The Work of the Holy Spirit
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6
The psalmist David writes, “God sets the solitary in families.” (Psalm 68:6) The same is true of the work of the Holy Spirit, gathering the believer into a family. This family is often called the Holy Christian Church. The last work of the Holy Spirit that we will consider is the Holy Spirit gathering us. As believers, we are called children of God and members of His family. The Holy Spirit gathers all the believers into God’s family with Jesus Christ as our Brother. This family is synonymous with the Holy Christian Church, the assembly of all believers everywhere. As members of this Church, we are united together in one body, one Spirit, one calling, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, and one God and Father. All these “ones” stress the spiritual unity that results in being gathered into the family of God. The Holy Spirit’s work of gathering us into the Holy Christian Church is a wonderful blessing.
The Holy Spirit also gathers us into our local churches or congregations. He gathers us into these earthly organizations to hear the Word of God, partake of the Sacraments, and practice fellowship with fellow believers. This last purpose of having fellowship with others is important. Like a single twig is easy to bend and break, a bound group of twigs is hard to break. Similarly, one believer is easy prey for the devil; however, congregational members help each other with encouragement and admonishment. The Holy Spirit gathering us into our congregation is a blessing that helps us as we strive against the attacks of the devil, needing the encouragement to live Christian lives.
Elect from every nation, Yet one o'er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, With every grace endued.
The Lutheran Hymnal 473:2