Third person of Trinity; active in regeneration, sanctification, and guidance
The Waldensian Confession affirms the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity, fully divine and coequal with the Father and Son. The Spirit was active in creation, in the inspiration of Scripture, and in the incarnation of Christ. The Spirit now convicts the world of sin, regenerates believers at conversion, indwells every believer, sanctifies the redeemed throughout their lives, and empowers the church for witness and service.
The Waldensian tradition emphasizes that the Spirit works through the preaching of God's Word and the administration of the sacraments to accomplish God's gracious purposes. The Spirit distributes gifts to believers for the building up of the church and enables the fruit of Christian living (love, joy, peace, patience, and other virtues). The Spirit serves as the divine guarantee and seal of salvation for believers.
Waldensian theology does not typically feature the charismatic gifts or ecstatic experiences as central to Spirit-baptism or Christian living. Instead, the focus is on the Spirit's work in regeneration, sanctification, and the ongoing guidance of the church through Scripture and biblical preaching. The Spirit's leading is always consistent with the written Word of God.
Key Distinctions
- Personhood:
- third divine person, coequal with Father and Son
- Spiritual gifts view:
- open but cautious — gifts may continue; tongues not mandated as evidence
- Spirit baptism:
- occurs at conversion; subsequent experiences of filling are possible
Scripture References
Sources
- Waldensian Confession of 1655