How Is The Holy Spirit Like A Dove
As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, 'You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy'" (Luke 3:21-22, NLT). The appearance of the Holy Spirit descending like a dove has other implications besides confirming Jesus as the Messiah.
The Holy Spirit's descent "like a dove" reveals a deliberate, gentle, and unmistakable sign affirming Jesus' identity. It testifies to the integral unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while reflecting the profound significance of new beginnings (just as a dove symbolized avenues of hope and peace historically). The Holy Spirit, as God, understands all things.
Premium Photo | Holy spirit represented by a dove
Nothing escapes His knowledge. It is a clean bird that can be used for sacrifice. In the same manner, the Holy Spirit has no faults or blemishes whatsoever.
As God, the Holy Spirit is perfect in character. Consequently the dove is an appropriate symbol for the Holy Spirit. From the moment we accept Jesus as Lord, we receive the Holy Spirit as a seal upon our lives.
Why is the dove often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.org
Just like the dove alighting on Jesus, the Holy Spirit indwells us and seals us. We no longer need to fear the final judgment of sin because Christ paid the price as the pure sacrificial lamb. We can now know true peace in the constant presence of God.
and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.". Sadly, I have never seen a dove resting on a person. Although doves are in the same genus as pigeons, their behavior is quite different.
Why Is the Dove a Symbol of the Holy Spirit?
In the Scripture passage above, we see a description of the Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon the Lord Jesus and staying. The Holy Spirit didn't look like a dove; He is described as coming like a dove. First, it is the descent of the Spirit which is described as being like a dove, not his appearance.
"Dove-like" refers to the action or movement of the Spirit. Second and most importantly, the baptism of Christ is not the first time in the Scriptures at which the movement of the Spirit in relation to water is compared to that of a bird. The Bible never plainly says why the Holy Spirit chose to descend as a dove, but Scripture and history supply possible meanings.
.jpg "File:Holy Spirit as Dove (detail).jpg - Wikimedia Commons")
Within this sacred context, the dove becomes more than a simple avian representation; it symbolizes not only gentleness but an essential purity. When you think of the Holy Spirit being like a dove, enabling joyful, thankful, humble people, you see a delightful picture of how God wants families to join together in harmless, pure, peace and love. Yes, there will be mourning and grieving over sin and its consequences, but the Spirit leads us to joy and peace.
