Lord’s Day 20
Q53. What do you believe about the Holy Spirit?
First, he, together with the Father and the Son, is eternal God. Second, he has been given to me personally, so that through true faith he lets me share in Christ and all his blessings, comforts me, and will stay with me forever.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Genesis 1:1–2
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 5:3–4
“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
1 Corinthians 6:19
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
2 Corinthians 1:21–22
“Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
Galatians 4:6
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.”
Galatians 3:14
“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
John 15:26
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:”
Acts 9:31
“Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
John 14:16–17
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
1 Peter 4:14
“If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy ; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What two things does the catechism say about the Holy Spirit?
- 2
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit has been given to you personally?
- 3
How does the Holy Spirit comfort you day to day?
Illustration
When someone gives you a gift and writes your name on the tag, you know it is meant for you specifically. The Holy Spirit is not a vague force in the universe. He has been given to you by name, to live in your heart, to connect you to Christ, and to comfort you.
Application
This week, when you pray, thank the Holy Spirit for living in you. Ask him to help you trust Christ more and to comfort you when you are discouraged.