A child could ask, “Why is the Holy Spirit called ‘holy’?” We might struggle to answer: “Is ‘holy’ descriptive? Or is ‘holy’ his nature? Or both?”

Other spirits – human and demonic – are given descriptive categories in the Scriptures:

• Human – A human spirit. A haughty spirit. A crushed spirit. A steadfast spirit. A broken spirit. A new spirit. A gentle spirit. A life-giving spirit. A quiet spirit.

• Demonic – An evil spirit. An impure or unclean spirit. A deaf and mute spirit. A deceiving spirit. A different spirit.

Yet no human or demonic spirit is ever described in the Bible as “holy”. Only God the Holy Spirit is described as holy.

Sometimes the Bible refers merely to “the Spirit”. Yet a majority of times it refers to “the Holy Spirit”.

The Holy Spirit is likewise holy by nature.

The Holy Spirit is separate and sacred and reverenced above everyone and everything. He is “majestic in holiness” (Exodus 15:11), transcendent, without character flaw or imperfection.

The Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of holiness” (Romans 1:4), utterly pure and perfectly righteous.

No part of his nature is impure or unholy. No evil is ever found in him. He is totally without sin.

So when God the Holy Spirit is at work, there will always be a sense of God’s holiness! Because that’s who he is!

Think about it: Prayer times. Worship times. Confession times. Communion. Water baptisms. Witnessing. Receiving salvation. Surrendering to God. Revival. Power encounters. Gifts of the Spirit. Manifestations or demonstrations of God. Healing and deliverance. Joy and laughter in the Spirit. Enjoying God’s creation. Meditating on God’s Word. Spiritual conversations.

These are all holy moments because God the Holy Spirit is present.

Joe was one of the most restless guys Lee Eclov had ever known. They talked often at a coffee shop. Once Joe was ranting and raving loudly on the phone for the whole coffee shop to hear.

Afterwards, Lee said, “Joe, I’m going to pray for you right now.” Joe’s eyes got big, and he looked at Lee like he was crazy. But Lee put his hand on Joe’s arm and asked God to quiet Joe and give him peace.

“Thank you,” Joe said softly. Lee wondered if that might have been the first holy moment in Joe’s entire turbulent life.

When the Holy Spirit shows up, you may sense his power, his love, his truth, his joy, his peace. But you will always encounter the Holy Spirit as holy.