05.02. THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

THE PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Before dealing with the mission and activities of the Holy Ghost on earth, let us see what the Bible says as to His Person. We often hear Him spoken of as an influence, or a power, but this is certainly not the teaching of Scripture. It is true that He exercises an influence, and is the power by which God operates in the souls of men, but He is a Person, and not only a Person, but the third Person in the Godhead — the Holy Ghost. In Matthew 28:19 we read —

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," The Holy Ghost is co-equal with the Father and the Son. THE FATHER is the source of love and life, the spring of all good and blessing for men. THE SON is the perfect expression of the Father, the Revealer of all this good and blessing to men. THE HOLY GHOST is the One who, by His power and wisdom, interprets that which has been revealed, and makes the revelation a reality in men. The three Persons in the Ever-blessed Godhead work together for the salvation of men, and if we keep in mind the three prepositions "for," "to," and "in" in this connection, they will help us to understand the relative position of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in the carrying out of this gracious purpose.