Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 20
So far, the Catechism has led us through the Father’s creative power and the Son’s redeeming work. But now it shifts to the third Person of the Trinity—the Holy Spirit.
It’s tempting to think of the Spirit as an influence or a force. But Scripture—and the Catechism—describe Him as a Person. Not less than God, not an optional part of the Christian life, but the very presence of God dwelling with His people.
If the Father plans salvation, and the Son accomplishes it, the Spirit applies it—bringing dead hearts to life and making sure the work begun in us will one day be complete.
Question 53
What do you believe concerning “the Holy Spirit”?
First, He, as well as the Father and the 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.¹
¹ Genesis 1:1–2; Matthew 28:19; Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 1:13–14; Romans 8:9–17
The Spirit Who Is God
The Catechism doesn’t begin with what the Spirit does, but with who the Spirit is. He is not an extension of God’s will or a vague divine energy. He is eternal God, co-equal with the Father and the Son. Fully divine. Fully personal.
That matters—because when you speak of the Spirit, you are speaking of God Himself. The One who hovered over creation, who filled the prophets, who descended like fire at Pentecost—is the same Spirit who now dwells in you.
Not temporarily. Not conditionally. Forever.
The Spirit Who Brings Christ to You
The Catechism gets beautifully personal here. It says the Spirit has been given “to me personally.” That’s not sentimental—it’s covenantal. When you trust in Christ, the Spirit unites you to Him. He gives you everything Christ has accomplished: His righteousness, His promises, His presence.
The Spirit isn’t a substitute for Jesus. He’s the One who brings Jesus near.
Through Him, Christ’s work becomes your salvation. Through Him, your dead heart beats again. Through Him, your faith is born, nurtured, and kept.
And He’s not going anywhere. He remains with you forever.
The Spirit Who Comforts
We live in a world of many discomforts: physical, emotional, spiritual. But Jesus called the Spirit the Comforter for a reason.
Not because He always removes suffering. But because He makes God’s presence real in the midst of it.
He reminds you of the truth when you forget it. He strengthens you when you feel weak. He testifies that you belong to the Father when shame whispers otherwise. And when you don’t know what to pray, He intercedes with groans too deep for words.
Comfort isn’t the absence of pain. It’s the presence of God. And the Spirit is that presence.
A Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, You are not a shadow or force, but the living God—sent to dwell in me. Thank You for making me alive in Christ. Thank You for applying all His blessings to my life: His righteousness, His strength, His promises, His peace. Remind me when I forget. Strengthen me when I’m weary. Keep me when I drift. And comfort me when I am afraid. You are not a distant presence. You are closer than breath, stronger than fear, and more faithful than I know. Help me to walk in step with You today. Amen.
Daily Bible Readings
New Testament in a Year
May 18 – John 3:1–21
May 19 – John 3:22–36
May 20 – John 4:1–26
May 21 – John 4:27–54
May 22 – John 5:1–24
May 23 – John 5:25–47
May 24 – John 6:1–24
The Bible in a Year
May 18 – 1 Chronicles 1–2; John 3:1–21
May 19 – 1 Chronicles 3–5; John 3:22–36
May 20 – 1 Chronicles 6; John 4:1–26
May 21 – 1 Chronicles 7–8; John 4:27–54
May 22 – 1 Chronicles 9–10; John 5:1–24
May 23 – 1 Chronicles 11–13; John 5:25–47
May 24 – 1 Chronicles 14–16; John 6:1–24