THE THIRD PART: I believe in the Holy Spirit
THE THIRD PART
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Following faith in the Father and the Son, we journey onward to embrace faith in the Holy Spirit—an essential cornerstone in our journey towards salvation. For the truths revealed about our cleansing and sanctification through Jesus Christ are only realized when He is bestowed upon us by the Holy Spirit. The apostle underscores this by stating that we are cleansed and sanctified in the name of Jesus Christ and through the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11). This implies that the graces bestowed by Jesus Christ are imprinted within us by the Holy Spirit. Thus, after acknowledging the Father and the Son, it is fitting to embrace faith in the Holy Spirit, who confirms the fruit of divine mercy and the grace attained through Jesus Christ.
When the term "Spirit" resonates, let us recall the multifaceted roles that scripture attributes to Him, and anticipate the blessings He imparts according to its testimony. Scripture teaches that every manifestation of God's grace is the handiwork of His Spirit, for the Father operates through the Son by the Spirit. Through the Spirit, God creates, sustains, imparts life, and safeguards all of His creations. The Spirit calls and draws the faithful to God's embrace, justifies them, instills new life and sanctifies them, bestows a variety of graces, and fortifies them with celestial power until they reach their ultimate destination. When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, He enlightens our understanding, revealing the generous gifts of God's benevolence through Jesus Christ. He is aptly likened to a key that unlocks the treasures of the heavenly realm, and His illumination serves as the eye of our comprehension, enabling us to perceive them. Thus, He is also referred to as a Guarantee and Seal (2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5; Ephesians 1:13), affirming the certainty of God's promises within our hearts. At times, He is hailed as the Master of truth, the Originator of light, and the Source of wisdom, knowledge, and insight. He purifies us, setting us apart as sanctified vessels for God, adorning us with His holiness to become God's abode. By watering our souls, He encourages us to bear fruits of righteousness. Hence, the Spirit is often symbolized as "water," echoing the prophet's verses: "All you who are thirsty, come to the water" (Isaiah 55:1). Additionally: "I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground" (Isaiah 44:3). Christ's words align with this imagery when He invites all who thirst to partake of the living water (John 7:37). Furthermore, the Spirit is referred to as "water" due to its purifying potency, as seen in Ezekiel's prophecy where the Lord promises clear waters to cleanse His people (Ezekiel 36:25). He refreshes us with His divine nourishment, imbuing us with the essence of life, which is why He is symbolized as "oil" and "anointing." The Spirit burns away the impurities of our corrupt desires, igniting love within our hearts, which is why He is likened to "fire." He breathes divine life into our beings, enabling us to live not for ourselves, but under His guidance. Hence, any goodness that arises within us is the fruit of His grace and power. Conversely, our inherent qualities amount to spiritual blindness and moral waywardness.
It's abundantly clear that directing our faith towards the Holy Spirit is indispensable and advantageous. In Him, we encounter the radiance that illuminates our souls, our spiritual rebirth, the dissemination of all graces, and, most importantly, the embodiment of all goodness originating from Jesus Christ.