An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 100: How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?

Question 100: How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?

The Holy Spirit works in my life by drawing me to faith in Jesus Christ, causing me to be born again, and uniting me to Christ. He convicts me of sin, assures me of salvation, strengthens me in holiness, equips me with spiritual gifts, and guides me in truth. He empowers me to love God and others, and preserves me in faith until the day of Christ. (John 16:8, Romans 8:9–16, Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 1:13–14, 1 Corinthians 12:7)

Full Scripture References​

“When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” — John 16:8 (BSB)

“You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you… For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God… The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” — Romans 8:9, 14, 16 (BSB)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 (BSB)

“And in Him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit… who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession.” — Ephesians 1:13–14 (BSB)

“To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” — 1 Corinthians 12:7 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Holy Spirit is the living presence of God in the life of the believer. He does not merely influence from afar; He indwells, teaches, comforts, empowers, and transforms. Every aspect of the Christian life—from conversion to perseverance—is a result of the Spirit’s work.

He first works by convicting me of sin and revealing my need for a Savior (John 16:8). He regenerates my heart, enabling me to repent and believe the Gospel (John 3:5). Upon faith, He unites me to Christ, applies the benefits of redemption, and seals me for the day of salvation (Ephesians 1:13).

The Spirit then begins His lifelong work of sanctification, producing the fruit of holiness in my character (Galatians 5:22–23). He comforts me in trials, leads me into truth through the Scriptures, and shapes me more and more into the image of Christ. He also equips me with spiritual gifts to serve the Church and bless the world (1 Corinthians 12).

Article V of the Thirty-Nine Articles declares: “The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son… is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.”

Bishop J.C. Ryle taught: “Where there is no Holy Spirit, there is no life. The Spirit awakens the conscience, breaks the heart, renews the will, and forms Christ in the soul.”

Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word) writes: “The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is not a vague influence—it is the power and presence of God transforming us daily into the likeness of Christ.”

Canon Dr. John Yates III (ACNA) adds: “The Spirit meets us in Scripture, in sacrament, and in silence. He opens our eyes, softens our hearts, and empowers us to walk in obedience and joy.”

Archbishop Laurent Mbanda (Rwanda) notes: “It is the Spirit who gives us boldness to witness, grace to endure, and strength to walk in holiness in a broken world.”

Through all these works, the Holy Spirit is not drawing attention to Himself but pointing me always to Christ, deepening my communion with the Father, and empowering me to live for God’s glory.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Basil the Great (c. 329–379 AD): “The Spirit illumines our minds, strengthens our hearts, and makes us partakers of the divine nature.” — On the Holy Spirit, 23

Basil highlights the Spirit’s role in sanctification and communion with God.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “He comes with the tenderness of a true friend and protector, to dwell in us and form Christ within.” — Catechetical Lectures, 16.12

Cyril saw the Spirit’s indwelling as the beginning of eternal life.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The Holy Spirit is the gift of God Himself, making the soul love God and delight in His truth. Without the Spirit, we cannot call Jesus Lord.” — On the Spirit and the Letter, 27

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Where the Spirit is, there is the Church and the new creation. He leads us to the Son, that we might be brought to the Father.” — Against Heresies, III.24.1

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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