Kay Rietema, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Rietema, Jr. of Kanawha, Iowa, is a sophomore at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Her major is elementary education with special education as her area. Dr. Gerard Van Groningen, Dordt professor, has submitted Kay’s “I believe . . .” and also another to follow with this explanation:
“In the class on HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN CONFESSIONS, we reviewed the historical circumstances and the main teachings of various creeds . . . It was found that . . . compared to what is said of the work of God the Father and of God the Son, little is found concerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Since there is much debate and confession these days concerning the presence and works of the Holy Spirit . . . I thought it would be helpful if the students were assigned the task and privilege of writing their own creed to express their belief concerning the Spirit’s work . . . It was a real joy to read the statements of faith written by 77 Dordt students.”
We need to know more of the Holy Spirit. We do not need to have more of Him because He has been freely given us. As we seek to know Him more we will be increased in faith, power, and self-control. He dwells in us; and, because one cannot separate the Holy Spirit from the Trinity, we have God living in us! Thus, we are filled with the fruits of the Spirit and guided to love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control.
Spiritual power is a constant exhibition of these characteristics of the Lord Jesus Christ in the believer’s life. Therefore the Holy Spirit gives me the power to be what God wants me to be. He drives me to Christ, guides and molds me, and assures me that I am a child of God—how wonderful! As we look at the work of the Holy Spirit, let us be thankful for the tremendous part He plays in the Trinity.
The Holy Spirit in Creation
I believe that the Holy Spirit, as a distinct Person of the Trinity, moved upon the face of the waters, bringing order to the heavens and the earth which had been created from nothing by the Father (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13).
I believe it was the Spirit’s particular work to adorn the creation to the glory of God for “by His Spirit the heavens were garnished (beautified)” (Job 26:13). As I look in awe at the stars and planets I see in them the Holy Spirit’s special perfecting work of creation (Psalm 33:6).
I believe the Holy Spirit gave life to all living creatures, thus making all animals completely dependent on Him (Psalm 104). The blessed thing is that He not only gives life to the creatures, but He renews the earth by causing the grass, plants, and trees to grow.
I believe—and this is the climax of the Spirit’s creative work—that the Holy Spirit gave breath to man (Job 33:4; Gen. 2:7). The Holy Spirit made man a living soul—not an animal. He made us good, upright, holy, and righteous (Job 32:8).
I praise the Holy Spirit for this creative activity.
The Holy Spirit in Incarnation
I believe that the Holy Spirit planted the seed of life into Mary’s womb causing her to give birth to the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:2). Thus Christ was born in holiness; sinless so as to bear my burden as my Savior. He was truly man taking on flesh and blood; but, because of His conception by the Holy Spirit, He escaped original sin and remained truly God—two distinct natures but inseparable. He did not inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin; nor did He receive a morally corrupt nature; but His spotless purity was due to the operation of the Holy Spirit whereby Jesus was miraculously conceived without Joseph taking part.
The Spirit dwelt without measure in Christ’s life (John 3:34); and, as Jesus grew up humanly from a child to a man, He grew spiritually too (Luke 2:40). This growth was due to the working of the Holy Spirit as He poured forth wisdom and holiness into Christ’s sinless human nature (Isaiah 11:1, 2). If Christ, perfect man, was totally dependent on the Holy Spirit to keep Him from sin, to give Him wisdom and obedience, to baptize Him, to resist the temptations given, to enable Him to make a complete sacrifice, how much more we as sinners need the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I praise the Holy Spirit for accomplishing redemption itself in Christ Jesus.
The Holy Spirit in Revelation
I believe that in general revelation, the Holy Spirit plays His part in the creation of the world, beautifying it and giving it life. In it He reveals truth which is essential for a true knowledge of the universe and the Creator.
I believe the Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in special revelation, the Holy Scriptures. This special revelation is necessary for a knowledge of great things not revealed in nature, such as the way of salvation and the second coming of Christ. Without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we would have no Bible for He was the one who moved men to write what God had spoken (II Peter 1:21).
I believe the Holy Spirit illuminates me and fills me with Himself so that I can see the truths revealed in these two revelations. For I am totally blind until He fills me so that I can have a knowledge of the universe and God that is eternally certain (John 14:26; Rom. 8:9–12; Eph. 5:18). I praise the Holy Spirit for making it possible for me to hear right now, and as long as I live, the voice of God, which is permanently and infallibly recorded in the Bible (Eph. 1:18).
The Holy Spirit in Redemption
I believe that the Holy Spirit gives me the faith to believe in the Son of God so that I am redeemed and delivered from the enslavement of sin and released to a new freedom in Christ. The Holy Spirit fills me so that I am strengthened more each day and can more fully understand the infinite love of God my Father, being filled unto all fullness of God (Eph. 3:16-19; Gal. 2:20). All I have to do is ask in Christ’s name with faith and I am given the Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32b; I John 5:14-15). And therefore having believed, “we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:13, 14). I believe the Holy Spirit gives me the life of righteousness even though my body is dead in sin (Rom. 8:10, 11). I Peter 3:18 tells me that Christ was put to death in the flesh but was made alive in the spirit. Redemption is from this penalty of sin and the power of Satan and toward a new freedom from sin, to a new life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities for He makes intercession for us (Rom. 8:26, 27). Even my prayers are corrupt, so the Holy Spirit helps me pray for the things that are according to the will of God.
I believe that common grace consists of God’s general work of providing good things for man and the Spirit’s restraint of sin in the world (Gen. 6:3). Only the power of God and specifically the power of the Third Person could restrain Satan and his evil ways. If He didn’t, I would be living in complete godlessness, a miserable wretch. The Holy Spirit, in grace, changes my sinful life and those of others through the ministry of the Word, the sacraments, prayer, and the fellowship of God’s people.
I believe that “unless one be born of the Spirit and water, he can not enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). I praise the Holy Spirit for giving me rebirth.
The Holy Spirit in Personal Sanctification
I believe that, only through the working of the Holy Spirit, I am sanctified, thus united to Christ as one, living a consecrated life to God (I John 3:24; Rom. 8:14–16). When I have the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in my heart and mind I can believe that Jesus’ saving works and comforting words are true (John 14:17; 16:13).
T believe that sanctification is the complete work of God; and that through His sovereign grace, we experience the Holy Spirit living in us. Without Him I can do nothing. With Him I can do all things. I have a source of divine power that can conquer all my anger, impatience, hatred, envy, sexual lust, lack of love toward God, or any other sin (Rom. 8:2). With the Holy Spirit in me, I can experience true life and peace (Rom. 8:4–6).
I believe that sanctification is not only up to God but I have to persistently strive to do the perfect will of God. I am given the strength to do this only through the Holy Spirit (Heb. 9:14; Phil. 2:12, 13). It is my responsibility to work with all I have; and if I work, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me, I will not fail.
I praise the Holy Spirit for cleansing my heart from the blackness of sin, making me as white as snow, enabling me to do the work of my Father.
The Holy Spirit in the Church and Kingdom Life
I believe we are unified together as one in Christ because of the constant indwelling of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16). We also sustain a real union with each other (I Cor. 12:12, 13; Eph. 2:21, 22), and are exhorted to keep the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3, 4) Being unified through the Holy Spirit, we can stand strong to be the Church Jesus wants us to be.
I believe that the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and illumines us so that we as a body of true believers can proclaim the Word in all truth (John 16:13; Rom. 15:18–19; Acts 1:8). I do not have to be afraid of what to say because the Holy Spirit will give me the right words and let me speak with all boldness (Luke 12:11–12; Acts 4:3). The Spirit has given me certain gifts to enable me to proclaim this truth (I Cor. 12:4–11), so that as a Christian I am obligated to use them for the furtherance of the Church and Christ’s Kingdom.
I believe the Holy Spirit guides and leads me and my fellow Christians into service of Him in all our lives. As the Holy Spirit led the apostles, so we too will be filled with Him so we can evangelize (Acts 4:8 ; 13:2–4; Luke 1:15).
I praise the Holy Spirit for unifying, governing, and guiding His Church and for giving me the assurance and happiness that God’s purposes are being accomplished since the Holy Spirit is God.
“In the class on HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN CONFESSIONS, we reviewed the historical circumstances and the main teachings of various creeds . . . It was found that . . . compared to what is said of the work of God the Father and of God the Son, little is found concerning the work of the Holy Spirit. Since there is much debate and confession these days concerning the presence and works of the Holy Spirit . . . I thought it would be helpful if the students were assigned the task and privilege of writing their own creed to express their belief concerning the Spirit’s work . . . It was a real joy to read the statements of faith written by 77 Dordt students.”
We need to know more of the Holy Spirit. We do not need to have more of Him because He has been freely given us. As we seek to know Him more we will be increased in faith, power, and self-control. He dwells in us; and, because one cannot separate the Holy Spirit from the Trinity, we have God living in us! Thus, we are filled with the fruits of the Spirit and guided to love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control.
Spiritual power is a constant exhibition of these characteristics of the Lord Jesus Christ in the believer’s life. Therefore the Holy Spirit gives me the power to be what God wants me to be. He drives me to Christ, guides and molds me, and assures me that I am a child of God—how wonderful! As we look at the work of the Holy Spirit, let us be thankful for the tremendous part He plays in the Trinity.
The Holy Spirit in Creation
I believe that the Holy Spirit, as a distinct Person of the Trinity, moved upon the face of the waters, bringing order to the heavens and the earth which had been created from nothing by the Father (Gen. 1:2; Job 26:13).
I believe it was the Spirit’s particular work to adorn the creation to the glory of God for “by His Spirit the heavens were garnished (beautified)” (Job 26:13). As I look in awe at the stars and planets I see in them the Holy Spirit’s special perfecting work of creation (Psalm 33:6).
I believe the Holy Spirit gave life to all living creatures, thus making all animals completely dependent on Him (Psalm 104). The blessed thing is that He not only gives life to the creatures, but He renews the earth by causing the grass, plants, and trees to grow.
I believe—and this is the climax of the Spirit’s creative work—that the Holy Spirit gave breath to man (Job 33:4; Gen. 2:7). The Holy Spirit made man a living soul—not an animal. He made us good, upright, holy, and righteous (Job 32:8).
I praise the Holy Spirit for this creative activity.
The Holy Spirit in Incarnation
I believe that the Holy Spirit planted the seed of life into Mary’s womb causing her to give birth to the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:35; Matt. 1:2). Thus Christ was born in holiness; sinless so as to bear my burden as my Savior. He was truly man taking on flesh and blood; but, because of His conception by the Holy Spirit, He escaped original sin and remained truly God—two distinct natures but inseparable. He did not inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin; nor did He receive a morally corrupt nature; but His spotless purity was due to the operation of the Holy Spirit whereby Jesus was miraculously conceived without Joseph taking part.
The Spirit dwelt without measure in Christ’s life (John 3:34); and, as Jesus grew up humanly from a child to a man, He grew spiritually too (Luke 2:40). This growth was due to the working of the Holy Spirit as He poured forth wisdom and holiness into Christ’s sinless human nature (Isaiah 11:1, 2). If Christ, perfect man, was totally dependent on the Holy Spirit to keep Him from sin, to give Him wisdom and obedience, to baptize Him, to resist the temptations given, to enable Him to make a complete sacrifice, how much more we as sinners need the Holy Spirit in our lives.
I praise the Holy Spirit for accomplishing redemption itself in Christ Jesus.
The Holy Spirit in Revelation
I believe that in general revelation, the Holy Spirit plays His part in the creation of the world, beautifying it and giving it life. In it He reveals truth which is essential for a true knowledge of the universe and the Creator.
I believe the Holy Spirit plays a prominent role in special revelation, the Holy Scriptures. This special revelation is necessary for a knowledge of great things not revealed in nature, such as the way of salvation and the second coming of Christ. Without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we would have no Bible for He was the one who moved men to write what God had spoken (II Peter 1:21).
I believe the Holy Spirit illuminates me and fills me with Himself so that I can see the truths revealed in these two revelations. For I am totally blind until He fills me so that I can have a knowledge of the universe and God that is eternally certain (John 14:26; Rom. 8:9–12; Eph. 5:18). I praise the Holy Spirit for making it possible for me to hear right now, and as long as I live, the voice of God, which is permanently and infallibly recorded in the Bible (Eph. 1:18).
The Holy Spirit in Redemption
I believe that the Holy Spirit gives me the faith to believe in the Son of God so that I am redeemed and delivered from the enslavement of sin and released to a new freedom in Christ. The Holy Spirit fills me so that I am strengthened more each day and can more fully understand the infinite love of God my Father, being filled unto all fullness of God (Eph. 3:16-19; Gal. 2:20). All I have to do is ask in Christ’s name with faith and I am given the Spirit (Luke 11:13; Acts 5:32b; I John 5:14-15). And therefore having believed, “we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:13, 14). I believe the Holy Spirit gives me the life of righteousness even though my body is dead in sin (Rom. 8:10, 11). I Peter 3:18 tells me that Christ was put to death in the flesh but was made alive in the spirit. Redemption is from this penalty of sin and the power of Satan and toward a new freedom from sin, to a new life in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities for He makes intercession for us (Rom. 8:26, 27). Even my prayers are corrupt, so the Holy Spirit helps me pray for the things that are according to the will of God.
I believe that common grace consists of God’s general work of providing good things for man and the Spirit’s restraint of sin in the world (Gen. 6:3). Only the power of God and specifically the power of the Third Person could restrain Satan and his evil ways. If He didn’t, I would be living in complete godlessness, a miserable wretch. The Holy Spirit, in grace, changes my sinful life and those of others through the ministry of the Word, the sacraments, prayer, and the fellowship of God’s people.
I believe that “unless one be born of the Spirit and water, he can not enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). I praise the Holy Spirit for giving me rebirth.
The Holy Spirit in Personal Sanctification
I believe that, only through the working of the Holy Spirit, I am sanctified, thus united to Christ as one, living a consecrated life to God (I John 3:24; Rom. 8:14–16). When I have the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit in my heart and mind I can believe that Jesus’ saving works and comforting words are true (John 14:17; 16:13).
T believe that sanctification is the complete work of God; and that through His sovereign grace, we experience the Holy Spirit living in us. Without Him I can do nothing. With Him I can do all things. I have a source of divine power that can conquer all my anger, impatience, hatred, envy, sexual lust, lack of love toward God, or any other sin (Rom. 8:2). With the Holy Spirit in me, I can experience true life and peace (Rom. 8:4–6).
I believe that sanctification is not only up to God but I have to persistently strive to do the perfect will of God. I am given the strength to do this only through the Holy Spirit (Heb. 9:14; Phil. 2:12, 13). It is my responsibility to work with all I have; and if I work, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me, I will not fail.
I praise the Holy Spirit for cleansing my heart from the blackness of sin, making me as white as snow, enabling me to do the work of my Father.
The Holy Spirit in the Church and Kingdom Life
I believe we are unified together as one in Christ because of the constant indwelling of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16). We also sustain a real union with each other (I Cor. 12:12, 13; Eph. 2:21, 22), and are exhorted to keep the unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3, 4) Being unified through the Holy Spirit, we can stand strong to be the Church Jesus wants us to be.
I believe that the Holy Spirit leads, guides, and illumines us so that we as a body of true believers can proclaim the Word in all truth (John 16:13; Rom. 15:18–19; Acts 1:8). I do not have to be afraid of what to say because the Holy Spirit will give me the right words and let me speak with all boldness (Luke 12:11–12; Acts 4:3). The Spirit has given me certain gifts to enable me to proclaim this truth (I Cor. 12:4–11), so that as a Christian I am obligated to use them for the furtherance of the Church and Christ’s Kingdom.
I believe the Holy Spirit guides and leads me and my fellow Christians into service of Him in all our lives. As the Holy Spirit led the apostles, so we too will be filled with Him so we can evangelize (Acts 4:8 ; 13:2–4; Luke 1:15).
I praise the Holy Spirit for unifying, governing, and guiding His Church and for giving me the assurance and happiness that God’s purposes are being accomplished since the Holy Spirit is God.