Was the Holy Spirit created by God? What does the Bible say?

Bible Question:

Bible Answer:

Man’s attempt to understand and explain the Trinity at times results in asking, “Was the Holy Spirit created by God?” Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit was not created. The following explains why this is what the Bible teaches.

Was The Holy Spirit Created?

Was the Holy Spirit Created?

The Holy Spirit is mentioned first in the Bible in Genesis 1:2.

The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:2 (NASB)

The Holy Spirit is sometimes called the Spirit of God as here in this verse, or He is just called “the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.

The Holy Spirit has all the attributes or characteristics of God. Hebrews 9:14 teaches that He exists eternally.

. . . how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit . . . Hebrews 9:14 (NASB)

He is also omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:24), omniscient (Isaiah 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11), omnipotent (Genesis 1:1-2; Luke 1:35-37; Romans 1:4), and holy (Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 63:10-11; Matthew 1:18; Romans 1:4). Also, He has glory (1 Peter 4:14).

In addition, Acts 3:4-5 teaches that He is God.

But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Acts 5:3-4 (NASB)

This passage is important since it reveals the Holy Spirit knew instantly that Ananias had lied. Also, after Peter said that Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit, then in the very next verse he said that Ananias lied to God. That is, the Holy Spirit is God.

The Holy Spirit is our eternal God. That means the Holy Spirit was never created. An eternal God does not need to be created since He already exists. The Holy Spirit was never created.

Athanasian Creed Teaches the Holy Spirit Was Not Created

The Athanasian Creed (A.D. 570) is an important historical document that summarizes the early church’s belief that the Trinity is one God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It captures the teaching of Scripture about the Trinity, including the Holy Spirit. As you read statements 10 through 16 of the creed notice what it teaches about the Holy Spirit.

10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal.

11. And yet they are not three eternals but one eternal.

12. As also there are not three uncreated nor three incomprehensible, but one uncreated and one incomprehensible.

13. So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Spirit almighty.

14. And yet they are not three almighties, but one almighty.

15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God

16. And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.[1]

The creed states the Holy Spirit is eternal and so are God the Father and God the Son. Yet, there is only one eternal God and not three eternal gods. There is only one almighty God and not three. Finally, it states there is only one God.

Then statements 21 through 23 teach that neither God the Father, God the Son, nor God the Holy Spirit were created.

21. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.

22. The Son is of the Father alone; not made nor created, but begotten.

23. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.[2]

Conclusion:

Therefore, not only does Scripture teach that the Holy Spirit was not created, but the historic teaching of the Christian church agrees. The Holy Spirit was not created because He is God. “Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, and yet they are not three Gods, but one God.” The Holy Spirit is God eternal.