Scriptural Reference:
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we
ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."
Romans 8:26

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Romans 8:14

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will
not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he
will declare to you the things that are to come.
John 16:13

"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,"
John 8:16

"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be
surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’"
John 3:6-7

Reflection: The Holy Spirit has an important part to play in our Salvation. Whereas we admit our sins before God and accept Jesus the Christ as our Lord and Saviour; it's the Holy Spirit that seals this in our heart. Last scriptural reflection we looked at the importance of the Holy Spirit. Equally well as the danger of insulting the Holy Spirit. Now we will look at how the same Holy Spirit has a part to play in our salvation.

As Anglicans we hold the belief that there is a single God, consisting of three elements: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We also believe that when humans choose to reject this eternal God and live by their own standards (sin), it creates a rift in their relationship with God. Additionally, we believe in Jesus Christ as God the Son. To explain this deeper; We have faith in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his perfect kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Finding salvation ensures we have eternal life, allowing us to find inner peace in this life knowing we are in harmony with God, and that we will be with Him in the afterlife. As through the Spirit nonbelievers are convinced of their sins. As it helps them understand the gospel. When people accept this conviction and believe in Jesus the Christ, they gain eternal life and a new identity.

For many this is a mystery within a mystery. Still we should be able to discern that our salvation is intended by the Father, fulfilled by the Son, and implemented by the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit's involvement in salvation, all of Christ's accomplishments would be meaningless to us. As the Scriptures consistently demonstrate, the Spirit graciously, effectively, and permanently gives us Christ Jesus and every blessing he has obtained. Our salvation is solely in Christ. Our salvation is solely through his Spirit. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each play unique roles in salvation, working together in perfect harmony. However, the Holy Spirit's crucial part in salvation is often overlooked, with his work in illuminating Scripture and other redemptive actions being pushed to the side as a mere afterthought. Some view the Spirit as essential only for the initial new birth experience, while considering the spirit irrelevant for the rest of the journey.

It's with and through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are strengthened in our weakness (Romans 8:26). And confirms our acceptance as Gods' chosen and accepted children (Romans 8:14). As for our very salvation the Spirit bears witness of our place as children of God (John 8:16). For the Spirit was sent by God as promised by Jesus the Christ. Consequently we will never be left alone while we wait for the triumphant return of our Saviour. As we remember a certain man asked Jesus what he must do to be accepted into heaven. The question was asked late at night and while others could not see who was asking. Jesus must have been feeling frustrated at such as simple question with such a simple answer. Yet he patiently took time and told the man that he had to be 'born again'. What has become a catch phrase for many modern day Christians. The man in a tone somewhat sarcastic, asks how he was to be born again. Jesus tells him in John 3:6-7 that he was once born of flesh. But now he must be born of spirit. The spirit here is that of the Holy Spirit that enters every newly saved soul. As the Holy Spirit enters us a burning fire of life and truth takes hold. We are made new before God and given an inner source of comfort and strength none can take away.

Does this mean that anyone who has been saved can lose their salvation? I'm okay with saying that this is something I really don't know yet. We have seen that to blasphemy the Holy Spirit is the one sin that cannot be forgiven. So perhaps in this case someone who has accepted Jesus the Christ and yet fallen away may still be saved. But to be clear on this we, may look at just how real someone's admission of sin and salvation needs to be. There will be plenty of people who will, on the day of judgement, say Lord why am I excluded from heaven? Haven't I done? And yet they will find themselves locked outside. For their acts were never in the Lords name. Nor were they ever done for anything other than self-pride and accolades. That if they were indeed saved it would have been the Holy Spirit that would have guided them. As it leads them to all truth and helping them to develop into the image of Christ. For by love we are saved and by love we desire to be like our Saviour.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Your divine plan in my life
Is my road map to heaven

Blessed Saviour,
Your sacrifice for me
Is my greatest gift of life

Holy Spirit
Your calming guidance
Is a perfect comfort in life

Both for here and eternal
In heavenly accord
And a life everlasting

Amen