Believing
The Creed teaches that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, true God and not a creature or simple force. He is the “Love of God” that unites the Father and the Son, and acts as Comforter, guide, and giver of life, being worthy of the same worship as the Father and the Son. According to the Nicene Creed, He proceeds from the Father and the Son, spoke through the prophets, and inspires the life and faith of the Church.
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
“I believe in the Holy Ghost”
Identity of the Holy Spirit
He is the third person of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Many times He is overlooked or substituted with “the Holy Bible” instead of the person Himself of the Spirit.
He is a person, not a force.
Mission of the Holy Spirit
Sent by the Father and the Son (John 15:26)
He testifies and glorifies Christ.
He teaches the Church about salvation.
He proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Eternal Name & Nature
Just as Christ is “The Eternal Word,” the Holy Spirit is called “The Love of God.”
He is the bond of love that unites the Father with the Son and by which we also are loved.
Descriptions & Titles
Paraclete (Greek: παράκλητος): “the one who comes alongside” — comforter, guide, counselor, defender, and helper.
Other names: Spirit of God, of Christ, of the Father, of Truth.
The Nicene Creed: The Holy Spirit
“The Holy Spirit, Lord” – He is not angel nor creature, but God Himself.
“Giver of life” – He unites our soul with God, breathes life in creation and in man.
“Proceeding from the Father and the Son” – of the same divine substance, eternal bond of the Trinity.
“Who is adored and glorified with the Father and the Son” – worthy of the same worship.
“Who spoke through the prophets” – He inspired the prophets and the Scriptures.
The Holy Spirit is not author of chaos
God is a God of order and peace, not of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
The Holy Spirit brings order where there is disorder (Genesis 1:2).
His works may be intense and emotional, but they are always edifying and ordered.
Confusion in worship comes from human errors or external influences, not from the Spirit.
Supernatural signs are not required for the Holy Spirit to be working.
Paul exhorted to maintain order in public worship services (1 Timothy 2).
