Guido moves from discussing "The Deity of Christ" in Article 10 in order to clarify the Trinity. And now he continues to clarify the Trinity by having an article on "The Deity of the Holy Spirit" which reads this way:
We believe and confess also that the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally
from the Father and the Son--
neither made,
nor created,
nor begotten,
but only proceeding from the two of them.
In regard to order, He is the third person of the Trinity--
of one and the same essence,
and majesty,
and glory,
with the Father and the Son.
He is true and eternal God, as the Holy Scriptures teach us.
This article is pretty straight forward as far as explanation goes. But what I do like about the Belgic Confession in this sense is that it actually pays attention to the Holy Spirit. Not many documents from the early church and even later church history mention much about the Holy Spirit. I have my thoughts on why this is so, however, I do believe that the Holy Spirit is often the "forgotten God" out of the three persons in the godhead of the Trinity. There is much emphasis giving to the Father and the Son, but not much to the Holy Spirit.
This is not just true in the past, but even in the present. The Holy Spirit seems to be missing. And to me, this is sad.
Think a minute:
When is the last time you heard a sermon in regards to the Holy Spirit?
When is the last time you heard a sermon mention the Holy Spirit?
When is the last time you heard a prayer mention the Holy Spirit?
When is the last time the Holy Spirit has been mentioned in a worship service?
The answers are humbling.
The Holy Spirit is not a lesser being than God the Father and God the Son.
The Holy Spirit is not of a different essence than God the Father and God the Son.
The Holy Spirit is true and eternal God, just as the Bible teaches us.
Even the Heidelberg Catechism mentions the Holy Spirit in Lord's Day 20 Question and Answer 53
Q. What do you believe concerning "the Holy Spirit"?
A. First, he, as well as the Father and 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.
The second part of the Answer is phenomenal.
The Holy Spirit has been given to me personally.
Through our true faith, the Holy Spirit makes me share in Christ and all His blessings
The Holy Spirit comforts me.
The Holy Spirit remains with me forever.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
What a marvelous gift, what a amazing gift!
Do you have the comfort of the Holy Spirit?
Do you have this presence of God in your life?
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