The
basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed.
It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times
in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.
I
believe in GOD,
the FATHER ALMIGHTY,
the CREATOR
of heaven and earth, and in JESUS
CHRIST, HIS
ONLY SON, our LORD:
Who was conceived of the HOLY
SPIRIT, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. HE
descended into hell. The third day HE
arose again from the dead. HE
ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of GOD
the FATHER ALMIGHTY,
whence HE shall come to
judge the living and the dead. I believe in the HOLY
SPIRIT, the holy *catholic church, the communion of
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen.
*The
word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal
church of the Lord Jesus Christ. |
We
continue our journey into the Basic Principles of the Christian Faith. These beliefs are
fundamental to our salvation. Although the Church of JESUS
CHRIST on earth today is
quite fragmented, there are several teachings (doctrines) that are common to all true
believers. We will look at these doctrines one by one in the hopes of strengthening
our "like precious faith!"
I believe in the
HOLY
SPIRIT
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Supporting
Scripture: John
14:16
"And
I will ask the FATHER,
and HE will give you another COUNSELOR
to be with you forever–
John
14:26
"But
the COUNSELOR,
the HOLY SPIRIT,
whom the FATHER
will send in MY
Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I
have said to you."
John
15:26
"When
the COUNSELOR
comes, whom I
will send to you from the FATHER,
the SPIRIT OF TRUTH
who goes out from the FATHER,
HE
will testify about ME. John
16:7
"But
I tell you the truth: It is for
your good that I
am going away. Unless I
go away, the COUNSELOR
will not come to you; but if I
go, I
will send HIM
to you."
Now
we come to the third member of the GODHEAD
- The HOLY SPIRIT.
HE
is a person! HE
is not a "thing" like a "power" of "force!" Otherwise
I would refer to HIM
(like so many believers do) as "it." HE
is a HE! JESUS
said some interesting things in the passage above. HE
said that the FATHER
would send another COUNSELOR.
This means two things . . . JESUS
is a COUNSELOR.
The HOLY SPIRIT
is a COUNSELOR,
also, but separate and distinct from JESUS. JESUS
also said that the HOLY SPIRIT
would teach us about HIM.
Has HE
ever taught you? Maybe you haven't noticed HIM
due to HIS
subtle approach, but every bit of truth you have learned from reading the Bible, being
taught in church meetings, and just plain living, has been the instruction of the HOLY
SPIRIT (if it is really true). HE
(the SPIRIT)
is the SPIRIT
of TRUTH!
HE
is a COUNSELOR which
means HE
teaches, advises, defends and protects! There is so much to say about HIM
in this short little Study. HE
is so active, in fact, if you learn nothing else, please learn this . . . Every
GOD
ordained event and occurrence that happens in this world is the agency and activity of the
HOLY SPIRIT! But
HIS
main activity is to make JESUS
known in the darkness of this age. That's what HE
wants to do more than anything else! HE
is the bearer of the Gospel through the words and actions of people. Yes, HE
uses and empowers us! If
anything is ever said in this Study that affects you in a positive way by bringing you
close to JESUS,
it is the HOLY SPIRIT
who has done so! This
Study will continue as: Apostles' Creed (IV)
Click
Here
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