Apostles’ Creed
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38
Through the words Peter spoke on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit caused the people to hear and believe the simple and saving message about Jesus. He led them to repent and saved them through the waters of baptism. It’s the same thing He has done for you.
That Pentecost day is said to be the birthday of the Christian Church, when people began to gather together to hear the good news of the Grace of the Father shown through Jesus Christ. As we confess the Holy Spirit we also confess the Holy Christian Church, also known as the communion of saints. In this Church the Holy Spirit continues to call people to faith by the gospel in Word and Sacrament. In this Church the Holy Spirit enlightens us with gifts and sanctifies us so that our words and actions become little sermons and confessions to our neighbors.
The third article of faith gives us a very practical way to apply our confession in our lives. Stay in the church fellowship. Continue to gather with fellow saints to grow in the one true faith. In a church where the Law and Gospel are taught in truth and purity and the sacraments are regularly administered, the Holy Spirit richly forgives all sins, creates new hearts, and renews right spirits. In His Church alone the Holy Spirit preserves saints who live in confident hope of the resurrection from the dead and life everlasting.
Holy Spirit, strong and mighty. Thou who makest all things new,
Make Thy work within us perfect And the evil Foe subdue.
Grant us weapons for the strife And with victory crown our life.
The Lutheran Hymnal 226:7