Holy Spirit - Part 4: His Names
Within scripture, names are highly important, as in many cases the names of certain individuals describe for us their function, as well as help us better understand the person.
We remember one of the first names used to describe Jesus was Immanuel, meaning God with us, a strong example of this matter. When Jesus met the man possessed by many demons he commanded the evil one to give his name, which was Legion, meaning many were inside the man. We know that when the great prophet Elijah appeared unannounced to King Ahab, the wicked king, the meaning of his name carried its own truth and it was Yahweh is my God. So names have great significance within the Bible.
The same is true for our study person, the Holy Spirit.
Within scripture He is described for us with over twenty different names with each giving more explanation as to His nature, His character, and His function. His work is actually revealed by the names given Him within the Word of God.
Let's review and think about His many names and what they mean to us.
THE SPIRIT
The simplest and most used name is the original one given. Both the Hebrew and Greek words for this name contain double meanings, “breath” and “wind”.
John 20:22 is a most revealing moment when Jesus breathed upon His disciples and commanded them to receive His breath as the Holy Ghost. We see a similar meaning in Genesis 2:7 when God breathed life into the nostrils of Adam, and he became a living being.
Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3 that the Spirit is like the wind as it blows where it wishes and we cannot know where it comes from nor where it goes. This lesson is given so that we may fully understand that the Holy Spirit is sovereign and even though it is invisible, it is felt in a mighty way. In the same way, the Spirit is irresistible as shown in Acts 1, when Jesus said that it would come upon His followers and bring them power. When those tongues of fire appeared, they settled on all there without man's will needed or possible.
THE SPIRIT OF GOD
Paul writes in 1 Cor 3:16 that the “Spirit of God dwelleth in you” to teach that main function and authority of the Holy Spirit is to indwell us, teaching and guiding.
THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST
In Romans 8:9 Paul reinforces the same lesson by teaching that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. We must remember that one of the main works of the Spirit is to reveal Christ to us, and to form Christ as a living presence within us.
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Luke 11:13 promises God gives the Holy Spirit to those that ask. While this name is a direct and simple one, we should never forget its real thought. This one is first HOLY and then also is SPIRIT, in His essence.
THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE
Ephesians 1:13 uses this name to explain exactly what we are sealed with when we are saved. This one seals us and remains with us forever.
THE SPIRIT OF HOLINESS
Romans 1:4 teaches us that Jesus was declared the Son of God in power by the Spirit of Holiness. Here we see that not only is the Spirit holy, but that He has the power to impart holiness to others. This special blessing should bring us joy as we have no holiness in us until the Spirit comes upon us.
THE SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT
Isaiah 4:4 is so careful to describe this judgment by the Spirit when the filth of the daughters of Zion are purged. This name shows the Spirit brings sin to light and convicts of it.
THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH
John 14:7 shows that this name is used because the Spirit both communicates and then imparts truth to those he works within.
THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING
Isaiah 11:2 makes it evident here that the Spirit of the Lord conveys both wisdom and the understanding of it.
THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL AND MIGHT
Also from the same verses in Isaiah, showing that the Spirit gives advice (counsel) and the strength to carry it forward.
THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Romans 8:2 teaches that the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death.
THE OIL OF GLADNESS
Hebrews 1:9 provides this teaching to compare the teaching that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power and we are said to be anointed with our version through the Spirit. It is a beautiful and suggestive name given to remind us that scripture will later teach in the fruits of the Spirit that love and joy come from Him.
THE SPIRIT OF GRACE
Hebrews 10:29 shows us that the Spirit is to bring out and administer the grace of God.
THE SPIRIT OF GLORY
1 Peter 4:14 brings us the good news that we are happy for this Spirit of Glory rests upon us and is not meant to say that the Spirit is glorious Himself, although He is, but rather to teach us that the Spirit brings the glory of God to us.
THE ETERNAL SPIRIT
Hebrews 9:14 proves the eternal existence of the Spirit as well as His Deity from everlasting to everlasting.
THE COMFORTER
John 14:26 is one of several verses that allow this name. In the Greek, this name is the “Paraclete”, and Jesus promises the Spirit is to be sent by the Father in the name of Jesus, and will testify of Jesus as well. The literal meaning is “one called to another's side” which describes exactly how this one walks with us daily and leads and guides us closer and closer to the Lord.
From all of these various names we can see that this Holy Spirit, known also as the Holy Ghost, has so many powers and assignments in the lives of the believers. As we come to study Him more we will begin to learn and accept that the blessings of this mysterious one are many and without Him, all would be lost in our walk of faith.