Why believe in the Holy Spirit?

The Bible makes clear that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is God just as Jesus is God. Both are manifestations of God the Father who is the creator of everything. Christians have proclaimed belief in the Holy Spirit since that Spirit descended upon them during Pentecost.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues^[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4

Believing in the Holy Spirit is acknowledging His personhood and divine nature as part of the Holy Trinity. The Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son, possessing the same attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. That’s why the statement “I believe in the Holy Spirit” is included in the Apostles Creed, one of the oldest statements of faith in Christendom.

For Christians, the belief in the Holy Spirit goes beyond the acknowledgement that He is God. It emphasizes His role in the application of salvation. The Holy Spirit is the one who regenerates the believer, bringing them from spiritual death to life. This act of regeneration is solely the work of God without human cooperation.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.   Ephesians 2:1-5

Moreover, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, sanctifying them, guiding them into all truth, and producing spiritual fruit. He is the Comforter who helps and empowers the believer to live a life pleasing to God.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.  John 16:13

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

Christians also see the Holy Spirit as the author of Scripture, moving holy men to write God’s inspired Word. This underscores the belief in the Bible’s authority and sufficiency in all matters of faith and practice.

So, the declaration “I believe in the Holy Spirit” is not just a nod to an abstract concept. It’s a commitment to a living, active relationship with God through the Spirit, trusting in His power for salvation and daily sanctification, and embracing the Scriptures He has inspired.

If you would like to enter into a personal relationship with God and have the Holy Spirit indwell your soul and provide comfort and hope in your journey through this life and on into the next, read our post, How Can I Become A Christian?

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.