The Holy Spirit

The Catechism would appear to be out of step with the modern emphasis on the Holy Spirit because there is only one little bit devoted to the Spirit.  We would suggest that the emphasis in the Catechism is Biblical in that the Spirit points to and honours the Son (John 16:14).  Just as the Holy Spirit has frequent references in the Bible so there are many references to the work of the Spirit under other topics covered in the Catechism.
John speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7).  In this world and in serving the Lord we certainly need a help!

We consider the Holy Spirit under three heads:

1.  The PERSON of the Spirit
If we speak of the Holy Spirit as a "person" of the Trinity we do not mean that He is a man or that He is visible.  We mean that He is personal.  He is not a mere impersonal force.  He has will and intelligence, and can communicate and relate.  We do not refer to Him as "it" but "Him".  See John 15:26; 16:13; Acts 13:2.  In our weakness and need of help how good it is to have someone beside us.

2.  The PRESENCE of the Spirit
Of course, Triune God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is omnipresent, and ever dwelling in the believer (John 14:23).  Yet a main thrust in John 14 ff is that Jesus will not continue to be with His disciples, because He is going to prepare a place for them in heaven.  In His place there will come the Holy Spirit (John 16:5-7).  We know the presence of God with us by the Holy Spirit.  What an enabling presence.

3.  The POWER of the Holy Spirit
The power of the Spirit was demonstrated at creation (Genesis 1:2) and in the resurrection (Romans 8:11).  Since the Holy Spirit is with us Jesus can speak of the power that will be exercised in the church (John 14:12; Acts 1:8).  The present work of God is to do with mission (John 16:8-11), sustaining believers, convincing men, and revival.  Is that power evident among us?  Surely we need to know more and more of the work of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.