Human Composition in Biblical Theology
1. Introduction
The Holy Spirit is not a component of human nature, but the third Person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Son. His role in creation, inspiration, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification is foundational to Christian theology. This article explores who the Holy Spirit is in contrast to the human spirit, and how He interacts with the human person to bring about new birth, spiritual life, and sanctification.
2. The Holy Spirit as a Divine Person
Acts 5:3–4 – “You have lied to the Holy Spirit… You have not lied to men but to God.”
- The Holy Spirit is personal: He can be lied to, grieved (Eph. 4:30), and resisted (Acts 7:51).
- The Holy Spirit is divine: He searches all things (1 Cor. 2:10), creates (Gen. 1:2), and raises the dead (Rom. 8:11).
| Attribute | Text | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eternal | Hebrews 9:14 | “the eternal Spirit” |
| Omnipresent | Psalm 139:7 | “Where can I flee from Your Spirit?” |
| Omniscient | 1 Cor. 2:10–11 | “searches everything, even the depths of God” |
| Creator | Job 33:4 | “The Spirit of God has made me” |
▶ The Holy Spirit is not a force or influence, but a divine Person who works in and upon humans.
3. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
- Genesis 1:2 – “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
- Numbers 11:25–29 – The Spirit rests on Moses and the elders.
- Psalm 51:11 – “Do not take your Holy Spirit from me.”
▶ In the OT, the Holy Spirit came upon individuals to empower prophecy, leadership, or skill—but did not indwell permanently.
4. The Holy Spirit and the New Covenant
Ezekiel 36:26–27 – “I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes.”
- This promise foretells the indwelling of the Spirit in believers.
- The Spirit’s presence is the mark of regeneration and new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
5. The Holy Spirit’s Role in Regeneration
John 3:5–6 – “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God… That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Titus 3:5 – “…He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
▶ It is the Holy Spirit who revives the dead human spirit, causing new birth, spiritual awareness, and union with Christ.
6. The Holy Spirit Indwelling and Sealing the Believer
Romans 8:9 – “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Ephesians 1:13 – “Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit…”
- The Spirit indwells believers (1 Cor. 6:19)
- He seals them for the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30)
- He is the firstfruits and guarantee of future glory (Rom. 8:23; 2 Cor. 1:22)
7. The Holy Spirit and the Human Spirit
Romans 8:16 – “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
1 Corinthians 2:12 – “We have received… the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand…”
| Feature | Human Spirit | Holy Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Created by God | ✅ | ❌ (eternal) |
| Present in all humans | ✅ (dead in sin) | ❌ (only in believers) |
| Limited, sinful by nature | ✅ | ❌ (holy, perfect) |
| Source of regeneration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Indwelling | ❌ | ✅ (in believers) |
| Interacts with conscience | ✅ | ✅ (illumines and convicts) |
▶ The Holy Spirit awakens and fellowships with the human spirit, but remains distinct from it.
8. The Holy Spirit’s Role in Sanctification
Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Romans 8:13 – “If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
- The Spirit produces holiness (Gal. 5:22–23)
- The Spirit guides and empowers moral transformation
▶ Sanctification is not a human effort alone but a Spirit-enabled process.
9. The Holy Spirit and Eschatology
Romans 8:11 – “He who raised Christ… will give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit…”
- The Spirit guarantees the resurrection of the body.
- He is the agent of glorification in the final stage of salvation (cf. Rom. 8:30).
10. Conclusion
The Holy Spirit is not a part of the human being, but the divine Person who works in the human person to bring about new life, ongoing sanctification, and final glorification. He is not the same as the human spirit, though He interacts with and revives it. All who are born again live by His power and are sealed for eternal life.