Difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit

About the Holy Spirit, All Questions

The difference between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit

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Holy Spirit All Questions

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9 Feb, 2020

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It is essential for believers to be aware of the differences between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.

Although both are expressions of the Spirit, they are in different categories of spiritual blessing.

The following are some of the key differences between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.

The spiritual gifts of the Spirit are given to every believer for the purpose of ministerial assignments, but they are not necessarily a means of judging the depth of a person’s spiritual life. People often mistake that just because a person may speak in tongues means they are superior to others.

The fruit of the Spirit in contrast displays the development of a person’s character as they are transformed to the image of Christ.

Apart from the gifts of the Spirit, there are natural gifts and talents people are endowed with from birth. Just as we do not choose our natural talents we also do not select the gifts of the Spirit.

The manifestations of the gifts of the Spirit are given to each individual based on God’s divine choosing and the ministry needs of each individual situation and calling. The gifts of the Spirit are as follows: (1) Word of Knowledge (2) Word of Wisdom (3) Gift of Prophecy (4) Gift of Faith (5) Gifts of Healing (6) The Working of Miracles (7) Discerning of Spirits (8) Speaking in Tongues (9) Interpretation of Tongues ~ 1 Corinthians 12.

Regardless of their various gifting, believers are called to abide in Christ and develop the same fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ~ Galatians 5:22-23).

Christians may receive different spiritual gifts; however, we should each be known by the same fruit of the Spirit.

Every child of God has access to the gifts of the Spirit but every believer should display having the fruit of the Spirit.

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Difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit

It is essential for believers to be aware of the differences between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit.
Although both are expressions of the Spirit, they are in different categories of spiritual blessing.

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

Mark 3:28-29 (NIV)
28 Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,
29 but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s Church on earth.

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

About the Holy Spirit, All Questions

What does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit?

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Holy Spirit All Questions

Last updated

Jan 16, 2022

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This question is mainly asked subsequent the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark;

Mark 3:28-29 (NIV)

28. Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter,

29. but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”

Some believers on reading this verse are often concerned for their eternal safety, thinking that they may have unknowingly said something or done something to blaspheme the Holy Spirit.

However, before we draw any conclusions, we need to first see what Jesus meant when He said this.

Jesus, in addressing the unbelief and mockery of the Pharisees, warned them of committing the unforgivable sin. The Pharisees had received the full truth about Christ, and even after the Holy Spirit’s conviction, they consistently rejected Jesus.

What made it even worse was their claims that Jesus performed all the miracles by the power of Satan, when in fact, they were done in the power of the Holy Spirit. In effect, they were calling the Holy Spirit the devil and giving credit to satan for the glorious work that the Spirit of God had done.

What made their sin unpardonable was the finality of it; it was a deliberate expression of coldhearted unbelief.

The Pharisees, more than anyone, had seen and evidenced the fact that Jesus was God incarnate. Yet, their hearts were stubborn and settled, and no matter what Jesus did or said, they would not accept Him.

This is true even in our world today, as many reject Christ, regardless of the evidence of truth available to them. The scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit is working in the world, convicting unbelievers of their sin (John 16:8-9). Therefore, when individuals refuse to accept Jesus Christ, they are insulting the love of God through His son.

Like the Pharisees, when a person loses the capacity to repent, they cannot be saved. Their sins, therefore, cannot be forgiven because they have rejected the Spirit that convicts them of sin and the only means through which they can be saved.

In conclusion, it is crucial to understand that to deny the Holy Spirits’ witness to Christ in our lives can have eternal implications. The unforgivable sin is not a single act but a continuous, ongoing rejection of the message of Christ, the Holy Spirits’ persistent conviction of sin, and the call of the Father to return to Him.

When a person loses the capacity to repent, they cannot be saved, and it is this sin that a person cannot be forgiven because they have rejected the Spirit that convicts them of sin.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s Church on earth.

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

About the Holy Spirit, All Questions

What does it mean when said, “the Holy Spirit is in you?

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Holy Spirit All Questions

Last updated

May 24, 2021

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In the book of John, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit is in you:

John 14:15-18 (NKJV)

15. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

16. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever

17. the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

18. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Here we see Jesus promises His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans. Instead, He gives them the Holy Spirit so that the disciples could know His will and continue to follow His leading.

The will of the Father and the Son is revealed to believers through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers, helping them to live as God intended and to build Christ’s Church on earth.

Jesus also knew that His disciples (both with Him and those who will follow Him across centuries) would require the power and the presence of God to help them keep the commandments.

In addition, the verse above is not necessarily a location statement; instead, it is a relational statement. In context, this means a person who has come into intimate fellowship with the one who spoke the universe into existence and who knit you together in your mother’s womb.

In line with this, another phrase used by Christians is “Jesus is in my heart / or Jesus come into my heart” does not mean a physical heart, but instead implies to have come into an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Another example is when Jesus says, ‘Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in the Son.’ This talks about a relationship between the Father and the Son and not a location (since Jesus was on earth when He said this).

So how does one get into an intimate fellowship with God?

It is by believing in His Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for your sins so that you could be made pure in front of a Holy God.

Once we take this decision, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, and as a result, we have an everlasting communion with the God who loves us eternally.

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers, helping us to live as God wants and to build Christ's Church on Earth.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s Church on earth.

What does the Holy Spirit do?

About the Holy Spirit, All Questions

What does the Holy Spirit do?

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Holy Spirit All Questions

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Apr 4, 2022

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The Bible teaches that the origin of all divine work begins with the Father, is carried out by the Son Jesus, and is brought into its fruit / completion by the works of the Holy Spirit.

Most Christians understand the roles of God and Jesus; however, some struggle to identify or define what the Holy Spirit does.

The Holy Spirit’s primary work is to point people to Jesus Christ (John 15:26; 16:14) – bringing sinners to a true knowledge of the Savior through the gospel and conforming them to the glorious image of the Son of God (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

Thus, His ministry’s focus is the Lord Jesus, and those who are Spirit-led and spirit-filled will likewise be Christ-centered.

In addition, let us look at some core truths about the Holy Spirit and His work in our lives?

1. He empowers believers, enabling them to overcome the deeds of the flesh and resist sin.

Romans 8:11 (NKJV)

But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

2. He empowers believers to serve and glorify Christ

Romans 8:9 (NKJV)

But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

3. He Intercedes for and on behalf of believers.

Romans 8:26 (NKJV)

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

4. He gives divine guidance:

Mark 13:11 (NKJV)

But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak.

But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

5. He teaches us

John 14:26 (HCSB)

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

Luke 12:12 (NKJV)

For the Holy Spirit willteach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

6. He testifies that we are children of God.

Romans 8:16 (NKJV)

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

7. He reminds us of Jesus’ and His words

John 15:26 (HCSB)

“When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — He will testify about Me.

8. He convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness and announces Gods Judgment on evil

John 16:8 (HCSB)

When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment:

9. He leads and directs us.

Acts 13:4 (NKJV)

So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV)

6. Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

7. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them

Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

10. He gives us the assurance of our salvation

Romans 8:14-16

14. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

15. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

16. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

11. He seals us secure in Christ

2 Corinthians 1:22 (NKJV)

who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

Ephesians 4:30 (NKJV)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption

12. He brings glory to Christ

John 16:14 (HCSB)

He will glorify Me because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you.

Today, the irony in many churches is that those who seem to focus or talk much about the Holy Spirit are generally denying His actual work. Many false attributes are attached to His nature, and all kinds of man-made beliefs are subscribed to His works.

This misunderstanding has undoubtedly led many to ignore the true purpose and power of His life-giving ministry, which is: to free sinners from death, give them everlasting life, transform them by regenerating their hearts, empowering them for spiritual victory, confirming their place in the family of God, interceding for them according to the will of God, sealing them securely for their eternal glory and promising to raise them on the last day to immortality.

The authentic ministry of the Holy Spirit is not flashy, flamboyant (like a circus) and chaotic. On the contrary, it is usually concealed and inconspicuous (the way the fruit develops).

More importantly, the Holy Spirit’s primary role is to exalt Christ and prompt praise for Christ from His people. And He does those in a personal way by first reproving and convicting us of our sins and opening our eyes to true righteousness.

The Holy Spirit’s daily presence in the life of believers is the basis and the secret of our sanctification as He conforms us to the image of Christ.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s Church on earth.

Why is the Holy Spirit Important?

About the Holy Spirit, All Questions

Why is the Holy Spirit Important?

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Holy Spirit All Questions

Last Updated

Feb 5, 2022

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Most Christians understand who the Father is and know who the Son Jesus is; however some do not know much about the Holy Spirit, which has led some to question the importance of the Holy Spirit.

The Bible teaches us that the origin of all divine work begins with the Father, is carried out by the Son Jesus, and brought into its completion by the works of the Holy Spirit.

The below list details a set of things that we would not have had without the works of the Holy Spirit as highlighted in the Bible.

There would be no universe, because it was the power of the Spirit that created it.

Genesis 1:2 (NKJV)

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Psalm 33:6-9 (NKJV)

6. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.

7. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses.

8. Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

9. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

There would be no salvation without the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating lost sinners, convicting them of sin and leading them to. repentance.

Titus 3:5 (NIV)

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

John 3:6 (NKJV)

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

John 16:8 (NKJV)

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

There would be no scriptures because it was through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the authors wrote the Bible.

2 Peter 1:21 (NIV)

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

All Scriptureisgiven by inspiration of God,andisprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

We would not have the gifts attributed to us in the book of Corinthians. For the Holy Spirit determines the gifts that we have.

1 Corinthians 12 (NIV)

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

There would be no Church. In the book of Acts, the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to help them launch and start the church.

Acts 1:8 New (NIV)

8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

There would be no sanctification (on going spiritual growth) of the believers without the inward workings of the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:2 (NKJV)

elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

When people ask if the Holy Spirit is “important,” they often forget that He is the source of power. What do we mean by that? The Holy Spirit is not only the Spirit of God residing within us for the purpose of our redemption and sanctification, but the Spirit is also ultimately the source of power of all life.

Without the power and presence of the Spirit of God, nothing in this world would exist. The world is held together through the power of the Spirit of God. If God were to withdraw His Holy Spirit totally, everything would die—believers and unbelievers alike.

In conclusion, having a helper who is the source of all power living within us should be the most comforting thing for every believer.

We should not take the works of the Holy Spirit for granted. Instead, we should realize and acknowledge His presence in our lives and ask Him to be our guide and counselor.

The origin of all divine work begins with the Father, carried out by the Son Jesus and brought into its completion by the works of the Holy Spirit.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Difference between the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit

what does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit

What does it mean when said “the Holy Spirit is in you?”

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers, helping us live as God wants and building Christ’s Church on earth.

Is the Holy Spirit God?

About the Holy Spirit, All Questions

Is the Holy Spirit God?

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Holy Spirit All Questions

Last updated

Feb 5, 2022

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‘Yes,’ the Holy Spirit is God, and this conforms to the Trinitarian belief of Christianity which claims that God is ONE in being revealed in THREE distinct persons the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The way in which theologians conclude that the Holy Spirit is God is by seeing how the Spirit shares in the same attributes as the Father and the Son regarding His omnipotence / omniscience / omnipresence (all-powerful / all-knowing / ever present).

These characteristics are evident in Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit while on earth and by the Holy Spirit’s works after the resurrection of Jesus and during the time of establishing the early church through the believers.

The following are some divine attributes are ascribed to the Holy Spirit:

1. The Holy Spirit is eternal: He is not a created being. He always existed as part of the Triune God; He is coeternal with the Father and Son.

Hebrews 9:14 (NIV)

14. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

2. The Holy Spirit is omniscient. He knows all things.

John 14:26 (NIV)

26. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent. He is everywhere.

Psalm 139:7 (NIV)

7. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

4. The Holy Spirit is omnipotent. He is all-powerful.

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Romans 15:19 (NIV)

by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.

5. The Holy Spirit is holy just as the Father and the Son.

Romans 1:3-4 (NIV)

regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

6. The Holy Spirit is foreknowing; He knows the future.

Acts 1:15-16 (NIV)

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus.

7. The Holy Spirit is love; He is loving by nature.

Romans 15:30 (NIV)

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Since God is love, we expect to find love manifested in the acts of the Trinity.

8. The Holy Spirit is full of truth.

1 John 5:6 (NKJV)

This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.

9. The Holy Spirit has the power to give life.

Romans 8:2 (NKJV)

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Further there are also certain key passages from the bible that describes the significance of the Holy Spirit giving Him the same importance to that of God.

Lying to the Holy Spirit is equal to lying to God.

Acts 5:1-4 (NKJV)

1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession.

2. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

4. While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is considered the greatest sin of all.

Mark 3:29 (NKJV)

29. but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation.”

Jesus also acknowledged the significance of the Holy Spirit when he asked His disciples to go out and baptize people in the name of Father Son and Holy Spirit:

Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Trinity and worthy to be worshiped.

The scriptures and Jesus’ own words attest to the divinity of the Holy Spirit, and if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior, the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in you.

Romans 8:10-11 (NIV)

10. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

11. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

The scriptures and Jesus own words attest to the divinity of the Holy Spirit and if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead will live in you.

SEE SIMILAR QUESTIONS

Every child of God has access to the gifts of the Spirit but every believer should display having the fruit of the Spirit.

When a person loses the capacity to repent, they cannot be saved, and it is this sin that a person cannot be forgiven because they have rejected the Spirit that convicts them of sin.

The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within all believers, helping us to live as God wants and to build Christ's Church on Earth.

1. He empowers believers, enabling them to overcome the deeds of the flesh and resist sin.

2. He empowers believers to serve and glorify Christ

3. He Intercedes for and on behalf of believers.

4. He gives divine guidance:

5. He teaches us

6. He testifies that we are children of God.

7. He reminds us of Jesus’ and His words

8. He convicts us of sin, shows us God’s righteousness and announces Gods Judgment on evil

9. He leads and directs us.

10. He gives us the assurance of our salvation

11. He seals us secure in Christ

12. He brings glory to Christ

There would be no universe, because it was the power of the Spirit that created it.

There would be no salvation without the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating lost sinners, convicting them of sin and leading them to. repentance.

There would be no scriptures because it was through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that the authors wrote the Bible.

We would not have the gifts attributed to us in the book of Corinthians. For the Holy Spirit determines the gifts that we have.

There would be no Church. In the book of Acts, the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to help them launch and start the church.

There would be no sanctification (on going spiritual growth) of the believers without the inward workings of the Holy Spirit.

The origin of all divine work begins with the Father, carried out by the Son Jesus and brought into its completion by the works of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Holy Spirit is eternal: He is not a created being. He always existed as part of the Triune God; He is coeternal with the Father and Son.

2. The Holy Spirit is omniscient. He knows all things.

The Holy Spirit is omnipresent. He is everywhere.

4. The Holy Spirit is omnipotent. He is all-powerful.

5. The Holy Spirit is holy just as the Father and the Son.

6. The Holy Spirit is foreknowing; He knows the future.

7. The Holy Spirit is love; He is loving by nature.

8. The Holy Spirit is full of truth.

9. The Holy Spirit has the power to give life.

Lying to the Holy Spirit is equal to lying to God.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is considered the greatest sin of all.

Jesus also acknowledged the significance of the Holy Spirit when he asked His disciples to go out and baptize people in the name of Father Son and Holy Spirit:

The scriptures and Jesus own words attest to the divinity of the Holy Spirit and if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead will live in you.

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