We know the Father, we worship the Son, but how much do we really know about the Holy Spirit? Jesus walked by the power of the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of His ministry, during His baptism, God’s Spirit came down from heaven and rested on Him as Dove, symbolizing the proclamation of the Father which affirms “This is my Son, whom I Love; with him I am well pleased”.  At first glance, we might not understand the significance of the descendence of the Holy Spirit on Jesus who was, and is, perfect. However, as we lean into scripture we see a reflection of a triune God who works in and through the ones He loves by the work of his Holy Spirit. When His work on earth had finished, as Jesus ascended into heaven, He left us with a gift; the gift being the very Spirit of God who resides in us. Christianity is more than philosophy, it is supernatural. And the Holy Spirit is the person who activates this supernatural power and change in us. We may be aware of His presence in the trinity, but often, we can treat the Holy Spirit as a supporting character; although it is solely through Him that we may come to know Jesus.

The same power that raised Jesus to life, now lives inside of us.

1. New World

While He walked the earth, Jesus often spoke apocalyptically stating the Kingdom of God was near, and even had come to earth. Many at the time had been confused by what he said because from a natural point of view, nothing had changed. However, Jesus was speaking of the ushering in of a new era and new earth to be impacted and influenced by the power of the Holy Spirit.

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. - Matthew 9:35 (ESV)

2. New Creation

Jesus promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. God’s guidance is always inside of us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Genesis says: “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” In creating mankind, God infused us with his essence. However, daily life presents the temptation to turn away from our Heavenly Father. Thankfully, through Jesus’ sacrifice we all have the opportunity to be supernaturally transformed into a new creation by the Spirit of Truth.

The Holy Spirit is the facet of God that is inside of us. Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is represented by icons or symbols. The Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove at Jesus’s baptism. The mighty wind symbolized the mighty work of God’s spirit. Reminiscent of fire, the Spirit purifies and refines us from the inside out, empowering us to carry out the Lord’s work. Just as oil has numerous functions on Earth, the Holy Spirit functions in a number of important ways in our lives and on the earth.