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.