Tomorrow many Christians and churches around the world will be celebrating what is called the Day of Pentecost—the day almost 2,000 years ago when God sent the Holy Spirit to live within His people. You can read about this dramatic, unique event in the second chapter of the book of Acts.

Who is the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is God Himself as He works today in the world and in the hearts of God’s people. In other words, the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us today. At one time God came to us as a man: Jesus Christ, who was God in human flesh. But now God comes to us through His Spirit, Who—although He is unseen—is just as real as Jesus was to the first disciples. Jesus promised them, “If I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). That promise was fulfilled on Pentecost.

Never forget: The Holy Spirit is God Himself. (This, incidentally, is why we should always refer to the Holy Spirit as “He” and not as an impersonal “it.”) As such, He is all-powerful and all-knowing, and He loves us with an everlasting love. He also convicts us of sin and shows us the truth about Christ; He helps us when we pray and works within us to change our lives.

Does God’s Spirit dwell in you? The Bible warns, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9). Make sure of your commitment to Christ—and then thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who now lives within you and will help you as you submit your life to Him.