CREED: I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
This simple statement has both united and divided the church over the centuries. Not that some do and some don't believe in the Holy Spirit, but rather, beyond that, because of what they believe ABOUT the Holy Spirit.
But for the sake of the Creed, the declaration that unifies the Body, this much is without dispute. And if I made much of the beginning of the creed when I said that believing “IN” was different than believing “ABOUT”, so I should come back to emphasize that aspect again.
To say that “I believe in”, is to say that “I trust in”. Specifically I trust in the Holy Spirit, not as an “it” as some force, but as the Personality of the triune God.
For me there was a breaking of light as it were, when after declaring and believing the truth that the Holy Spirit was part of the Trinity, I came to know Him as “He”.
It happened this way: A “Pentecostal” (P.O.A.C.) in giving her testimony asked me if I had received the Holy Spirit. (Shades of Acts 19:2) and I answered her in like manner “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit”. (Acts 19:2) Strictly speaking that was not true, because I had repeated the creed since earliest days. Furthermore the Gloria Patri repeated several times in each service said: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit (Ghost). As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.” This wise woman, and directed by the Lord, did not enter into a theological discussion, or anything else except to direct me to Acts 1:8. “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me...” (KJV)
I should also set my professed “ignorance” in context. I had in fact heard a great deal about the Pentecostals, and their peculiar doctrines, AND behaviour. I had also read “The Cross and the Switchblade” and if I have the correct chronological order in mind, had heard Dave Wilkerson speak in person.
But this was different. This was basically an invitation to yield and submit to God's moving. Now I can declare that I BELIEVE IN the HOLY SPIRIT. I know Him to be God. I know His Power to work in me and through me. I know His giftings and equipping. I know Him to be the Comforter. I know Him to be my Guide. I know Him to be my Convicter of sin, and I know Him to be the Intercessor and the Healer. Have I left anything out? Whatever Jesus said would be the role of His Spirit when He was “sent”, I Believe. (Most of what) Jesus said He would be to the believer, I know Him to be. (The points where I have failed to grasp it, is due entirely to my ignorance or unwillingness to allow Him the freedom to be that in my life.)
Books, thick books, have been written to expand on Who the Holy Spirit is and what He does. Denominations have been built around the differing positions held on Who He is and what He does... today. But for the church and the believers over the centuries this statement suffices. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. And because I do, other truths follow: “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints” etc. which points I will take up later. (Depending on comments.)
This simple statement has both united and divided the church over the centuries. Not that some do and some don't believe in the Holy Spirit, but rather, beyond that, because of what they believe ABOUT the Holy Spirit.
But for the sake of the Creed, the declaration that unifies the Body, this much is without dispute. And if I made much of the beginning of the creed when I said that believing “IN” was different than believing “ABOUT”, so I should come back to emphasize that aspect again.
To say that “I believe in”, is to say that “I trust in”. Specifically I trust in the Holy Spirit, not as an “it” as some force, but as the Personality of the triune God.
For me there was a breaking of light as it were, when after declaring and believing the truth that the Holy Spirit was part of the Trinity, I came to know Him as “He”.
It happened this way: A “Pentecostal” (P.O.A.C.) in giving her testimony asked me if I had received the Holy Spirit. (Shades of Acts 19:2) and I answered her in like manner “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit”. (Acts 19:2) Strictly speaking that was not true, because I had repeated the creed since earliest days. Furthermore the Gloria Patri repeated several times in each service said: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit (Ghost). As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.” This wise woman, and directed by the Lord, did not enter into a theological discussion, or anything else except to direct me to Acts 1:8. “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me...” (KJV)
I should also set my professed “ignorance” in context. I had in fact heard a great deal about the Pentecostals, and their peculiar doctrines, AND behaviour. I had also read “The Cross and the Switchblade” and if I have the correct chronological order in mind, had heard Dave Wilkerson speak in person.
But this was different. This was basically an invitation to yield and submit to God's moving. Now I can declare that I BELIEVE IN the HOLY SPIRIT. I know Him to be God. I know His Power to work in me and through me. I know His giftings and equipping. I know Him to be the Comforter. I know Him to be my Guide. I know Him to be my Convicter of sin, and I know Him to be the Intercessor and the Healer. Have I left anything out? Whatever Jesus said would be the role of His Spirit when He was “sent”, I Believe. (Most of what) Jesus said He would be to the believer, I know Him to be. (The points where I have failed to grasp it, is due entirely to my ignorance or unwillingness to allow Him the freedom to be that in my life.)
Books, thick books, have been written to expand on Who the Holy Spirit is and what He does. Denominations have been built around the differing positions held on Who He is and what He does... today. But for the church and the believers over the centuries this statement suffices. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. And because I do, other truths follow: “I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints” etc. which points I will take up later. (Depending on comments.)
posted by Mister A Muses | 2:56 PM
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