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The third Person in the Trinity, as seen in the formula of baptism. Matt. 28: 19. The Spirit moved upon the face of the waters at the creation, Gen. 1: 2; and He came upon certain persons in the O.T. to fulfil the purposes of God. David asked that the Holy Spirit might not be taken from him, Ps. 51: 11; which stands in contrast to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in Christians, for He abides with them. It is by the operation of the Spirit that they are born anew, and He is the seal of their faith in Christ, and the earnest of their inheritance above. John 3: 5; Eph. 1: 13, 14. He is their COMFORTER or Advocate (παράκλητος, one who manages their affairs) on earth, as Christ is the same in heaven. John 14: 16, 26.
Though the Holy Spirit influenced and came upon the O.T. saints, He did not come personally until Christ had ascended. John 16: 7. Many passages prove His personality — a matter of great importance, often lost sight of by those who constantly speak of Him as an influence. Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. Acts 5: 3. "The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul," etc. Acts 13: 2. "Dividing as he will." 1 Cor. 12: 11. The Holy Spirit directed
the labours of Paul and his companions, Acts 16: 6, 7, and the Lord Jesus cast out demons by the Spirit of God. Matt. 12: 28.
His presence and operations here are some of the fruits of Christ's exaltation. He forms Christ in the believer. He is also the power of life and the power for testimony. Indwelling the saints individually, He forms them collectively into one body, they are also builded
together for a habitation of God through the Spirit. 1 Cor. 3: 16; Eph. 2: 22.
To be indwelt by the Holy Spirit is an immense favour, for He is a divine Person: any one so indwelt is not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. He is the Spirit of sonship and by him the believer cries, Abba Father. Christians are exhorted to be guided by Him, and neither to quench nor to grieve that holy One. Our responsibility is to "walk in the Spirit." Gal. 5: 16.
His presence on earth is a demonstration as to the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement. John 16: 8-11.