Truth #1: The Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost Are Not The Same Thing
After I finished the Receiving The Keys to the Kingdom Class on Thursday, I received a great question on the first Truth that I wanted to share with you. This understanding is critical in realizing one of the reasons the Body of Christ is not operating in their power, dominion and authority.
“Hi Ericka. I was on the call tonight. I wanted to get clarification about the difference between the Holy Spirit & Holy Ghost. If these are not interchangeable how do we understand the trinity which is Father, Son & Holy Spirit? This is 3. To separate the Holy Spirit & the Holy Ghost…does that not make it 4?”
I am so glad you are wanting clarification on this. When the Lord brought it to me, it blew me away. I have always referred to the third aspect of Him as the Holy Spirit. There are still only three aspects or forms of God. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost is actually used in the New Testament once Jesus was resurrected. Prior to that, the reference is to The (Holy) Spirit.
The Holy Spirit leads us into the knowledge of who Jesus is and when we move into the fullness of this knowledge and begin to operate in faith and belief, we are then baptized with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the power of the glorified body of Jesus – the power of The Son manifest inside of us. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God; The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of The Son or Jesus. The Holy Ghost came later, after Jesus was resurrected and went back to the Father in Heaven [John 7:39 – (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)]
When the Lord brought it to me, He said that the Holy Ghost is the transfigured or glorified form of Jesus. We don’t have to say, “in the name of The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit and The Holy Ghost .” The Holy Ghost is the full form of Jesus that we now have access to in order to overcome Satan. It is the form of Jesus in which carries the fullness of His power. It is the evolved form of The Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God or the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of Christ or The Holy Ghost are two different things (Romans 8:9 – 9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)
I am also looking at these scriptures. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.
This form of Christ means “Messiah” and “The Anointed One.” Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Messiah, the one sent by God to save the world, moves in their full power, authority and dominion. There is no more of Satan in them and they are then born of God. When we believe that Jesus is the Christ, that means that they believe that Jesus came out of God and therefore has the full power of God in them. Someone is either faithless or believing, there is no in-between in Jesus (see John 20:27).
Yes, this is so true. The key to this scripture is “whoever believes…” The scripture is very clear about who truly believes. When someone believes, they are in 100% faith. No doubt, no fear. That is not the state of most of us who call ourselves “believers.”
Mark 16: 17-18 – 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
John 14: 11-14 – 11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
Mark 9:23 – 23Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
John 12:46 – 46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Matthew 21:21-22 – 21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Mark 11:22-24 – 22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
1 John 3:9 – Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.
Remember that the Word says that those who love the Lord obey Him. That is what this scripture is saying. No disobedience, no fear, nothing unclean. We follow and obey Him with the purity and innocence of a child. In order to love Him, you must know who He is. You must have moved into a place of certainty with your walk with Him. Believing and moving in the full power, authority and dominion He has given us through Christ Jesus.
His commandments are not grievous. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
When you are born of God, The Son has transformed into the form of The Holy Ghost. It is the Holy Ghost that gives us the power to overcome the world and Satan.
This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.
Faith is the unshakable and unmovable certainty about who Jesus is and moving in that. When you move into faith, you get the full power of Jesus and the Holy Ghost comes and overcomes all aspects of the world left in us. Satan was given charge over the world before Jesus came to earth and defeated him. Now Satan has no right to be upon the earth and must be overcome.
Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood.
One of Jesus’ names is the Living Water. This is saying that who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that he came with His atoning blood and as the Living water. This is to draw distinction between Jesus and John, as many thought John was the Christ and this had to be clarified for the people of that day. John baptized only by water, Jesus baptized the His atoning blood, the Spirit and the Living Water.
It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three who testify in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
The King James version (which is said to be the most thorough version of the translated scripture) has this scripture as, “1 John 5:7-8 – 7For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
After Jesus died and was resurrected, the fullness of His power came as the Comforter/Intercessor and took up residence within those who believe in Him. Then we walk in the power of the Holy Ghost, not just the Holy Spirit. I actually searched the scripture and I cannot find a passage where it says that we are to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and The Spirit. All of the references say”…and of the Holy Ghost.” This is eye opening to me. I have always read these as “…The Holy Spirit.” Whew! Praise God for revelation!!!
And there are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree as one.
There are three that testify (that Jesus is the Son of God or the Christ) in Heaven and three on earth. The Holy Spirit, the Living Water and the Anointing or Atoning Blood of the Father through Jesus. These three agree as one on the earth. This and the following scripture is saying that we cannot rely on man to confirm that Jesus is the Messiah, even on earth we must rely on the Spirit, water and the blood.
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life… We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. I John 5:1-12, 20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:18-20.
King James version says, Matthew 28:18-20 – 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Yes, this scripture is telling in what name(s) the disciples should baptize the true followers of Jesus. This is not what we traditionally think of as water baptism, this is the process of having man become perfected – sons of God. The Holy Spirit must come first, so people cannot be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Holy Ghost and of the Holy Spirit. Once they are baptized then they flow in the power of the Holy Ghost that causes people to overcome the world/Satan. The Holy Spirit leads the way to the Holy Ghost. You must have the Spirit of God/The Holy Spirit guides you within Himself to lead us to the power of the resurrected or glorified Jesus – The Holy Ghost.
That is why the Word is so specific about people who speak against the Holy Ghost as blaspheming God. The Holy Ghost is the full expression of the Son, Jesus, who is the name above all names within us moving in His full power, dominion and authority.
I pray that this helps you better grasp this word. Let me know your other questions. Thanks! Have an amazing Monday!
Many blessings to you,
Ericka
Question: What Name(s) was Jesus baptized in by John and what Names did Jesus baptized? Exlpain please what was the baptism on the Day of Pentecost, The Holy Spirit or The Holy Ghost? What was the Apostle Paul baptism?
Thank you for the clarifications from the KJV. I knew the Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit were not the same but had not understood how and why. Blessings.
Yeah I know that and is true without getting the Holy ghost through the receiving of the holy spirit you can not perform miracles in ministry and life
This was good and very understanding. This just shined light on what we were discussing in Bible study on Sunday. Thank you so much.
Donnie,
I am so glad the teaching shined some light on some things. You are most welcomed! – Ericka
The LORD showed me the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost about a year ago. Finding your blog, and knowing that you teach this truth encourages me that I am not in error. You are the first person that I am aware of that teaches this. Being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins after truly repenting of your sins, is the gaurantee of receiving the Holy Ghost. Thank you for your teaching. — Graham
Graham!!!
Oh my goodness!!! When the Holy Spirit revealed this to me and I began to share it, it actually stirred up so much that I haven’t taught it since. I am amazed that you found that old blog entry! That is amazing. I am so glad to find another to whom the Holy Spirit reveals His deeper revelation. I would love to talk more about it! I look forward to connecting. Have an incredible week! In Him, Ericka
I have a friend that is a street preacher and he teaches this as well but i have a question.
Ehat if you were baptized by a church pastor that baptized you in the
name of father, son and holy spirit.. like all the chutches do nowadays.. do you need to be baptized
again in the name of father son holy ghost? I would think so
but wanted to get your insight… thanks wendy
Wendy,
Great question! Remember, baptism is an outward symbol of receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, so you don’t have to be baptized again. Jesus is after your heart, not the act of baptism alone. The key is to realize that once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, that you now are the new address for the Holy Spirit and it’s full power resides inside of you so you can now walk in the understanding, heart and works of Jesus. This is what you should meditate on so you can fully walk in the understanding that the fullness of Jesus through His Holy Spirit now resides not just upon you, but inside of you as the Holy Ghost. It isn’t so important whether we call this the Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost, what is critical is that you “get” with all of your being that the full power of Jesus, and therefore The light of Your Heavenly Father is now within you.
I hope that helps…
Love, Ericka
Good morning Erika,
I arrived at your blog after reading Acts 10, V.44-47 where the Centurion and his household received the gift of Holy Ghost before being baptised. The only way I can reconcile this is that the Centurion and his household had faith before they were baptised. It is faith that moves mountains and fulfils prayers, isn’t it?
So why were they baptised after receiving the Holy Ghost? Probably because they had not been washed of their sins and filled with the Holy Spirit which is the guide in life.
It seems to me therefore that the Holy Ghost is the gift and power of faith whilst the Holy Spirit is that of righteousness upon baptism, or to put it another way, faith differs from belief in that it holds no doubt.
After baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost surely all those baptised should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, something I have never observed. So perhaps baptism in the name of the Holy Ghost is through one especially commissioned by the Father and Son whilst that in the name of the Holy Spirit is not by on especially commissioned?
What do you think/
Speaking personally I believe I have the gift of the Holy Spirit but not the gift of the Holy Ghost; my prayers are unanswered.
Guy,
Wow! I wrote that blog years ago. I am glad it is still out there. Both are commissioned by the Father through the Son, Jesus. You have the gift of the Holy Ghost once you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior and accept Him into your heart. I think you are saying that you don’t have the inward manifestation of hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit as the Holy Ghost operating within you. Continue believing God and commanding out anything that is not of light. His voice is there, you just have to move what is in the way and tune into the “frequency.” Let me know how it goes.
The water baptism is a metaphor for carrying the Holy Ghost and going into the water(people) and doing the works of Jesus. Fully submerged in the people. Healing the sick, casting out demons, etc. You have to be baptised in the Spirit first and then Faith is increased by doing. I learned how to interpret The Word through hearing and seeing in prophecy and healing ministry. through the REAL water baptism. This is investing our gold into the Kingdom of God in our mist and gaining more. My visions and words i get are in parable form and God is proven by testimony in the prison, on the street, by the oppressed all needing of us to do the walk and talk the talk. Their testimony increases faith. Alone i can’t prove what I hear is the True Word Of God unless a witness happens Best witness is a STRANGER. Only way to know Jesus is through body of Christ through the “blood” and “water” carrying my cross putting down my life for His. my two cents. Christians need to start investing and stop burying their one bag of gold. Great thoughts on the difference however. We have to try to avoid getting lost in the bible only. The Spirit gives life and the written letter, kills, think on that my fellow brothers and sisters. It’s only going to takes us so far. Blessings!
While I’m years behind on this thread, I just wanted to share with you or perhaps serve as a 3rd witness to this truth of the Holy Spirit vs the Holy Ghost, something that was also revealed to me, and astonished me when He revealed it. It certainly became a “game changer” to my life, years ago. It’s astonishing, the more the Lord reveals to me, how most Pastors don’t know or teach this impactful truth. I truly believe far more teach based on interpretation rather than revelation. As I’m sure you know, there is a difference. And, I know I didn’t just “happen” to come across this old thread. Very well written and explained. I pray more are coming to this truth, by now. As I minister to people and hear other Pastors and teachers, it still doesn’t seem to be case, yet. God Bless you, Sister.
Ashley,
Thank you for your response. I get a lot of people leaning on theology and missing it. It is a revelation that can only come from the Father. Praise Jesus! Have a great day!
I Just wanted you to know how your post really blessed me. I am really searching and wanting to develop my relationship with God. I really appreciate when I am able to get clear and concise revelations. May God Bless and continue to use you my sister!
Why do you have preachers now days praying over you saying that they are giving you the Holy Ghost? Is it true that once you’re saved you should be baptized in Jesus name?
Kawanza,
Deep and wonderful question. Let me refer to the Holy Spirit and the Word to accurately respond. I will get a reply to you asap. Thank you for asking! – Ericka
Thank you so much for the clarification on the
HOLY GHOST and HOLY SPIRIT
and please continue. To teach on this, remembered the scripture must be fufilled… your Awsome thanks and GOD BESS You….
Thank you so much dear, i have been looking for this more than two years now, please this my question, why is it that people are fill with the holy ghost yet devils still live inside of them? #2, i always masturbate and i try to come out of it but i can, why is it so?
John,
Thank you for your post and questions. To answer your question; Yes, Christians who have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior can still have devils or unclean stronghold spirits inside of them. In fact, 98% of the Body of Christ does. This is because receiving Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior does cause the Holy Spirit to enter in and reside inside of us. It does NOT automatically remove the unclean spirits that we have unknowingly received from our experience in the world prior to coming to Jesus.
The True revelation on this is that we cannot be truly FILLED with the Holy Ghost until all darkness is out of our temples or bodies. Receiving Jesus and being filled with the Holy Ghost do not happen at the same time, although this is what most churches teach us. To be filled with something means that 100% of that something is present. The only way we can truly be filled with the Holy Spirit is when there is no darkness left in us and this is possible through Christ in the Here and Now.
Great question on the masturbating. It takes more than willingness to come out of uncleanness. It takes being free (delivered) from the spirit that is causing the appetite in us. Every spirit produces fruit, even unclean spirits. The unclean spirit that produces the fruit of masturbation in one’s life is names perverse spirit.
Unclean spirits leave only when we are in belief, authority and call them out by name or nature. So, you need to speak directly to the perverse spirit that has found it’s way inside of you and command it to leave your body, in Jesus’ name. You will know when it leaves because you will have a response from your nose and/or mouth, such as deep exhales, coughing, yawning or all-too-often noise. Perverse spirit often comes out screaming. So don’t be surprised if this happens once you command it out.
If you need assistance in this, I have a team of well-training Spiritual Cleansing Specialists who can help you.
I am praying for you! Know that those who the Son frees are free indeed and your freedom from all hindrances is yours – you just have to take it.
In Him,
Ericka
l like the teaching. what I do to have holy ghost
Kennedy,
This is, perhaps, one of the best and most profound questions you can ever ask. The good news is that all you have to do is invite Jesus into your heart and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. This begins a most amazing journey of Him guiding and speaking to you through visions, inner words, impartation and others so you can always know how to remain on the path to being the person He created you to be. This will increase your belief so you can truly walk out your soul’s salvation.
You will want to then begin spending more and more time in the Bible as He speaks to us through scripture. Ask Him for understanding of His word and His Holy Spirit will teach you. And you will want to then work through releasing any unforgiveness or emotional hurts and wounds that your heart is still carrying from your past so your spirit can be cleansed from the things of the world.
That’s a lot, but let me know if you need help. Somewhere along the way, the Lord will continue to send you teachers of His word and guide you as to where He would have you go to continue learning the truth about Him and how you can walk in oneness with Him. I am praying for you! Thank you for sharing!
I pray that this helps guide you in moving forward.
In Him,
Ericka
Thank you so much for this information, A sister in the Lord just asked me on Sunday was there a differences between the holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost. I was up today going through some websites and this one gave a good understanding of that differences. I can now be able to explain it to her more better were she will understand I do not like to give wrong information to people. I will tell them to let me study it and get back with you, so thank you again and keep working for the lord. God Bless you Erick.
Donnie,
You are most welcomed! I am so glad you found the teaching. I remember being hesitant in putting it “out there” because there are so many mis-teachings on the topic. But there is much, much more revelation to share and I will be doing so more boldly and more boldly in upcoming videos and on my blog. So glad we connected! Have a great day! -Ericka
Hi,
In your writings you have not quoted the bible correctly when you wrote Matt 28:19 you wrote the Holy Spirit, when it is actually the Holy Ghost. This error is committed throughout your writings even though the topic deals with the difference between the Spirit and The Holy Ghost. The three who are in Heaven, and who have names; i.e The Father, The Son(The Word), The Holy Ghost are to be received by all men because they were lost by Adam. These three are actual persons in the God Head. The Son in particular who is also referred to as The Word is known to us as the Son because of revelation and in whom we are to believe because through Him and for Him were all things made. In Heaven He is known as the Word and as the Lamb which has the seven Spirits of God which are sent throughout the world. On Earth He is referred to as The Son of God or Jesus Christ. There is however no difference between The Holy Ghost and The Spirit of truth that is found at John 14:17 and 1 John 5:8 . I think we miss it when we confuse how they operate in Heaven and on Earth. If you notice in 1 John 5:5-8 the bible is trying to separate this very thing. We see that in Heaven the bible shows the persons of the God Head and when they mention the earth, The Father is the only one missing. In 1 John 5:8 it mentions the Spirit who is the Holy Ghost and the water and the blood who both are Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus keeps stating that for men to receive The Father they must come through Him the Son, and they must do it by being baptized and eating his flesh and drinking his blood and then John the Baptist states that Jesus Himself will baptize them with The Holy Ghost, John 1:33. Jesus therefore then after being the first to baptize with the Holy Ghost sends out all of His disciples to baptize in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost. It is done in their names, The name of The Spirit of truth is “The Holy Ghost” but what He is, or His title is the Spirit of truth (It is like me named Stephen Elcock but my title is President of Wisdom Associates Inc. because that is what I do, and I may be known as that to my colleagues in business, but at home I am known as Stephen Elcock). The name of the water and the blood is Jesus Christ, or The Son of God as is spoken on earth and His name is “The Word” as is spoken in Heaven or now after his work on earth, “The Lamb” of course he has many other names in heaven and on earth, and these names are given according to what He has done, but there is a name that He has been given that no man knows because they have not been given it to call on. That name is the new and risen name of our saviour who was set high above all things as is stated in Hebrews and colossians, and when we shall see Him as He is then we shall know all things.
I trust that I have been able to explain.
God bless
Stephen
The old testament was written in koine greek which translates Ἁγίου Πνεύματος /Hagiou Pneumatos which means Holy Spirit
In Matthew 28:19 we are to be baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost are the same
Dear Erica
It is obvious that the terms Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost are interchangeable. They come from the same greek word pneuma hagios.
You said,
“The Holy Ghost is actually used in the New Testament once Jesus was resurrected. Prior to that, the reference is to The (Holy) Spirit”.
But before the resurrection the term Holy Ghost is found in Luke 1:15,Luke 1:41 and Luke 1:67. Also Luke 2:25-26. 2 Peter 1:21 declares how the Holy Ghost moved on the prophets of the Old Testament.
Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. Authorized (King James) Version
Thank You for Your attention. Have a nice day.
I have been teaching on the Holy Ghost this Month and just thank God for what he is during a lady from a baptism church on last night ask was there adefference between the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit and after take her to the Word of God and l ask her did she have the Holy Ghost she first said yer after the word she said i dont have the Holy Ghost and that was a blessing and then ran into you message today just bless my soul thank God he is so good by the way My subject was What Can One Do to receive The HolyGhost
I have a question of the differences in perception of the holy spirit/holy ghost? I am a young disciple and press all in to god all the time. I experience the holy spirit every time as goose bumps ,trembling and pulses in my body. This is great and gives me confirmation of his presence.as of 6 days ago I was passed an anointment that has changed from goose bumps etc…to electricity and fire in my hands and arms with the presence of a tangible being a lot like 2 magnets being pushed together. The fire and electricity never stops being in my hands and will intensify when in prayer. Is this a normal? Has anyone else experienced this? I would not be concerned but it is the way I received this anointment. Thanks and God Bless!
I am so much impressed with your analysis on the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost but this has generated a lot argument, we were thinking they are the same thing. I will like to have interaction with you if really this teaching and analysis of yours is God’s revelation of His word. thru my emeil I love the analysis. God bless you.
Please, I want to get something clear from your analysis about baptism. Are you saying that we are not to batize any one in the name of the trinity (n the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost). please I want to be clarify on that aspect. Thanks
Let’s examine, The difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost?
The English translations of the Bible, it is only the King James Version of the Bible which uses the term “Holy Ghost.” It occurs 90 times in the KJV. The term “Holy Spirit” occurs 7 times in the KJV. There is no clear reason as to why the KJV translators used Ghost in most places and then Spirit in a few. The exact same Greek and Hebrew words are translated “ghost” and “spirit” in the KJV in different occurrences of the words. By “ghost,” the KJV translators did not intend to communicate the idea of “the spirit of a deceased person.” In 1611, when the KJV was originally translated, the word “ghost” primarily referred to “an immaterial being.”
With recent Scripture translations, “Spirit” has replaced “Ghost” in most instances. Some of this came about because words don’t always hold their meanings. In the days of Shakespeare or King James, ghost meant the living essence of a person. Looking back, we see that “breath” or “soul” were often used as synonyms of “ghost.” During these times, spirit normally meant the essence of a departed person or a demonic or paranormal apparition. As language evolved, people started saying “ghost” when speaking of the vision of a dead person while “spirit” became the standard term for life or living essence, often also for “soul.” With slight exceptions, “ghost” and “spirit” changed places over some 300 years.
The real issue is that both “Holy Ghost” and “Holy Spirit” refer to the Third Person of the Trinity, coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3,4; 28:25,26; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6). He is the gift of the Father to His people on earth to initiate and complete the building of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). He is also the agency by which the world is convicted of sin, the Lord Jesus is glorified, and believers are transformed into His image (John 16:7-9; Acts 1:5, 2:4; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 2:22).
i am indeed grateful for your teaching i was told in bible study that the holy spirit and the holy ghost were different but i could not understand your teaching helped me to understand to god be the glory. However many persons are still in error most of what i were reading mentioned the holy ghost and the holy spirit are the same.
Hi Ericka, I was so glad to come across this excerpt. I was asked to teach Bible study about two years ago and it dropped in my spirit out of nowhere to teach on the difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost. By it just dropping into my spirit, I knew definitely that there was a difference. I was doing research and almost everyone was saying they were one and the same. Bless God I came across your excerpt. That is why we have so many weak Christians. All they are doing is Romans 10:9 and isn’t going any further under the misconception that the Holy Spirit is the Holy Ghost.
Gracie,
I am so glad that it helped. I took A LOT of slack for this one. Enjoy! – Ericka
Thank you for this post Ericka! Yes, I know it is old, but it was the first result when I searched this very question. And it addressed exactly my question. Continue teaching as God leads and inspires you ❤. You are blessing the Body!
I’ve been blessed. When I was 9, the Holy Ghost visited me 7 times. It was in a form of energy and I could see it with my own eyes. It would stand there then come toward me and then pass thru me when leaving……I’ve even witnessed Heaven.
That is awesome! I love hearing these stories because they are REAL! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your comments. I gives me great confidence that there are so many who are still open to the mystery of Chirst, who lives His life n us, through us and as us. It seems to me that until we begin to drink waters out of our own cistern, we will continue to miss the running waters out of tour pwn well.(Proverbs 5:15)
Thank you for being open to the revelation and sharing it with us.
Yes! Neal, I am just so grateful that my sharing could be a blessing to you. Thank you for stopping by!
I almost agree with you. My exception is I see the Holy Spirit is the Father. He is referred to as the spirit of God in the OT. But he is holy. And the father is spirit. So the Father is the Holy Spirit.
The salvitic spirit of Jesus is the Holy Ghost. And we are baptized in the name of the Father (aka the Holy Spirit), the Son aka Jesus) and the Holy Ghost (the resurrected s saving spirit of Jesus). We MUST be baptized in the name of the redeeming spirit!
These are the two spirits of the godhead head. Only one (Jesus, the lamb) is flesh.
All the old translations refer to the Resurrected Salvitic spirit of Christ as the Holy Ghost. The newer translations now refer to both spirits as the Holy Spirit, but they are different.
The father is referred to as the holy spirit, the Spirit of God, or just the spirit in the OT. Everywhere in the New Testament where the term Holy Ghost is used, it is referring to the spirit of Christ.
There are two spirit personages in the trinity.
What a mighty GOD we serve. I am over the moon and the stars after reading this study. This is a blessing ERICKA JAMES. PLEASE SEND ME MORE OF THIS STUDY. I have really been bless doing this study with my sister. She is in a wheelchair after having 4 strokes. She still can comprehend the word of GOD clearly. It is just the will of GOD we came across this study. Thank you so much.
Today is my birthday and this is the GREATEST BIRTHDAY GIFT I COULD EVER RECEIVE
Thank you 🙏🏾
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:18-20
This, clearly states to be baptized in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Great message bit I disagree politely with that point. God bless
Hello Carol,
Thank you for your response. I am amazed that there are still comments on a blog post I wrote more than 10 years ago. Wow! The original post was about the distinction in the Word about the Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit. It was not about baptism. But, this fits with the original point of the article. It was scripturally based, not against this fact in scripture. I hope that helps. Thank you for stopping by. – Ericka