Third Article of Faith
The first three Articles of Faith revolve around the trinity of God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This third one is about the Holy Spirit.
Intellect, Spirits, and the Holy Spirit
Human beings have been created as an entity consisting of body, soul, and spirit. Man’s intelligence and their abilities often achieve great things: works of art, structures, feats of engineering, etc. All of these testify of the capabilities of human beings.
In 1 John 4: 1 we read: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” We are to avoid thoughts that are foreign to God and which are inconsistent with the gospel.
God’s presence creates holiness. ‘Holy’ means being separated from that which is earthly, mundane, and impure; it means dedicated to God.
God, the Holy Spirit, is the third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is also the Spirit of truth who will guide us into all truth (cf. John 16: 13). The Lord Jesus said, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit … will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14: 26).
The Holy Spirit...
… in the Old Covenant
Even in the old covenant the Holy Spirit was active and proclaimed God’s word. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, David was able to prophesy the future of the Son of God (cf. Psalm 16: 10; 22: 19; 69: 21). King David had not received the sacramental gift of the Holy Spirit, however. It is for this reason that he also asked God: “And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51: 11).
… in the New Covenant
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, the Apostles were able to dispense the gift of the Holy Spirit. Those human beings who received it attained childhood in God and the prerequisite to become firstlings.
… in Us Today
The sealing with the gift of the Holy Spirit is part of the rebirth. Through it the new divine life is generated within us (cf. James 1: 18).
Activity of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit reveals God’s will (cf. John 16: 13–14 and Luke 12: 11–12) primarily through Jesus Christ’s Apostles.
- The Holy Spirit testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children (cf. Romans 8: 16).
- The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and Helper because He reminds us that God loves us and that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him (cf. Romans 8: 28).
- The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus Christ’s promises and enables us to expect His return.
All children of God have received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens the bond of fellowship among them (cf. 2 Corinthians 13: 13). Wherever on earth we go, God’s children have the same faith and goal. They are of one mind and spirit.
Activity of the Holy Spirit in Us
The Holy Spirit also lays thoughts directly into our heart and encourages us to act. Let us seize the opportunity and not procrastinate.
The Holy Spirit enables us to distinguish between spirits (cf. 1 Corinthians 12: 10–11). He helps us to decide what we should do in such situations.
The Holy Spirit sanctifies us (cf. 1 Corinthians 3: 16–17). When the Spirit of God can sanctify our thoughts, opinions, and perceptions, Christ rules within us. We are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Third Article of Faith
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the one, holy, universal, and apostolic church, the community of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and life everlasting.