Believing
The Creed and the Word teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers as the living temple of God, convincing us of sin and renewing our mind and heart. He is seal and guarantee of eternal life, counselor who guides the Church, and the one who produces fruit and distributes gifts to edify the body of Christ. He is received through repentance, baptism, and the continual work of the Spirit in the Christian life.
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.
Dwelling of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit lives inside believers: He is not only “near” but makes our body His temple.
His dwelling in us means that the Christian is not alone, but is living habitation of God.
This presence also unites us to Christ and, through Him, to the Father, showing the Trinitarian communion in the life of the believer.
Conviction and cleansing of sin
The Holy Spirit convinces of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.
His work is not limited to pointing out evil, but directs us toward righteousness and the acknowledgment of the judgment of God.
Besides convincing us, He covers and cleanses sin in the life of the believer, showing us divine love and forgiveness.
He illuminates our intellect
The Holy Spirit has the function of teaching all things.
He also renews our mind, transforming our way of thinking.
Thanks to this work, we can understand what before was dark or incomprehensible and walk in the truth of God.
He assists us with grace and love
The Holy Spirit renews the heart of the believer, giving him a new heart instead of a hardened one.
He produces in us a sincere love for God.
His grace strengthens us to keep the commandments and live in obedience.
He gives us hope of eternal life
The Holy Spirit is described as seal that certifies our identity as children of God.
He is also the guarantee of our eternal inheritance, security that we belong to Christ.
This work gives us confidence in our present and future salvation.
Counselor and guide in the will of God
The Holy Spirit speaks to the Church; His voice is direction for the people of God.
He helps us discern the will of God in the midst of so many voices and options.
His guidance is practical and concrete, not only theoretical.
He produces fruit in our life
His work in us is compared to a tree that produces fruit.
The Holy Spirit makes our Christian life give visible evidence of maturity.
This fruit reflects the character of Christ and shows that we are rooted in the life of God.
He grants gifts to the Church
The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to each member of the Church.
These gifts are for mutual edification and for service within the body of Christ.
The correct practice of the gifts is framed by love and the fruit of the Spirit, to avoid abuses or divisions.
How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
He is received in repentance and in water baptism.
Also in the baptism in the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to be witnesses.
His work is not an isolated moment, but a continual experience in the life of the believer.
