What do YOU believe about the Holy Spirit?
Introduction
In the past few months we have been reviewing early Quaker belief statements. Although many of us are familiar with these and accept them as truth, there are many in our world today who do not. In Second Timothy 4:2 we are told to “be ready in and out of season to explain and preach the Word.” So far we have reviewed the Triune God, who was, is, and always will be. We have looked at our belief that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. This month we want to look at the Quaker statement regarding the third person of the trinity, the Holy Spirit. Here are excerpts from the Quaker statement, supporting scripture, and a short explanation.
Quaker Belief Statement about the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is, in the unity of the eternal Godhead, one with the Father and with the Son. He is the comforter.” He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He testifies of and glorifies Jesus. He quickens them that are dead in trespasses and sins and opens the inward eye to behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. Dwelling in the hearts of believers, He opens their understanding that they may understand the Scriptures, and becomes, to the humbled and surrendered heart, the Guide, Comforter, Support, and Sanctifier.
We believe that the essential qualification for the Lord’s service is bestowed upon His children through the reception and baptism of the Holy Ghost. This Holy Spirit is the seal of reconciliation to the believer in Jesus,8 the witness to his adoption into the family of the redeemed; the foretaste of the full communion and perfect joy which are reserved for them that endure unto the end.
1Matt. 28:19, II. Cor. 13:14; 2John 14:26; 3John 16:8; 4John 16:14; 5Eph. 2:1; 6John 16:14; 7John 16:17; 8Eph. 1:13,14; 9Rom. 8:15,16
Summary of Belief Statement
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit works to pull us to a relationship with Christ by convicting us of sin, helping us understand God’s scripture and God’s ways. We believe the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and comforts us in our relationship with God. We believe the Holy Spirit brings us to God, cleanses us, keeps us, and works through us in service to God’s kingdom. Quakers referer to this entire process as “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”.
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.