✨ Summary
This article chronicles a multi-part conversation between a Christian apologist and a young Jehovah’s Witness who begins to question his organization’s teachings on the Trinity—especially the personhood of the Holy Spirit and the eternality of Jesus Christ. Using Scripture, linguistic analysis, and respectful dialogue, the apologist demonstrates that:
- The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a divine person.
- Jesus is not a created being but the eternal wisdom and power of God.
- The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is consistently affirmed throughout the Bible.
Through this journey, the young man moves from uncertainty to clarity, ultimately embracing the biblical view of the Godhead and expressing awe at the depth of truth revealed.
đź“– Part 1: The Holy Spirit Is a Person
Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that the Holy Spirit is Jehovah’s “active force,” not a person. But Scripture shows otherwise:
- Isaiah 40:13–14: The Spirit of Jehovah cannot be instructed, implying omniscience.
- 1 Corinthians 12:11: The Spirit distributes gifts “just as he wills,” showing volition.
- John 14:26; 16:13: The Spirit teaches, hears, and speaks—actions of a person.
- Acts 5:3–4: Lying to the Holy Spirit is equated with lying to God.
The apologist defines “person” as one who has a mind, will, emotions, and the ability to speak and be spoken to. The Spirit meets all these criteria.
đź“š Part 2: The Spirit Bears Witness and Makes Decisions
Further evidence of personhood:
- John 15:26–27: The Spirit bears witness alongside the apostles.
- Acts 15:28: The Spirit and the apostles jointly decide what burdens to place on Gentile believers.
- Acts 13:2–4: The Spirit speaks, uses personal pronouns, and sends out missionaries.
These are deeply relational and intentional actions, not mechanical functions of a force.
🔥 Part 3: The Spirit Speaks and Intercedes
In Romans 8:26–27, the Spirit:
- Intercedes for believers with groanings too deep for words.
- Has a mind known by God.
- Makes preferences and prays according to God’s will.
The Greek word phronēma (mindset) is used consistently in Romans 8 to describe personal thought. Even the Jehovah’s Witness translation cannot fully obscure this truth.
🧠Part 4: Jesus Is Eternal, Not Created
Jehovah’s Witnesses often cite Proverbs 8:22–30 to argue that Jesus was created. But the apologist explains:
- Proverbs 8 is poetic, personifying wisdom.
- Wisdom is “brought forth” from Jehovah before creation—meaning it was in Jehovah, not made from nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 1:24: Jesus is the wisdom and power of God.
- God’s power is eternal and divine (Romans 1:20, 2 Peter 1:3), so Jesus must be eternal and divine.
🙏 Part 5: Trinitarian Prayer and Worship
Scripture affirms prayer to all three persons of the Trinity:
- 2 Corinthians 13:14: A benediction invoking Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit.
This is not just poetic—it’s a prayer. Each person of the Trinity is invoked to bless the believers. The Holy Spirit is not just mentioned—He is prayed to, alongside the Father and the Son.
“We love you, Father. We love you, Lord Jesus. We love you, Holy Spirit… You are Jehovah Almighty, one with the Father and the Son.”
đź’¬ Reflection Questions
- What attributes of the Holy Spirit in Scripture most clearly demonstrate His personhood?
- How does the poetic language of Proverbs 8 support the eternality of Jesus rather than His creation?
- Why is it significant that the Spirit intercedes with knowledge of each believer’s situation?
- How does the use of personal pronouns by the Holy Spirit reinforce His identity as a person?
- What does Trinitarian prayer in the New Testament reveal about the unity and equality of the Godhead?
- How might this conversation help someone raised in a non-Trinitarian tradition reconsider their beliefs?
Feel free to share this article, use it in study groups, or adapt it for teaching. May it bless those seeking truth and deepen their understanding of the Triune God.
Discover more from Lord Jesus Christ Reigns
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.