The Symbols of the Holy Spirit

I. What are the main symbols that are used in the Bible to help us understand the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit?

A. A Dove (Mt. 3:16; Luke3:21-22; John 1:32)

1. The first reference to the Holy Spirit in the Bible implies this symbol of a dove in connection with the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:2).

a. The Hebrew word for hovered or brooded over is depictive of a bird sitting on a nest of eggs to warm them to life.

b. The Latin Vulgate uses the word incubabat from which we get the English word incubate.
c. Gesenius says of this word, Figuratively used of the Spirit of God, who brooded over the shapeless mass of the earth cherishing and vivifying.

d. In this verse the moving of the Holy Spirit precedes the coming forth of light at the command of God (Gen. 1:3). e. This Hebrew word only appears twice in the Old Testament (Deut. 32:11-12).

2. The first specific mention of a dove in the Old Testament also gives us a picture of the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit (Gen. 8:6-12). a. The purpose of the sending out of the dove from the ark of Noah was to find a resting place on the earth. b. The dove went out as well as a raven (Job 1:7; 2:2; I Pet. 5:8).

c. The three sendings forth of the dove give us a picture of the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit in the three dispensations of redemptive history.

3. The natural attributes of a dove make it a fitting symbol for the Holy Spirit. a. The dove is associated with gentleness (Mt. 10:16). b. The dove is absolutely faithful in love (Song 1:15; 2:14; 5:12). c. The dove is a symbol of purity. d. The dove is a universal symbol of peace.

2. Fire is also used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Mt. 3:11). a. Fire consumes wood, hay and stubble (Is. 4:4; I Cor. 3:12-15).

b. Fire purifies gold, silver and precious stones (Is. 6:7; I Cor. 3:12-15). The Holy Spirit takes us through testings that bring out the best in us (I Pet. 1:7; Job 23:10).
c. Fires causes things to heat up (Is. 64:1-2).

d. Fire illuminates the obscure and gives light to our path (Ps. 78:14; I Cor. 2:9-10; Eph. 1:17-18).

II. What are some other symbols of the Holy Spirit? A. Wind or Breath (John 3:3-8; Acts 2:2; Is. 40:7)
This symbol emphasizes the fact that the Holy Spirit is the life-giver who breaths on us the breath of God. It underscores the fact that the Holy Spirit is invisible as a person, yet the effect of His work can be plainly seen.*

B. Oil or Anointing (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38; I John 2:20)

This symbol emphasizes the consecration and enablement of the Holy Spirits anointing grace, the illumination of His teaching and the soothing balm of healing that comes from His touch.*

C. Water, Rain, Fountain, Spring or Rivers (John 7:38-39; Is. 44:3)

This symbol emphasizes the life-giving flow of the Spirit that refreshes and satisfies. It also highlights the Holy Spirits ministry of washing, cleansing and producing fruitfulness in our lives.*

D. Wine (Acts 2:13, 15; Eph. 5:18)

This symbol emphasizes the change that takes place in the life of a believer that is filled with the Holy Spirit. Wine refreshes, stimulates, produces joy, induces singing, helps one to forget troubles (Pro. 31:6), produces unusual actions, inspires boldness and cleanses and heals (Luke 10:34).

E. Earnest or Guarantee (Eph. 1:14; II Cor. 1:22; 5:5)

This symbol emphasizes that the Holy Spirit dwelling within us is only a portion of all that God has for us in eternity when He brings us into the realization of His full redemption and eternal inheritance.

F. Seal (Eph. 1:13-14)

This symbol emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit in confirming our place in the family of God and that the Holy Spirit is Gods stamp of authenticity upon us that we are indeed His property.

1. The concept of a seal was common in ancient cultures. a. The seal was used to give proof of authenticity to letters or royal commands (I Kgs. 21:8; Est. 8:8, 10; 3:12). b. The seal was used to give formal ratification to a transaction or covenant (Jer. 32:10-14, 44).

c. The seal was used in relation to the preservation and security of important of books (Jer. 32:14; Rev. 5:1-9; 6:1-3). d. The seal was an object representing authority and power that was at times given to a kings official representative so that he could act in behalf of the king (Gen. 41:42; Est. 3:10; 8:2). e. The seal was even used to stamp possessions as a sign of ownership much like a potter or an artist would sign his work (Job 38:14).

2. This concept is applied to Gods relationship with us. The Holy Spirit is a. Gods way of authenticating us as a genuine part of His family.

b. Gods indication or signature on the covenant that has been given to us (II Cor. 1:21-22).

c. Gods assurance that even as a book is sealed and cannot be opened until the proper time by the proper person, so we are sealed by the Holy Spirit unto the day of redemption (Eph. 4:30).

d. Gods sign that we are His official representatives on earth with the power and authority to use His name (Mark 16:17-18).
e. Gods mark of ownership upon our lives. He is the potter we are the clay (Is. 64:8). We are the work of his hands (Ps. 8:3-5).