Heidelberg Catechism Week 20

53. Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"? A. First, He, as well as the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, He has been given to me personally, so that, by true faith, He makes me share in Christ and all His blessings, comforts me, and remains with me forever.

My reflections on the reading from the book...

Phrase by phrase, the Heidelberg Catechism is making its way through the Apostles' Creed, and here develops some thoughts on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. He is eternal God, the third Person of the Trinity. The catechism answer goes on to discuss the Holy Spirit's role, and DeYoung brings up an important point:

"The work of the Holy Spirit is first of all to glorify Christ (John 16:14). So whether we realize it or not, we are very intimately connected with the work of the Spirit, because wherever we are drawn to Christ as Savior, led to worship Christ as Lord, made to behold Christ as glorious, we are being operated on by the Holy Spirit."

The three benefits we experience through the work of the Holy Spirit, benefits that are ours only by faith, are the following:

1. We share in Christ and all His blessings. This includes favor with God and a promised inheritance.
2. We receive comfort. The Holy Spirit is my Helper and Counselor who brings a peace that passes understanding.
3. We have His presence with us forever. DeYoung: "In heaven, the Spirit will continue to teach us more about the inexhaustible riches of Christ.:

What encouragement for believers, what encouragement for me!