Lutheran Vocational Evangelism

(Giving An Answer - About the Holy Spirit)

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. What does this mean? I believe that I cannot by my own reason our strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.

Simply stated we believe that the Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son, undivided in the Holy Trinity. We ascribe to the Holy Spirit the work of sanctification which is that work of giving faith, strengthening faith, and keeping in faith. Also included in sanctification is the work of making us holy as it is described and that is done by reminding us of our sins and Jesus’ forgiveness. Thus, He points to Jesus. He gives faith through the means of the Gospel and Holy Baptism. He enlightens and strengthens faith, also through the means of grace stated in particular; the remembrance of one’s baptism, the Word, the Lord’s Supper and forgiveness through Confession and Absolution. He gives, strengthens and keeps in faith the whole Christian church on earth.

As we grow in our faith we do not become more and more holy so as to mentor others, rather we become more and more conscious of our sins and our need to repent so that as Dr. Luther said, we realize that we are beggars before God. As we confess so we are forgiven and with forgiveness is life and salvation. Thus, is the work of the Holy Spirit.

43 of 52    © Rev. Dr. Ronald A. Bogs (2018)