Is the Holy Spirit Just a Symbol? Discovering His Deeper Work in Your Life
A 2021 study by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University revealed that 62% of self-identified Christian adults believe the Holy Spirit is not a real, living being—but merely a symbol of God’s power or presence.
That’s a startling statistic when Scripture clearly introduces us to the Holy Spirit as a person—God Himself—active from the very beginning (Genesis 1), affirmed by Jesus (Matthew 28:19), and poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2).
So why is the Holy Spirit still so misunderstood?
Why the Holy Spirit Feels So Elusive
Unlike Jesus, who walked the earth, or God the Father, whom we often picture as a loving parent, the Holy Spirit can seem mysterious and intangible. But He’s not meant to feel distant.
Jesus described the Holy Spirit as our advocate—a helper who lives with us and in us (John 14:16–17). He’s not a force or feeling, but a person—present, powerful, and personal.
The Holy Spirit’s Work Begins Before Salvation
Even before we decide to follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit is at work—convicting us of sin and drawing us to God. It’s His power that raised Christ from the dead and gives us victory over sin and death.
The moment we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit makes His home in us. Why? Because trading the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Him is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is God’s personal presence in us—proof that He wants a relationship and for us to join Him in His work in the world.
That first experience is powerful, but it’s only the beginning.
The Second Work of the Holy Spirit
The book of Acts points to something more: an obvious encounter with the Holy Spirit’s power. Sometimes called the “second work of the Holy Spirit,” this isn’t about earning more of God—it’s about surrendering more of ourselves.
At Pentecost, the Spirit came like a rushing wind, and the disciples began speaking in other tongues (Acts 2). From there:
- Philip cast out demons and healed the paralyzed (Acts 8)
- Ananias laid hands on Saul and restored his sight (Acts 9)
- Paul healed, prophesied, and even survived a poisonous snake bite (Acts 13–28)
Each of these moments happened through believers who fully surrendered to the Spirit’s leadership. They didn’t chase the miraculous; they simply made room for the Spirit to work.
They were living in true freedom—not bound by fear or control, but fully open to the Spirit’s empowering presence.
Are You Making Room?
Think of your life as a house. The Holy Spirit may live there, but is every room open to Him? Or, have some doors been quietly shut?
Trying to live the Christian life without the Holy Spirit is like trying to drive a car without fuel. Scripture tells us we don’t even know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us—translating our words and aligning our hearts with God’s will (Romans 8:26–27). He’s the one who transforms our desires, helping us abide in the Word and reflect the character of Jesus in our everyday lives.
The second work of the Holy Spirit isn’t about spiritual striving. It’s about daily surrender—a posture that says, “You have access to it all, Holy Spirit. Even the parts I’ve been hesitant to give up.” That kind of openness changes everything.
How to Invite the Holy Spirit Into Your Life
So how do you start making room?
Here are a few simple, intentional practices that can help you walk more closely with the Holy Spirit:
- Start your day with a Spirit-guided prayer: Use Scripture as a launching point—like Psalm 139:23–24 or Romans 12:1–2—and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, choices, and words.
- When you feel overwhelmed, tempted, or uncertain, seek the Holy Spirit’s comfort and direction.
- Listen with expectation: Through silence, journaling, or worship, create space to hear, not just talk. The Holy Spirit often speaks through peace, conviction, or a gentle nudge.
God gave us the Spirit because He wanted to empower us through our relationship with Him.
Are you willing to make room for more of Him, and less of everything else?
“The Holy Spirit isn’t a doctrine to be debated, but a person to be known.”
Dr. Jody Ray
This post is inspired by message six of our “What We Believe” sermon series entitled “What Does it Mean to Receive the Holy Spirit?” by Dr. Jody Ray. Want to explore more about what Christians believe and why it matters? Buy a copy of our book, “What We Believe: Built on the Word, Anchored in Christ.”