God's "active force" roles and obligation

The concept of God's "active force" is primarily associated with the theological understanding of the Holy Spirit, particularly within certain Christian denominations like Jehovah's Witnesses. This perspective views the Holy Spirit not as a distinct divine person, but as an impersonal energy or power emanating from God to accomplish His will. In contrast, mainstream Trinitarian Christianity understands the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Holy Trinity, coequal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son.

God's "active force" refers to the Holy Spirit as an impersonal power or energy that God projects and exerts to achieve His purposes, rather than a distinct divine person. This understanding is notably held by Jehovah's Witnesses, who describe the "holy spirit" (often lower-cased) as an "energy" comparable to wind or electricity. They believe it is God's power extended from Himself, not residing within Him, to accomplish His will. This view is rooted in their antipathy towards the doctrine of the Trinity, which they consider to be of pagan origin and not biblically sound.

In contrast, Trinitarian Christians, including Seventh-day Adventists, affirm the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Holy Trinity, coequal with the Father and the Son. They believe the Holy Spirit possesses intellect, emotions, and will, demonstrating personhood rather than being a mere force. The Bible, particularly the New Testament, is cited as portraying the Holy Spirit as a distinct divine person who acts in personal ways, such as teaching, guiding, comforting, and interceding. For example, Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as "another Advocate" (paraklētos), implying a personal successor to Himself. The Holy Spirit is also depicted as speaking in the first person and directing the apostles' ministry in the Book of Acts.

The roles and obligations attributed to God's "active force" (Holy Spirit) from the perspective of Jehovah's Witnesses include:

• Accomplishing God's will: It is seen as the means by which God projects His energy to achieve His purposes.

• Producing effects: Like wind, it is unseen but produces tangible effects.

• Illumination and communication: It serves for illumination and as a means of communication.

• Empowering for tasks: It empowers individuals to perform God-given tasks.

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, the Holy Spirit, as a divine person, has numerous roles and obligations, including:

• Comforter/Advocate/Helper: Providing guidance, strength, and support to believers .

• Teacher/Guide: Teaching and guiding believers in understanding and living out Christian teachings, and revealing God's thoughts.

• Conviction of Sin: Convicting individuals of sin, leading to repentance.

• Empowerer: Equipping believers with spiritual gifts for service and enabling them to live according to God's will.

• Indwelling: Dwelling within believers, making their bodies temples of God.

• Revelation: Revealing God's wisdom and knowledge.

• Sealing: Acting as a "seal" or "deposit" guaranteeing believers' inheritance and adoption as God's children.

• Intercession: Helping believers in their weakness and interceding for them in prayer.

• Sanctification and Eternal Life: Working to renew, sanctify, and grant eternal life to believers.

• Glorifying Christ: Focusing on glorifying the Son rather than drawing attention to Himself.

While both perspectives acknowledge the Holy Spirit's involvement in God's work, the fundamental difference lies in whether the Holy Spirit is understood as an impersonal force or a distinct divine person. The biblical descriptions of the Holy Spirit's actions, such as speaking, teaching, and having a will, are often cited by Trinitarians as evidence of personhood. Arguments from silence, which suggest the Holy Spirit is not a person because He is not always explicitly mentioned in certain biblical visions or passages, are considered fallacious by Trinitarian scholars.