Who Is the Holy Spirit?

Who Is the Holy Spirit? offers a concise introduction to the person and work of the Holy Spirit, exploring His identity within the Trinity and His active role in the lives of believers.

Dr. R.C. Sproul begins by establishing that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or abstract concept but a divine person—the third person of the Godhead, fully God in essence. Drawing on the theological distinction between existence and subsistence, Sproul explains how the three persons of the Trinity are distinct yet share one divine being. This foundational clarity shapes the rest of the booklet.

From there, Sproul examines several of the Spirit’s works: giving new life to those who are spiritually dead, serving as the believer’s advocate and source of strength, sanctifying God’s people, anointing them for service, and illuminating the truths of Scripture. Each chapter addresses a distinct aspect of the Spirit’s ministry, grounding the discussion in biblical texts and illustrating it with pastoral examples. The booklet emphasizes that the Spirit’s work is personal, purposeful, and inseparable from the Word of God.

Part of the Crucial Questions series, this booklet provides an accessible starting point for readers seeking to understand what Scripture teaches about the Holy Spirit and why that understanding matters for Christian faith and practice.

Key Themes

• The personhood and full deity of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity
• The Spirit’s role in regeneration and the giving of new spiritual life
• The Holy Spirit as advocate, sanctifier, anointer, and illuminator
• The relationship between the Spirit’s work and the Word of God

Featured Quotes

“It is exceedingly important that Christians know who the Holy Spirit is and understand something of the vital role He plays in their lives.”

“’To regenerate’ means ‘to generate anew.’ By means of regeneration, the Spirit gives life to people who have no spiritual life.”