Is the Holy Spirit a Divine Person or Just an Influence?

Yes, the Holy Spirit is certainly recognized as a divine person, the Third Person of the Godhead 😇BDOC 65.4+3.

The scriptures and associated writings clearly reveal the distinct personality and divine power of the Holy Spirit, showing Him to be an essential member of the heavenly trio working for the salvation of humanity.

The Holy Spirit's Divine Personality

The Holy Spirit is not merely an influence or a force, but is acknowledged as a divine person:

• The Holy Spirit is described as having a personality and is a Divine personBDOC 65.4.

• He is considered to be just as much a person as God the Father is a personBDOC 65.4.

• The Holy Spirit is referred to as the Third Person of the GodheadBDOC 65.4+3.

• The Holy Spirit’s person, office, and work are distinct from, and not the same as, that of Christ the SonARSH October 25, 1864, page 169.10.

• Being divine, the Holy Spirit is omnipresent, and He dwells on earth as the representative of Christ, directing the work of GodEVRR160.

Working with the Heavenly Trio

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit constitute the three living persons of the heavenly trio, who cooperate in the plan of redemptionBDOC 65.4+2.

• The Godhead—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—were stirred with pity for the fallen race and gave themselves completely to the work of redemptionRH May 2, 1912, par. 3+1.

• The Holy Spirit was sent by Christ as the highest of all gifts and is the Spirit in all the fullness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine graceBTS March 1, 1906, par. 2+2.

• Sin can be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Holy Spirit, who comes in the fullness of divine powerTM 392.2+2.

• The three powers of the Godhead are pledged to be the strength and efficiency of all who receive Christ in their new life6MR 27.1+1.

Scriptural Witness to the Holy Spirit as a Person

The Bible affirms the Holy Spirit's personhood through His actions and role:

• In Acts, the Holy Ghost speaks plainly as a person, commanding the separation of workers: "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them" Acts 13:2BDOC 65.20.

• The Holy Spirit is the Comforter (Paraclete) whom Jesus sent to abide with believers forever John 14:16.

• The rite of baptism is administered in the name of these three great powers of heaven—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—confirming their co-equal roles in the Christian life Matthew 28:197ABC 442.6+2.

• Our bodies are intended to be the temple of the Holy Ghost, who resides in us and is from God 1 Corinthians 6:19-20TSDF 168.5+2.

• Those who are baptized stand under the sanction and power of these three holiest beings in heaven, who are able to keep them from falling21LtMs, Ms 95, 1906, par. 29.