FreeInChrist
Active Member
I have been studying this this afternoon.
Frankly it was a new word to me but not now....
I did learn among other things that
in Christian theology, the Ruach (especially Ruach Elohim or Ruach HaKodesh) is identified as the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity.
But the answer requires nuance, because Jewish and Christian interpretations diverge sharply on this point.
I was looking into the characteristics of the Ruach which is said briefly as my time is short now...
It is:
The wind that moves,
The breath that sustains,
The spirit that inspires and transforms.
Whether as the gale that parts the Red Sea, the breath in Adam’s lungs, or the fire that fell at Pentecost — Ruach is God in motion.
And why I have been reading a lot on this is it truly puts me in mind of when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus and he said
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
The descriptions I was reading of the Ruach tell me that is what Jesus was telling to Nick... only milder.
Why in the world anyone would try to make the Holy Father singular and to be less then what they, the 2, are is beyond me because the more discoveries I make.. of which this one I have to thank @brightfame52 for in my search for a post in reply I ran into this....
All I can say is.. Personally I find this to be nothing short of exhilarating.
Frankly it was a new word to me but not now....
I did learn among other things that
in Christian theology, the Ruach (especially Ruach Elohim or Ruach HaKodesh) is identified as the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity.
But the answer requires nuance, because Jewish and Christian interpretations diverge sharply on this point.
Christian View: Ruach = Holy Spirit = Third Person of the Trinity
| Affirmation | Biblical & Theological Basis |
|---|---|
| The Ruach is personal | Not just a force — He speaks, grieves, teaches, intercedes (Acts 13:2; Ephesians 4:30; John 14:26; Romans 8:26). |
| The Ruach is divine | Called “God” (Acts 5:3–4); eternal (Hebrews 9:14); omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–10). |
| The Ruach is distinct from Father & Son | Baptized in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19); Jesus breathes the Ruach on disciples (John 20:22). |
| Old Testament Ruach = New Testament Holy Spirit | Same Spirit who: • Hovered at creation (Gen 1:2) → fills believers at Pentecost (Acts 2) • Inspired prophets (2 Peter 1:21) → guides into truth (John 16:13) |
I was looking into the characteristics of the Ruach which is said briefly as my time is short now...
Summary: The Essence of Ruach
It is:
The wind that moves,
The breath that sustains,
The spirit that inspires and transforms.
Whether as the gale that parts the Red Sea, the breath in Adam’s lungs, or the fire that fell at Pentecost — Ruach is God in motion.
And why I have been reading a lot on this is it truly puts me in mind of when Jesus was talking to Nicodemus and he said
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
The descriptions I was reading of the Ruach tell me that is what Jesus was telling to Nick... only milder.
Why in the world anyone would try to make the Holy Father singular and to be less then what they, the 2, are is beyond me because the more discoveries I make.. of which this one I have to thank @brightfame52 for in my search for a post in reply I ran into this....
All I can say is.. Personally I find this to be nothing short of exhilarating.
