Names are given for identification, description and explanation of the bearer. Thus, what the Holy Spirit is in his Divine Person and ineffable character is made known unto us by means of the many names and varied titles which are ascribed to Him in the Bible. Some of these are peculiar to him and others are shared with the Father and the Son, in the undivided essence of the Divine nature.
The titles of the Holy Spirit, which relates to his works, as discussed last two week, are the various descriptions given to him in different passages of the scripture. For example, Isaiah (Isaiah 11:2) described him as he would come on the Christ and the Christ himself (John 14:15-17) described him as he would come on the disciples.
The Holy Spirit, who was the Spirit of the Lord that would rest on the messiah, is the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. It is with these same titles that the Holy Spirit is invoked on a Christian during confirmation by the bishop. Jesus called him allos parakletos (another Counsellor or Helper or Advocate or Comforter of the same kind – with Jesus). This means that he continues the work of Christ and is committed to standing by the disciple assisting and strengthening him.
There are many other titles of the Holy Spirit, and they include as follows: Spirit of God (Gen. 1:2; 1 Cor. 3:16); Spirit of the Lord (Is. 61:1); Spirit of Grace and Supplication (Zech. 12: 10; Heb. 10:29); Spirit of Holiness (Rom. 1:4); Spirit of Life (Rom. 8:2); Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9); the Counsellor (John 14:26); Spirit of Truth (John 16:13); Spirit of Glory (1Pet. 4:14); Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation (Eph. 1:17); Spirit of Adoption (Rom. 8:15); Spirit of Faith (2Cor. 4:13); the Eternal Spirit (Heb. 9:14)
The titles of the Holy Spirit inform or remind us of the roles of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life.
The Ven. Dr Princewill Onyinyechukwu Ireoba is the Rector,
Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
