The Apostles' Creed Part 7

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit 
and born of the virgin Mary. 
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, 
was crucified, died, and was buried; 
The third day he rose again from the dead. 
He ascended to heaven 
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. 
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, 
the holy universal church, 
the communion of saints, 
the forgiveness of sins, 
the resurrection of the body, 
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Christians are profoundly grateful for the Holy Spirit. Christians trust him, obey him, worship and love him. Why? He is the third person of the Trinity equal in attributes and dignity. He is the one who energizes the work of the Godhead. Jesus promised the indwelling and empowering of the Holy Spirit upon everyone he calls and saves through the gospel.

The third stanza of the Apostles Creed focus’ on the Holy Spirit and his work. This stanza begins with “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” Like belief in the Father and the Son, this belief is confident trust that directs our life. Several foundational truths about the Spirit make Christianity what it is. These are not optional.

The Holy Spirit is a distinct person in the Trinity. We are to baptize with the Trinitarian formula “in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). He is distinct because both the Father and Son sent Him to teach and help the Apostles (John 14:26, 15:26). He is a person not a force, because He teaches, and helps. He searches the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:10) and is grieved by sin (Ephesians 4:30). He is deity because His authority is equated with God’s authority. When Peter confronted Ananias and Saphira for deceiving the Jerusalem church he said that they lied to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3) and God (Acts 5:4).

If you want to know the mind of the Spirit, read the Bible. He is speaking there.

The Holy Spirit is full of grace, and this grace extends to his people in many ways. He inspired and delivered the word of God to the Apostles and Prophets so that we might know God and his will (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 2:21). If you want to know the mind of the Spirit, read the Bible. He is speaking there (Hebrews 10:15). He awakens and gives new life to unbelievers (John 3:5). He indwells and seals believers as special possessions of God (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30). He continues to transform us as He shows us more of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Next month we will explore more of the fundamental truths about our gracious Holy Spirit. For now, these things stir us to worship and thank Him.

Dan Jarms

Dr. Dan Jarms is teaching pastor and team leader at Faith Bible Church in Spokane Washington, as well as associate dean at The Master's Seminary in Spokane. He has been married for over 30 years to Linda, and has three adult children. He earned his B.A. in English at the Master’s College, B.Ed. at Eastern Washington University, M.Div and D.Min in Expository Preaching at The Master’s Seminary. His other interests include NCAA basketball, woodworking, and art.

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