HOLY SPIRIT SYMBOLS

WIND OR BREATH

Word Definition: Spirit in Hebrew ruach and Greek pneume mean wind or breath.

Scripture References - John 3:8; Acts 2:1-4

In John 3:8, Jesus illustrates the work of the Holy Spirit in “being born again” by using the wind as an analogy and in Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit is experienced by those in the upper room as of a mighty rushing wind:

Invisible – You cannot see the wind; you only see the effects of it.  The new birth itself is invisible, although the results of it are visible and just so the mighty wind could not be seen but the resulting sound could be heard clearly and loudly. 

Sovereign - Just as the wind blows where it wants, the Spirit chooses His own sphere of activity: the Holy Spirit touches whom He will.

Heavenly – Just as the wind comes out of the heavens and blows upon the earth, the Holy Spirit blows from above; you cannot eliminate the element of mystery in the work of the Holy Spirit.

Powerful – Wind is powerful, as anyone who has been in a tornado or hurricane can well testify.  Inherent in the Holy Spirit is the power to change man, to make him a new creation, to empower him for service.

Life Giving – Just as the breath of God makes man a living soul, the Spirit of God makes man a born again child of God.

ANOINTING OIL

Old Testament Scripture References – Exodus 25:31-40; 27:20-21; 40:9-11; Leviticus 8:12; Leviticus 14:16-18; I Samuel 10:1; 16:1

Exodus 25:31-40; 27:20-21; 40:9-11 - The Tabernacle and all its furnishings were anointed with oil.  Everything connected with the sacrificial system, the procedure in the Old Testament for receiving forgiveness, was anointed with oil.  Oil is representative of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in various aspects of the work of redemption.

 Exodus 25:31-40; 17:20-21 – The light in the Tabernacle was provided by the olive oil lamps on the gold lamp stand, which burned continually.

Leviticus 14:16-18 – Oil was used in the cleansing and sanctifying of lepers.

I Samuel 10:1; 16:1; Leviticus 8:12 – Kings and priests were anointed as they entered their service and ministry. 

New Testament Scripture References – Mark 6:13; Luke 4:18; John 16:13; Acts 4:18, 27; 10:38’ II Corinthians 1:21; James 5:14-16; I John 2:20, 27

Mark 6:13; James 5:14-16 – The sick are to be anointed with oil as they are prayed for in faith for healing.

Luke 4:18; Acts 4:18, 27; 10:38 –The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove that lighted upon Jesus at His baptism as He began His public ministry.

John 16:13 – The Holy Spirit is described here as guiding, revealing and illuminating all truth.

II Corinthians 1:21; I John 2:20, 27 – The Holy Spirit anoints believers to be priests.

SEAL

Word Definition: Seal –Greek sphragis means emblem of ownership,  security.

Scripture References – II Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30

In these passages, the Holy Spirit is pictured as sealing the believers in redemption as well as being the seal Himself.  The imagery of the seal is ownership.