There are several meanings for the word “Spirit” – it can refer to:
- The Spirit of God or the “Holy Spirit” who is part of the Godhead and who was sent by Jesus when he ascended to heaven (John 14:16).
- Evil Spirits/demons that possesses us if we separate from God (Eph 2:2)
- “My Spirit” – “Ruach” – this is the breath of life given to us by God at creation
- “My Spirit” can also refer to our state of mind – in Dan 2:3 Nebuchadnezzar refers to “my spirit was troubled”
I am sure you have watched the Total Onslaught series – the first 5 minutes the meaning of “spirit” is explained. The spirit is simply the breath in us that was given to us by God. Every creature receives life from God, and when the creature dies, the life returns to God who gave it.
Another interesting shorter video by Doug Batchelor. Just focus on the first few minutes where spirit is explained.
When men of God (like Stephen) asked God to receive their spirit, this was the breath of life that was given to them by God – not their spirit as Satan has deceived us in believing from day one – when he said to Eve, “you will surely not die”. The wages of sin is death, and it is also clear in the bible that we sleep when we die (with a few exceptions like Moses and Elijah and Enoch).