Spirit
In addition to having personal attributes, the Holy Spirit shares the divine nature with God the Father and God the Son. Scripture reveals that the Holy Spirit is:
- Eternal – Hebrews 9:14 refers to the “eternal Spirit.” He has no beginning and no end.
- Omnipresent – Psalm 139:7-10 speaks of God’s Spirit being everywhere.
- Omniscient – 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 indicates the Spirit knows everything, even the thoughts of God.
- Omnipotent – The Spirit does miraculous works only God could do, like the virgin birth (Luke 1:35).
- Creator – Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4 – The Spirit was active in creation.
- Divine – Acts 5:3-4 shows that lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God.
The Holy Spirit is directly called “God” in Acts 5:3-4. He is placed on equal footing with God the Father and Jesus throughout the New Testament. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) instructs disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Distinct Roles of the Trinity
The Holy Spirit has a unique role within the Trinity and in relation to humanity. While one in essence with the Father and Son, the Holy Spirit carries out distinct divine functions.
1. The Father’s Role
The Father serves as the source and authority over all creation. A few key roles of the Father include:
- Election – Chooses believers unto salvation (Ephesians 1:4-6)
- Sending – Sent the Son into the world (John 3:16) and sends the Spirit (John 14:26)
- Predestination – Marked out believers’ inheritance ahead of time (Ephesians 1:11-12)
- Provision – Gives believers every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
2. The Son’s Role
The Son reveals the Father and accomplishes redemption. Key roles:
- Revelation – Reveals the nature of God (John 1:18)
- Redemption – Died on the cross for our sins (1 Peter 2:24)
- Mediation – Ever lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25)
- Salvation – Name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)
3. The Spirit’s Role
The Holy Spirit applies the Father’s election and the Son’s redemption to believers’ lives. He is our Comforter, Helper, Intercessor, and Advocate. Key roles include:
- Conviction – Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8)
- Regeneration – Gives spiritual life to believers (Titus 3:5)
- Indwelling – Lives in believers permanently (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- Filling – Controls, guides, and empowers believers (Ephesians 5:18)
- Gifts – Gives spiritual gifts for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
So in summary, the Father plans salvation, the Son accomplishes it, and the Spirit applies it. The Holy Spirit takes what belongs to the Son and brings it to us, uniting us to Christ.
The Activity of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture
From Genesis to Revelation, the Holy Spirit performs essential works that reveal His divine identity. Here is an overview of the Spirit’s activity in both Testaments:
In the Old Testament
- Present at creation – Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4
- Fills craftsmen with skill – Exodus 31:3
- Comes upon prophets – Numbers 24:2
- Gives strength and bravery – Judges 6:34
- Inspires prophecy – Ezekiel 11:5
- Departed from King Saul – 1 Samuel 16:14
In the Gospels
- Conceived Jesus in the womb – Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35
- Descended on Jesus at baptism – Matthew 3:16
- Led Jesus into the wilderness – Luke 4:1
- Empowered Jesus’ ministry – Luke 4:14
- Raised Jesus from the dead – Romans 8:11
In Acts and the Epistles
- Poured out at Pentecost – Acts 2:1-4
- Filled the apostles – Acts 2:4
- Empowered gifts and ministry – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- Inspired Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21
- Indwells believers – Romans 8:9
- Seals believers for eternity – Ephesians 1:13-14
- Helps us pray – Romans 8:26-27
From start to finish, the Bible reveals the Holy Spirit as fully God, active, and essential in accomplishing God’s divine work in the world and in the lives of His people.
The Importance of the Holy Spirit to Believers
For Christians today, the Holy Spirit is vital to our relationship with God. Here are some key reasons He is so important:
- Regeneration – We cannot save ourselves. The Spirit gives us new spiritual life when we trust in Christ (Titus 3:5).
- Indwelling – The Spirit resides in our hearts permanently, sealing us for eternity (Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 1:22).
- Sanctification – He transforms us into Christ’s image and conforms us to His holiness (2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 1:2).
- Produces Fruit – As we yield to the Spirit, He produces love, joy, peace and other godly traits in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Gives Spiritual Gifts – Each believer receives gifts from the Spirit for Christian service (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
- Teaching – The Spirit teaches us and brings Scripture to remembrance (John 14:26).
- Guiding – The Holy Spirit gives us guidance and direction for life and ministry (Acts 16:6-7).
- Prayer – Our prayers and intercession are strengthened by the interceding Spirit (Romans 8:26-27).
- Assurance – The Spirit testifies that we are God’s children and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16).
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives and have a vibrant, secure relationship with their Heavenly Father. He applies the work of Jesus Christ into practical Christian living. Our faith relies fully on the indwelling Spirit to guide, sanctify, equip, teach, fill, and lead us every single day.
Key Differences Between the Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost
While the Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost refer to the same Person, there are some nuanced differences between the two terms:
- The Holy Spirit is the more common and accepted term today, while Holy Ghost sounds antiquated.
- Holy Ghost emphasizes mystery, while Holy Spirit emphasizes identity and function.
- The Holy Ghost often reflects beliefs about the Spirit’s role held by early theologians like Montanus.
- Some theologians view Holy Ghost as specifically referring to the Spirit indwelling someone, in contrast to just being “present.”
- Holy Ghost is more common in older translations like the KJV, while modern translations exclusively use Holy Spirit.
- Some denominations and churches prefer Holy Ghost because they view it as more supernaturally focused.
- The supernatural phenomena of the Holy Ghost is emphasized more than the relational presence of the Holy Spirit.
So in summary, Holy Spirit is the full, relational identity of the third person of the Trinity. Holy Ghost emphasizes the mysterious, supernatural aspects and activities.
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit is one of three Persons of the triune Godhead, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. Throughout Scripture, He performs divine functions and has personal attributes that reveal His deity. While referred to interchangeably as Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost in early Bible translations, Holy Spirit is predominantly used today. The relational identity is more fully understood than the mysterious “ghost” title used in the past. This wonderful third Person indwells believers, guiding us into truth, conforming us to Christ, producing spiritual fruit, giving gifts for ministry, and testifying that we belong to God forever. We rely fully upon the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
