As part of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit has existed from eternity past (Genesis 1:2). Like the Father
and the Son, He has no beginning and will have no end. In the Old Testament, He temporarily enabled
individuals for a special purpose (Exodus 31:3; Judges 3:10; 6:34; 1 Samuel 16:13). But in the New
Testament, He permanently indwells every Christian (1 Corinthians 6:19). Jesus told His disciples
He was going to send the Comforter, or Counselor (the Holy Spirit) after He returned to the Father
in heaven. The Spirit’s role was to remind the disciples of Jesus’ teaching, equip them with spiritual
gifts, and guide them in their ministry. On the day of Pentecost, after Jesus’ ascension into heaven,
the Holy Spirit was sent from heaven and came upon a large group of disciples (Acts 2:1-21). In a sermon
he delivered that day, Peter told the Jews to repent and they, too, would receive the gift of the Spirit
(Acts 2:38). From that day forward (the birth date of the church, the body of Christ) every true believer
in Christ has received the gift of the Spirit when he or she believes and is born again (Romans 8:9).
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