Thus, we cannot divide Him into seven parts. Whatever the correct answer may be we know that there is only one Holy Spirit. The identity of these spirits is not explained. In the Book of Revelation, we find a few occasions where the “seven spirits” are mentioned. In sum, whatever we conclude about the exact identity of the seven spirits mentioned in the Book of Revelation we do know that there is only one Holy Spirit. In the same manner the reference to the seven Spirit refers to the completeness of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit – not the fact that there are seven distinct spirits.
Seven days completes the creation and work week. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy ( Exodus 20:9-11 NIV). For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. Consequently, Israel was told to work for six days and to rest on the seventh because this was the pattern set by creation. For example, the creation of the world occurred in six days with God resting upon the seventh. The number seven in Scripture often refers to completeness. There is another point that needs to be considered. Therefore, if this interpretation is correct, the “seven spirits” are not different spirits but may refer to the complex ministry of the one Holy Spirit.ģ. He is also the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the Spirit of the fear of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit is mentioned in seven different ways in this verse. In this passage Isaiah speaks of the Spirit of the Lord and different aspects of His ministry. At the beginning of chapter eleven we read the following.Īnd the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him- the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD ( Isaiah 11:2 NLT). Some see an explanation of the seven spirits in the Book of Isaiah. What then do these seven spirits refer to? It could refer to the different ways the Spirit of God expresses Himself. They Are Different Ministries of the One SpiritĬonsequently, if the expression “seven spirits” refers to the Holy Spirit, it does not mean that there are seven different spirits or that the Holy Spirit is somehow divided into seven different parts. The united testimony of Scripture is that there is only one Spirit of God, one Holy Spirit.Ģ. To this verse many others could be added. Paul wrote the following to the Corinthians.īut one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills ( 1 Corinthians 12:11 NASB). We will begin with what we know for certain.įirst, we emphasize that the Bible teaches there is only one Holy Spirit. In attempting to answer this question it is important that we make a number of observations. These are the various passages in the Book of Revelation which mention the seven spirits of God. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth ( Revelation 5:6 HCSB). Then I saw one like a slaughtered lamb standing between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders. In this case, the seven spirits are said to be seven torches.įinally, we read of the slaughtered lamb, Jesus Christ, having these spirits. Burning before the throne were seven fiery torches, which are the seven spirits of God ( Revelation 4:5 HCSB). We read the following.įrom the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and thunder. The Seven Spirits Are Linked with Fiery Torches Thus, in some sense, Jesus has these spirits. In chapter three we again read of the “seven spirits of God.” In this instance we are told that Jesus has the seven spirits as well as the seven stars.Īnd to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works you have a name of being alive, but you are dead” ( Revelation 3:1 NRSV). Here the greeting comes from the “seven spirits.” John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne ( Revelation 1:4 TNIV).
In the introduction to the Book of Revelation, we first read of the seven spirits. The Identity of the Holy Spirit – Question 20Ī number of times in the Book of Revelation there is a reference to the “seven Spirits.” They can be listed as follows.
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