Aaron O'Kelley
Dec 31, 20212 min
Following a broad outline of Father (section 1), Son (section 2), and Holy Spirit (section 3), the Apostles’ Creed moves from creation (section 1), to the accomplishment of redemption (section 2), to the application of redemption to us (section 3). The brief mention of the Holy Spirit not only reminds us that we worship God who is triune, but it also affirms that the saving work of the Son is applied to each one of us individually by the powerful working of the Holy Spirit in us.
As a result of the Spirit’s work in us, we are born again and become part of the church, the new society of God’s people. The creed speaks of “the holy catholic church,” not to refer to Roman Catholicism (which didn’t exist at the time), but rather to refer to the church throughout the world at all times and places. The word “catholic” simply means “universal.” As members of the church, we share in the blessings of communion with our fellows saints, of the forgiveness of our sins, of the hope of a coming day of resurrection, and of eternal life to follow. All of this is accomplished by the saving work of Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father and whose work bears fruit in us by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a work of the triune God.
Suggested passage for family or personal reading: John 3:1-8. What does this passage teach about being born again? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the new birth? What does this passage mean for you?
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