Why is the dove often used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit?

Response

All four Gospel accounts mention Jesus’ baptism by John in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16;Mark 1:10;Luke 3:22;John 1:32). Luke describes, “And the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove.” Since the Holy Spirit is immaterial, He is usually invisible to us. However, on this occasion, the Spirit took on a visible form and was likely seen by the people. The dove symbolizes purity and innocence «Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.», (Matthew 10:16). The dove’s presence at Jesus’ baptism indicated that the Spirit within Him was one of holiness and innocence.

Another dove symbol appears in the story of the Flood and Noah’s ark in Genesis 6-8. After the earth had been covered with water for some time, Noah released a dove from the ark to search for dry land; the dove returned with an olive branch in its beak «and the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.», (Genesis 8:11). Since then, the olive branch has symbolized peace. Symbolically, Noah’s dove story signifies God’s declaration of peace with humanity after the Flood cleansed the earth of its wickedness. The dove represented His Spirit bringing the good news of God’s reconciliation with mankind. However, true and lasting spiritual reconciliation with God is only possible through Jesus Christ. It is a significant event.Can’t that the Holy Spirit was depicted as a dove at Jesus’ baptism, once again symbolizing peace with God.

During Pentecost, the Holy Spirit took on the form of “tongues of fire” «And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. », (Acts 2:3) to indicate the miraculous power of the apostles’ message and their profoundly transformed lives. The Spirit’s manifestation as the dove at Jesus’ baptism represents the kind Savior bringing peace to humanity through His sacrifice.