Christians do not worship three Gods. Rather, we worship the one God who is eternally triune within himself in three co-equal Persons. In regards to the person called the Holy Spirit, I believe that the Spirit is not just a power used by God. We emphasize the personal nature of the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit is Jesus and also God. “The Holy Spirit represents the ongoing presence of Jesus” in our lives (Thorsen 212). The work of the holy spirit then illuminates the works of God. The Holy Spirit has a personal relationship with his people. The holy spirit is The presence and power of God. It is also important to note that we emphasize the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Ghost is the one who Jesus sent to help us. He is here for us and He wants to do a wonderful work in the lives of His people. One could take John 14:16–18 at face value, because He wants to seal, guide, and empower us. We must be filled with the in dwelling of the Holy Ghost to do the work of God and fulfill our purpose. In my ministry the Holy Spirit/Ghost entered in on the inside of me and some very powerful and profound things started to occur (and this is why we emphasize Him). The Holy Spirit draws the Unsaved Sinner to Jesus, he uses the sermons He gives me to preach to convict Unbelievers and Believers, regenerates us, and leads, guards and directs us. It is not all that comforts, helps, and gives direction to others, but it is the Holy Spirit. I choose to allow God to use me to minister to others.
Thorson said they were to learn about God through the person, words, and works of Jesus. However, such teachings were not enough.”(209). When we do not see the Holy Spirit as being personal the debate or argument over the whole creation ramps up. Without the Trinity or without the Holy Spirit several things happen. The rules of faith are called into question and other delusions become prevalent. If we do not view the Holy Spirit as a person then He becomes an it. And it is a thing that then may be able to become controlled by man. The Holy Spirit is only controlled by God. The word holy is a descriptive word that describes the Spirit. For God is holy and perfect and so shall we be. The Holy Spirit is the advocate that is waiting to rush in as we except Jesus as the atonement for our sins.
Thorsen, chapter 20, question six on page 233. What is your understanding of the Holy Spirit baptism? What are the implications of your understanding?
Being baptized by the Holy Spirit comes from my protestant upbringing of instantaneous salvation. One is baptized with the Holy Spirit when they except Jesus Christ and are forgiven for their sins. Baptism occurs with the rushing of the spirit inside the heart of the new convert. The symbols that agree with my understanding of baptism are found in the new testament: “Descending like a dove, purging fire, invisible wind, and cleansing water (Matthew 3:16, Luke 3:15, John 3:5, first John 5:6).” (Thorsen 221) The verse that my theology banks on is found in Acts 2:38 “repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Baptism was made possible through Pentecost, because at Pentecost the Holy Spirit became present and active in the world.
