Who Is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is God. That is the foundational Christian belief. Many explain the Holy Spirit as the “third person” of the Holy Trinity. Some even use terms like “co-equal” and “co-eternal” to describe the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These explanations are well-intended, but they often create confusion and are not direct biblical expressions.

Describing the Holy Spirit as the “third person” can unintentionally suggest a hierarchy—first, second, and third—as if there is a ranking among them. Similarly, calling the three “co-equal” may raise questions about whether there could be conflict or competition within the Godhead. But that is not what the Bible teaches.

From a biblical perspective, it is more accurate to say that God revealed Himself in different ways throughout human history. First, God revealed Himself as the Father in the Old Testament. Then, He revealed Himself as the Son, Jesus Christ, who came in the flesh. After Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit—a comforter and helper to live within believers (John 14:16–17). The Holy Spirit was revealed at Pentecost, appearing like tongues of fire and empowering the early church (Acts 2:1–4).

So, the Holy Spirit is not “third” in rank or importance, but rather the third way in which God revealed Himself to humanity. This understanding avoids unnecessary philosophical complications and stays true to the biblical narrative.

The Holy Spirit is not a lesser being or a symbolic force. He is the Spirit of God, actively working in the world today—guiding, convicting, and strengthening those who follow Christ.