definition of the Holy Spirit

I had to define the Holy Spirit for a class 22-1-2009. I think it is a really good definition, so I pulled it out of the archives to post it.

The Holy Spirit is an inseparable part of God. It has extension, which is to say It can project itself into space (Psalm 139:7), and It has the power of movement (Psalm 51:12). It rests upon those whom God favors (1 Samuel 16:13), and guides them to live according to God’s will (Galations 5:18).

While the scientists of this age may reason that nothing exists except that which can be tested and observed, the Christian worldview affirms that the physical world is but a minor part of the greater existence, which contains an invisible spiritual realm and God’s court. The part of God that exists primarily in this invisible realm we call the Holy Spirit, which has special and unique capabilities and responsibilities. It is helpful to think of God the Father as being primarily in His court and of Jesus as deserving to be in the physical world, but He has withdrawn until the coming of the kingdom. Therefore the Spirit is left to be the main part of God that acts in our world (since the physical and spiritual realms are connected and interact). The Spirit was sent to have a much more active role at Pentecost after Jesus ascended into heaven. This is like God retracting His face from our proximity that His hands may work more freely among us. The Spirit guides, teaches, admonishes, encourages, gives out spiritual gifts, and grants the power to turn our hearts to God’s will, for otherwise our sin would prevent this from hearing His words. The Spirit is invisible, but very powerful, and It works in mysterious ways we shall not learn until redemption has finished its work.